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Greetings!
As I contemplate my recent trip to Olympic National Park,
the theme that comes up for me is the idea of "order from chaos."
If you've never been to a temperate rain forest (which I had
not until two weeks ago), it is and amazing place with LOTS to see, hear and feel. I don't think I've experienced such a
concentration of destruction and creation in one area!...
Click on "Order out of Chaos" article in the "In this Issue" box at left to read the entire article about my experience.
Also a reminder about June yoga sessions/workshops:
- Yoga Essentials-Level 2 workshop at Inner Light Holistic Center in Gilbertsville, PA
- Yoga on the Lawn: 4 week session at Twin Ponds Integrative Health Ctr. in Breinigsville, PA
- Just Breathe & Be: Breath-work and meditation workshop at Bee Natural Studio in Coopersburg, PA
See below for details on these workshops.
Coming in July and August...
- Yoga Essentials-Level 1 evening workshop at Bee Natural Studio
- Open House at Inner Light Holistic Ctr in Gilbertsville, PA
- Just Breathe & Be at the Center for Relaxation and Healing in Plainsoboro, NJ.
So stay tuned!
Enjoy,
Sheetal
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"Order out of Chaos"
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As I contemplate my recent trip to Olympic National Park,
the theme that comes up for me is the idea of "order from chaos."
If you've never been to a temperate rain forest (which I had
not until two weeks ago), it is and amazing place with LOTS to see, hear and feel. I don't think I've ever experienced such a
concentration of destruction and creation in one area!
Let me paint a picture for you.... As I walk along the wet,
muddy trail, all around me I see fallen Spruce, Hemlock and Fir trees. Many of these dead trunks have
diameters over 6 feet and at one time stood 100s of feet in the air! They are the giants of the forest
brought to their demise by the elements of nature.
Strong winds & generous rainfall bring these massive
trees hurling to the ground, most likely destroying anything in their
path. The cloudy, damp, wet
weather creates a grim mood of solitude and mystery. The glimpses of sun light that struggle through the cloud
cover never seem to last long enough as they are quickly followed by ... yes,
more rain. Moss hangs everywhere
draping the vegetation and even among some of the standing trees, there is mold
and decay inside. It feels
destructive... it seems chaotic.
But as I pause and look a bit closer, as I go beyond
that which is dark and dying at the surface... I see the life, the order,
within. I see these fallen
giants as homes to thousands of other life forms. I notice how the ample rainfall fills the streams &
rivers and provides for so many of the plants and animals. I begin to appreciate all the
different moss, fungi & lichen
that add color and texture to the terrain. Plants, flowers and tiny animals in varying forms flourish in
this environment creating an enchanted forest of sight and sound - order out of
chaos.
So what does this experience have to do with yoga? If I had to specify only one goal when
practicing yoga, I would say to learn how to be present - to live in the
moment. For me this ability to
live in the "now" rather than the past or the future was key to seeing the
order within the chaos while in the rain forest.
During my experience, I could have dwelled on the past and
focused on how it had been raining for 5 days straight or how every trail was
muddy and cumbersome! Or I could have
anxiously anticipated the future by constantly checking the weather forecast to
see if there would be sun tomorrow or wondering if the southern part of the park
would be warmer?
Now, I admit all that these thoughts (as well as others!) of past and future crossed my mind throughout the trip. But where my yoga training "kicked in" is that I didn't
allow myself to get "stuck" in them and sway my emotions about the place.
Instead, I quieted my mind and set my intention to be open to the "now",
whatever that was.
By doing so, I was able to experience the beauty of the
moment that I would have otherwise missed. If I'd stayed connected with my past and future thoughts, I
would not have realized how the wetness really brings out the richness of the
colors and varying shades of green in the forest. Or I may have missed seeing the droplets of water balancing
along the edges of a flower petal like hanging teardrops. By staying present I opened myself to a whole new world - a
world in which I discovered order among the chaos.
So remember, if and when you feel bombarded
by chaotic thoughts, just PAUSE, take a few deep, long breaths, and allow yourself to find the order within.
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Yoga Essentials Level 2 Workshop
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|  Sundays 6/6 and 6/13
10am - 12pm
This two-part level 2 course is the "next step" after completing "Yoga Essentials 1" OR for those already involved in yoga but wanting to fine-tune their practice.
Just like in the "Yoga Essentials 1" series, you will learn poses in a way to suit your body-type. We will focus on gaining deeper awareness of the mind/body connection and on proper alignment in each poses and during transitions.
Begins...
THIS SUNDAY, June 6th at Inner Light Holistic Ctr.
Check the link above for all the great events at Inner Light in Gilbertsville, PA
Investment...
$30/workshop or Pre-Register for both for only $54!
Check our Calendar for complete information about this Yoga Essentials-Level 2 and other upcoming workshops.
Contact Sheetal to register OR for more information.
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Yoga on the Lawn 4-week Session |
|  Mondays
6/7 - 6/28
6pm - 7:30pm
When the weather is nice, why be inside when you can be outside! Enjoy a mixed-level Hatha Yoga practice out on the beautiful front lawn at Twin Ponds Integrative Health Ctr.
During this 4-week session, we'll explore the connection with our inner selves and Mother Nature through a mindful, energetic practice.
Please bring an outdoor blanket on which to place your yoga mat. Please note when weather does not cooperate, the class will be conducted in-doors.
Begins...
Mondays, June 7th at Twin Ponds Integrative Health Ctr.
Check the link above for all the great events at Twin Ponds in Breinigsville, PA
Investment...
$18/class Drop-In or Pre-Register for all 4 classes for only $60*!
Check our Calendar for complete information about this Yoga on the Lawn Session and other upcoming workshops.
Contact Sheetal to register OR for more information.
* Package deal is non-transferable & non-substitutable.
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Just Breathe & Be Breath-work/Meditation Workshop
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|  Sunday 6/27
9:30am - 12pm
Did you know...
- Breath-work improves concentration and the capacity to manage stress
- Deep breathing increases energy levels and circulation
- Breath-work enhances our resistance to "dis-ease" and infection
- Meditation helps people with high blood pressure maintain their BP at normal levels
- Meditation builds self-awareness, self-confidence and provides a inner-peace
Learn basic breathing exercises & meditation techniques to bring clarity and calm to your daily life! Also receive a CD of all learned techniques for your at-home practice as part of the workshop.
Begins...
Sunday, June 27 at Bee Natural Fitness Studio
Check the link above for all the great events at Bee Natural in Coopersburg, PA
Investment...
$45 for 2 1/2 hr workshop which includes the CD for your at-home practice
Check our Calendar for complete information about this Just Breathe & Be workshop as well as other upcoming events.
Contact Sheetal to register OR for more information.
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