Dear Sweet Yogis & Yoginis,
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~Melodie Beattie
"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." ~Margaret Cousins
On the road to giving thanks
Halloween shrieked by and we have eased into November with the gift of an extra hour. And as the colors ignite and surround us in beauty who among us does not if but for a second feel blessed? It is important to be present to those moments when, in spite of all of life's challenges; we see the light! We at Om Sweet Om Yoga know that yoga does helps to cultivate that ability more and more, better and better over time with practice. In fact, according to the Yoga Sutras, that is the whole point of practice! Of course you may feel otherwise. You may come through our doors and onto your mat for many valid reasons, from healing an injury to weight loss, from stress relief to becoming more toned or improve balance or flexibility. The good news is that regardless of your reason, you will receive all of the many benefits that a regular yoga practice has to offer, including most importantly the ability to see clearer and recognize the gifts of just being.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it is call the present."
~ anonymous
And as Thanksgiving nears and our hearts and minds turn toward gratitude, we want you to know that we count you amongst our greatest blessings and wish for you all of the gifts of practice including a strong and healthy body, a clear and peaceful mind, and a warm and open heart able embrace all the beauty in the many precious however challenging moments of your life.
We look forward to seeing you soon at Om Sweet Om Yoga.
Love and peace and more love,  "If you want to be happy, be."~ Leo Tolstoy |
Asana of the Month
Sarvangasana/Shoulder Stand
For the student with healthy neck and shoulders, you may enter  this pose from lying on the back arms at the sides of the body, palms face down. Press hands into the floor and lift straight legs and hips together while rolling the shoulder blades together and bring your hands/palms to the back to support the lifting of the thoracic spine. Keep the legs engaged, lengthen the tailbone and pubic bone toward each other and the feet. Most of the weight should be in the shoulders while the legs are lifting and the palms of the hands support the back. Keep the action of the shoulder blades drawing in toward each other and away from your ears. Create as much space as you can between your neck and the floor so that you could conceivably slide a pencil or something similar between you shoulder blade past your neck to the notch in your skull. Your chin should be in the notch in your chest/throat properly securing jalandhara bandha and your nose should be aligned with your feet.
If your neck is healthy and you are new or a little shaky in the practice you may start with your legs up the wall, bend your knees and place you're the soles of your feet on the wall. From there press your feet into the wall and lift your hips off the ground and lengthen you pubic and tailbone up toward the ceiling bringing your hands to your back for support. When and if you feel steady you may lift one foot off the wall and then the other to balance.
If you have any neck problems you may wish to bring your legs up the wall in Vipariti Karani or just place a block beneath your butt and lift your legs up to the sky. (In the presence of a teacher (if you are in any way unsure), you may also use a blanket folded under the shoulders and scapulas. Both of these options will protect your neck and give you most of the benefits of the full posture.
Physical benefits: BKS Iyengar refers to sarvangasana as 'one of the greatest boons conferred to humanity from our ancient sages' and that its importance cannot be over-emphasized. It brings health and balance to the thyroid and parathyroid glands and helps to support the endocrine system and hence brings balance to the body and brain. It relieves breathlessness, bronchitis and asthma. It relieves headaches, insomnia, short temperedness, and hypertension. Because of the reversal of gravity and the pressure on the abdominal organs it also relieves gaseousness, constipation, urinary disorders and menstrual pain. It also helps to bring renewed vitality.
Sri K Pattabhi Jois says that "Sarvangasana cures all diseases, purifies the vishuddhi chakra and the amriti bindu (the drop of immortality) firm.
Spiritual benefits: As this pose does so much to purify, tone and balance the body, the endocrine system, the digestive organs, the brain. It is no wonder that one will feel more joyful, more vigorous and energetic, and the mind will be calmer and more at peace.
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Yogi of the month
 Eugene "Gene" Goldin
You'll probably recognize his face because he is in class nearly every day, sometimes twice. Gene is a professor of counseling at C.W. Post University and in private practice. He has a strong intellect and is passionate about what is important in his life. He came to yoga only about a year ago at his wife, Amy's suggestion. An avid runner and golfer, Gene believed himself to be in good shape physically, but liked the idea that yoga might help him build core strength, flexibility and improve his balance.
He had taken one class in California prior to coming to Om Sweet Om Yoga. Thinking it might be "easy" he bypassed the "foundations" classes and walked into Lisa's Sunday morning open level class. He was very surprised to find himself sweating and feeling quite challenged. But, rather than discourage him, it peaked his curiosity and motivated him to come as often as possible. Over time Gene explains that he came to realize that there is integrity to the practice and that it was more than just physical. Gene embraced yoga in its entirety and in his own words, "fell in love". Gene found the practice to be transformative and empowering. Before coming to yoga Gene had numerous aches and pains from his active lifestyle (running, golf and tennis) and often attributed them to just part of getting older. (By looking at him it is hard to believe that Gene is in his 60's.) Today he says that he feels SO much better, "it is like night and day". Even his doctor noticed the difference. But that physical transformation is just the tip of the iceberg for Gene. Through practice and study Gene feels that he is discovering life anew. It has brought him back to himself in the best sense.
At Om Sweet Om Yoga Gene has found friendship, community and a true sense of connection that is nothing short of spiritual. There is no turning back now! Gene plans to forge ahead and, with the intention of deepening his practice, enroll in Om Sweet Om Yoga's 200-hour teacher training program this winter.
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Om Sweet Om Yoga 200 hour Winter Teacher Training
What are you doing this winter?
Starting in January we will begin our tremendously rewarding and empowering Teacher Training program. Here is what several of our graduates have to say about their experience in this wonderful program
"I expected my training to be challenging. I knew it would be enlightening. I hoped it would be inspiring. And it was definitely all of those things, but what I never would have guessed was how much FUN it would be too. At Om Sweet Om, Lisa and Gail create a relaxed, supportive and loving environment in which to explore your path among friends." ~Deborah Corsitto
"I am extremely grateful for the training that I received at Om Sweet Om. It not only prepared me to teach with confidence but it opened my eyes to so much that I was unaware of. It has helped me grow in my own practice so that it is more spiritual and helpful for my everyday life. The training was given with love and encouragement suited to our individual needs. Tough love when needed as well as nurturing. I have good friends that are teachers as well and they have remarked that their training was not as comprehensive as Om Sweet Om's. In fact, one good friend is looking forward to coming to Om Sweet Om for her 300 hour training. I am inspired by my teachers, Gail, Lisa and Jean who always take it to the next level by continuing their education as well. They have so much to offer that I hope to continue my education at Om Sweet Om for a long time to come." ~Lauren Petricca
"Thank you OSO for guiding me and helping me find my voice as a teacher. Not a class goes by that i don't hear (or feel) your presence. I am forever grateful to Gail and Lisa for all their love and their lessons. It was an amazing experience that continues to enrich my life, allowing me to enrich the lives of many many others..." ~Erica Fazzari
"My journey with yoga started 8 years ago. I was 37 and for the first time in my life I had found something that helped me to feel calm. I started doing yoga at Om Sweet Om the day it opened it's doors, 8 years ago. I decided to do the 200 hour teacher training. I wasn't sure what i would do with it but i knew i wanted to learn more. This experience turned out to be the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. Everyday was like a birthday present. I loved learning more about this beautiful science. The philosphy behind this practice helped me to understand why Iwas able to connect to this place in me of peace and calm. My teachers, Lisa Bondy and Gail Grossman along with Dr. Robyn made learning a joy. I am now 45 and teach yoga 5 days a week. Every day I sit on my mat as teacher is more than I ever could have imagined. Sharing this gift is a true honor. If it were up to me I would take the training again and again and again..............." ~Michelle Lublin
"The Om Sweet Om Teacher Training meant even more to me than I had originally anticipated. I began the training to deepen my practice and pursue a hobby, but it quickly became apparent to me that I could actually teach. The more I learned about proper alignment and thoughtful sequencing of poses, the more I wanted to share with anyone who would listen. This teacher training is one of the best decisions I ever made." ~Michael Giovanniello
"I went into the teacher training knowing I wanted to teach yoga. What I did not realize was all that I would take away from the experience. I dived right into the fascinating depth that is yoga-- philosophy, anatomy, spirituality, to name a few. Lisa and Gail have been instrumental, both during the training and afterwards, guiding me with love, compassion and encouragement as I set out on a completely new journey-- to find my voice so that I can teach and share with others everything I have learned, one small step at a time. I am truly blessed to build my life, my career around what I love and upon what I draw inspiration each day of my life. My life is so much richer for it."~Mariana Groothuis
"I have had the honor to be teaching Yoga for two years now. I continue to grow as a teacher through practice, reading, and learning from my students. But, the original seeds were planted by my teacher's at Om Sweet Om. Gail and Lisa gave me all the tools I need to be successful at something that fills me with satisfaction and joy. I will be forever grateful." ~Regina Kaufman
"The TT @ OSO was a life-changing experience-- like a license in true-life skills and love. It should be a rite of passage, just as the right to vote, drink, drive, have certain professions or careers do in this modern day and age!
Thank you Guru-jis Lisa and Gail" ~Michelle Khodai
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| Last stop | |
As a reminder to our Om Sweet Om Yoga community, our yoga practice does not end when we get off of our mats, nor does it begin when we step on. Our practice is ongoing. This training in becoming more aware, kinder and more peaceful beings takes unending effort and diligence and we all at times fail. So find it in your heart to show yourself and those around you some compassion the next time you get irritated over parking or waiting in line etc. and continue to bring peace into this world and your life. Thank you.
"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can."
~John Wesley
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Click here to register for all events at Om Sweet OmSadie Nardini:
Deeper Core Power: Access Your Myofascial Meridians
Flow through a mindfully vigorous Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga class while you go deeper into anatomy, alignment and new poses to reveal the groundbreaking new findings on the Deep Core Lines of the body. Sadie shows you how to integrate their power into all your yoga poses. Use these muscular and energetic sources optimally to bring you to a whole new level, no matter what style of yoga you practice!
Click here to registerNov 25th Turkey Trot Warm up!
We will inform you of what time to meet and location prior to the date!
Leslie Kaminoff comes to Om Sweet Om! Kicking off our 300-hour teacher training January 8th & 9th, Leslie will teach what he knows best! This is part one of a two part anatomy module. You will be required to take both parts to complete this requirement. The second part is March 19th & 20th. If you will not be participating in our training and are an advanced practitioner or teacher looking to expand your knowledge base as it pertains to yoga anatomy you may participate as a workshop. Each 2 day module is $250. Learn The YogaKids Way
January 22-23 & February 5-6
4 day foundations training to register visit www.yogakids.comOur 200-Teacher Training to begins January 28th! Sign up before December 28th to recieve a discount! We are only having one weekend format training a year, so don't miss out! Early bird pricing is available if you register before December 28th! Save $300! register here
Yoga and weight management with Lisa Bondy:Making the shift to a healthy lifestyle!
Friday 12-30-2:30pm
10 hours over 5 weeks $250
Have you wanted to make a change for a LONG time? Well, let's seize the moment together!
In this workshop we will learn the not only how yoga philosophy and practice support a healthier you but we will also explore nutrition including food shopping and preparing healthy and delicious dishes as well as techniques to keep awareness and motivation high and happy! Coming in January.
Flu Prevention Lecture-Dr Robyn Croutch
Wondering about the Flu Shot?
Two Thursdays Dec 2 and Dec 16 7:00-8:30pm
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Atma Darsana
Atma is the soul/spirit/life force and darsana means to see or perceive. It is stated in the Yoga Sutras II.41 , (and I am paraphrasing) that Atma darsana is achieved after regular and prolonged practice of the eight limbs of yoga. Over time this determined practice gives you a glimpse or connects you with the experience of your "inner being" /light/life force.
"When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace." ~Dalai Lama
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Recipe of the month
Lisa's Vegan Cheezy Kale chips
Ingredients
Kale (2 bunches, they shrink a lot!) 1-pint raw cashews or sunflower seeds 1 (or more if you like things spicy) Jalapeno pepper chopped no seeds, (optional) 1tsp Sea salt or more to taste 2 tblsp Nutritional yeast 1 yellow pepper chopped ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (raw is best) 1 lemon per bunch of kale
Prep: Wash and tear kale into pieces about the size of your palm. Be sure to tear leaf away from the stem and hard veins and discard them. Wash leaves again and dry. Place in a large bowl.
In a blender or food processor combine nuts/seeds, chopped jalapeno, (without seeds), yellow pepper, lemon juice, 1tsp sea salt, 3 tblsps nutritional yeast, ½ of the oil and vinegar. Blend until the mixture is smooth adding the rest of the oil and vinegar to keep blender moving smoothly. Combine the mixture with the kale in a large bowl (you may want to do this in batches if you do no t have a big enough bowl. Massage the mixture into the leaves until they become softer and are fully coated.
Oven cooking Preheat oven to 200. Lay the kale out in one layer on greased cookie sheets (non stick also works). Place in the oven on racks. (You will probably need 4 cookie sheets). Cook for about 70-90 minutes making sure that you do not burn the kale. When all the chips are crunchy remove from tray and place in a bowl or basket. Serve immediately. YUMMMMMMM! Makes a great TV snack or appetizer finger food. Enjoy!
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