Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information
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Sept. 19 - 25, 2011
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The Soul As Crew Chief
You are your full-time job "I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being." -- Hafiz  When we are deeply connected with and guided by our soul, it's virtually impossible for anyone to stop our forward march into conscious being. That is precisely why we meet so much resistance, both internal and external, along the way to self-acceptance. Imagine the profound revolution that would ensue if each of us were guided by the light of our soul.
Of course, the prerequisite for this bold endeavor is knowing who you really are. Contemporary society has no end of distractions to thwart this purpose and resisting these diversions takes some skill. Discovering (and staying focused on) our true selves is a full-time job but it's work that comes with benefits. At the very least, we have a lot more free time when we drop the rope that is tugging us off center. How might you spend your energy if it weren't exhausted by hating your body, pleasing other people, obsessing over money, or resenting other people's actions? |
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Knowing "who you really are" is a lifelong process and, in my own experience, it can be really, really, really uncomfortable. I usually have ideas about where I'm supposed to be going, what I'm supposed to be doing, who I'm supposed to be helping and all those awesome ego-based notions. Letting my authentic self be the boss doesn't always get me what I want and, to the outside looking in, it can appear messy, out-of-control and sort of lame. And, ooooo, I hate that.
My most recent experience occurred this week when I got so ill that I basically slept for 24 hours. As a result, I missed my daily meditation. Hey, that happens. No biggie. But here's the kicker: I had only one week to go in order to complete a 90-day sadhana (a daily spiritual practice). Instead, after 82 days, I missed one day and it means I didn't fulfill my 90-day commitment. Regardless of the reason, there are no loopholes in this one. It's over. Blown. Busted. Done. Kaput. I can hardly describe my frustration, which has brought me face-to-face (again) with one of the obstacles to knowing my real self: my perfectionism. Since it just happened, I have nothing particularly philosophical to say about it. I kinda just feel like crying.
Still, I persevere, and I urge you to do so as well. We really don't have time to waste in the Following-the-Light-of-the-Soul department. Ask yourself what is more important than sharing who you really are with the world? Commit to the perpetual cycle of learning about yourself, confronting your defects and maximizing your assets. Then get on with it -- your light is needed. If you don't believe me, just heed the words of perhaps the greatest sage of all time, Mr. Fred Rogers: "If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."
That's right: Mister Rogers. Do not argue with the man in the sweater! |
 Yoga at the Armory: September 25
Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena 10 a.m. Community Class $15 suggested fee ALL LEVELS WELCOME!
Armory Center for the Arts
Community Room
145 N. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena CA 91103
Parking & Directions
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MAT & BLANKET. NONE ARE PROVIDED.
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Where to Park for FREE in North Hollywood
Complimentary! Gratis! On the house! 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. ALL GUESTS MUST ENTER THE BUILDING FROM THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING (CHANDLER BOULEVARD). THERE IS NO MORE GUEST ENTRY FROM THE SOUTH SIDE (WEDDINGTON STREET). |
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Classes for the Week of September 19
North Hollywood Thu 7:30 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. Pasadena Armory September 25 Sun 10 a.m. to noon |
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CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
"Yoga" is a word that derives from the Sanskrit "jugat," which means to join together. The purpose of all yoga is to awaken consciousness. Various styles of yoga emphasize differing methods to achieve that awakening. No style of yoga is "better" or "worse" than another, they simply employ different methods for practice. Kundalini Yoga Kundalini yoga uses breath, sound and movement to create a awareness of and connection to mind, body and spirit. A typical class lasts 90 minutes. The session includes tuning in, warm up, a set of poses called a "kriya" designed by Yogi Bhajan for a specific effect (such as glandular balance or spinal flexibility), meditation, relaxation and closing. Hatha Yoga Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga in the world. Hatha Yoga uses asana (postures) and conscious breathing in combination with mental focus to develop awareness, strength and flexibility, and relaxation. Poses and sequences common to Hatha yoga (such as sun salutations) are often part of the warm up for my Kundalini yoga classes. Private Classes Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home. |
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POLICIES
Mat Space Reservations Space is limited to six mats per class in North Hollywood. For this reason, online reservations are required to attend. Online reservations are requested, but not required, at locations other than my home studio. Private classes are by appointment only. Please email me to ask questions or make an appointment. Cancellations Students who cancel their mat space reservation with less than 24-hour notice will be asked to pay the full class fee. No charge for cancellations with more than 24-hours notice. Private Classes Private classes at my studio are available by appointment for $75.00 per class. You will benefit from personalized yoga sets and meditation specific to your needs and/or requests, typically lasting 90 minutes. For an additional transportation fee (based on mileage), I am able to provide private instruction in your cat-free home. |
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