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Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information
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Oct. 3 - 9, 2011
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Kundalini Yoga
THIS WEEK
Thurs 7:30 p.m.
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Stand Up, