| 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! | |
 For those of you who covet the shoes that I wear to teach yoga, they are on sale for the first time I can remember, and the price is amazing! These Vibram "barefoot walking" shoes aren't available in stores in my area of the country; I ordered mine on-line originally. I've worn mine to teach for almost four years and they are still in great shape and yes, to everyone's questions, they are quite comfortable. WARNING: People do point and laugh when I wear them on the street. I've read more and more about the benefits of wearing shoes like these while running, with research pointing to fewer knee and hip problems. They enable me to leave my mat and teach on any floor surface. They are available on sale in both men's and women's sizes.
After being off the market for a few years, my beloved red & black style is back and on sale for less than half price, along with other color combos! |
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Spiritual Formation |
Yoga Sutra I.28 This word {OM} must be repeated with meditation upon its meaning.
If you read the column before I left on vacation, you know I personally am not comfortable using the word "om" but I do believe in the power of meditating upon the name of our Lord.
There are so many verses in the Bible suitable for meditating upon the names of God. See below.
Key Bible passage: Revelation 1: 8 and 17 and Isaiah 9:6
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
TODAY'S CONTEMPLATION
Today during prayer time, try meditating upon the passages above, or another of your choosing, using deep breathing techniques, like so:
Inhale: Wonderful Counselor
Exhale: Mighty God
Inhale: Everlasting Father
Exhale: Prince of Peace |
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| Do You Believe in Reincarnation? | |
As I told you before I left on vacation, I wanted to stay in Bingen on the Rhine River to find out more about the great church leader, Hildegard von Bingen, who lived in the 12th Century. She was a poet, playwright, abbess, composer, church leader, and wrote volumes on natural sciences and healing. I had the pleasure of visiting the museum in Bingen dedicated to her. Sadly, many of her original books and paintings of her visions were destroyed in World War II.
I also mentioned that we were staying in an apartment in a villa in the area that cost less than a bed and breakfast for the five of us. It was billed as a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a living room and kitchen overlooking the Rhine. The spacious, airy apartment took up just a fraction of the third floor, yet we also had access to the music room, library, and other interesting spaces on the third floor. For less than $150 a night!
From her website, I knew the owner marched to the beat of her own drummer. Within a few minutes of meeting her, while the family was dragging bags up the architecturally significant massive carved spiral staircase to the third floor, she confessed. "I AM Hildegard! I summoned you here because I knew you would write about me and tell the truth. Everyone else who has come here that I took into my trust has betrayed me!" (Including an Italian filmmaker) So she proceeded to tell me things that indeed I had not read in the many volumes by and about Hildegard. She also told me that I had been alive and living in the Rupertsberg Abbey with her in 1152, explaining that is why I (Sarah) have always felt drawn to Hildegard. Interesting! Too interesting? I'm not sure yet....
I told you I would report back on our experiences with www.homeaway.com. Yes, our stay was quite remarkable and an excellent value. They are definitely not the typical Hilton hotel stays with mints on the pillows and nice little toiletry packs. Sometimes with the price of the apartment you also get an up close and unexpected cultural exchange!
If you'd like to hear some of Hildegard's music, I have owned this CD since it first was released in 1994. Interestingly, Hildegard is the first "named" composer in Western Civilization. We do have other music still around from the 12th Century, but have no idea who wrote it. Copies of the music notation in her own hand are on display in her museum. She wrote in a completely different style than other music of this period. Although she was untrained in music, her strikingly original melody lines required much more musical skill than the simpler plainsong of the time. Many don't like this particular recording, because her original melodies are augmented with modern percussion. Hildy was a real radical, and I actually think she might have been pleased. Although she didn't tell me that directly! Even if you don't buy a copy, you can visit the Amazon link to hear samples of her work. Just imagine! These haunting melodies were first sung 850 years ago!
Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen
by Richard Souther by Angel Records
Audio CD ~ Release Date: 1994-11-01
List Price: $11.94
Our Price: $8.91 Buy Now
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Big Toe Pose | |
I must confess I didn't do a single yoga move in Germany, and felt pretty rusty teaching this morning! So, I'm taking it easy with some gentle stretches to get back into the swing of things. This feels good!
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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