6/3/05
Dear student,
I hope this letter finds you
well .
I apologize for the delay in
this newsletter. Significant technical difficulties severley cramped my style
these last weeks. It is humbling to realize how dependent we are on technologies
that weren't on the radar screen just a few years ago.
Spring seems to have finally
appeared after some reluctance these las weeks. As we begin this time of
great potential enjoyment of the outdoors I offer the cautionary note that
common sense in building up to increased activity. I hope you will
keep your Yoga practice in the forefront to help stay balanced and strong
for all that you will be doing this summer.
The schedule of classes is
attached. !!!A special schedule
NON-change--the Sunday
AM Yoga class at Raven's Wing Yoga will remain at
9:30am
!! All other classes also remain at their usual times
as per the schedule. For more information check my website at www.creativeedgeyoga.com.
Bring a friend to Yoga! For
the summer series—bring a new student and get $13.00(10 per cent) off the full
eleven week series rate.
The spring workshop series
went well.
Ana Brett and Ravi Singh again were a hit with the "Journey Through
the Chakras" Kundalini Yoga experience. As usual the energy and tremendous
and the room was rockin’--in a yogic way, of course. Thanks to
Ravi
and Ana! Thanks also to Sally at Raven's wing for the
great space and atmosphere.
Ravi
and Ana will be returning this fall on October 23rd so
be sure to set aside the date!
The Posture, Pain and
Performance series continues to be a great success. While each session is based
on the fundamentals and meaning of postural alignment to our wellness throughout
the lifespan, each session has taken on its own characteristic based upon the
needs of those present. It is a joy to see the almost immediate impact that
can effected on long standing pain issues and the hope gained toward a more
active life.
Yoga
Therapy:
”Basketball
is an endurance sport, and you have to learn to control your breath; that's the
essence of Yoga, too. So, I consciously began using yoga techniques in my
practice and playing. I think yoga helped reduce the number and severity
of injuries I suffered. As preventative medicine, it's unequaled. “
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (quoted from swys.net)
All of the bodies systems-digestive, circulatory and immune and so on-are
interrelated. The common threat that binds them together is movement…..
We are designed to run, jump climb, fall, roll and skip, not just for our
initial development but for continued health throughout our lives.” Pete
Egoscue, from “Pain Free”
”A rose only blooms in order” Reshad Field, From “Breathing Alive, A Guide
to Conscious living”
It
can be easy to become frightened as we get older, faced with inevitable changes
that occur over the life span. Rest assured, however, that despite the
challenges the “normal” process of aging presents we are designed to meet
them and maintain an active life. One thing does seem apparent however, whether
it is the physical process of aging or the increasingly limited lifestyles of
our present, finding the time and space needed for self care to maintain balance
and well-being can an incredible challenge. Still to run, jump skip and so on
into an active adult life imperative we find a way to do just that.
In this way the discipline of Yoga brings a true and efficient solution to
the problem of total wellness. Ancient Yogis realized that health goes beyond
any one variable and without the foundation of well-being our growth is greatly
hindered. Getting one’s house in order ethically, physically and energetically
is beginning of a life well spent. In the classical system of Yoga
described in its essence by the Sage, Patanjali, the fundamentals
of lifestyle
change required to evolve in Yoga is attained by cultivating an ethical foundation to life through
certain ideals, principles and observances (Yama and Niyama). With this
improved and balanced approach to living, attending to the physical and
energetic aspects of the self through Yoga posture (asana )movement, and
breathwork (paranyama) can be achieved and profound benefits of
restored health and well-being accrue. This approach to Yoga
doesn’t rely on authority or belief. The effect of our practice is
empirical—benefits and insights can and should be experienced in each person
to ascertain its truth.
Even
as this classical system is modified to fit our individual lives and intentions
and is embedded in our cultural context, our time on the Yoga mat can give so
much of what we need to get the day to day enjoyment of life that comes from the
inner experience of health and well-being. From this foundation our ability to
live happily and well in later life is enhanced. Also cultivated is the
potential deepening interest in and rewards as the higher practices of
concentration (darana), meditation (dyana) and higher
consciousness (samadhi) takes
root in our lives.
Practice:
“Mother’s
Breath”
This breath is described by Reshad Field, a Sufi practitioner in his book,
“Breathing Alive, A Guide to Conscious Living”
Attention in this technique is on both the rhythm and placing of the breath.
Breath
in and out through the nostrils inhaling to a count of 7, holding a count of 1,
exhaling a count of 7 and holding out a count of 1.
As you inhale cultivate the sense if taking all you need for our
transformation—imagining energy, vibrations, color and so on coming in
from all directions into the point of the solar plexus at the base of the ribs.
As you hold for the 1 count raise your attention to the heart center.
Then radiate out in the form of light to the 7 count.
Pause 1 count and begin again.
Over
time the ratio and placing will become more natural. According to tradition this
practice will place us more in sync in our lives, in the sense of being in the
right place and right time to be of service in our lives.
ENJOY!
Services
Private,
semi private and small group Yoga Sessions, Meditation Instruction, Corporate
Yoga Classes
And the Egoscue Method
Postural Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief and Enhanced life performance.
Over the
past several years I have worked with several students in private sessions in
both brief and longer term scenarios.
The sessions have served different purposes for each individual depending
on specific needs and intentions. Students have utilized this time to:
