Hello!
Thank you for your interest in self-awareness and
creating personal peace. We're offering two
introductory programs on meditation in the valley and
a Discovering Ayurveda one-day workshop in Sedona.
Also, if you register by July 30, you can go to some of
the Chopra Center 2010 events in Arizona for a big
savings. Read on...
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What is Ayurveda Anyway?
Discovering Timeless Approaches to Health
One Sunday in 1990 while I was living and working in
Washington DC, I came across a review about a book
on natural healing. I'd recently become a vegetarian
and had taken a few yoga classes, but knew very little
about natural health - I was a real estate agent at the
time. The book was about a type of healing called
Ayurveda. Although I'd never seen that word before,
and probably couldn't pronounce it, I was immediately
attracted to what I was reading. This review was about
a book called Perfect Health, written
by an east Indian doctor I hadn't heard of either:
Dr. Deepak Chopra.
That day, I had a deep
sense that I would discover much more about
Ayurveda - it was almost a sense of being called by it.
Though the story goes on, in short, within
seven months I was working in Lancaster,
Massachusetts at the Ayurveda Health Center with
Deepak Chopra. I studied and worked with him for
over eight years, becoming a teacher of meditation
and Ayurveda, and later, the education director of his
center in California.
Ayurveda (pronounced eye-yur-vay-dah), often
translated as the "science of life", was founded in
India over 5000 years ago. It's a natural approach for
creating balance and strengthening the body's healing
abilities using natural methods such as herbs,
meditation, massage, aromatherapy, music therapy,
nutrition, daily and seasonal routines (more on the
summer season in the next article), breath
exercises, and purification therapies. According to
ayurveda, a person is healthy when their appetite and
digestion are strong, all organs and tissues are
properly functioning, elimination is regular, the
senses are acute, and they are basically blissful.
Health isn't just about being disease-free, it's a sense
of complete well being in all areas of life.
Ayurveda teaches that each one of us is born
with our own natural balance which influences all
aspects of our lives, including our body structure,
mental and emotional makeup, and predisposition to
illnesses. According to Ayurveda, disease is primarily
the result of imbalances and impurities that
accumulate in the mind and body over time. The
specialty of Ayurveda is in identifying imbalances at an
early stage - before symptoms of disease arise, and
eliminating them from the body.
While working at the Chopra Center, and throughout
my travels in India I learned how to create balance in
my life through ayurvedic practices. I've received
regular ayurvedic treatments and experienced many
weeks of purification procedures called panchakarma.
And a couple of years ago, I was totally surprised and
happy to find world class treatments available here in
Sedona at the Authentic Ayurveda center. I met the
owner, Avani Sukhadia, a certified Ayurvedic
practitioner who provides soothing, purifying and
authentic ayurvedic treatments with delicious oils.
Avani grew up in the Vedic tradition with a family of
healers and has been studying, practicing, and
teaching ayurveda since 1998. She and I are teaching
a one-day workshop in September in Sedona:
Discovering Ayurveda. We'd love for you to
join us. You can also participate in a cooking class
offered the next day too!
More about Discovering Ayurveda - Saturday, Sept 19th.
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Staying Cool while Keeping a Warm Heart
Balance in the Heat of Summer
It's a heatwave here in the Southwest this summer. I
keep praying for rain, but I guess I am not specific
enough. It does rain, but it lasts for less than five
minutes and evaporates as soon as it hits the ground.
I am concerned for the plants and animals. I don't
really remember it being this hot before, but it probably
was.
According to Ayurveda, summer is the
season that we need to pay particular attention to the
fire element and how it influences us and expresses
itself in our mind and body. We can get too hot - and
not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as
well. This fire element in ayurveda is called
Pitta. When it accumulates through the
physiology due to, among other things, environmental
influences, it can lead to an imbalance in the mind
and body and manifests in these ways:
- getting easily upset or angry
- moodswings
- feelings of sadness or deep hurt
- becoming irritated and sharp with loved ones
- waking up in the middle of the night and unable to
go back to sleep
- heartburn and stomach acid
- skin inflammation or rashes
- heavy sweating
- migraines
- becoming highly intolerant, intense and critical
According to the ancient ayurvedic texts, when the fire
element is balanced, you experience a sense of bliss,
clarity, courage, sweetness, radiant skin, and a
healthy digestion, Here are some simple ways to
bring that fire back into balance:
- Aromatherapy: use pure rose or sandalwood
oils - you can even spritz these cooling oils on your
skin
- Eat lots of sweet, juicy fruits - avoid sour fruit
- Avoid spicy or salty food
- Cook with cooling herbs like cilantro and
fennel
- Avoid excessive heat or sun - stay out of the sun
from 10 am until it cools down.
- Hang out with people who bring out your positive
side
- Avoid disagreeable people, or violent television
- Give yourself an oil massage with cooling coconut
oil
- Go to bed by 10 - 10:30
- Stay hydrated, drink lots of water - avoid alcohol
and caffeine
- Speak sweetly and be respectful of others
- Engage in activities that bring you contentment
and happiness.
- Walk in nature, especially in cool environments
like the woods, mountains and lakes
- Gaze into the night sky, bathe in the cooling light of
the moon, or walk into the rising sun for expanded
awareness
- Wear cool colors, greens blues, whites. Avoid the
hot and spicy colors of red and orange
- Meditate twice a day
Find out what your body type is, experience fabulous
ayurvedic massages, and learn to maintain balance
during the seasons at a world-class luxurious
getaway where you can immerse yourself in
an ayurvedic lifestyle. Give yourself a nourishing few
days off and come to Miraval Resort &
Spa for an Ayurvedic Immersion program this fall
October 11 - 14, 2009.
Perhaps you want to know much more about the
science of Ayurveda. I am happy to say that the Chopra
Center is hosting their Ayurvedic Training program,
Journey into Healing in Phoenix, February 17-21, 2010
at The
Biltmore Resort & Spa featuring Drs. Deepak
Chopra and David Simon. Right now the cost of the
program is $1475, standard tuition is $2175, but
before JULY 30th you can go for $1000. This is a great
deal. Call the Chopra Center program consultant
directly, her name is Kali, at 760-494-1631, and
mention my name since it is an instructor referral
discount. It's an invigorating course, and a
prerequisite for those who wish to become Chopra
Center Instructors.I'll be there!
Find out More About Journey Into Healing
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Upcoming Meditation Events in Arizona
Health, Intuition & Practice
Meditation is a proven way to give your mind and
body a rest - it's like taking a time out, but it is really a
time in. People meditate for many reasons: to reduce
stress, to feel better, and to create a sense of inner
peace. It's easy to learn and to do, even if you've
never tried it before. You don't need any prerequisites
to join any of these classes:
Saturday, August 1, 1:00 - 2:30 pm in Scottsdale,
Deepen Your Intuition with Meditation:
More and more people are finding that when they
meditate, they learn to trust themselves more and
make better decisions using their intuition. During this
presentation, you'll find out how meditation helps you
to deeply listen to yourself and make choices in your
life to support your goals. There will be a guided group
meditation. Space is limited and advanced
reservations are suggested. Held at the Rustic
Sage Healing Haven in Old Town.
Visit this link or call 480.990.1994 to make yours.
$15 suggested donation.
Saturday, August 8, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm in
Sedona
Sunday, September 13 1:30 - 3:30 pm in
Cave Creek
Meditation 101: Learn a lifelong meditation
practice in only 2 1/2 hours! Discover an ancient,
universal, silent meditation technique that you can use
to find out who you really are, and to deepen your
experience of silence and inner peace. Advanced
registration is required. Call 928.204.0067 or
fill out and send in the application
form, and a confirmation and directions will be
sent to you. $145 per person. Save 15% if you learn
with a friend.
Sunday, August 9, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm in Sedona,
Primordial Sound Meditation Class:
Rediscovered and revitalized from the ancient
wisdom traditions by mind/body healing expert
Deepak Chopra, this 6-hour course will show you
how to meditate silently using your personal
primordial sound, or mantra, chosen for you based on
the location and time of your birth. Mantras are used in
meditation as a vehicle to experience deeper states of
awareness. Advanced registration is required. Please
call 928.204.0067 or fill out and send in the application
form, and a confirmation and directions will be
sent to you. $375 per person, learn to meditate with a
friend and save 15%. $250 for full-time students &
seniors.
Sunday, September 13, 4:00 - 5:30 pm in Cave
Creek. Introduction to Meditation & Mind Body Health:
How does meditation help you to be healthy?
Find out how it reduces stress, enhances your
immune system, and balances your hormones. We'll
discuss the latest research and see how meditation
helps you to make healthier choices in your life to
support your goals. Following a short break, there will
be a guided group meditation using a simple
meditation practice. Hosted by Yoga Breeze,
a delightful and peaceful yoga sanctuary located in
North Phoenix, on the border of Carefree and Cave
Creek. Space is limited. Cushioned floor seating only.
Reservations are encouraged. Call 480.595-2855.
Admission is by a $15 suggested donation.
Plan Next Summer's Meditation Retreat
August 22-28, 2010, Seduction of Spirit with Deepak
Chopra at the
Enchantment Resort in Sedona. Get an
amazingly reduced rate for a week of self-discovery
with Drs David Simon and Deepak Chopra - but you
must plan ahead! The Seduction of Spirit is their
signature meditation retreat which promises to take
you beyond your current reality into deep states of
consciousness, healing and transformation.
The standard tuition is $2775 per person
and the 6-month advanced. enrollment is $1775,
however, until July 30th, newsletter subscribers can
save an additional $475 off the early bird tuition,
making the current rate only $1300. This event isn't
even listed on their website, but you can
read
about it here or contact program consultant Kali
Demeter at the Chopra Center directly at 760-494-
1631 or by email at: kali@chopra.com and mention
immediately that you were referred by Sarah McLean
to receive this special offer.
