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Vol. 3 / Issue 10
  November 2009
In This Issue
Pratyahara
Practicing Gratitude
Lentil Curry -- Yummy!
November Happenings
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Namaste!

Through my years of working with this practice of yoga, I've come to see that my needs are provided for.  (Remember, that's NEEDS, not WANTS.)  Whether it's help, guidance, strength, hope, or a good kick in the pants, the universe always comes through with just the right remedy.  I've also learned to open my eyes and see that that need (seen or unseen by me) may be met in many forms: a relationship, an opportunity, a helping hand from the most unexpected place, an old letter uncovered in a cleaning spree, a song, a kind (or not so kind) word, a flash of insight...you get the picture.

This month it came in the form of a reading by our lovely Michele (by Danna Faulds), on a day that, let's say, was not my best.  I've referred to it daily for a few weeks, and foresee that continuing a while yet:

 Let go of the ways you thought life would unfold.  The holding of plans, or dreams, or expectations, let it all go.  Save your strength to swim with the tide.  The choice to fight what is here before you now will only result in struggle, fear, and desperate attempts to flee from the very energy you long for. 

Let go.

Let it all go and flow with the grace that washes through your days whether you receive it gently or with all your quills raised to defend against invaders.  Take this on faith:  the mind may never find the explanations that it seeks.  But you will move forward nonetheless.  Let go and the wave's crest will carry you to unknown shores, beyond your wildest dreams or destinations.  Let it all go and find the place of rest and peace, and certain transformation.


I'm grateful that you're a part of blue lotus, this community, and my life.

Blessings,

Jill


Pratyahara:  The Fifth Limb of Yoga
Transcending the senses
 
The first four limbs of yoga help us begin to discern true from false and real from unreal, preparing us for the next phase:  attaining a higher state of consciousness. With the fifth limb of yoga, Pratyahara, we direct the senses inward to become aware of the subtle elements of sound, touch, sight, taste and smell. When we practice Pratyahara, we "withdraw from the senses" into a place of sensory transcendence. We turn inward toward self-study and self-discovery.

Pratyahara means defining a space where you are less distracted, allowing you to bring awareness to the quieter realms of your consciousness. We make the conscious effort to draw our awareness away from the external world and outside stimuli. We become aware of our senses while at the same time we cultivate detachment from them. This practice of sensory withdrawal can help us to observe the habits that may be detrimental to our health and that likely interfere with our inner growth.

A common technique for inducing Pratyahara is first to reduce physical stimuli, then concentrate on one sense, such as hearing. The mind has a natural tendency to roam between the sensory inputs. In this practice, since there are no longer any other significant sensory inputs, when the mind gets tired of hearing, it is forced to turn inward.

Withdrawing the senses, mind, and consciousness from contact with external objects, and then drawing them inward toward the seer, is Pratyahara. -- Yoga Sutras
Practicing Gratitude
A daily practice of giving thanks

The times we live in may seem troubling, and we all experience challenges, uncertainties and disappointments. For most of us, however, our lives are also full in many ways. We can easily lose sight of this fullness and the many gifts with which we are blessed in the busyness of moving from one activity, event or deadline to the next.

This month of Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the many things for which we are grateful. Gratitude is the sweetest of all the practices for living the dharma in daily life-- and it can be easily cultivated. It requires the least sacrifice for what we receive in return.

A practice of gratitude can help you feel more connected to your life and the lives around you, and shifts your awareness to the larger context in which your personal story is unfolding. Have you ever experienced the liberation that comes from letting go of the wants and worries of your life's drama, if only for a brief time? Being thankful can also reveal feelings of generosity, creating even greater joy. The blessings of gratitude, like softening a guarded heart and building greater capacity for forgiveness, can create clarity of mind, which is ideal for spiritual development.

There are many ways to practice gratitude daily, whether as part of a morning or evening prayer ritual, through mindful meditation, or even keeping a journal of three to five things for which you give thanks each day. Regardless of the  method, practicing gratitude has the ability to set you free  from negative mental habits and identification with what what you don't have.  Detaching from what we perceive as  negative or positive aspects of life, we become able to simply meet life's moments as they arise, with grace and gratitude.
Suzanne's Spicy Lentil Curry
Lentil CurrySuzanne says, "don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients; most of them are just spices." We guess that's how this recipe got its name!

We promise it will warm you up on a cool autumn evening!

1 lb lentils, picked over and washed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
½ c celery, finely chopped
1 c carrots, chopped
1 tsp tumeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cardamon
1/8 tsp ground allspice
2 Tbsp ginger root, fine chopped and 2 slices
2  2-inch cinnamon sticks
2 Tbsp curry powder
1 tsp garam masala
2 - 4 bay leaves
2 c chopped tomatoes or one can diced w/ chilis
1 large russet potato, ¼ inch diced
1 large bunch kale, chopped (or spinach or swiss chard)
½ - 1 c raisins or currents (optional)
2 Tbsp ketchup or tomato paste with a bit of sugar
salt and pepper to taste
5 - 6 c water
1 vegetable bouillon cube

1.  Saute garlic, onions, carrot and celery until soft
2.  Add all powdered spices and ginger.....stir 1 minute
3.  Add tomatos, ketchup and stir another minute
4.  Add lentils and stir well
5.  Season with salt and pepper, add bouillon and enough water to cover lentils
6.  Bring to a boil
7.  Add potato and turn to simmer
8.  Cook until lentils are tender and most of water has evaporated  (extra water may have to be added along the way)
9.  When lentils are about half cooked begin adding kale in batches until all is incorporated

November Workshops & Events
November's schedule has a bounty of offerings for yogis and yoginis at all levels. Be sure to check the online scheduler for all the details on all of the classes offered this month!

Foundations II - Backbending with Julee
10:30 am - Noon, Saturdays, November 7 & 21, December 5 and 19

Yoga Anatomy:  Hips and Knees with Julee
10:30 am - Noon, Sunday, November 8

Yoga Primer with Julee
12:30 - 2:00 pm, Sundays, November 8 & 22, December 6 and 20

Candlelight Yoga and Chocolate with Yvonne
6:30 - 8:00 pm, Saturday, November 20

Yin Yoga Intensive Workshop with Yvonne
12:30 - 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 21

Vata Balance Workshop
3:00 - 5:00 pm, Saturday, November 21

Free Prenatal Yoga Series
9:00 - 10:00 am, Sundays, November 22 & 29, December 6 & 20

Free Community Yoga!

12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 4
6:30-7:30 pm, Friday, November 6
6:00-7:00 pm, Sunday, November 15
12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 18
11:00 am-Noon, Saturday, November 28

Therapeutic Thursday Lunch $10!
12:00 - 1:00 pm, November 5, 12 and 19

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
  • Wednesday, November 25:  No Flow & Stretch
  • Thursday, November 26:  Free Gratitude Practice, 9:30-11:00 am (only class today)
  • Friday, November 27:  White Friday Flow & Stretch, 9:00-11:00 am (only class today)
  • Saturday, November 28:  Vinyasa Open, 8:00-9:30 am; Free Community Yoga, 11:00 am-Noon; Vinyasa 2/3, 12:30-2:00 pm
  • Sunday, November 29: Prenatal Yoga, 9:00-10:00 am; Deep Stretch 10:30 am-Noon; NIA, 12:30-1:30; Vinyasa Open, 2:30-4:00 pm
Visit the online scheduler in the Classes and Workshops tabs for the complete blue lotus schedule and to register.

See you at the blue!


 

the wee boo