September 2011 Focus : Transitions in Yoga

Hello Friends,

Welcome to September!

In August, we practiced yoga nidra (sleep) using imagery to relax the body. We are often unaware of our own inner tension. Thoughts and worries may revolve in the mind, even while you sleep. Yoga Nidra can help you release tensions in the body, emotions, and mind, allowing for complete relaxation. If you are interested in exploring further, "Yoga Nidra" by Swami Satyananda Saraswati offers some great nidra methods.

This month we focus on transitions in yoga practice.

September Focus : Transitions in Yoga Practice



Do you ignore the moments in between poses?

Do you rush through them or completely tune them out?

We often avoid uncomfortable places in practice and rush towards the final pose. The journey in yoga practice, as in life, is just as important as the destination. Slowing down and paying closer attention during transitions will help bring focus back to the journey.

This month, we will explore gliding slowly and mindfully between poses building strength and structural integrity.

August Focus : Yoga Nidra

Hello Friends,

August is here!

This past July we practiced different forms of sitting meditation after our asana practice. Research on meditation continues to show that neural circuits transform to increase functionality, focus, empathy and happiness. ABC News recently covered how meditation can help re-wire your brain, in little as an 8 week practice and how more Americans are now practicing meditation. Watch the clip.


This month we practice : Yoga Nidra

Nidra : Sanskrit word for sleep

August Focus : Yoga Nidra



Yoga Nidra or yogi sleep is a form meditation that uses imagery to relax you mentally, emotionally and physically. In yogi sleep we mindfully eliminate stress and burdens and attain more blissful state of awareness. We will practice yoga nidra for 17-20 minutes at the end of asana practice this month.

July Focus : Meditation Practice

Hello Friends,

Welcome to July!

Our dear friend and fellow yoga teacher Lia Hall is heading west to Seattle. She will be sharing thoughts on yoga love from the west coast once she is settled in. Sending her love + prana.

Samskara or habitual patterns was our June focus. We discussed a seven step process that can help bring awareness to any patterns that you would like to shift in your life or simply bring awareness to. You may explore these steps in this Yoga Journal article by Bo Forbes 'Stuck in a Rut?'

Bo Forbes is a yoga teacher + psychologist. She makes this important point on change: "Intellectual insight that does not travel beyond the mind seldom translates into change. Because the body houses our emotional intelligence, it might not assimilate the insight. Yoga acts through the medium of the body, taking vidya (awareness)to even deeper levels."

This month we practice : Meditation

Dhyana* - is the Sanskrit word for meditation or mental concentration in thought/vision/knowledge



We will practice sitting meditation for 10-15 minutes at the end of asana practice this month.

- Shamatha (Mindfulness)
- Loving Kindness
- Mantra

Soul Flow Yoga @ Shambhala Yoga & Dance

Lia is back to invite all those who dig yoga to "Soul Flow Yoga" at Shambhala Yoga and Dance! 

Join four spirited women for a harmonious yoga flow that will feed your soul! Yoga asana and pranayama will be co-taught by Angela Arnold and Lia Hall accompanied by the soulful voices of Mayteana Morales and Saretta Wesley.

Class is $20 + donations
Space is limited. To reserve your place RSVP at (718) 622 9956 or email contact@shambhalayogadance.com

http://shambhalayogadance.com/

June 2011 : What is a Samskara?

Hello Friends,

It's June!

Summertime is upon us. Time for the beach, strolls, picnics & BBQ's on rooftops and parks!

Prana, was our focus in May. This vital force runs through the nadis (energy channels) and informs you about your wellness on a physical and emotional level. You may begin to follow your prana closely by simply bringing awareness to your breath inside and outside the yoga posture.

This month we discuss : Samskara

Samskara* - (sam) is the Sanskrit word for come together, or joined together and (kara) is action, cause or doing .. also known as habitual patterns, grooves, individual impressions that can be negative or positive. The yoga mat offers you personal space to become aware of these patterns and shed light on those that may need to be shifted.

June Focus : What is a Samskara?



We will discuss Samskara and how to shift grooves through..

Sankalpa (Intention)
Tapas ( Discipline)
Shani (Slowness)
Vidya (Awareness)
Abhaya (Fearlessness)
Darshana (Vision)
Abhyasa (Practice)

May 2011 : Prana

Hello Friends,

Welcome to May! Hope you are enjoying the sunshine, budding flowers and trees. Thank you for joining me in April, as we practiced heart openers to release tension in the chest, encourage inhalation, an action associated related to embracing life. Releasing muscles in the chest helps increase energy and breath flow in the lung and heart. Back bending turns the body out to face the world from a different viewpoint. Heart openers can move blocked or sluggish energy leaving the mind more clear and focused.

This May, we will discuss Prana. In most physical yoga classes, we often practice asana (postures) and breathing techniques (pranayama).

Prana* - is the Sanskrit word for vital force, this force is known to permeate the body and is concentrated within nadis (energy channels). Prana also runs along the midline in the chakras and effects energy centers. Similar concepts are found within the Chinese, chi/ Japanese ki, Greek pneuma.
(*As defined by the medical dictionary)



We will discuss how Prana relates to..

Nadis (energy channels)
Ida, Pingla, Sushumna (main nadis)
Chakras (energy centers)

April Focus : Heart Openers (Backbends)

Hello Friends,

Thank you for joining me in March, as we practiced forward bends to relax the mind and lengthen the spine. A natural womb like curve develops as you bend forward, making space between the spinal vertebrate, improving circulation along the spine and throughout the body. Mindful pranayama (breathing practice) and folding forward massages the internal organs and may aid in alleviating digestive ailments.

This April, we will practice and embrace heart openers or backbends. We often spend many hours hunched over computers, a regular practice of backbends can help release shoulders, upper back, and the chest.

Hridayam - is the Sanskrit word for heart, which translates as "that which receives, gives and circulates." Heart openers not only help strengthen your heart muscle, but also awaken emotional and energetic blockages. As energy lines unblock and open, you begin to bravely face emotions as they rise and stay steady and grounded as they pass.

Inhale (receive) Exhale (give). Where are you strongest? Can you find balance by accessing your heart center.



Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Setu Bhandasana (Bridge Pose)
Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel)