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Cheryl Thomas, RYT
www.cherylthomas.com
yoga@cherylthomas.com
415-308-3377 |
 Homophobia and Gayness Doesn't it seem that although something is very obvious, you need a bunch of lab rats to prove it. Take chocolate. Tastes good and makes you feel good. Chocolate wasn't made in a lab, doesn't have a point-five billion dollar marketing campaign, and isn't pushed on doctors like candy to pre-diabetic children. Did a bunch of researchers really need to tell you it was good for us.(1) Ever notice that some of the most homophobic people end up being gay, especially those that are most outspoken, like your religious leaders and politicians (or maybe your uncle). There's Ted Haggard and the wide-standing Larry Craig. The New York Times article, "Homophobic? Maybe You're Gay", reports on a study that found that "homophobia can result, at least in part, from the suppression of same-sex desire". The researcher used a testing method also used to assess subconscious racial bias. They asked 784 university students to rate their sexuality (straight, bi- or gay/lesbian). They were shown computer images of straight or homosexual images and asked to categorize what they saw into the category of "gay" or "straight". They were asked to do this as quickly as possible and their reaction time was measured. Here's the twist. Before each image there was a subliminal flash on the screen of the word "me" or "other". The researchers conclude that your response time is quickest when the subliminal word matches (for example, "me") your sexual orientation ("straight"). Slate's Double XX latest podcast also chatted about this study and so did Slate's science guru. They perceived some flaws in the study specifically that if you're homophobic you have a certain amount of anxiety if you see images you preceive as gay. This anxiety can mimic the same response as they study was measuring. Let's remember that this is a study that comes with its many sometimes opposing results. The article, of course, pointed out that not all of those that oppose homosexuality are closet gays and lesbians. And, their final sentence should be a mandatory closing remark more often: "We would do well to remember that all involved deserve our compassion." (1) The Daily Beast list the 11 Reasons Chocolate is Good for Your Health here . Did you want to read some of my past columns? You can right here. |
Your Opinion, Pls
I've got some topics in mind for future articles and I could sure use your input. Wanna contribute?
TOPIC NO. 1 -The yoga mat review articles were nuts, covering 3 weeks. Just when you thought it was over, I thought about not matting. Yes, practicing without a mat. Lend me your thoughts: 1. Have you ever practiced without a mat? 2. If so, why and what did you think? 3. Are you willing to be quoted and have your name used? TOPIC NO. 2 -I don't like to talk about weight. It's a loaded subject. But, hell, why not. 1. Do you practice yoga to control your weight? 2. If so, what are your findings? 3. Do you think yoga helps with weight loss and if so, why. 4. Are you willing to be quoted and have your name used. Heh, thanks. I look forward to our input. |
In the Know
We North Bay Yogis are fortunate to have such valued teachers right in our back yard. Yoga Journal Magazine cover model, Anne O'Brien, returns to Petaluma's Yoga by Design the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m.. Did you know she's leading a trip trip to Bali in November. Get more info here. Speaking of Yoga by Design. It used to be Yoga One, which has now moved to Kentucky Street. The always inspiring and interesting, Tony Briggs, still has his 9 a.m. class at Yoga by Design on Monday. You'll see me there most Mondays in struggling with my backbends. Iris Lambert will be teaching some non-heated, RSVP classes in her home studio, OM Wellness, in Sebastopol, Tuesday and Thursdays at 7 am and Mondays and Thursdays 11 am. You can email Iris here. Corina Stoiescu is rounding out our Yoga in Graton schedule with her Tuesday morning class. This bookends nicely with my class on Thursday morning at the Graton Community Club. Westside Yoga Studio in Sebastopol has a Groupon offering for an amazing $35 for 10 classes. This is an amazing opportunity to at one of the finest studios in the North Bay. The offer expires in a couple of days, so get on it. Right here.
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Size Inflation
This has been no surprise to me. I like to think I was getting smaller, but no. I must admit, as the article points out, that there's somewhat of an ego flush thinking you're wearing a smaller size. Just marketers playing with our vanity, I suppose.
"Take the grossly underreported problem of "size inflation", where clothes of any particular labelled size have steadily expanded over time. Estimates by The Economist suggest that the average British size 14 pair of women's trousers is now more than four inches wider at the waist than it was in the 1970s. In other words, today's size 14 is really what used to be labelled a size 18; a size 10 is really a size 14. (American sizing is different, but the trend is largely the same.) Fashion firms seem to think that women are more likely to spend if they can happily squeeze into a smaller label size. But when three out of four American adults and three out of five Britons are overweight, the danger is that size inflation reduces women's incentive to eat less. Meanwhile, food-portion inflation has also made it harder to fight the flab. Pizzas now come in regular, large and very large. Starbucks coffees are Tall, Grande, Venti or (soon) Trenta. "Small" seems to be a forbidden word.
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Inexhaustible Dharma
Tricycle Daily Dharma April 29, 2012
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Some people think by giving everything away, you end up with nothing. But the Dharma is an inexhaustible well. However much you give of it, you can always go back for more, because in this well the more you take from it, the higher the water will rise.
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- Master Sheng Yen, "Rich Generosity"
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Restorative Yoga
I love the response of students to their first or second or hundredth restorative yoga experience. It's the moment when their nervous system shifts from "yikes!" to "ahhhhhh." They leave with relaxed shoulders and brightened attitude.
It's easy to forget that the body knows exactly what to do. The relaxation response is a built in function of our amazing central nervous system. We just have to let relaxation happen. I know, it seems impossible sometimes. Thus, the popularity of restorative yoga where we learn to put the body in positions and let it do it's thing.
In these workshops you will be allowed to relax and let go while your body is supported with bolsters and blankets and lots more. We will do a bit of movement, chat about stress and the relaxation response and then spend 90 minutes in positions that we will hold for 15 to 20 minutes. This practice is for everyone. Go ahead and put the dates on your calendar now so you won't forget. And, while you're at it, invite a friend.
Sunday, May 20, 2012**
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
BodyWorks in Petaluma
Once at Month - June 17, July 22, Aug 19
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Private Yoga Classes
There are lots of reasons why going to a public yoga class is not always right for you. Maybe the class times are wrong or the location is inconvenient. Maybe you're new to yoga and feel intimidated by a public class or you have an injury or condition that requires some individual attention. Private or small group classes at your location at your chosen time can be the perfect answer.
It's fun to get friends together. Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze. Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves. Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies. Your friends will thank you!
Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions. I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Schedule of Upcoming Classes |
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