Northern Colorado Winter Class Schedule Inside!
Living Our
Hearts Desire The Body/Mind
Journey of Pilates
Yoga As Metaphor:
Mountain Pose / Tadasana At Home Practice
Yin Yoga Why do Kids
Crave Yoga? Chinese Medicine to treat
Influenza
When and Why Do I Need
Yoga Therapy
Complimentary
Published by Local Yoga Junkies
Winter 2011 Volume 2, Issue # 1
Empower your kids this year!
●Balance ●Self-Esteem ●Focus ●Strength ●Confidence Give the gift of yoga – it could be the most significant thing you do for your kids.
Kit includes everything your child needs to get started:
amynorris@kidscraveyoga.com /720-732-1980
Editor’s Note H
ow can one pass by another of lesser means, who is suffering the pangs of hunger and freezing, as only secondary sufferings to pure loneliness, without themselves being crippled with heartache? By what means of training does one’s heart become frozen to ignore the suffering of their fellows, while they, themselves, have warm beds to greet them nightly? Who is suffering more, the one who is without material comfort or the one who can ignore the destitute in favor of collecting another trinket? How much suffering is tolerable in another, from your point view? If someone suffers in silence, does that make our insensitivities excusable? Is it a measure of spiritual enlightenment to be willfully blind to the condition of another’s environment simply to favor a positive perspective that is contradicted by reality? These are the questions I feel inspired to ask in winter. Winter is a season that should piqué our compassion the most. As we settle into its reign, let us not forget that there are many people who are experiencing untold hardships in their lives. It is true that challenge is present for each and everyone, but for some, their challenges can take on staggering proportions, which simply cannot be met or overcome without help. We must not allow ourselves to be so calloused and thoughtless as to forget that we can and should help. In fact, it is to our liberation that we do so. We are only as spiritually aware as we are able to truly recognize our own suffering in that of another. When we have highly developed spiritual sensitivities, we also have deep feelings of altruism; after all, who does not want to help themselves? So, do not forget to make a difference this winter. Help someone out in some way: give to a charity, volunteer time, cheer someone up, or give a panhandler some money without concern for what he might do with it. Life is precious and worthy of any amount of trouble to protect it, especially when it is suffering. Remember, the compassion you extend to one is the same compassion that you will receive from another, and if there is one thing that we can all use a little more of, it is compassion. Spread some love around. 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 quarterly 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.
For advertising and editorial information, contact: Kate Stephens or Gary Pritchard Phone: (970) 214-6921 E-mail: yogaconnect23@gmail.com
Printed on Recycle Paper
Contents Features
The Power of Thoughts Join Taylor Isaacson as she shares her personal journey of yoga ... pg 8
Kundalini Yoga & the Chakras Marianne Montelone explores Kundalini Yoga ..... pg 18
Begin ... Kathleen Jones inspires us to re”new” in the New Year .......... pg 9
What Did You Expect? Adriane Ehmann is liberated from the shackles of expectation ...... pg 19
Living Our Hearts Desire
Chinese Medicine to Treat Influenza
Sarada Erickson touches hearts and spreads delirous happiness ...... pg 10
Elizabeth Knapp shares the benefits of using Chinese herbs to fight the flu .... pg 22 PLUS: Nell Clark uses Chinese herbs to create this wonderful “Change of Season Chicken Soup” Recipe
The Body/Mind Journey of Pilates Lee Cooper shares the many benefits of Pilates ....... pg 12
What is Yoga Therapy? Ena Burrud explores when and why you may need Yoga Therapy ........... pg 24
Yoga as Metaphor Maureen Geraghty explores the strength of standing still....... pg 14
Why Do Kids Crave Yoga? Sure, you know all about the benefits of yoga, but are you sharing them with your kids? Amy Norris reminds us that yoga is for all ages ...... pg 30
Why are People Attracted to Yoga? Terese Shanley reminds us why we pratice ............................. pg 16
Winter Solstice Joe Zahn on the wisdom of life in abundance............................... pg 37
Functional Anatomy of the Spine & Yoga The Gratitude Cycle
Connect to the natural curvature of the spine with Yoga & Christi Sullivan ........................................ pg 17
Alan Starner restores harmony and intuition by returning to gratitude ... pg 44
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Contents Departments
Chris’ Culinary Corner Great recipes from a local culinary craftsman ........................................ pg 7
Inner-View... Adriane Ehmann, a local Yoga instructor and visionary, introduces us to Kathryn Visser .................... pg 36
Health For Life The importance of regularity.... pg 20
Health & WellBeing Directory.......... pg 39
Sanskrit Corner Definitions of common Sanskrit words .................................... pg 21
Northern Colorado Yoga Class Schedules Winter 2011.................................. pg 40
At Home Practice
Winter Workshops 2011........................ pg 43
Alan Starner leads us through a Yin Yoga Practice ......... pg 27
The Mystical Life
Once Upon a Yogi Time
Gary Pritchard leads us on an exploration of the mysticism of Yoga .... pg 32
The re-telling of the ancient yogi
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stories through the ages ............ pg 46
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WINTER 2011
Chris’ Culinary Corner W
inter is here and the holiday feasting has begun. During this time of the year, it is easy to over indulge, stuffing ourselves with every type of health betraying deliciousness. So, here are a couple of healthy twists on some holiday favorites that I enjoy.
Vegan Chili
Raw Apple Pie What You’ll Need...
What You’ll Need...
2 Cups Raw Walnuts, unsoaked 1 Cup Unsweetened Shredded Dried Coconut 1/4 Tsp Salt 1/2 Cup Pitted Medjool Dates, unsoaked 2 Apples, peeled and thinly sliced 3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice 2 Apples, peeled and chopped 1/2 Cup Pitted Medjool Dates, soaked 1/2 Cup Raisins, soaked 1/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
2 Cup Yellow Onion, diced 1 Cup Carrot, diced 1 Cup Celery, diced 1 Tbsp Shallots, minced 1 Tbsp Fresh Garlic, minced 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds 1/8 Tsp Fennel Seeds
What To Do...
1 Tsp Dried Thyme
Walnut Crust: Place walnuts, coconut, and salt in food processor with the S blade until coarsely ground.
1.5 Lb Fresh Mushrooms, chopped
Add dates and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
2 Cans Pinto Beans
Do Not Overprocess
1 Can Black Beans
2 Cans Navy Beans 2 Cups Red Wine
Apple Pie Filling: Distribute pie crust into pie plate and press down evenly
2 Cans Stewed Tomatoes 1 Can Tomato Sauce
Toss the sliced apples with 2 Tbsp of the lemon juice and set aside
Chili Powder (to taste) Cayenne (optional)
Place chopped apples, dates, raisins, cinnamon, and remaining 1 Tbsp of lemon juice into the food processor with the S blade and process til smooth
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Remove from processor and mix with sliced apples
What To Do...
Place filling into pie pan Cover and cool and serve
Saute cumin and fennel seeds for 90 seconds
(can slightly warm in oven as well)
Add garlic, shallots, carrots, onion, celery, and thyme Cook until veggies are soft Add mushrooms, and cook til softened Deglaze pan with red wine and cook for 2 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes, and tomato paste Bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes Season with chili powder, cayenne, salt and pepper (Can serve with cheese and greek yogurt, but then it is no longer vegan)
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The Power of Thoughts T
he candle flames flickered and danced in a silent joy on the brick wall. Ray LaMontagne played in the background. I unrolled my orange yoga mat onto the creaky wood floor and lay down on my back. With every breath, I took in the sweet scent of the yoga room. The familiarity of my teacher’s voice reminded me that I was home. When Mr. Wizard suggested that I was going to move, I believed him. I just wasn’t expecting to move back to Michigan. I received a Tarot reading from Mr. Wizard at Mercury Café in Denver. The pink roses painted on the walls and the whimsical lights draped from the ceiling created a magical atmosphere. Mr. Wizard agilely shuffled the cards and laid them out on the table. Could a wizard and a deck of cards give me insight into the unknown? It was an unlikely hope. Mr. Wizard envisioned me moving in the near future. My dreadlocks could have been a sure sign of my free-spirited personality. Or maybe he could see the world map stamped on my heart. Before I could question him further, Mr. Wizard continued on to another area of my life: relationships. He pointed to a card with a fox on it. “This tells me that you’ll meet a guy,” he said, his long white beard moving up and down as he talked. Now there was no way I could keep my mouth shut. “A guy?” I piped up. “Like, a special guy?” Not only did Mr. Wizard think I would meet a guy, he felt confident that I’d meet him in September. The countdown to September was like counting down the days to snowboarding season. My excitement snowballed with each day that passed. So, what kind of month did September turn out to be? At the beginning of the month, I said a tearful goodbye to Colorado. When I saw the “Welcome to Michigan” sign, I did not feel welcomed. The land is flat, not mountainous. There are no bike lanes to pedal my banana-yellow cruiser on or Sunflower Markets to buy local organic
THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
By Taylor Isaacson
food. The lifestyle is different here; the lifestyle is not for me. I expected to buy a one-way ticket to another country, not to drive 1,200 miles back east. Unfulfilled expectations led to disappointment. The last week of September was just as disappointing. I still hadn’t met this special guy. Then on September 30, the last day of the month, I met him. My outlook shifted from disappointment to gratitude. For the past few months, I’ve had the company of my family and a new friend.
I had a choice: I could have gone into the Tarot reading with a closed mind or with an open mind. I chose the latter. Tarot readings are like the placebo effect. An inactive substance can heal a patient’s illness because she expects it to be helpful. The more I thought the Tarot reading would be beneficial, the more likely I would experience the benefits. I had skeptical eyes when it came to mysticism, but by looking at it from a different perspective, I was able to see this experience as an affirmation of the power of thoughts.
At the end of the Tarot reading, Mr. Wizard let me pick from a handful of wishing stones. The stone I chose looks like raspberries swirled with chocolate. Holding the stone in the palm of my hand, I closed my eyes and made a wish. Mr. Wizard advised me to not let anyone else touch the stone. It’s said that a wish won’t come true if you tell someone what you wished for. Maybe the power of the stone will be deactivated if someone touches it. Whether or not the superstitions are true, I’m not going to test my luck. I’ve been guarding the stone like it contains the infinite secrets of the universe.
In a sweet Vinyasa class I took recently, my yoga teacher talked about living in the present moment. Just like listening to the news every morning, it’s easy to become unreceptive to the meaning of “live in the moment”–a common theme in yoga classes–when you hear it so often. But with a beginner’s mind, you listen to the message as if it were your first time hearing it. My teacher emphasized not waiting until something big happens–a move, an illness, an engagement–to start living. Be active in the life you’re living now. Before I go searching for another wizard, asking “what’s next?”, I’m going to enjoy what I’ve already been given. Taylor Isaacson is a yoga instructor, nanny, and writer. She loves practicing yoga before the sun rises, looking at the world map, dreaming of traveling, and playing in the mountains. On her journey, she has learned that living authentically is the only way to live and that selflove is the loveliest feeling.
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Begin… Arriving into this new year, fully into the season of re-generation in the natural world, we are reminded of renewal within ourselves. This, a time for deepened reflection, awareness, and consideration of what lies within. Entering into the space of this year, what do you wish to awaken, strengthen, or open to within yourself? What in your life is calling for a little more light with each coming day? Perhaps coming into radical acceptance of your self, a place of self-love, a welcoming embrace, an evolved perspective beyond self-criticism that serves and supports body, mind, and heart. Perhaps bringing elements of your life into balance, allowing yourself breathing space, choosing experiences and relationships that feed the senses, soothe the soul, and connect you with what you most love. Perhaps establishing practices for self-discovery & self-care—journaling, developing a practice of gratitude, entering into a more mindful connection with eating…drinking…breathing…sleeping…moving your body…
BEGIN doing what you want to do now. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand And melting like a snowflake. ~Marie Beynon Ray
Perhaps more fully appreciating your talents from a place of deepened self-trust, inviting expression of your gifts, engaging the senses, awakening the creative spirit and bringing you to the center of your own heart. Perhaps simply taking this moment to smile at the promise of a big new year stretched out ahead… May you shine forth in this new year, radiant as the sun and as luminous as all the stars ... Namaste
Kathleen Jones teachesAnjali Yoga and offers workshops & private coaching through Embody Change Coaching www.embodychangecoaching.com
Embody Change LIFESTYLE COACHING
Supporting Self-Discovery Connecting Body, Mind and Heart Eliciting Change from Within www.embodychangecoaching.com 970.218.8878 embodychange@yahoo.com
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Living our Hearts Desire written by Sarada Erickson
It seems so natural to want to do what we love. Maybe we have dreams of practicing yoga full time, or music, writing, art or working for the environment. Maybe we want to travel or serve the underprivileged. There are so many possibilities that can lead us to a deeper sense of living in union with what lies in our hearts. I think it is our hearts desire to fulfill our true potential. We want to make a difference, to be of service. We want to shine forth into the world and share from a meaningful place inside ourselves. This is noble and worthy of pursuit. However, when we attain what we wanted, we often find out that it is harder than we thought or it is not exactly what we were thinking. If we do not have a college degree, we may wish to go back to school. However, when we are students we think, it sure will be nice when I do not have homework. After graduating, we may feel the difficulties of a career life and look back fondly at the more carefree times of college. If a career eludes us, we may think we will be happy when we find that perfect job. And, if a lasting loving partner eludes us, we may think we will be happy when we find ‘the one”. Even just driving down the street, we see bumper stickers, “I’d rather be ___(fill in your favorite activity)”. We place great importance on doing things we like. If we are lucky, we find something we love doing. When we do this, we do not want to do anything else. But, if you have ever tried doing that thing for a living, it too might start to feel like work. Or, maybe something changes and we can no longer do the thing we love. The cycle begins anew. It seems, no matter what the situation, at some point, it can lose its luster and we want something else. This is a classic conundrum spoken of in some yogic texts. It is the foundation for seeking a deeper happiness. Deeper happiness does not depend on what we do or have externally in our lives. I think the problem lies in the definition of our hearts desire. It is very small and limited. We think if we get this, or lose that, then we will be happy. However, we can expand the definition and see a much bigger picture. Yoga teaches that the purpose of human life is to fulfill our karma and attain enlightenment. Enlightenment is an unimaginably expanded state.
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WINTER 2011
is not the purpose of my life. I can be deeply happy without doing or obtaining everything I want. I am free to make choices that feel right. Whatever I choose, my inner happiness cannot be taken away. The things I learn along the way will help inform future decisions.
In Vedantic meditation, there is a practice called “Neti, Neti� or “not this, not this�. It is a practice of realizing what we are not. I am not this body. I can feel this body and use this body, but I am not this body. I am not this feeling. I can experience the feeling, but it is not who I am. I am not the mind. The mind can serve me, but it is not Me. The practice can go on and encompass everything we are not until we come to the realization, “I am Consciousness. I am beyond all limitations. I am all pervasive.� The Guru Gita says, “This Truth moves and it does not move. It is far and near. It is inside all of this, also beyond everything.�
Interesting things can happen when we live from an open heart and focused mind. This type of inner change may bring change in the outer world as well. This can be great fun! I have had the benefit of seeing many peoples’ lives expand in wonderful and exciting ways. I have seen this play out in my own life as well. We allow the best possible to come into our lives when our inner condition is ready. But, let’s not get confused. Sometimes the outer world does not change even though we continue to work on the inner world. There is some karma we will have to go through and it is not always pleasant. We can persevere. Especially since we know we can always experience the bliss of the inner heart, no matter what. We simply bring our focus inside, breathe into the heart center, let go of what we are not, and open to what we truly are: Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss. In Sanskrit, this is Sat-Chit-Ananda.
The question now becomes, how can we attain this depth of understanding that allows us to be blissful? How can we be completely fulfilled in our hearts and unshakably happy in the core of who we are? Swami Rudrananda said it is our birthright as human beings to be deliriously happy. He taught it is possible for every human being to open the heart center through inner focus and taste the nectar that is there. Of course, this can take some inner work. First, we need to commit to a regular meditation practice. This will teach us inner focus and we become more sensitive to the heart center. Then we need to persevere. We need to do our practice, come rain or shine, come happy times or blue. Through inner-work, we learn how to live life with an open heart. It becomes possible to exist in the state of inner happiness even when life is rough, externally. We understand more deeply something we probably all know logically. Happiness comes from inside. Interestingly, this has not a thing to do with whether I am a waitress, a salesperson, a head honcho, or a saint. The only requirement is persistent awareness on the inner heart.
We can go forward in our lives with confidence. With an inner focus and opening, we can live out our hearts desire - to be deliriously happy! Sarada Erickson began practicing yoga in 1997 and was nationally certified for yoga instruction through the Shambava School of Yoga. She has assisted many yoga teacher trainings in the Shambava School and began leading trainings in Fort Collins in the Spring of 2007. She has an MS in nutrition and is an RD. Sarada deeply enjoys helping people find a more complete sense of Self through nutrition, yoga, meditation and lifestyle. She offers group classes and private instruction in the Fort Collins community.
For me, this truth resonates and offers me a lot of freedom. Though it may be nice to live in a way that I feel would be ideal, it
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Shambhava School of Yoga trainings are Yoga Alliance (YA) registered and contain the depth of over 25 years of experience. Graduate with the skills and knowledge to teach and deepen your personal practice.
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Sarada is an Acharya who leads yoga, teacher trainings and meditation in the Shambhava tradition, and has a MS in Nutrition. She offers individual sessions to help you find deeper happiness in your mind, body and spirit. SaradaErickson@gmail.com or (970) 581-8825
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11
The Body/Mind Journey of Pilates written by Lee Cooper
This philosophy of movement encompasses a few important principles. The process begins with a centering frame of mind, which contributes to correct mechanical efficiency in the joints of the body. Concentration and striving for precision brings the body into a state of intention, or the commitment to a correct form. It then takes only a small number of repetitions to achieve the desired control with correct muscular balance and essential effort for each movement. This process is synchronous with the breath, which promotes a natural rhythm and flow, motivating the muscles and the mind to work competently in a compatible partnership (Pilates Method Alliance Study Guide, pg. 19).
Pilates is a rewarding body/mind journey. Joseph Pilates was a man with vision. He believed, in the early and mid-decades of the 20th century, that the body and mind were interchangeable. It is necessary to develop both with a sense of commitment to enjoy a balanced life with the body in coordination with the mind. His relentless dedication to bring this form of disciplined physical fitness to the forefront of our culture has begun to spread across the world. People are now beginning to see that this form of “Contrology”, as he originally named it, could produce the development of body, mind, and spirit in organization with each other.
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This description of Pilates brings a sense of “Whole Body Health” into a thinking modality. The practice influences the body to be in coordination with the mind and spirit, thus bringing into focus balance and a healthier lifestyle. The mental and physical practice creates a disciplined outlook that contributes to this lifestyle and more importantly, teaches one to breathe correctly.
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WINTER 2011
Once the idea of improving balance, stability, and flexibility sounds like an enriching experience, where does a person begin? How does a person go about finding the appropriate facility to begin this Pilates journey? What are the criteria to look for?
This breath concept is the focal point behind a Pilate’s practice and helps to activate the deepest layers of the muscles, which then allows for sequential spinal movement, leading to stabilizing the trunk. Above all, the key principle is to strengthen the abdominals and the intent behind the breath is to do so.
The first step is to find an instructor who has received proper certification. The Northern Colorado area is fortunate to have a wide variety of teachers, who come from well-trained venues. When trying a class, look for an instructor who explains the Pilate’s principles so that they are understandable to you personally. Is there appropriate demonstration for your needs? Are the cues centered on your ability to apply them directly to your own body? An understanding of this knowledge and how it is applied to specific issues, such as alignment, injury prevention, or correct muscle development, is important. Search out a method of instruction that will work for you.
The exciting piece to this physical and mental discipline is the way it weaves into every aspect of one’s life. After only a few Pilate’s classes or private sessions with a certified instructor, the changes begin to occur quickly. The body begins to respond differently to cues it may have heard repeatedly in another exercise regime. The rotation in the spine feels stronger when playing golf, the balance in a yoga class comes easier, and the joint mobility feels stabilized when doing a weight lifting session. The smallest tasks have different sensations. The neck rotates with more ease as the head turns to change lanes while driving the car. The lower back feels more support and that “aching sensation” in the lumbar spine is gone. The testimonies are endless.
There are Pilates studios, in addition to programs set up in specific health clubs. Explore the option of mat classes as well as using equipment (Reformer, Tower, Chair, etc.). A mat class is a good place to learn basic principles and the magic happens on the equipment. This is where functional resistance through springs helps to facilitate a satisfying body workout while incorporating much of the Pilates repertory.
This happens because, in Pilates, the body learns to work from the inside out. It takes a different spin on the approach to movement by integrating the body and mind and using “inner” core muscles to initiate an activity producing a deeper connection. A perceptive knowledge develops which results in safer, correct execution of movement.
Pilates is a technique that helps to support and protect the body in exercise. It can serve as a pathway to a complete fitness program or help to address current healing needs, all the while addressing alignment and muscle imbalance issues. Pilates is indeed a rewarding body/mind journey.
Pilates is proving to be invaluable in strengthening, stretching, realigning, and rebalancing the body. It improves body awareness and reduces the risk of injury or strain. Mastering movements and committing to a regular practice fosters an examination of one’s current lifestyle and helps to apply changes when necessary. Many forms of strengthening exercises concentrate on developing the limbs. Pilates begins and ends from the core as well as utilizes the idea that one can strengthen and stretch to produce “strong and firm” as opposed to “bulk”.
Lee Cooper is a Pilates instructor in the Fort Collins area. She originally received training from PhysicalMind Insitute and has since continued her own studies with individual certifications from Balanced Body University and Peak Pilates, as well as pursing classical training from specific instructors. She presently teaches in her private studio as well as at Raintree Athletic Club and The Fort Collins Club.
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Tadasana Mountain I stand firm, a part of the earth. I belong here and the earth feeds me, supports me. From this strength, I am rock solid Beautiful, grand and stunning I AM THE MOUNTAIN 14
Yoga as Metaphor Lessons From the Mat written by Maureen “Mo” Geraghty In life, when one feels grounded and connected to something that supports them, one stands up a little straighter. I once worked with a young man whose posture was not what your Mom would have been happy with at all. Another co-worker once said to me “It looks like that kid has been hit up the back side of his head one too many times.” Metaphorically speaking, perhaps he was right. What makes one stand up straight with attention appearing strong and confident? Some people did listen to Mom and the lesson stuck. Others hunch. Developing breasts at the age of 12 made me hunch forward for much of my life. For years, I crossed my arms in front of my chest and hid from the boys teasing me. I see tall young ladies hunch so that they can be closer in height to the rest of the kids. Although, over the years, we can be naturally pulled forward because the work most of us do is in the frontal plane, many pull forward to hide, to cover something up or because they do not feel supported.
Tadasana (mountain pose) is a simple pose. Standing at the door of a yoga studio one might just see a bunch of people standing up straight at the front of their mats and it might look like a military exercise - standing at attention. If one looks more closely, it is so much more that that. Even some instructors do not see Tadasana for what it is and what it can be. Sometimes it feels like it is JUST a starting point, a place we do not stay long, because it feels like we do not DO much there. However, Tadasana can set the stage for the practice as a whole, allowing one to feel centered and strong, like a mountain. From this initial strength comes support and from the support comes a freedom to open, to release, and to grow. When I first started practicing yoga, I didn’t like Tadasana because I knew Uttanasana (standing forward fold) was coming next and that one always hurt my back. Little did I know that it would someday be the pose that would allow me to do the rest of the poses pain-free.
Mountain pose helps us feel centered and strong so we can open up and grow. What in our lives makes us feel that way? I recently returned to Northern Colorado after living in Mexico for 6 years. While many thought my first order of business should have been to find myself a full time job, I knew that I needed to feel supported and grounded by finding a place to call home. I needed to get settled so I could feel strong and secure in looking for my new livelihood. From this strength came a freedom to open up and to be confident in my job search. After finding a little home in Loveland and getting settled in, the possibilities for a livelihood have started to show up, right on schedule.
Stand with your toes together and your heels slightly apart so that from the outside of your heel to your pinky toe forms a parallel line, in line with the sides of your mat (you can also do this with your feet hip width apart). Bend your knees for a moment and feel the weight of your body fall into your feet, connecting to the earth. Maintaining this connection, straighten your legs slowly, without hyper-extending your knees. Your thighs should feel firm. Close your eyes for a moment and notice the constant shifting in your feet as you balance. Opening your eyes and keeping your body straight, let yourself lean forward as if you were a ski jumper (feel the gripping of your toes to hang on). Lean back as if you were going to fall backwards and notice where the weight shifts. Continue the forward and back motion making each shift smaller and smaller until you are no longer going forward or back. You are right in the middle. Ahhhhhh - you are almost there. Let the top of your thighbones press back at the same time you let the balls of your feet press down. This should allow your chest to lift up effortlessly. The four corners of each foot gently pressing so the arches of your feet lift.
While standing in Tadasana, ask yourself what in your life makes you feel centered and strong? What change can you make in your life that will help you feel more grounded and supported? What foundations do you need to construct so you can build those castles in the sky?
Your hands are at your sides and your shoulders are soft as the top of your upper arm bones press back. Imagine pulling the strength from the earth and letting your spine grow long from that strength. You are standing at and with attention, yet there is a softness one does not find in a military stance. You are standing with intention as well. There is an evenness and a strength. You are as strong as a mountain and your body is as grounded and as steady as a mountain. Take this feeling with you through all of your standing poses, searching for the same steadiness you find in mountain pose to appear in each pose.
ISSUE # 5
Maureen “Mo” Geraghty stands up straight and believes practicing yoga can change your life in ways you do not realize, in ways you do not expect, and in ways that will surprise you. Mo is currently writing a book “Yoga as Metaphor- Lessons from the Mat” and is teaching yoga at a number of locations. She is offering a special New Years Day Yoga, Meditation, and Journaling workshop at Old Town Yoga. For more information, contact her at yogamogirl@yahoo.com
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Why Are People Attracted to Yoga? What Are They Longing For? written by Terese H. Shanley The Answer is in the true definition of Yoga, which means “union, or connection.” People are yearning and searching for an organic and authentic connection, which offers true fulfillment for their souls via their bodies and minds. It is my experience that people, all too easily, are caught in suffering through human conditioning which naturally involves an obvious hook into the ego and mind. As Ekhart Tolle says: “There will never be true fulfillment living through the ego and the mind because they have an endless hunger.” We find true fulfillment on the path that allows for being and not doing, God not ego, love not fear, and stillness rather than grasping. Tolle also says, “Love knows no fear or wanting.” Yoga allows us the opportunity for real connection in the spaciousness of consciousness, which is in being, and separate from ego and mind. This is where Pranayama and meditation give us access to this ever-available passageway to authentic connection to the Divine, where endless expansion is available. We all get a taste of this connection, given by Divine Grace, when we are in the midst of any synchronistic, physical, and/or subconscious occurrence that we did not plan or even think about. We experience pure
alignment with all that is bigger and greater than we are. We step out of the ego and the mind to connect, by Grace, to the real self and to the Universe. We remember “Here is the soil for healing; here is the soil for enlightenment.” The path of the Yogi is really the path of reconnection. Our journey by faith, spiritual practice, meditation, prayer, and complete surrender to Divine Will is our path to reconnect to the Divine through this life and through the lives of others. Is this easy or natural? No – that is why we practice. Terese Shanley is a yoga and meditation instructor certified in Ashtanga yoga and trained in Anusara yoga. She has been working for the last 6 years at Miramont Lifestyle Fitness and is a home health R.N and mother to four girls. She is certified in Level 1 and 2 “White Time Healing.” Watch for any up and coming workshops with Terese at Northern Lights bookstore. Call 970980-3097 for private instruction and healing sessions.
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Functional Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine and Yoga written by Christi Sullivan The spine has four physiologic or anatomical curves and, if standing with optimal posture, we would be standing with what is called a “neutral spine.” When viewing the body from the side in optimal posture and focusing on the posterior aspect (backside) of the body, you would see that the cervical curve is concave, the thoracic curve is convex, the lumbar curve is concave, and the sacral curve is convex. These curves reciprocate and balance one another, providing added strength for the vertebral (spinal) column to withstand compressive loads. The lumbar curve is there because of the curve of the sacrum and, without getting too technical, the shape of the lumbo-sacral disc is wedge –shaped and so is L5. The remainder of the lumbar lordosis (curve) is completed by inclination of the vertebrae above L5. The structural liability of the lumbar stems from the angle of the sacrum, but the body has built in back-up systems for stabilization. Although the lumbar vertebrae can be encouraged to form a straight column, this is not the shape that should be taken on by the lumbar spine in an upright posture. By being curved, the lumbar spine is protected to a substantial extent from compressive forces and shocks that are absorbed by ligaments and muscles. In a straight spine, the compressive force would be transmitted through the vertebral bodies and discs. This would mean that the only mechanism to protect the lumbar vertebrae would be the shock absorbing capacity of the discs. This would increase wear and tear on the discs resulting in pain and early degenerative changes. Degeneration suspends function. In many yoga classes and books, there are cues or descriptions for aligning the spine. Some of the most common cues are lengthening and straightening the spine. Unfortunately, this has been interpreted as taking out the curves that are inherent to the spine, especially in the standing postures.
The pose Utkatasana, otherwise known as Thunderbolt, Fierce or Chair Pose, is a great pose to understanding the concept of “neutral spine.” In this pose, you either stand with you feet hip width apart or together, the knees bend and the hips drop, as if you were going to sit back in a chair. Once there, the cue of “tucking the tail” is given and this creates a straight or flat lumbar spine. Remember, by taking out the curve and straightening the lumbar spine, the compressive forces have now been diverted into the vertebrae and discs. Instead, by giving the cue “imagine you are sitting in a chair,” the body attempts to restore lumbar curve by extending the hips. Yet, so often, the student is told to maintain the straight or flat spine, making this posture uncomfortable and painful on the lower back. It also tightens the very muscles that are chronically tight on people – the hamstrings. By tucking the tail, this moves the pelvis into a posterior pelvic tilt and contracts the upper hamstring muscles. This is a strength pose and strengthens the very muscles you use when sitting on a chair, if done properly. The anatomical curves for the neutral spine vary and must be determined for each individual, based on the available range of motion. Make sure to take into consideration a pain-free range. When trying to work with a neutral spine, its best to work in between the extreme ranges of an excessive lumbar curve and a straight, flat low back.
Christi Sullivan has an A.A. in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology. She is the founder of Loveland Yoga and Core Fitness in Loveland, Colorado. She is a Level 4 CHEK (Corrective Holistic or High Performance Exercise Kinesiology); Level 3 status with the Holistic Lifestyle Coaching Program; a Golf Biomechanic; and a Level 1 Metabolic Typing Advisor. Christi has worked with professional athletes, weekend warriors and stay at home moms to help all live healthier and more functional lives.
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Kundalini Yoga and the Chakras
written by Marianne Monteleone
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undalini Yoga & Meditation, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, is all about the chakras, in addition to balancing everything else in your being, creating a state of excellence in you. The Chakras have been a challenging concept for me to learn, until I started learning about Kundalini Yoga. When I studied the chakra system from the Kundalini perspective, it was like the light finally turned on and stayed on. In the past, every encounter about the chakras left me feeling clueless and wondering what the bleep ….. really? How can I grasp onto this concept and incorporate it in my yoga teachings? With sweet relief, Harijiwan, one of my beloved teachers, stated that in the science of Kundalini Yoga, we look at the chakras like they are gears in a car. We cannot get to third gear without first gear working, nor can we drive our vehicle unless the gears are properly and smoothly moving. Our body also has gears of energy called chakras, little vortices that move in a delicate fashion to keep everything else moving and working efficiently. When the gears in our body, even one of them, are not moving in a balanced way, we start to feel stuck. Disease ensues, thoughts run rampant, and we feel “off.” When the lower triangle, the first, second & third chakras, are not moving fluidly, we feel our basic needs will not be met. Our creativity and personal power are stifled. The fourth chakra, the heart center, is the meeting point of the lower triangle and upper triangle. This is the gathering and communication point, where our higher thought process and divinity travels to the lower triangle. This meeting point, the heart center, is where living with compassion and expansion takes place. When the heart gear/chakra is not moving, we are closed off from love and from others. We are selfish. The fifth, sixth and seventh chakras are the upper triangle. When these are in balance, we live with a pure, clear voice. We speak our voice and watch the power of our words. We live in command with ease, our life unfolds with a sense of knowing at all times and we are in an open capacity to receive messages for living in a state of “wow, this life is magnificent, this life is a miracle, isn’t life a blessing?” This a very brief chat about chakras. I have offered yoga series with focus on each chakra area for releasing what stops us from fully moving forward. The good news is that even if we do not focus on balancing the chakras in a Kundalini Class, it balances them anyway, in addition to strengthening the nervous system and glandular system. We are moving your energy, rising the Kundalini energy (the awareness) that lies dormant in you, waking it up, expanding you into your excellence. Is it safe? Absolutely! With our training, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, we must adhere to the ancient technology by the book. This creates a safe environment for your expansion, for your bliss, for your well-being and health. Check it out. The worse that can happen is you are forever shifted in a positive way. You’ll feel your excellence, even if it’s just one class.
SAT NAM [truth is my name – whatever the real truth is, I am that] Marianne teaches various forms of yoga @ Miramont Lifestyle Fitness and specialty Kundalini classes at different venues, Old Town Yoga, Sacred Space Yoga, & Miramont. You can contact her @ mkmhomeo@aol.com to receive her list of classes. Or call 970-980-4948 for further questions.
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What Did You Expect?
So, I partied down, hard and late! And, for the first time in years, I really just enjoyed it. I have always expected to find bliss deep in a meditation or in a yoga pose that causes me great discomfort, and here it lies at my feet on a sticky dance floor.
written by Adriane Ehmann
When it comes down to it, there are two main emotions that fill our lives and are the root of all the others: love and fear. One is aligned with who we are at the deepest level. It is where we came from and what we will forever consist of. The second is the one that the mind has created in defense of something that feels uncomfortable to us. We are taught fear through the training of our upbringing, our society, and our experiences. Through these events, we suddenly create expectation; of circumstances, people, self, and places. When our expectations do or do not turn out the way that we had planned it, we begin to create a habit. And, so, the cycle goes, on and on, until the day that we begin to become aware of our expectations and the understanding that these expectations eventually end up leading us to habitual feelings and, on a deeper level, to pain.
Take a moment, set this article down, close your eyes, and breathe… what do you expect of yourself? Pause. Do it again. Ask yourself what it is that you expect of others? What did you discover?
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hen I decided to write this article, it was because I was recapping the moments in my life when I have been disappointed in an event or a person. I was taking a walk down memory lane and I remembered my first disappointment in the world of yoga and how much it crushed me. It crushed me so much in fact that as I was walking through the memory, I started to relive the frustration and anger that I experienced in that situation, all because I expected something out of someone else that I was not even living up to. I emailed Kate and told her right away that I wanted to write an article on expectation in the world of yoga and once the offer was accepted, I seemed to unravel into a sea of all the areas of expectation that are a part of life.
When we draw awareness to being detached from the outcome of any situation, we create the space for the best possible outcome for us. What if expectation was resistance? And, what if anytime the universe felt this resistance, it responded with resistance? When we are creating an expectation, we are creating a resistance to the situation. We are attempting to determine the outcome of the situation without knowing what is truly best for us. Our judgment becomes clouded as we begin to decide why “this” result would be best for us.
There is a level of expectation that we place on ourselves, sometimes very consciously and other times, subconsciously. It may tend to be that the conscious ones are healthier than the sub-conscious, on some level; as it seems to be, the sub-conscious expectations that we seem to throw in the face of others. The ones we project into the world, only to be let down when the story line in our mind fails to line up with the reality of the situation. Knowing what it is that we expect of ourselves and having a practice that offers us space to explore this is important.
Let’s say that we begin to get our sights set on a particular job. We are so focused on the fact that we have to have this job and for all the specific reasons that we have chosen it. Attached to the outcome, we begin to see only this job as a possibility. Our minds set strong, we may be having a conversation with another individual that is telling us about another job opening that they know about in our specific field of work, but because we are fixated on this other job, we miss the key information that is being handed to us. With attachment and expectation at the forefront of our minds, we begin living in the past and in the future, rather than in the present. Once the past is gone, the only place it exists is in the mind. We all know that the future is not here yet, so naturally it does not exist anywhere but in the mind as well.
Without this clarity and this exploration, we can end up in situations like the one I am about to describe to you: I was dancing wildly to some rockin’ blue grass music over Halloween weekend when I began to run into beings that have taken my classes or had heard about my classes. Whiskey in hand, I began to feel the wild pressure as to whether I was clear about if I was living according to my beliefs. “Did they see me smoking that cigarette? How does it look to have whiskey in my hand, throwing around words that usually may only be heard out of a sailor’s mouth?” My own personal behavior became challenged and it actually became one of the most beautiful moments of my life, as it offered me the chance to reflect on who I am at another level.
Take the moments of your life and begin to practice presence. Know that when you are present, you are acting upon your highest good, and open to all possibility. If you begin to expect things of others, take a moment, as you did at the beginning of this article, and step back and breathe. First think about what it is that you are expecting and why? Is there something deep within you that is really at the root of this expectation? Explore what having this expectation is doing for your life right now. How is it making you feel? Bring awareness to your life and to your actions. You are on your own journey, surrounded by people on their own journey working together to teach and grow. Honor yourself and others by accepting everything for exactly where it is at that moment.
So, as I pounded the pavement and danced around, spinning and twirling, running into people as they too ran into me, I began to see, quite clearly, the journey. It was so clear that I stopped in my tracks and watched everyone move around me. It became like the scene in the movie “Garden State”, where the main character sat on a couch, watching the reactions and actions of those around him. Everything looked brand new and all I could do was smile and laugh.
Take the time to dance, practice yoga, sing, draw, write, be creative, enjoy the world and know that you are constantly growing.
Adriane Ehmann is a local Fort Collins Yoga Instructor who has been practicing for over 8 years. She is passionate about helping students and people alike, to find their own personal best life practice! She believes in the deeper healing of yoga and offers her students a safe and reflective practice in which they can learn to explore their practice in a loving and compassionate way.
You see, in this world of drugs, drinking, and debauchery, I found what yoga really means to me. It is a process, a journey and it is about being present. The creatures that I was surrounded by at that moment in time were the most present people I had seen in quite some time, swallowed up by the music and its incessant beat. Surrounded by strangers and loved ones alike, there was freedom.
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well functioning colon is vital to your health and well-being. As embarrassing as it may be, nearly all of us have suffered from constipation at one time or another, and for many, this is a chronic issue. Did you know that it is possible to have up to 25 pounds of undigested food, slime, and putrefied fecal matter trapped in your intestinal tract? Healthy bowel movements formed, the consistency of every meal. If you eliminate day, or once a week, your
should be effortless, well toothpaste, and occur after only once a day, every other body is full of toxic waste!
Have You Pooped Today? written by Celeste Magnuson
A team of gastroenterologists at the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) developed the Bristol Stool Scale. It represents stools that are commonly passed and describes the correlation between the physical attributes of the fecal matter and the length of time it remained in the colon. This scale is a general indicator of the condition of the colon and should not be used as an absolute diagnostic tool.
Do you suffer from acne, allergies, bad breath, bloating, belching, constipation, decreased energy, diarrhea, digestive problems, fatigue, hair loss, headache, heartburn, gas, indigestion, insomnia, low energy, low sex drive, poor sexual performance, poor memory, protruding gut, reduced resistance to infections, skin problems, weight gain, difficulty losing weight or slimming of your sides or waistline? All of these can be symptoms of a malfunctioning gut and auto-intoxification.
Type 1: Separate, hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass): A sure sign of constipation… the most common stools! Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy: May indicate toxic constipation. Type 3: LIke a sausage, but with cracks on its surface: Normal Type 4: LIke a sausage or snake, smooth and soft: Normal
A sluggish gut is often the result of lifestyle… lack of exercise, diets high in fat and low in fiber, stress, and dehydration. Plant foods are the only foods that contain fiber! This includes grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Type 5: Soft blobs with clean-cut edges (passed easily): Soft diarrhea. It may indicate a possible risk for bowel disease. Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool: Stools are mushy and may be toxic.
As you shift your lifestyle to improve digestion and elimination, you may also want to consider colon cleansing to help remove a build-up of waste and toxins. When you do not eliminate properly, deposits of feces may build up along the wall of the colon or in the pockets of the colon. These conditions can interfere with nutrient absorption and with proper bowel function, and may lead to digestive problems, allergies, and more! Improper nutrition and ineffective digestion are considered by many health practitioners to be the ultimate sources of degenerative diseases, such as heart conditions, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid: Severe diarrhea possibly due to bacteria or virus. Consult your doctor. Your well-being depends on what you eat, when you eat, how you eat, fluid intake and how well your food is absorbed. A general understanding of the digestive and eliminative organs is helpful when assessing your digestive health. The stomach is a storage and mixing tank; the small intestine absorbs most nutrients into the bloodstream to give us energy and provides building blocks for growth; and, the colon mainly absorbs water and eliminates waste and toxins.
Cleaning the colon to detoxify is not some new fad or technique. It has been in use since 1500 BC by the Egyptians. Dr. Elmer Lee introduced the first method used by many physicians in the USA for irrigating the intestines in the late 1800s. Colon hydrotherapy, a gentle cleansing of the colon with water, may aid in restoring and maintaining optimum colon health and whole body rejuvenation. Celeste Magnuson is nationally certified in massage and bodywork. Her areas of focus have been Neuromuscular Therapy and Structural Integration to relieve chronic and acute pain. She also spent a year studying and working at the Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute in Aguada, Puerto Rico. Her lectures and workshops focus on “Living Foods Lifestyle” training (Raw Foods!). And, as an I-ACT Instructor Level Colon Hydrotherapist, Celeste offers 100 hour workshops for foundation level colon hydrotherapy certification. Contact Celeste at 970-472-0995.
Fecal matter that is trapped in the gut for long periods of time gets absorbed into the bloodstream and results in a condition called auto-intoxification (self poisoning) and provides an environment for non-beneficial bacteria, parasites, and a state of dis-ease to reign in the body. THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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Sanskrit Corner: â&#x20AC;&#x153;She Said Whatâ&#x20AC;??
There are eight limbs, or stages, of classical yoga practice (sadhana) that a yogi passes through to attain awakening. These stages, which were first codified in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali more than two thousand years ago, have many similarities to the Eightfold Path of early Buddhism. The practice of austerities, breath control, meditation, and development of heat for purification actually share similarities with indigenous spiritual traditions throughout the world, such as those in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. This Eight-limbed Path is said to be the route to the removal of afflictions, leading to liberation (moksha): 1. Yama: Restraints, or moral discipline. The yamas consist of five elements of outward spiritual practice performed to avoid unrighteous behavior. 2. Niyama: Observances; self-restraint. The niyamas consist of five inner practices to follow in maintaining correct moral principles. 3. Asana: Yoga postures. An external spiritual practice that helps attain stillness in mind and body. These powerful poses create strength, flexibility, vitality and selfawareness, cleansing the body and mind and guiding us to a sense of stillness and unity within and without. 4. Pranayama: Breath control; achieving a balanced state of mind through the steadiness of the breath. Pranayama refers to an array of invigorating and relaxing yogic breathing exercises that help us calm the mind and steady the thoughts, awakening inner peace and cleansing the system. 5. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses, turning the senses inward, controlling the mind through the control of the senses. Practicing detachment from the vicissitudes of life. Moving beyond the ups and downs of external reality into a greater sense of stillness, ease, and spaciousness, by turning awareness inward. 6. Dharana: Concentration, fixing the attention on one focal point to gain unbroken contemplation. Fostering equilibrium, equanimity, poise, and grace. 7. Dhyana: Meditation, sitting in stillness as the threshold to union with the Divine. Quieting the mind and opening the heart to allow the radiance of the Divine to nurture, heal, inspire, and enliven. 8. Samadhi: Super-consciousness, pure contentment, equilibrium, enlightenment, ecstasy (standing outside the ordinary self), enstasy (standing inside the self), bliss, peace, union with the Divine. In this state, the spiritual seeker (sadhaka) loses the individual self and merges with the Universal Spirit. Samadhi is the state in which one feels, knows, and revels in the direct presence of the Divine with the entire body and soul. *Definitions found in Sacred Sanskrit Words for Yoga, Chant, and Meditation by Leza Lowitz and Reema Datta ISSUE # 5
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Using Traditional Chinese Medicine to Treat Influenza Written by Elizabeth Knapp
Working as a Registered Nurse in the emergency department, talk of H1N1 and the seasonal flu is everywhere. With the backlog of patients in doctors’ offices, many people with flulike symptoms have been flocking to the ER in panic and fear. Last year was a surprisingly early flu season and seemed to hit people hard. Although people feel very sick with body aches, coughing and congestion, most patients that are diagnosed with the flu have healthy immune systems and will fight the virus just fine without any western medical intervention. Last year, doctors were only treating those patients who were considered high risk with the anti-viral drug Tamiflu. High-risk patients are classified as those who are under the age of five, over the age of 65, pregnant, or those with chronic illness, such as asthma or COPD or have immune compromise (those undergoing therapies that have immunosuppressive effects such as some cancer drugs or anti-arthritis treatments). Otherwise, after their medical screening, flu patients were discharged and told to stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. There are no other tools in the toolbox, so to speak, for these people.
one of the many important things that sets TCM apart from Western medical modalities. In western medical practice, all high-risk flu patients are treated the same: with Tamiflu. Some tolerate it well and without side effects, others do not. In Chinese Medicine, we take into account a person’s basic constitution, baseline health status, pre-existing conditions, age, sex, lifestyle, and living environment. We can treat two people with the same disease quite differently and have excellent results with both. After identifying the pathogen and taking all of the individual’s traits into account, the TCM practitioner will prescribe an herbal formula that is usually comprised of at least six herbs. Herbs are used together to enhance each other’s actions, decrease side effects, enhance safety and efficacy. Herbs are also used together to energetically balance a formula; for example, herbs from the “clear heat and toxin” category that are often used to treat influenza are usually cool or cold in nature and can cause gastrointestinal upset, so the formula may be modified or harmonized to protect the digestion. Protecting the digestion or the central Qi is a very important concept in TCM (since much of our everyday energy comes from the food we ingest). Herbs may also be added to relieve certain symptoms, such as herbs to relieve cough, while others treat the root of the problem (fighting the pathogen). Then, some patients with particularly weak constitutions may need a tonic added to help build their own defenses to fight disease.
Herbal Medicine is one of the modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used in Asia for thousands of years to treat disease. There is much research, as well as thousands of years of practice, that has shown that Chinese Herbal Medicine is effective in decreasing severity and duration of viral illnesses. Although the concept of viruses is a discovery of the 20th century, the Chinese did understand that some sort of external factor was one of the causes of disease. Thus, the idea of “external pathogens” arose. They categorized different types of external pathogens based on the different symptoms they caused in the body and the types of external environments in which they arose. CHM and the treatment of external pathogens date back thousands of years. Archaeologists have discovered names of diseases and herbal formulas written on wooden and bamboo slips dating back to the Han Dynasty (403 to 150 BC).
Routine prescription of Chinese herbs for seasonal flu is limited primarily to those countries like China, Japan, and Korea where traditional herbal medicine is mainstream. In 2009, there was a report from Ditan hospital in Beijing, China that doctors have discontinued Tamiflu for non-critical patients after determining that herbal medicine was effective by itself. Although these findings have not yet been verified by outside researchers, there is clearly much to be learned from the potential use of herbs to treat various viral illnesses. Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years in Asia and up until the 20th century, was the primary means of healthcare. The basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to not only treat disease, but primarily, to prevent disease by harmonizing the body’s organ systems. TCM is a very safe and effective way to treat disease and, depending upon the patient, can be used as an alternative or an adjunct to western therapies. .
Chinese herbology is unique in that it structures each herb into one of 18 categories based on basic function; for example, there are herbs that primarily tonify the blood, or calm the spirit. Then, each herb has secondary properties, flavors, meridians that it affects, as well as direction (for example, an herb that is ascending would treat problems of the upper body). Using all of this knowledge, the TCM practitioner creates a balanced formula specific to a person’s individual needs.
Elizabeth Knapp has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is certified by Master Yun Xiang Tseng as an External Qi Healing (EQH) Practitioner. She currently practices Chinese Herbal Medicine and acupuncture at Source Point Community Acupuncture with two colleagues, Nell Clark RN, L. Ac and Carrie Tempalski RN, L. Ac. In addition, she pursues her private EQH sessions and still works part time as an RN in the Emergency Department.
Different external pathogens also cause differences in the quality and rate of a person’s pulse and the color and coat of the tongue (look at your tongue in the mirror next time you are sick). As we all know, different people can contract the same illness from the same organism, but can display a variety of symptoms and severity. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the individual. In fact, this is
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Change of Season Chicken Soup This soup is a great and simple way to strengthen the immune system. During change of seasons, we are exposed to wind and cold, which makes our bodies more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Astragalus root (Huang qi) is an immune tonic that tonifies wei qi, which is the body’s defensive energy. Angelica root (Dang gui) tonifies the blood and vitalizes circulation, while Jujube Fruit (Da zao) supports the digestive system. The following recipe is a beautiful example of how to use nutrition and Chinese herbs to restore and balance the body. Ingredients:
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Remove innards from chicken. Thoroughly cleanse the chicken by hand, scrubbing with salt and lemon. Rinse.
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Place chicken in crock-pot and fill with water until chicken is covered.
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Add salt (or Braggs), pepper, ginger, bay leaves, onion, Chinese herbs (da zao, dang gui, huang qi).
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Cook for 4 hours on high setting.
4 pieces Da Zao (jujube fruit)
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Remove bay leaves and herbs.
3 slices Dang Gui (angelica root)
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Separate meat from bone and skin. Discard skin and bones.
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Add potatoes and carrots about 1.5 hours before serving.
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Add greens 30 minutes prior to serving.
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Garnish with green onion, radish, and sesame oil.
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Serve with brown or white rice.
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Enjoy and be healthy!
1 whole organic chicken 1/2 lemon Salt (Braggs amino acids) /pepper to taste 6 slices of ginger 2 bay leaves 1 onion, sliced 3 slices Huang Qi (astragalus root)
4 carrots, chopped 4 potatoes (quartered) Choice of greens (kale, chard, bok choy) Green onions/radish/ sesame oil for garnish
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What is Yoga Therapy? When and Why do I need it?
Written by Ena Burrud I feel impassioned to sing of this field that is finally coming into its own in both the West and East. Yoga Therapy continues to define itself as it integrates more fully into the realm of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. But, what is Yoga Therapy? Many practitioners still craft an answer with halting cadence, and visible contemplation. I will jump into this momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-fashioned description. My answer will be based on my own personal experiences and studies in my years as a yogini and teacher. For each of us there is a fluid blueprint to our person. That blueprint shifts with our life events, our alignments, and our psychological perspectives. Yoga and Ayurveda describe a base collection of physical, mental, and energetic attributes that make up our impermanent form (prakriti). Through yoga and yoga therapy, we cultivate a strong â&#x20AC;&#x153;witnessâ&#x20AC;? state of mind that peers into our behaviors, our likes, dislikes, and our thought streams. The part of us that does the peering is not caught up in the storyline or reactions that are the texture of our human experience. This witness is the permanent self (purusha) and the glimpses we have into this compelling relationship between our permanent and impermanent selves is necessary for balanced living. Balanced living maintains health. or depression. Some come for philosophical/spiritual study. They come with hearts and bodies holding a history of abuse. Some have come with chronic illnesses like MS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Some have come with terminal illness and wish to reconnect with faith. Last year, two of my private students died of cancer. I am honored to have been part of their brave, vulnerable last days. Life is very tender.
The components of our nature are categorized in many disciplines and paths. Ayurveda describes primary physical constitutions (doshas), Bhagavad Gita speaks of the more mental (gunas), Yoga Sutras discuss psychological perspectives, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika illustrates different qualities of energy guiding us into deeper knowledge. Yoga synthesizes these concepts to explore and refine our True Self. We begin to discern patterns and tendencies in our personal histories (vasana) based on our own memories of prior events or even traces of memories in the subconscious (samskaras). We then have many clues to our blueprint and our potential. The yoga therapist uses these insights and continued training in physiology, psychology, and spiritual practices to formulate a personalized approach for the student (also referred to as patient or client).
So when might one choose yoga therapy? After the physical therapist has done her job well, or the psychiatrist suggests breathing and postures for psychological equilibrium, yoga therapy can be an excellent next step. After the oncologist explains a treatment plan or while a student is working on his depression, yoga therapy is a good choice. Each session is based on the progressive work for a specific issue as well as the needs in that moment. As the body shifts, so do the practices. This keeps the body, mind and emotions steady (sthira).
For nine of my eleven years of teaching, I have done yoga privates. There are many reasons people choose them. Most have specific needs like musculoskeletal imbalances, anxiety,
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One of my current private students, a professor at the University of Wyoming with whom I have been working for almost a year, writes of yoga therapy:
Techniques include classic and specialized postures (asana) or micro-movements, breath (pranayama), visualization (bhavana), repetition of sacred words or prayers (mantra) or affirmation, symbolic gestures (mudras), vocalization, discussion, prayer and meditation (dhyana). Creating a session that empowers and helps comfort pain is top priority. Therapeutic modifications for poses are taught. Breathing patterns and visuals are implemented to elicit a specific mood and energetic states. Approaches are based on observation, discussion, and the info on the intake questionnaire.
“Yoga” and “Therapy” were not two words that I had ever heard in the same context. I was 35 years old with bouts of severe depression, constant anxiety and panic attacks along with memories of some difficult childhood events. In the past 2 years, visits to various doctors brought diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD, depression, general anxiety disorder, mild bipolar disorder and the need for a corneal transplant in my left eye. Weekly private lessons began. I didn’t have any real expectations of dramatic progress, but I was willing to try anything. Miraculously, I gradually found myself living with less anxiety, less fear, more focus, and far better tolerance of physical pain. I began to recognize the internal sensation of being hopeful again and gradually developed a strong desire to grow. And, I often smile – no longer to hide the grief within but as a reflection of the joy I feel. The world around me hasn’t changed very much, but my perspective of the world definitely has.
The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), founded 20 years ago by charter members Richard Miller, PhD and Larry Payne, PhD, set out to expand therapeutic yoga. IAYT is now a global cast of luminaries who combine their eastern and western approaches for the sake of yoga therapy. The mission is to raise awareness and to sponsor continued studies and research in yoga therapy. Their yearly conference, SYTAR, draws yoga teachers, MDs, Ayurvedic practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and more to educate and demonstrate approaches. The International Journal of Yoga Therapy reviews evidence-based practices for specific issues, like Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, or Arthritis. Their website, www.IAYT.org provides members and the public hundreds of research articles.
In a quote by Joseph LePage, founder of Integrative Yoga Therapy, “The yoga therapist uses a wide range of techniques and props in this work. However, the most important skills we possess are the presence, understanding, and compassion that we have developed through our own process of transformation”. A private student learns best when they trust that the practice given is calibrated through the teacher’s intuition and personal experience. Authenticity and humility are key in the relationship that heals.
Another module of training for the yoga therapist is referring out and working with other professional providers involved in a student’s healthcare like MD’s or mental health workers. A circle of mentors is available for yoga therapists when they need deeper understanding of a particular condition. Research is crucial to the approach at times. Sometimes a student just wishes a bit of instruction on how to participate in a group class safely, without needing special guidance from their teacher during class time. Perhaps you may have been diagnosed with hypertension or are recovering from a heart attack and have been told to practice yoga. You know to take a calm class, but sometimes you want something a bit more energetic, but still safe. A yoga therapist can work with you a few times or on a continuing basis to specialize personalized ways to breathe and modify poses to participate in the group.
Check your local studios and the IAYT website to locate a certified yoga therapist in your community. Some therapists come to the field as doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, and their specialty will be geared more towards those issues, though not exclusively. With therapists who have been yoga teachers first, there will be a slightly different approach like infusing spiritual inquiry. Take your time, ask questions, and plan a meeting with the teacher to see if the fit seems right. Time with your yoga therapist will help you see and feel yourself more clearly. Healing takes place when you love what you see there.
One vital tool of yoga teaches us how to weather emotions, staying with feelings and understanding their impermanence. This strengthens emotional resilience and deepens character. That alone can help us deal with some of life’s crazy offerings. When feelings begin to improve, we acknowledge it. When we viscerally remember that good feeling, we can recreate that feeling when we need it in the future. For this, we learn to welcome in all the info from all of our senses, and then learn to dive beneath them, as well (pratyhara).
Ena is a graduate of the Rocky Mt. Institute of Yoga and Ayurveda’s Yoga therapy program in Boulder. Originally certified privately in So. Cal and again with Erich Schifmann. She graduated the Yoga Studies program at LMU and UCI in LA. Now 14 years a yogini, teaching for 11. She studies Tantra with Douglas Brooks, Ph.D (NY) and John Casey Ph.D (LA) and classical/therapeutic studies with Saraswati Burhman, Ph.D (Boulder). Ena’s main asana influences are Rod Stryker, Angela Farmer and Gary Kraftsow. She is a retired professional actress, an artist/ designer, founder of Treetop Yoga and mom to Jack, Chloe and Kat.
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Yin Yoga
By Alan Starner
I first encountered Yin Yoga when I took a workshop called “Soft Power Yoga” led by Sara Powers. In the workshop, we held some passive yoga poses for 3 – 5 minutes each. I loved the meditative aspect of the practice, and found it a refreshing change from my Ashtanga practice. It was also a great counterpoint to my “go go” corporate life at the time. I continued studying Yin Yoga with Sara Powers and Paul Grilley, who popularized Yin practice in the USA.
getting into a Yin pose feels a bit like climbing into a hot tub; at first the intensity is almost too much, but relaxing and breathing allows one to relax and merge into the sensual experience. If you were to walk into a Yin class, it would seem like not much is happening. The students are “just lying there”, hardly moving at all. Yet on the inside of the body, a lot is going on. Like all systems of the body, appropriate stress is good for the connective tissue, and makes it both stronger and more supple. It will increase your flexibility over time. It will also increase your body’s ability to flow prana (life force), because prana flows through the connective tissues. First-time students, in particular, often remark on how much energy they had the day after practicing.
Yin yoga derives form the Taoist approach to yoga. A Yin practice is soft, introspective, and is about accepting things as they are. A Yang practice is more dynamic and muscular, and is about making changes and improvements. A Yin asana practice is not considered a complete practice by itself, and needs more dynamic and muscular movements to balance out the deep stretching. This echoes the role of Yin and Yang in our overall life. In order to live a balanced life, it must contain the Yang elements of improving things (skills, finances, etc.). It must also contain the Yin elements of acceptance of how things are, and delight in the present moment. For many of us leading a hectic modern life, a Yin Yoga practice can bring much needed balance.
Most of us have a habit of looking at the body from an external viewpoint. We regard the body for what it looks like and/or what it can do. Even yoga can be practiced with this external view. However, there is something rejuvenating about taking an internal view of the body and letting the awareness roam freely in our internal landscapes. In Yin, we learn to cultivate this subjective viewpoint, and an ability to listen to the wisdom contained within.
When performing Yin asanas (poses), the focus is more on the feeling in the body than on the outer form of a pose. We look for that “Goldilocks” balance of just the right intensity – not too much and not too little. Too little and we receive little benefit. Too much and we risk injury or creating an internal resistance to going deep into a particular body position. Done correctly,
The following is a simple Yin practice that would take about one hour. Although Yin poses are traditionally held 3 – 5 minutes each, feel free to make the poses shorter. You are also encouraged to modify the pose in small ways to make it more comfortable; adapt the pose to fit your body, not the other way around! And, never stay in a pose that is causing pain or feels unhealthy to you.
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1. Pentacle: Lie with your back on the floor and arms and legs spread. This is like savasana, but often a little wider. Breathe and allow your awareness to roam through your body, shifting your focus from external internal. 2. IT stretch on wall: With your mat parallel to the wall and lying on your side facing the wall, take the top leg and place the foot directly on the wall at about the same level as your hip. Adjust your angle to the wall to get the right intensity for your body. Relax and turn face-up, opening up the outside of the leg. Repeat for opposite side. 3. Legs up the wall: Pull your mat next to the wall with the mat perpendicular to the wall. Lie on your side and scoot your sit bones close to the wall, then roll your legs up the wall. Keep your legs straight up, or let your legs spread wide for a stretch to your groins. For a little extra inversion, elevate your hips on a blanket.
4. Half Frog: Sitting on your mat with legs in front of you, keep one leg straight and fold the other leg back with heel next to the hip. Relax over your straight leg. Repeat for opposite side.
5. Double Pigeon: Sitting on your mat, fold your legs so that your shins are stacked; one ankle above the opposite knee, and the other ankle below the other knee. Gently fold forward. This pose puts some stress on the knee, so please skip this pose if you have any knee problems or start to sense too much stress. Repeat on opposite side. THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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6. Windshield wipers: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feel flat on the floor. Take your feet wide, then alternate having your shins fall toward the center of the mat, gently turning your shins into windshield wipers. Find a long pause with one knee in the center, then the other. Avoid this if it hurts your knees. 7.
Spinal twist: Start by lying on your back, and shift to the right side of your mat so that the left side of your body is in the center of the mat. Bend the right knee and place the right foot to the left side of your left leg. Take the left hand to the right knee and draw the right knee down toward left side of the mat, keeping both shoulders on the mat. Repeat on opposite side.
8. Dragon pose: Start by kneeling on a blanket, then step one foot forward into lunge position. Keep the spine tall with the top of the head moving toward the ceiling as your shift your hips down and forward. This can be done next to a wall for balance. This pose stretches the Psoas muscle, which can help relieve back pain for some people. Repeat on opposite side.
9. Gecko pose: Start from Dragon pose, then drop both hands to the inside of your forward foot. Place your elbows on a block or on the floor if you have the flexibility. Repeat on opposite side.
10.
Sphinx: Start by lying on your belly; then push up onto your forearms. Your elbowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s should be directly underneath your shoulders. Gently pull your body forward and up, elongating the spine. This is usually a shorter hold (1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 minutes).
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11. Savasana: Prepare for savasana by taking childs pose or anything your body needs to balance out before final resting pose. Then relax on your back with arms and legs slightly spread. Use a blanket or bolster under the knees if desired.
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Why do Kids CRAVE Yoga?
Most of us already know the benefits of yoga – either through our own personal practice or from reading about all the great things that yoga can do for our minds and bodies. But, have you thought about passing this on to your kids? Imagine having enlightened, balanced, confident, focused and calm children more often than not. Want to know how? Introducing your kids to yoga (no matter what age) could be the single, most important gift you give them this year.
Because it is fun and exciting! Kids are experts when it comes to having fun. Kids yoga gives kids the opportunity to discover an exercise program that brings so many benefits to their lives. Children feel stronger, more flexible and an overall sense of peace and balance when practicing yoga.
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written by Amy Norris
Kids yoga helps empower our youth to feel good about themselves from the inside out…..one breath at a time! Yoga can be an incredibly invigorating experience for children. It gives them permission to explore their imagination and creativity with no boundaries and release energy
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Kids yoga is about having fun and not competing with others. There is no wrong or right way, only the experience of learning more about ourselves from the inside out. Everyone knows that children have plenty of energy. They are also readily able to adapt to and learn new things. If you are looking for a good way to engage the minds and bodies of your kids, yoga is a perfect solution.
in a safe environment. It also helps our children feel revitalized, which builds inner strength and confidence. These are all traits that are extremely important to a growing and developing child. Now, you might be imagining a typical adult yoga class, just shortened, when you think kids yoga – not so! Kids yoga is fun and exciting! Poses are often presented as a story. Games, songs and dance are also incorporated which really explores the imagination and gives kids a chance to develop their creativity. Kids are experts when it comes to having fun and yoga gives children the opportunity to discover an exercise program that brings so many benefits to their lives – physically AND mentally. Children feel stronger, more flexible and an overall sense of peace and balance when practicing yoga.
If you are interested in involving your child in yoga, you are not alone. More and more parents are starting to recognize the profound, positive effects that yoga can have on their children. Even if you have never tried yoga, why not try it with your child? It offers a great opportunity to bond one-on-one and allows us to release our own inner child! For more information on how you can get your kids involved in yoga, visit your local studio or check out KidsCrave Yoga at www.kidscraveyoga.com and give the gift of yoga to your child today!
In addition, studies show that yoga is a great self-help therapy for kids. Children today are under a tremendous amount of stress and pressure at younger ages than ever. Our youth are becoming more and more stressed and anxious because of pressures at school, text messaging, peer pressure, high expectations at home, extracurricular activities and often juggling life in multiple homes. Yoga provides a way to ease that tension. Like adults, children require down time to relax and feel calm. When we breathe deeply and fully (called pranayama) we give ourselves permission to bring peace to our bodies and minds. Yoga gives our kids an incredible opportunity to learn how to use their breath to quiet their minds and calm their bodies while having fun. Over time, this will help them deal with anger, self-confidence, stress, impulse control and over stimulation.
Amy Norris, mother of 2 kiddos, is the founder of KidsCrave Yoga. After yoga changed her life, she became inspired by teaching kids yoga at local elementary schools. She also created KidsCrave Yoga Kits (www.kidscraveyoga.com) so kids everywhere can receive the gift of yoga in their own homes and have everything they need to start their own positive journey. Give the gift of yoga to a special child in your life. For more information, see the ad on page 3
OM
神道 Shen Dao ~ “The Way of Spirit”
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The Mystical Life Explorations of the Mysticism of Yoga...
The Soul T
he mystical life is a life that is still, but wildly magnificent. It is serious business, but hilarious. It is calm, but filled with every sort of adventure. It is challenging, but overflowing with happiness. One does not even have to leave their living room to embark upon the most outrageous journeys, to be challenged at their deepest levels of being or to become rooted in bliss’ coziest corner. Your living room can become a base of operations for your inner-dimensional travels; your yoga mat is a laboratory and your meditation pillow a launching pad. With some effort, patience and guidance, one can easily explore the soular system and join the ranks of a long lineage of Astralnauts who take responsibility for their own evolution while protecting and facilitating humankind’s evolution.
While it is true that the mystical life is very rewarding, its genuine methods are scarcely available to the collective mind of the general public. The knowledge of the mystical methods can be steeped in secrecy and sometimes purposefully encrypted to cause confusion. It is the legacy and scourge of this present Age of Aquarius that this is so. A large number of mystery schools and esoteric orders allow a long applied service to humanity to become desecrated by the enticements of hierarchy, title and the fleeting rewards of a single earth life. They are the torchbearers and they are responsible for carrying the knowledge of the mysteries (the fire) from the Age of Leo to the Age of Aquarius. It is meant that the knowledge be preserved in its purity and potency to warm and guide us through the dark days of Aquarius. Many of the torchbearers accomplish the task with impeccability, while others allow their flames to dim and become lost to the darkness. With great self-righteous bravado and hegemonic lust, they seek to influence and mislead large portions of humanity with misguided THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
and inappropriately applied occult power. It is really a natural occurrence as they, themselves, become more distant from the Age of Leo (age of enlightenment) and forget why the knowledge is held in exclusivity. To be clear and to help remove confusion, for the non-astrologically oriented readers, I would like to say that the Age of Aquarius is opposite the Age of Leo, opposite to the age of enlightenment. Furthermore, it is co-ruled by Saturn/Uranus** and is not the happy-go-lucky metaphysical land of so many well-meaning, but confused new agers. It is an Age of galactic winter. In its throes, we are subjected to high levels of density, which we naturally respond to by objectifying our lives and materializing our paradigms. We place an emphasis on possessions, measuring, intellection, rationale, reasoning and science causing restrictions on our relationships with each other and the cosmos. It is a time when we struggle to be spiritually sensitive enough to be worthy stewards of our own intelligence, and there is potential to think ourselves into much difficulty; of this fact, there is no lack of evidence. Conversely, it is a time when we can make great progress by intellectualizing our spirituality and vice versa. ** Key words of Saturn = cold, restriction, limitation, definition Key words of Uranus = Unexpectedness, Reactionary, extreme change, uncomfortable
mystical life is broad. It is considerate of the cosmos in its conceptions and encourages us to live in a bigger universe and in a more harmonious way. It is difficult to be in harmony with the universe if you are unaware of the naturally prevalent cosmic conditions. If you don’t know its winter, you might step outside in your bathing suit brrr! Mystically speaking, context is the key. Turning that key takes work and that work should be proper to the Age in which it is done. The second reason is that there is a lot of confusion out there surrounding humanities transition between the Ages. Fears and anxieties are easily exaggerated and then capitalistically, politically, and spiritually exploited. However, on the other end of the spectrum, there are those who are doing no work but expect to receive instant enlightenment due to Omni-present marketing stratagems and a westernized narcissistic sense of entitlement. It is not going to happen. Not one soul will be possessed of a state of being that it has not earned by steady, reincarnational evolution, whether consciously or unconsciously, regardless of a shift in Ages or a single lifetime’s persona-al belief. Life is deeper and richer than that, and when it comes to the soul, we all have twelve tons of work to do. The good news - or the bad news, depending on your view point - is that we have aeons of time and innumerable lifetimes to get it done, but time is a wasting.
The Age of Aquarius is thick, but fast. It is difficult and challenging, but also squirting-out-the-sides ripe with potential, for it is Aquarius that holds the key to our individual and collective enlightenment. It is the confinement of Saturn that sparks the impetus or divine desire for liberation and sends us running for Leo. All of this really needs its own treatment, but I mention it here for two reasons. The first reason is because the over-arching theme of this series is the “Mystical Life”, and the
You may be asking yourself what does any of this have to do with the chakras? Well... it has everything to do with the chakras. It is the chakras that make us relative to the archetypes of the ages. In fact, it is the unfolding of the chakras that create the ages. The archetypes are karmic potentials and the
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& Chakras 2 by Gary Pritchard
Chakras are karma actuators. However, those statements cannot be explained until we have understood more about the chakras themselves. As much as I would prefer these writings to be stand-alone articles from issue to issue, I cannot accomplish it; there is just not enough space in a single issue to give adequate treatment to the subject matters of mysticism. So, I apologize if you are a first time reader of this series, as you are coming into an exploration that is underway. I will give a brief recap of what has already been written, but there will be non-referenced implications in these words. So, as it is proper to this day and age, we will continue to intellectualize our spirituality, modernize our mysticism and develop an adequate conceptual model of the chakras so we can explore the reality of the soul and its function. The Chakras (pronounced cha~kra, “ch” as in charm) are enigmas of the current western collective consciousness and literary environment. This is only partially due to the forces that have already been mentioned and also to the fact that the west has only recently been introduced to the eastern conceptions of chakras and has not had adequate time to assimilate them into its awareness. Furthermore, revealing the chakras as facts requires deep meditational exploration that is measured and well-planned in its approach
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and can take many years for an individual to develop, not to mention a civilization. One goal of this meditational work is to increase sensitivity to the physical plane, as a first step. Ultimately, we must beccome adept at moving awareness around our nervous systems before we are able to gain access to subtler planes and the goings on behind the scenes there. I mention this for two reasons; one, our intellectual comprehensions of the chakras should be validated and further developed by direct experience before they are accepted as fact (a Very Aquarian thing to say). Two, and I know this goes against many eastern teachings, is that the chakras DO have a physical expression as the different nerve plexuses and ganglia of the nervous system coupled with the glands of the endocrine system and the alimentary system. Some eastern teachers deny the physical level of the chakra and claim that the chakras are not physical. I would contest that on the grounds that the chakras are poly-planar entities and that it does not add any experiential, spiritual or mystical credibility to denounce their physical level of expression. However, it is important to realize that neurophysiologic sensitivity to them is not a full revelation of their validity or functioning. Let us not forget that the physical plane is the goal of the unfolding of manifestation, and it is an error to view it as spiritually punitive or intrinsically evil. Our perceptions of it are simply under-evolved and are
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inadequately saturated with the conscious recognition of God’s presence within it. Mystically speaking, the physical plane is the primary arena of our work, and our work is not to run from it for shelter in the higher planes. That is abandoning God and the plan. Instead, our work is to spiritualize the physical plane by gaining repetitive access to the higher planes and returning with a softened karmic expression, deeper cosmic maturity; a compassionate state of being; a refined soul and consciousness; and a hypersensitivity to God’s presence. Then we have to spread it around the Garden. As one of the spiritual preceptors of the holy lineage of Kriya Yoga, Goswami Kriyananda, puts it, “We should put down the dream of man and pick up the vision of God.” Before we move on, let’s revisit the planes for just a moment. The planes of existence in ascending order are the Physical, Etheric, Astral, Mental, Causal, Buddhi Chit and Monadic (see the summer 2010 issue for more contexts). Each plane can be sub-divided into parameters of organizational activity with distinct functional modalities or dimensions, such as the electromagnetic spectrum of light represents a dimension of the physical plane. Alternatively, we can say that the vibration of the note G is a dimension of the physical plane, or maybe we say all sounds are a dimension and smells are another. Perhaps “up” is a dimension; the point is that there are infinite ways to classify the phenomenon of any one of the planes into a plurality of dimensions. Therefore, we can say that a plane of existence is multidimensional and that existence is polyplanar. Bear in mind that there are fewer dimensional complexities per plane as we ascend. They get less complicated but also infinitely more subtle. A chakra is a poly-planar, trans-planar and trans-dimensional energy/mass repository and converter. The difference between poly-planar and trans-planar is subtle, but profound. Understanding the difference is a key to understanding how chakras
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work as converters. The term “polyplanar” is used to suggest that chakras are composed of various processes, functions, forces, laws, interrelations or “parts” of the planes of existence. Transplanar is suggestive of the fact that each plane is host to all other planes (polyplanar hosting) and therefore each planar “part” has validity and function within all the planes. To catch a glimpse of this, consider that right now, you are mentally aware of your physical life, as well as physically aware of your mental life. That state of conditional awareness (Buddhi Chit) is hosted by the imagination (a dimension of the Upper Astral) which is set in motion (Causal) and formed in the shape (Causal) of the subject of that awareness, and simultaneously, that dynamic is co-hosted by the bio-electrochemical (Etheric) of the brain/nervous (Physical) system whose functioning simultaneously informs the imagination and the body of the emotional patterns (dimension of the Lower Astral) connected to the state of mind which changes the quality of sentience (Mental) and the entire feeling tone (dimension of the upper Astral) of your being (polyplanar). Omni present in all of it is you - the simultaneous observer of it all (Monad). We will delve into this trans-planar party we call life, after we have looked more closely at the parts of a chakra. However, do not forget that our personal involvement with these interactions of the planes are happening via the chakras and are what we call experience. More accurately, it is human experience via the human chakra system as distinct from the myriad types of beings created by the planes. In the previous article, we identified seven principal components to the chakras, but we did not include its physical level of expression. When we do so, there will be eight major trans-dimensional parts to a chakra’s anatomy, one for each plane except for the Astral, which has two. Furthermore, I have made some changes to that conceptive model, which I think will improve our intellectual access to the chakras, not to mention that I felt there were some mistakes in that outline. A good beginning model of the chakra’s evolution is to conceive of them as unfolding from the subtlest to the densest levels. So, we can say that the first part of a chakra is the Bindu followed by; The Buddhi Presence, The Causal Transform Moment, The Chit-omic Function, The Pranic Body, The Coronal Atmosphere, Coronal Photonic Ejection Points and the Electromagnetic/Electrochemical Organizations. This suggests a linear development but is not really the “truth” THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
of the situation; it is simply a convenience of conception. The chakras and life are evolving beyond the limits of our physically hosted awareness and beyond the imposition of time and sequenced events, although these are very real dimensions of the lower planes (physical, etheric, astral). Side Note: Time is the condition of consciousness that exists as the recognition of the causal plane’s reflection within the physical plane as a sequential signature; it is a manifestation of living with physical awareness of the causal plane. It gives us a this-then-that-then-that delay to our experience, which, if examined closely, reveals the significance of memory and the full depth of the difficulty of living in the present, but that is another discussion entirely. The Bindu- Any statements made about the Bindu are false confinements at best, but since we are attempting to make the chakras accessible to our intellects, we will have to betray logic and make statements no matter how contradictory or insufficiently they portray the truth. Bindu literally means point or center. Mystically speaking, it is the foci of all of existence, but has no position geometrically. It is transcendent of the confinements of geometry. Geometry does not give validity to the Bindu, but the Bindu allows for the validity of geometry. To capture the essence of such a reality imagine (or better yet, meditate on) the universe as being a sphere of such magnitude that any length of its circumference is a straight line. Of those two imaginary conditions of the universe, neither one is the “truth” of the state of things, yet the imagination’s hosting of such conceptions allows us to cross a barrier from deductive reasoning “thinking” into abstract, intuitional feelings- or better known as realization. As the un-saintly sage (or guerrilla ontologist- the choice is yours) of the Order of Eris, Robert Anton Wilson puts it, “We must be careful not to mistake the map for the territory”! The Bindu is the Monadic Plane level of a chakra. At this level of things, the entirety of the Monadic Plane is the Bindu and there is zero dimensional complexity. This makes it difficult to be able to formulate conceptions that localize it because every Bindu is the same Bindu- there is only one and it cannot be found; it hosts the finding. The Bindu is pure, unconditioned awareness; it has no qualities; it possesses no attributes; it is everywhere and it is nowhere, and anything we say about it is negative. It is that which perceives; it is never perceived. It is pure Being, and oh so subtle. Wiser men than me have called it Eternal and God.
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For the convenience of our conception, we will say that the Bindu is the foundation of a chakra and it occupies the center most position within its anatomy. Chakricly speaking, it has acquired its position by the presence of the causal transform moment, but we will get to that. It is this point, this pure awareness being, which is the substrate of a chakras functioning. Another important realization is that it is the point at which the Sushumna passes through the chakra. Wow, it really is not a far walk upon the path before one realizes the limits of words and thinking. Meditate, Meditate, Meditate. The Buddhi Presence- is the Buddhi Chit Plane level of a Chakra. The buddhi chit, as a planar expression, is not a localization of a phenomenon, nor does it have substance to speak of; it is a type of no-thing some-thing. It is transcendent of qualities. It has no position, width, breadth, depth, duration or direction. The buddhi chit plane is pure comprehension. It is awareness beholding of its self and producing uni-conditional consciousness while, simultaneously, giving expression to the first dimensional complexity within a plane. It is a type of super-subtle selfawareness of such simplicity that words are unable to communicate the truth of it. In particular, and unfortunately, the word “self-awareness” is completely inadequate and somewhat misleading. My caution is to be careful not to be deceived by the language and confuse this type of selfawareness with the dross nature of our enshrouded personal-consciousness. The word “comprehension” is the best I can come up with at this time, but I caution you not to confuse it with “understanding”; it is meant to communicate something infinitely more subtle than that. Existence is another word that I feel is relevant, but not entirely accurate. It is a type of existence that is unmanifested and without context. When we start to consider the buddhi chit plane’s contribution to the makeup of a chakra, we need to remember that the causal plane has organizational (because of ploy-planar hosting) influence and does give the buddhi presence a defined role within the chakras operations. This is not meant to suggest that the causal transform moment can alter the “Truth” of the buddhi chit plane; it is only meant to give distinction, albeit falsely, between the plane and the part. In terms of chakric anatomy, and in the context of our model, we should imagine that the Buddhi Presence does not have a localized position in a chakra. Instead, we should imagine it as a permeation WINTER 2011
of super-subtle self-awareness or pure comprehension. It fills the entirety of the chakra’s anatomy and provides the existence factor for that chakras hosting of the multi-dimensional complexities of the other planes contributions to its anatomy. The Causal Transform Moment- is the Causal Plane Level of a Chakra. It is at this plane where dimensional complexity is significantly enhanced and life is conceived. However, before we give this component of a chakra some treatment, let us examine the causal plane a little further. In the summer issue of TYC, we looked at the causal plane as being “the projector of pure potential and the will of God.” I think that imagery is still suitable to our model of the chakras, but does need further development. Calling the causal plane the projector of pure potential is a slight misconception, however. I feel that we can improve the conception by saying that it is where potential is conceived. We get everything from motion to quantities; from shape to time; from direction to karma; from position to qualities; from archetypes to patterns and so on from this plane. There is not an expression in all of life that does not bear the signatures of the causal plane’s potentials. We could just as accurately call it the potential plane. All potential is the derivative of a single event of which the causal plane is simultaneously the host to and outcome of; it is the original Immaculate Conception. The event is a shift from pure, unconditioned awareness (being) to the state of supersubtle awareness of awareness, or selfcomprehension (existence). Words here are again elusive to be able to express the delicacy of this event. The word shift is like a nuclear explosion in comparison to the subtlety of the actuality, which is ironic because the reflection of this event, within the physical plane, is what we try to understand as the Big Bang! Never the less, it is this happening, this event, that is the origin of all manifest phenomenon. The quintessence of the shift is pure unqualified, unquantified motion, and it is this pure motion that originates all potentials. Because there is a motion there is implicit duration, direction, space, force, quality, quantity, geometry, etc. the list could continue ad infinitum and the causal plane is host to the development of these potentials.
actualize it fully. Imagine it this way: the causal plane is not the place where the potential is actualized, it only provides the potential for there to be such a thing as place. Similarly, the causal plane is not subjected to the confinements of time, but it subjects all other planes to its rule of sequence. It is pure influence and the originator of influence. This is why I say that the causal plane is the will of God. If we define Will as “the ability to originate influence”, than you will see the reasoning, because that is what the causal plane does; it conceives diverse potentials that originate influence. It causes; and in the process of the unfolding of the potentials, it creates Life by establishing context for existence. It is the Beginning. A fair statement about the causal plane like “the causal plane does not have locality it only conceives the potential for there to be locality” should not be applied to the causal transform moment part or our chakric model. I say this because it is at this chakric level where we cross a threshold and are now talking about a “something”. Obviously, the something is a chakra and the chakra gets its some-thingness from the causal plane, so an actualization is implied which gives context to the causal plane’s contribution to the chakra. The causal transform moment then is the cause of its own existence. This
Unfortunately, I have to bring this season’s discussion to an end, and we will have to sum up this exploration of the chakras more than I was hoping. However, when we are done exploring the generic parts of the chakras, we will only be just beginning. After that, we will have to explore how they work to “give shape, quality, condition and function to consciousness.” Then we have to discuss techniques for using them to refine the Soul. Overall, I sense that in the end we will all be able to have a deeper appreciation of the science of yoga, an enriched mystical life and it will have unfolded exactly as it should have. Namaste…
Gary Pritchard is an unexpected (and unsuspected) esotericist and practitioner of the mystical arts of Kriya and Laya Yoga. He has been participating in all types of cosmic schmuckery for many moons - expanding this, contracting that - twisting here, stretching there. He has made more mistakes than one should care to admit. He has fallen, battered and bruised from the path, but never once has not swiftly returned with more determination. He is unqualified to teach but hopes that he is heard. On his worst days, he is completely and utterly human, and on his best days, he is even more human!
A key to intellectually grasping this concept is to realize that the pure potential that is conceived within the causal plane is not entirely actualized upon the causal plane; it requires the rest of the planes to ISSUE # 5
goes back to the Immaculate Conception phenomenon; causally speaking everything is the outcome of its own cause and the cause of its own outcome. The causal transform moment is just that- the moment of transformation. It is the moment when a chakra begins its existence, takes on shape and expresses qualities as the actualization of causal potential. It is what gives the chakra its boundaries, functions, qualities, etc., but it is not the medium of their conduction. That requires the involvement of the other planes. To give our imaginations some access, we can visualize it as being a spark of divine radiance that exists in a state of relational perpetuity between the Bindu and the buddhi presence. It may be useful to conceptualize it as a permeation as well; a permeation with influence.
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Inner Vision
Just recently, I learned her full story. I knew that as a “Type A” personality, she was very driven and that she loved to “work out” her stress. Kathryn began practicing yoga after a friend had told her that she would burn more calories in a Bikram Yoga class than she could ever burn by “pounding the pavement.” After her first class, she was addicted, lying there drenched in sweat, stoked to discover a new way of physical exertion that could, in her words “kick her butt”. More often than not, we have to be very careful what we ask for in the world, and the intensity upon which we ask for it. When Kathryn decided she loved to have her butt kicked she never expected what was to come.
By Adriane Ehmann
Kathryn Visser
For years, Kathryn practiced to bend deeper and sweat more than anyone else in the class. She celebrated the solstice by performing 108 Sun Salutations. She followed this by participating in two yoga classes, a 12-mile run, and a wake board session. Her day ended with a broken hip, forever changing her view on yoga and on life. After years of practice, she no longer had the ability to beat herself into the ground; her body was declaring it had had enough. She lay in bed, unable to abuse her body physically, and feeling a total lack of identity. As it tends to happen in transformational periods in life, she began to ask questions and the answers came. Others began to reach out to her, offering to help her and give her time and knowledge that she could use to grow and transform. Tomi Simpson, a local Yoga instructor, offered her therapeutic yoga sessions, coming to her apartment to help her move her body. David Moats, also a local yoga instructor, began to pursue her, and his kindness won her heart. With compassion, he taught her the concept of moderation in life and has been a continual support in her life. After nine years, Kathryn’s yoga practice is about the evolution of herself, rather than an ass-kicking. “I wish I could say that I learned my lesson. I wish I could say that I never take a yoga class for exercise, that I never over-do it. But, I can’t. I can say, however, that for the first time in my life, I can choose to stay at home and rest instead of cutting off traffic to make it to the studio. I can choose a slow-paced, reflective style class over a rigorous workout. I can be present and enjoy the miracle that life really is.” Kathryn prays to her life through her practice and through her teaching. She loves what she does and it shows. As a yoga instructor, she leads her classes with inspiration, challenging her students to look deep within and to be fearless about the process of doing so.
“I’m finally listening to the inner me. I’m teaching from my heart, and not my ego, hoping that as I stumble along my own path, I can help others hear their own voice.”
Yoga has brought her awareness. Though some days it is easy for her to switch back to her coping mechanism of running herself in to the ground, she is now able to see that pattern, giving herself the space to evolve. Because of her honesty in telling her story, and her openness to see her own stuff and move through it, she is an inspiration to her students, her friends, her peers, and her loved ones.
Welcome to the Present Moment An Interview with local yoga instructor, Kathryn Visser
“I’m finally listening to the inner me. I’m teaching from my heart, and not my ego, hoping that as I stumble along my own path, I can help others hear their own voice.”
I consider myself lucky to know this woman, very lucky in fact! She is a beautiful creature that is not fearful of walking though the fire of life and coming out transformed on the other side. I met Kathryn in our first Yoga Teacher Training and though we did not hit it off right away, we slowly grew a beautiful connection. With fascination, free from the knowledge of her story, I would watch her practice, dedicated to everything around her.
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You can find Kathryn at Breathe Yoga, Treetop Yoga, and Miramont Lifestyle Fitness. She has pursued Ashtanga Yoga and has worked with Tim Miller who inspired her to drop the “story” of her life, including the moments she has been wildly successful and the moments upon which she has fallen victim. She is now free, in a space where she is present and aware.
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WINTER 2011
Winter Solstice written by Joe Zahn
Somehow, perversely perhaps, the winter solstice is a day I look forward to. Perhaps it is imprinted deep within us somewhere, this primordial expectation; that on that day, the sun begins its steady, inexorable travel back to our northern climes. Of course, through the ages, and across continents and cultures, the solstice was cause for celebration. In ancient cultures, the days preceding the solstice were a dreaded time. With waning light and heat from the sun and the ever-present prospect of the shortage of food, it is no wonder our ancients rejoiced with jubilation that the sun would in fact, not continue dropping ever lower into the southern sky. The solstice was the fulcrum point from which the world swung from scarcity to abundance. We are living today in a world where scarcity seems the norm. There are not enough jobs, not enough security, not a lot, well, of almost anything. Perhaps, not even, enough cowbell. And, not unlike the ancients before the time that they figured out that, in fact, the sun would shine again upon them; we do not know when the figurative sun of abundance will shine on our modern planet. We cannot, as a single living organism, change the scarcity in the world in an instant. We can, however, choose whether we wish to come from an inner place of scarcity, or an inner place of abundance. If we come from a place of scarcity, we reduce the world, our world particularly, to a zero sum game. In other words, for me to have abundance, I must wreak scarcity on another. Or, we can come from a place of abundance. If we come from a place of abundance, we play for the win-win,
not the, “I win, you lose” proposition. Even if we ourselves are struggling through our own scarcity, there is much we have in abundance. Sharing a smile, making a call to a friend who is having the worst of it, are ways we can literally create abundance. As we approach a time of transition to both figurative and literal abundance, I would leave you with this; a quote I came across recently and which I try each day to incorporate it into my worldview:
“Be kind, everyone one you meet is fighting a great battle.” Joe Zahn is a local business consultant and selfprofessed life long “student of everything”. He finds much in ancient Eastern philosophy beneficial to application in our modern world.
Christy Obie, RYT
yoga instruction group and private 970.219.9906 fort collins, co obiechristy@gmail.com
V
inyasa Flow with Beth O’Brien
New classes begin January 25 and continue every Tuesday from 5 to 6 PM at the Yoga Center of Fort Collins, 210 E Oak Street. This class will move at a mindful pace, linking breathing and movement. Yoga experience is helpful but not necessary. Join us in standing, sitting, and inversion poses that transform mind, body, and spirit. Contact Beth at 970-491-9689.
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Breathe Deeply YOGA & PILATES
CENTER
AT THE RAINTREE ATHLETIC CLUB
www.RaintreeAthleticClub.com | 970.490.1300 2555 S. Shields Street | Fort Collins, CO 80526
Mention this ad for a free Yoga or Pilates class. THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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WINTER 2011
HEALTH & WELL-BEING DIRECTORY Yoga & Pilates Studios
Therapists
Bikram Old Town 159 W. Mountain Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80542 (970) 472-5700 www.bikramyoga.com
Treetop Yoga 115 N. College Ave., Ste. 200 Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 484-0828 www.treetopyogastudio.com
Breathe Yoga 353 W. Drake Rd. Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 223-9642 www.gotoyoga.com
Yoga Adobe Vickie McLane Berthoud, CO (970) 498-0490 www.yogaadobe.com
CorePower Yoga 2700 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 224-4615 www.corepower.com
Yoga Center of Fort Collins 210 E. Oak Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 231-0496 www.yogacenterfortcollins.com
Earthniight Studios Ayurveda Clinic & Yoga Studio (530) 305-7439 niight@earthniightstudios.org www.earthniightstudios.org Fort Collins Club 1307 E. Prospect Rd. Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 224-2582 www.fortcollinsclub.net Loveland Yoga & Core Fitness 100 E. 3rd St. Loveland, CO 80537 (970) 292-8313 www.lovelandyogacorefitness.com
Yoga Teachers Adriane Ehmann Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer Fort Collins, CO bodybreakthroughs@gmail.com (970) 776-6731 Beth Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Yoga Instructor Fort Collins, CO e-mail: wattsbeth@comcast.net (970) 491-9689 Christy Obie Yoga Instructor Fort Collins, CO e-mail: obiechristy@gmail.com (970) 556-3050
Miramont - Main 901 Oakridge Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 282-1000 www.miramontlifestyle.com
Janna Pijoan Yoga Teacher 700 West Mountain Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 222-8528
Old Town Athletic Club 351 Linden St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 493-7222 www.oldtownathletic.com
Michael Lloyd-Billington Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer Fort Collins, CO 80526 Website: http://alternativepersonaltraining.bravehost.com/ E-mail: michaelmadhavan@hotmail.com
Old Town Yoga 237 1/2 Jefferson Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 222-2777 www.oldtownyoga.com Raintree Athletic Club 2555 S. Shields Street Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 490-1300 www.raintreeathleticclub.com
ISSUE # 5
Om Counseling and Yoga Gwyn Tash, M.S., RYT, CMI 706 East Stuart Street Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 690-1045 www.omcounselingandyoga.com Sarada Erickson Om Ananda Yoga Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 581-8825 www.omanandayoga.com
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The Chiropractic Wellness Center Lori Krauss & Simon Dove 1302 S. Shields, #A1-3 (970) 224-5006 www.MyFortCollinsChiropractor.com Colorado Center for Living Arts Celeste Magnuson, 500 South Whitcomb Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 472-0995 www.coloradolivingarts.com Embody Change LIfestyle Coaching Kathleen Jones www.embodychangecoaching.com e-mail: embodychange@yahoo.com (970) 218-8878 Lauri Pointer, HTCP/I 210 E. Oak Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 484-2211 www.LauriPointer.com Om Counseling and Yoga Gwyn Tash, M.S., RYT, CMI 706 East Stuart Street Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 690-1045 www.omcounselingandyoga.com Pivotal Wellness 4021 S. College Ave., Suite B Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 266-0003 www.pivotalwellness.com Sharon Greenlee Professional Counselor Consultant Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 224-1810 E-mail: sharongr104@aol.com Source Point Community Acupuncture 210 E. Oak Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 689-3760 www.sourcepointcommunity.com Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic 700 West Mountain Avenue Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 416-0444 www.tcmclinic.org
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Raintree Athletic Club
NORTHERN COLORADO CLASS SCHEDULES
2555 S. Shields Street, Fort Collins, CO 80526 (970) 490-1300 www.raintreeathleticclub.com Monday
class schedules are subjecct to change- please verify before attending
Winter 2011
10:30-11:45am
Hatha Yoga
Beth
YPC
12-1:15pm
Hatha Yoga
Jim
YPC
Colleen
S-2
5-6:15pm
Yoga for Runners/Hikers/Bikers
6-7:15pm
Anjali Restorative Yoga
Kathleen YPC (V)
6:30-7:30pm
Tai Chi
Ken
S-2
8:30-9:30am
Pilates
Jenny
YPC
9-10:15am
Prana Vinyasa Flow
Kimberly S-2
10-11:15am
Yin Yoga
Faith
YPC (V)
10:30-11:45am
Gentle Yoga
Marsha
S-2
Tuesday
Loveland Yoga & Core Fitness 100 E. 3rd St., Loveland, CO 80537 (970) 292-8313 www.lovelandyogacorefitness.com
Monday 9:15-10:15am
Fitness Fusion
Amy
12-1pm
Pilates
Helene
YPC (V)
12-1pm
Vinyasa
Jennifer
4:15-5:30pm
Gentle/Restorative Yoga
Marsha
YPC (V)
4:30-5:30pm
Vinyasa L-1
Christi
6-7pm
Gentle Yoga
Kristen
6-7:15pm
Hatha Yoga
Paige
YPC
7:30-8:30pm
Candlelight Yoga
Kristen
Wednesday
Tuesday
8-9:15am
Breathing Into Yoga
Kathy
YPC
9:30-10:45am
Hatha Yoga
Faith
YPC
12-1:15pm
Hatha Yoga
Jim
YPC (V)
1:30-2:45pm
Yoga for People Living w/ Cancer
Faith
YPC
9-10am
Gentle Yoga
Debra
12-1pm
Yoga Tone & Sculpt
Christi
4:30-5:30pm
Vinyasa
Kristen
6-7pm
Fusion Flow
Christi
5:30-6:30pm
Vinyasa Yoga
Alex
YPC (V)
6:30-7:30pm
Pilates
Jenny
S-2
8:45-9:45am
Well Yoga
Marcy
Thursday
12-1pm
Vinyasa
Jill
5:30-6:30am
Pilates
Jenny
S-2
4:30-5:30pm
Detox Flow
Christi
8:30-9:30am
Pilates w/ props
Lee
YPC (V)
6-7pm
Slow Flo
Mo
10-11:15am
Hatha Yoga
Jim
YPC (V)
7:30-8:30pm
Candlelight Yoga
Jennifer
12-1:15pm
Yin Yoga
Faith
YPC
6-7pm
Heated Power Yoga
Alex
S-2
6-7:15pm
Hatha Yoga
Tamara
YPC
6:30-7:45am
Yoga w/ Weights
Colleen
S-2
8-9:15am
Breathing Into Yoga
Kathy
YPC (V)
9-10:15am
Prana Vinyasa Flow
Kimberly S-2
10-11:15am
Hatha Yoga
Jim
YPC (V)
Wednesday
Thursday 9-10am
Gentle Yoga
Christi
12-1pm
Yoga Tone & Sculpt
Christi
4:30-5:30pm
Vinyasa
Kim
6-7pm
Fusion Flow
Kim
Vinyasa L-1
Jennifer
Detox Flow
Christi
12-1pm
Pilates
Helene
YPC (V)
Yoga Tone & Sculpt
Christi
5-6pm
Anusara Inspiredâ&#x201E;˘ Yoga
Tomi
S-2
10-11am
Vinyasa
Kristen
8:30-9:45am
Hatha Yoga
Kate
YPC (V)
5:30-6:30pm
Lunar Flow
Christi
9-10:15am
Gentle/Beginning Yoga
Paige
S-2
10-11:15am
Yin Yoga
Faith
YPC
9:00-10:15am
Intro to Vinyasa Yoga
Emily
YPC
10:30-11:45am
Hatha Yoga
Jim
YPC
Friday
Friday 9:15-10:15am Saturday 7:45-8:45am 9-10am Sunday
Saturday
Yoga Classes with Janna Pijoan
Sunday
700 W. Mountain Ave, Ft. Collins, CO 80521 (970) 222-8528 Tuesday 3:30-5pm
Beginner Yoga
Janna
5:30-7pm
Intermediate Yoga
Janna
*RAC Membership w/ Yoga & Pilates Center add-on: includes all classes listed on this schedule
Saturday 9-10:30am
Intermediate Yoga
THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
*Yoga & Pilates Center Membership: includes all classes on this schedule.
Janna
*V: Voucher Required. Available at Front Desk
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WINTER 2011
Yoga Center of Fort Collins
Old Town Yoga
210 E. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 231-0496 www.yogacenterfortcollins.com
237 1/2 Jefferson Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 222-2777 www.oldtownyoga.com
Monday
Monday
9:30-11am
Level 2 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
12-1pm
Level 1 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
4-5pm
Special Issues (call Cathy) Cathy
5:30-7pm
Level 3 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
7:15-8:30pm
Level 1-2 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
9-10:15am
Vinyasa Flow - All Levels
Mo
5-6pm
Vinyasa Yoga Flow
Beth
6:15-7:15pm
Anusara Yoga
Tomi
Tuesday
Level 2 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
12-1pm
Level 1 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
6-7:30pm
Level 1-2 Iyengar Yoga
Cathy
Sunrise Yoga
Mike
9-10:15am
Slow Flow
Adriane
12-1pm
Viniyoga
Amy
4:30-5:15pm
Kids Yoga
Patti Sterns
7-8:15pm
Yin Yoga
Alan
9-10:15am
Integral Yoga - All Levels
Michael
12-1pm
PranaUP
Samantha
5:30-6:45pm
All Levels Vinyasa
Gwyn
7-8:15pm
All Levels Hatha
Rachael
7:30-8:45pm
Restorative Yoga for Athletes
Samantha
Tuesday
Wednesday 9:30-11am
7-8am
Wednesday 7:30-8:30am
Sunrise Yoga
Mike
9-10:15am
Pilates Mat Class
Marissa
12-1pm
Yoga in your 50’s & Beyond
Nina
5:30-6:45pm
Yoga for Strength
Somer
7-8:15pm
All Levels Hatha
Sarada
7:15-8:30pm
Viniyoga
Barb
8-9pm
Yoga for Climbers
Samantha
9-10:15am
All Levels Vinyasa
Gwyn
12-1pm
PranaUP
Samantha
Monday
5:30-6:45pm
Energy Flow
Stephanie
8-9am
Rise and ShineYoga
Kristen
7-8:15pm
Beginners Yoga
Adriane
9-10am
Pre-ballet 1 (ages 3-4)
Deneice
Friday
10-11am
Pre-ballet 2 (ages 5-6)
Deneice
9-10:15am
Slow Flow
Adriane
8-9am
Rise and ShineYoga
Kristen
12-1pm
Viniyoga
Amy
9-10am
Yoga
George
4-5:15pm
Yoga & Meditation
Krista
4-5pm
Ballet/Tap
Deneice
5:30-6:30pm
Prenatal Yoga
Sarada
5-6pm
Kids Yoga
Deneice
6-7:15pm
Friday Night Flow w/ music
Jake
8-9am
Rise and ShineYoga
Kristen
11-12pm
Tai Chi
Kurt
9-10:15am
Viniyoga
Shannon
12-1pm
Yoga
Victoria
10:30-11:45am
Beginner’s Yoga Basics
Stephanie
4-5pm
Prenatal Yoga
Cheryl
12-1:15pm
Energy Flow
Stephanie
5:30-6:45pm
Inner Fire Flow
Claire
Thurday 5:30-7pm
Level 1 Iyengar Yoga
7:15-8:30pm Restorative Yoga (begins 12/23, check website)
Connie Connie
Saturday 9:30-11am
Restorative Yoga
Connie
(Last Saturday each month, check website)
Thursday
Pivotal Wellness
4021 S. College Ave., Suite B, Ft. Collins, CO 80525 (970) 266-0003 www.pivotalwellness.com
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Thursday 9-10am
Body Sculpt
Julia
Sunday
12-1pm
Intermediate Vini Yoga
Jamye
9-10:30am
Ashtanga
Dana
5:30-6:30pm
Vini Yoga
Cheryl
10:45-11:45am
Stretch & Relax
Jeannie
12-1:15pm
Integral Yoga
Michael
5:30-6:45
Happy Hips
Stephanie
Friday 9-10am
Yoga
George
Saturday 10-11am
Boot Camp
Julia
11-12pm
Beginner Vini Yoga
Jamye
ISSUE # 5
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
Treetop Yoga
115 N. College Ave., Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 484-0828 www.treetopyogastudio.com Monday 8-9:30am 9:30-11am 11:30-12:50pm 5:30-6:50pm 7-8:30pm
Vinyasa I ($6) Dancing from the Heart Intuitive Vinyasa I Kriya Yoga Shambhava Yoga
Nell Mairi-Jane Fox Ena Kate Erin
Tuesday 7:30-8:30am Nia (beginning in January) Liza 10-11:30am Intuitive Vinyasa I/II Ena (with childcare) 12-12:45pm Lunch Vinyasa ($6) Chris 4:20-5:20pm Young Mens Teen Yoga Chris (4 week sessions) 5:30-6:50pm Ashtanga Improv Kathryn Wednesday 9:30-10:50am Anusara Yoga Tomi/Stacey (4 week sessions w/ rotating teachers ) 11:15-12:15pm Mommy and Me Yoga Ena (4 week sessions) 4:20-5:20pm Kids Yoga Alissa 5:30-6:50pm Prenatal Yoga (max 8) Alissa (4 week sessions) 5:30-6:30pm
Nia (beginning in January)
Liza
7-8:30pm
Yin Yoga
Alan
Thursday 10-11:30am Intuitive Vinyasa I/II Ena (with Yoga Nidra .... and with childcare) 4:20-5:20pm Young Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teen Yoga Ena (4 week sessions) 5:30-6:50pm Intro to Yoga Barb (6-week series, begins Jan. 13 - must pre-register) 5:30-6:45pm Yoga in Everyday Living Michael (6 week sessions, #1 Kleshas Jan-6-Feb 10) Friday 10-10:45am Pre-Schooler Yoga (3-5 yrs.) Alissa (4 week sessions) 6:30-8pm Satsung Michael (last Friday of each month) Saturday 8:30-9:50am Ebb and Flow David Sunday 9:30-10:45am Shambhava Yoga Aramati 11-12:20pm Ashtanga Improv Dana
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Honor the Past, Embrace the Present, Envision the Future: Yoga, Journaling, and Meditation – Saturday, January 1st from 1-3pm at Old Town Yoga with Mo Geraghty. Ring in the New Year with this special celebration. Take the time to reflect on the last year, create a positive mindset and heartfelt vision for 2011, and learn to take the power of BEing present into a part of every day. Start the year off with a gift to yourself. You deserve it. $25
Meditation Teacher Training – Sundays, February 6th - March 13th from 9-12:30pm … Become certified to teach Shambhava meditation. 30 hour Yoga Alliance registered course. Developed especially for practitioners of yoga to share the profound experience of meditation with others. $400 prior to 1/23, $450 after 1/23 with payment plans available. Register online at www.shambavayoga. org or contact Sarada for more information … 970-581-8825.
Yoga Philosophy for Daily Living: The Five “Obstacles to Peace” & How to Transform Them – Thursdays, starting January 6th from 5:30-6:45pm at Treetop Yoga; In this special six-week series, you will explore the classic Yogic teachings on the obstacles to peace (false knowledge, egoism, attachment, aversion and fear) with particular emphasis on practical ways we can apply these insights at work, with family & with ourselves. All backgrounds welcome. To pre-register, call 970-484-0828.
Balance the Chakras through Yoga, taught by Beth O’Brien—Sunday, February 6th from 2-4 pm at the Raintree Athletic Club. Learn to balance the chakras through a series of yoga poses and guided meditation. This class promotes healing and opens the energy centers of the body. Join us to soothe your senses, quiet your mind, and restore physical and emotional balance. Cost $30. Dr. Beth O’Brien is a certified yoga instructor and licensed psychologist specializing in health and wellness. For more info and to reserve your space, call Beth at (970) 491-9689.
Living Yoga Immersion with Michael Lloyd-Billington – Saturdays, January 8th– March 6th from 10-2:30pm at Old Town Yoga … In this special, nine-week program, you’ll have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the primary practices and teachings of the Yoga tradition. Whether you’d like to experience better health, improved mindfulness, or greater peace, this is an opportunity to deepen your practice and enrich both your life and the lives of those around you. All levels of experience and background are welcome. $395 if paid by January 1st $415 after. Investment includes the full 9 weeks and 36 hours of training including all handouts. Questions? Contact Old Town Yoga at 222-2777
Intro to Ayurveda and Vinyasa for your Dosha with Dr. Saraswati Buhrman, Ph.D and Ena Burrud, CYT – YTOC Hosted Workshop on Saturday, February 12th from 10:302:30pm at Treetop Yoga. $55, early bird discount $45.
Yoga for Depression Workshop with Ena Burrud – Saturday, January 8th from 1-3:30pm at Treetop Yoga; Using tools from yoga and western psychology, plus Ayurveda, this class provides support for acute and chronic depression. Learn to identify mental, psycho-spiritual and biochemical causes and how to naturally comfort yourself through those difficult periods. Includes discussion, practice, and take-home materials. $30
The MahaDevis with Dr. John Casey, Ph.D from Loyola Marymount University in LA – Saturday, February 26th from 10:30-2:30pm at Treetop Yoga. $60, Early Bird $55.
Yin Yoga Workshop with Alan Starner – Saturday, February 19th from 3:30-6pm at Treetop Yoga … A yin yoga practice can bring much needed balance to an overworked, over-stressed life. Based on the Taoist approach to yoga, this workshop will focus on the slow, deep stretches of Yin Yoga. Contact Alan for more information … 231-0394
Anjali Restorative Yoga – Mondays from 6-7:15pm at Raintree Athletic Club … Anjali Restorative yoga invites the student into spine-lengthening poses held by blankets and bolsters within an atmosphere of poetic language, aromatherapy, and soothing music, evoking a profound sense of well-being. The perfect counterbalance to our busy lives. $14/class, free to members. All levels and abilities. Space is limited, call 970-490-1300 to register.
Yoga, Meditation, and Journaling with Mo Geraghty – 12 week series begins Sunday, January 9th from 12- 1:30pm at Old Town Yoga. $129 for 12 week series, If pre-paid by December 20th - $119, if prepaid by December 10th - $109. Call to register 970-685-2700
MindBody Workshop Series with Jennifer Caragol and Kathleen Jones - Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm at Raintree Athletic Club. Experience deepened connection with body, mind, & spirit in this workshop series that weaves together teachings on the chakras, reflective writing, centering practices, vinyasa, and restorative yoga. $15/week. All levels, drop-ins welcome. 970-218-8878 or embodychange@yahoo.com
Awakening the Divine Hero Within with r.r. Shakti – Three part series: Saturdays, December 11th, January 22nd and February 26th from 1-3pm at Old Town Yoga … This three-part yoga workshop series will take you on a journey through your chakras as you explore the threefold qualities of the divine nature within you: Balanced Stability, Creative Radiance, and Infinite Potential. Each class is $25 pre-pay, $30 at the door or purchase the 3-part workshop for $60. Contact Old Town Yoga at 227-2777 for more information
Specialty Workshops and Classes hosted by Gwyn Tash … Restorative Yoga Mini-Workshop, Yogaah Min-Retreats, Body Image, and Self Esteem for Women, and others. Dates to be announced. Check web site (www.omcounselingandyoga.com) for updates or e-mail Gwyn at gwyn.tash@comcast.net to be put on mailing list.
Yoga Ball Fusion Workshop with Angie Noe: Release your Hips and Spine – Saturday, January 22nd from 1-3pm at Treetop Yoga … Treetop and Angie Noe invite you to come experience Yoga Ball Fusion. Come check out this dynamic and innovative fusion of yoga and stability ball. Work on balance, toning and stretching. Bring a friend. $25. Call and reserve your spot today … 970-484-0828.
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THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
The Gratitude Cycle by Alan Starner
I have noticed a cycle in my own life. It starts with being grateful for all of the gifts I have been given, the friends, lifestyle, and even the challenges. Having gratitude gives me a sense of ease and happiness. This in turn helps me to access my intuition, and I make better choices; my life seems to get better when I am feeling gratitude. As my life gets better, at first I just appreciate how well things are going. Soon, I start to take things for granted. If I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t catch myself, eventually I start to take credit for the improved circumstances of my life. I start thinking how smart, talented, and wise I am. As I shift into ego consciousness, I listen less to my intuition, and my choices are less than optimal. Soon the circumstances of my life take a turn for the worse. As I face these more difficult circumstances, I am compelled into a position of humility and my ego shrinks back down. I may feel sad or depressed. As ego quiets down, I can hear the small voice of my intuition again. I start being grateful for the little things. Soon my circumstances start to improve, and I am back to the beginning of the cycle again. Thus goes the cycle between gratitude and ego. I do not think there is some being in the sky trying to punish me for getting â&#x20AC;&#x153;too big for my britchesâ&#x20AC;?. I think it is a natural consequence of tuning out my intuition and the choices I then make.
Gratitude I have observed this cycle in myself many times, and even knowing and understanding the cycle, I still get caught drifting into ego. I am assuaged by the fact that I’m starting to catch the cycles earlier, before they go as deep. As I wrote about last issue in “Who’s Driving the Bus”, we all can choose our attitude about life, and I endeavor to choose gratitude.
I’m grateful for this planet, for there is so much beauty everywhere that it’s easy to take for granted.
Not only have I seen these cycles in myself, but I have seen them in other people as well. I have often wondered about seeing someone who seems to have everything, yet is ungrateful for it; could this just be me observing him or her at the top of the cycle? In some people, these cycles seem to last for years (or lifetimes?). I am grateful that for me, they cycle much faster.
I’m grateful for my inner guidance, for without it I would be lost and confused.
These cycles happen within relationships as well. Usually a love relationship will start with a mutual appreciation and gratitude for finding the other; the other’s presence in our life is seen as a gift. Although some people seem to be able to maintain this state, for many of us, we cycle into taking the other person for granted, and even hostile if they are not fulfilling our needs. Once that happens, it becomes much more difficult for the other person to maintain their appreciation and gratitude, and the relationship deteriorates. The good news is all that needs to be done is to find gratitude for all of the good things in the relationship, hold that attitude for a few weeks, and see what happens! Although we cannot control other people, we do have some control of our attitude and where we put out attention. I have been making it a daily practice to find gratitude for all of the great things in my life. According to the latest in brain research, “neurons that fire together, wire together”, so establishing a practice of being grateful can literally change your brain, which can in turn, change your life. I would like to close with a poem that I wrote as I was pulling out of the ego phase of the cycle and back into the gratitude phase:
I’m grateful for all those who have taught me, for without them I would know so little.
I’m grateful for life being temporary, for that reminds me to live each moment to its fullest and appreciate the experience. I’m grateful for all those who have hurt me, for the pain has compelled me to dive deeper and be more compassionate. I’m grateful for the shame I feel as a result of causing pain to others, for it keeps me humble and aware. I am grateful for all of my mistakes and failures, for I have learned so much from them. I’m grateful for all the challenges I have faced and will continue to face, for these help me to build strength of character. I am grateful for all of my friends, for they make the journey worthwhile. I am grateful for my lovers, for they make life so sweet. I am grateful for all the love I have received, and for those who have allowed me to love them.
Alan Starner has been studying Eastern and Western spiritual teachings for over 30 years, and teaching yoga for the past 8 years. He is currently focused on yoga philosophy with an emphasis on Rajanaka.
Once Upon a Yogi Time
O
nce upon a yogi time, a couple lived happily together in a country that had an unjust king. The king became jealous of their happiness and threw the man into a prison tower. When his wife came to the tower at night to comfort him, the man called down to her that she should return the next night with a long, silken thread, a strong thread, a cord, a rope, a beetle, and some honey. Although puzzled by the request, the wife returned the next evening with all the items. Her husband then asked her to tie the silken thread to the beetle and smear honey onto its antennae. She should then place the beetle on the tower wall with its head facing upward. Smelling the honey, the beetle started to climb up the tower in expectation of finding more of it, dragging the silken thread as it did so. When it reached the top of the tower, the man took hold of the silken thread and called down to his wife that she should tie the strong thread to the other end. Pulling the strong thread up, he secured it also and instructed her further to tie the cord to the other end. Once he had the cord, the rest happened quickly. With the rope attached to the cord, he pulled it up, secured one end of it and, climbing down, escaped to freedom. The couple are, of course, yogis. The prison tower represents conditioned existence. The silken thread symbolizes the purifying of the body through asana. The strong thread represents pranayama, breath extension, the cord symbolizes meditation, and the rope stands for samadhi, the state of pure being. Once this rope is held, freedom from conditioned existence is possible. THE YOGA CONNECTION MAGAZINE
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