| Yoga Study Books | |
In February, we began our study of the original yoga knowledge, and building a bridge to our JudeoChristian traditions. The 196 yoga sutras, or little lessons, were compiled some 500-800 years before Christ. You can find many translations and interpretations on the Internet for free if you'd like to follow along. Sanskrit is hard to translate into English. However, I enjoy these two translations as the commentators often set the lessons in a Christian context. Here are my picks for the best two:
How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali
by Swami Prabhavananda by Vedanta Press & Bookshop
Paperback 
List Price: $10.95
Our Price: New and used from $6.25 Buy Now
Below is a brand new translation/commentary--the one above was written in the 1930s I believe. The cover is a bit scary for Westerners, but the commentary makes the sutras, well--rather enlightening!
The Wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: A New Translation and Guide by Ravi Ravindra
by Ravi Ravindra by Morning Light Press
Hardcover
List Price: $14.95
Our Price: $11.21 Buy Now |
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| Announcements! | |
PLEASE NOTE: Your Yoga Coach will be on vacation from May 15-June 1. The last yoga class will be Thursday, May 13 and resume June 2.
CONGRATULATIONS to my Thursday night Beginner Class! They officially graduated to Intermediate status this week with picture-perfect Ploughs, masterful Ubhaya Padagunthasanas (pose from last Friday's column), and fearless Walk-Up-The-Wall Handstands!
Starting in June, we have room for more beginners on Saturday morning. Plus, we'll be able to practice outside when weather allows on our Treetop Yoga Deck starting mid-June. Call me at 469-236-0017 if you are interested.
I usually like to post my column when I'm on vacation, but this time I will be in Germany and away from the Internet. I'm really looking forward to walking in the path of Hildegard von Bingen, the great Christian writer, leader, abbess, playwright, poet, composer and all-around AWESOME woman who lived from 1098-1179. Her music is still performed today. You can hear some if you sign in to Pandora and ask for Hildegard von Bingen. Free! We are staying our first three nights in Bingen am Rhein and I look forward to visiting the museum dedicated to her. Still brushing up on my German as there are no subtitles there! To give you some vicarious thrills, here's a photo of Bingen where we'll be next weekend:
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Spiritual Formation |
Yoga Sutra I.26 He was the teacher even of the earliest teachers, since He is not limited by time.
Yoga states quite clearly that it does not consider itself a body of knowledge, it simply points to the true knowledge that comes from God. Starting in Chapter Two of our lesson book (left), we will learn some great, practical study guides!
Bible Study: John 1 (from BibleGateway.com)
Key Bible passage: John 1: 1-5
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
The meaning of this deeply profound opening salvo in John's gospel has been debated by Biblical scholars through the ages. John wrote the original text in Greek; the Greek that John used for "Word" is logos, which has a much more complex meaning than English can convey. In Greek philosophy, "logos" meant the underlying principles governing the cosmos. From Wiki: "Identified with God, it is the source of all activity and generation and is the power of reason residing in the human soul." My good friend in seminary debates this with me, saying that John specifically refers to Christ, and only Christ, here. However, I believe that John is telling us that Christ is the manifestation of God's wisdom on earth.
TODAY'S CONTEMPLATION
Yoga-style meditation equips you with the tools you need to push past your own human thoughts and frailties, to find a place deep within where God resides. When you find it, you are in a place beyond words, beyond conversation. It is a wellspring of permanent peace and joy, where you simply abide in God's love. Today, try finding that spot. Start by centering your breathing and sitting still. Read this passage in John. Pray. Then let your mind go. |
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| Lower Your Blood Sugar with These Tips | |
So many people I know are having a problem with their blood sugar creeping up as they age, into pre-diabetes or even full-blown diabetes. Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, with our aging, overweight population. However, you can eat right and exercise and still discover you have high blood sugar--especially if diabetes runs in your family. Have you had your blood sugar checked recently?
Research shows that people with even mild prediabetes are at risk for the same complications that are seen with full-blown Type II (late onset) diabetes. These include impaired vision or blindness, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and circulatory problems and infections that are the leading cause of foot and leg amputations. Ouch! High blood sugar also often triggers the triple whammy of what's called "metabolic syndrome" where you also develop high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
If you find your blood sugar on the rise, take steps NOW to bring it down. It's a slow, steady process that demands some lifestyle modifications. If you read this column, you already know the drill.
1. The most effective way to combat rising blood sugar is to drop weight. Know your healthy target weight. If you already have elevated blood sugar, aim for a 5-10% reduction in body weight.
2. Exercise vigorously for at least 30 minutes a day, 6 days per week.
3. Eat right! If you read this column, you already know how to do that. Throttle back on meat, especially red meat, and replace it with vegetables and fruit, whole grains and legumes. Avoid the white stuff: white bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, and baked good loaded with sugar. Stop drinking soda! Don't add sugar to anything.
It takes time and commitment to bring your blood sugar down. But hey--here's a bit of good news! Drinking a MODEST amount of alcohol daily seems to curb blood sugar, in combination with other modifications discussed above. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers discovered that the group taking the diabetes medication metformin AND the group making lifestyle changes who ALSO drank alcohol in moderation were the most successful in bringing down their blood sugar. MODEST amounts means one drink per day for women, and two for men. |
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Warrior I | |
Warrior I is a bit more difficult than Warrior II we looked at recently. A classic yoga pose requiring strength, balance, focus, and flexibility! If you are ready for a more strenuous workout, alternate between Awkward Chair and Warrior I with your breathing for several sets. Keep your shoulders down in both Awkward and Warrior. Try to get your thigh parallel to the ground, although beginners may not be able to hold that low. I prefer to hold in Warrior I with my back foot facing forward, on the toes, in line with my front foot. However, it's easier to balance with the foot flat and sideways as in the photo (below).
For instructions on this pose, click here (photo and instructions courtesy of Yoga Journal.)
If you'd like a more structured way to practice yoga, try the new Redeeming Yoga Workbook and Journal, now available for sale on-line. It contains an 8-week program of meditations, health tips, Bible study, plus room for journaling. Click here to order now! |
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Thank you so much for spending time here today. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to E-mail me at sarah@redeemingyoga.com. I'm obligated to say that none of the information contained in this E-letter should be construed as medical advice. Before you modify your diet or fitness regimen, please check with your doctor.
Sincerely,
Sarah Riehm
Redeeming Yoga |
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