Yoga at the Armory: Sunday, September 25
Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, 10 a.m. Community Class
Details below
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The Sixth Sense
Some things must be believed to be seen
The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.
-- Albert Einstein Somewhere along the way in history, possibly beginning thousands of years ago, we started to ignore certain human skills such as intuition. Around the 18th Century and the Age of Reason, dominant Western culture essentially declared anything outside of logic to be invalid.
But even (or especially) Einstein knew that was a load of crap.
There have certainly been keepers of the extra-sensory flame all along, but it seems that we still suffer from the perception that intuition and other forms of subtle intelligence are non-reality and not to be trusted.
Or we tend to think of extra-sensory ability as clairvoyance or energy healing or "seeing dead people" -- and, sure, those count -- but for most of us it's a lot simpler than that. If you've ever felt the hairs on the back of your neck rise, or suspected that someone wasn't telling you the full truth, or had a "hunch" that if you tried something it would work, you have relied upon knowledge beyond the five basic senses.
The rational mind is a beautiful, articulate and essential component in our human functioning. But it is only one component. When allowed to run roughshod over all other aspects of our selves, the rational mind (sometimes know as the Left Brain) can become a narrow, bossy and inflexible nag. How can we strike a balance? There are volumes of yogic writings about The Mind and its complex composition, it's purpose and function, and how to manage it so I'll just cut to the chase:
Meditate, baby.
Sometimes the idea of meditation seems like the exclusive domain of a bald dude in an orange robe on top of a mountain. Not true! I have been known to meditate in some pretty unusual places: in my car in a parking garage, at the doctor's office, in traffic (eyes open, of course). Meditation can happen anywhere, once you have learned a technique that works for you.
Regular meditation develops our sensitivity to and trust in our intuition, which is naturally strong but often drowned out by that super-loud rational mind that gets so much attention. Meditation focuses the brain, deepens the breath and calms the body. These effects promote your long-term physical and emotional health, but they also create an "environment" in which your intuition is sharpened and more readily available to you. Given the stresses of contemporary life, ask yourself if you can really afford to do without such essential tools for well-being.
If you are just beginning meditation (or even if you have been practicing for years), it is often easier to meditate in a group. Joining a class or making a commitment with a friend to sit for three minutes a day may be the anchor you need to get started. You can find available class times in each week's Yoga Bits. Don't worry about doing it "right," or being good at it, or liking it -- just show up and see what happens. |
A Special Workshop Event:
HEALING SUPPORT with KUNDALINI YOGA
Sunday, September 11
10 a.m. to noon
$30 per person
Only THREE spaces left! Reserve now!
Practitioners of Kundalini yoga can relate endless stories of how their healing has been supported -- or even initiated -- by this ancient tradition. In my own life, Kundalini yoga sustained and repaired my body, mind and spirit after a complete collapse in 2003.
This two-hour workshop, which is designed to be useful for anyone who feels limited by emotional or physical difficulties, will introduce you to the amazing yogic science behind Kundalini yoga and meditation. You will experience the benefits of the practice and learn a healing meditation that you can do at home.
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Classes for the Week of September 5
North Hollywood
Wed 7:30 p.m. Thu 7:30 p.m.
Sun 10 a.m. Healing Support Workshop
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NEW PARKING IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD
It's free!
The NoHo Arts District is growing, which is wonderful news for this "revitalized" neighborhood. It also means that free parking options have diminished dramatically due to increased demand. SO, here are the new instructions for free parking when you come to yoga at my home studio:
Enter underground parking for The Lofts at NoHo Commons from Chandler Boulevard (cross street Fair, between Lankershim and Vineland). The signs will say "Resident Parking Only" but keep going. When you get to the bottom of the ramp, turn right into the Visitor Parking section. Park anywhere and dial 086 on the call box at the parking garage elevators. When I buzz you in, take the elevator to the 2nd Floor. Walk south across the courtyard (past the leasing office and the pool) toward the Weddington side of the building until you get to apartment 245.
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Yoga at the Armory: September 25
Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena
10 a.m. Community Class
All Levels
$15 suggested fee*
Armory Center for the Arts
Community Room
145 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena CA 91103
Parking & Directions
*Why "suggest" a fee? Aren't you sure the class is worth $15?
Well, in my humble opinion, it's certainly worth it. However, not everyone who wants or needs yoga is in a position to pay the full class fee. In those cases, a "suggested" fee or donation leaves room for students to pay what they can afford, if the standard $15 is not possible.
Please bring your own mat and yoga blanket. None are provided.
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