Find out about other events
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Here's A Great Way to Open Your Heart
And Cool Off this August
I know you might have read this story
before, but for those of you who haven't: I first heard
Kathy Zavada's music while living in an ashram in
India in 1997. Kathy was playing her music for the
hugging saint called Amma during an evening
program. I found the music so deeply moving that
when I returned to the States I listened to her music
on days off in the Zen Buddhist training center. Two
years later I moved to Mt. Shasta to work for Gary
Zukav. That's where Kathy lived. I would see her at
Berryvale, the local health food store, but never met
her.
I followed my heart and went to work
with Byron Katie in Manhattan Beach. During the
School for the Work Kathy's music was played. In
2001, when my husband Marty asked me to marry
him, he chose Kathy's music as the background to his
proposal.
A couple of years ago Kathy was
invited to play at the Raw Food Festival here in
Sedona where I now live. They asked me if one of
their performers could stay at our guest cottage. It
turned out to be Kathy. We finally met. Before she
returned to Mt. Shasta, Kathy offered to perform for a
program that I host for meditation students. It was
magical. And it was that evening that we decided to
create this retreat together. In April, we facilitated the
Heart Awakening Retreat here in Sedona and I am
thrilled to be invited to cofacilitate another with her in
one of my favorite places on earth, Mt. Shasta.
With Kathy's deeply uplifting music (
listen here), chanting, guided and silent
meditation, gentle yoga practices and nourishing time
in nature, you'll rest into the blissful stillness of your
being. You learn how to nurture yourself, cultivate a
deep relaxation and inner peace, and experience an
enchanting journey into your heart center. This retreat
is perfect for anyone, even those who have never
ventured into chanting and meditation.
If
you've never been to Mount Shasta California you are
in for a treat. You'll immediately notice a quieter and
more spiritual state of being. The retreat is held at Stewart Mineral Springs, a rustic setting with
springs that Native Americans valued for their healing
powers. You'll soak in the hot springs and swim in the
crystal clear creek and bask in the majesty of Mount
Shasta.
$300. August 27 - 30. For more
information or to register, contact Paula Rudy by email
paula@paularudy.com or call 530.515.1416
Find out more about the Heart Opening Retreat
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Finding Your Voice
The Yoga of Writing Retreat in Sedona & Austin
Writing can be a spiritual practice that leads to a
profound experience of timelessness and present
moment awareness. A single moment of inspiration
can become an eternity. That is also true of
meditation. For those who practice meditation, life is
transformed physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
My dear friend and writing partner Victoria
and I have been leading Yoga of Writing Retreats for
two years with the intention to empower women to find
the gift of their own voice and safety in self-expression:
true tools of transformation.
During the
retreat, participants learn to pay attention to silence,
stillness, and the present moment. They listen to and
trusted their own voice, transcend their inner critic,
trust what is next, and authentically express
themselves. They discover the ease of writing
practice and meditation, and how to use these
practices to enhance healing, authentic expression
and self-awareness. They write, read their work, listen
to each other and are heard, perhaps for the very first
time. It is life changing for them. No writing or
meditation experience is necessary. Please join us
when you can.
Sedona, Arizona at the Briar Patch Inn October 2 -
4, 2009 Nestled in Oak Creek Canyon just a mile
north of Sedona, along the lush banks of Oak Creek,
sits the Briar Patch Inn
- a secret hideaway which nurtures your
relationship with nature. The retreat location sits at
the base of red rock mountains, surrounded by
majestic canyon oaks, and dappled sunlight, creating
a healing, magical oasis with private and shared
cabins. The retreats in Sedona are limited to eight
women. From $325, lodging onsite with private and
shared cabins is available. To find out more about the
retreat in Sedona call 928.204.0067.
Austin, Texas at the Alma de Mujer Center,
October 30 - November 1, 2009: Alma de Mujer
means "soul of a woman" and being in this setting
certainly soothes the soul. Alma de Mujer
is located within a fertile valley surrounded by trees
and streams 20 miles northwest of Austin in the
beautiful foothills at Lake Travis, the natural and rustic
setting provides a beautiful, private environment
where you can deeply listen to yourself. From $325
includes most meals. Lodging is available. To find out
more about the retreat in Austin, call Stacy at
512.484.0811.
"Your workshop really touched my life. One of the
other participants said it was the highlight of her year.
Thank you so much. I meditate each day now. You are
wonderful. I don't know what was in that workshop,
but its like my cheek has been pinched. I'm actually
going to write a monthly essay for the American
Holistic Nurse's Association. Who would have
thought!" Stacy, Sedona 2008
Find out more about the Yoga of Writing Retreat
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Albert Einstein said "There are only two ways to
live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is." I'll take the latter, and
am inspired by Elizabeth Browning's assertion that
the "Earth is crammed with heaven."
Enjoy your self,
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Joyce D. from Sedona gave this advice to her
children:
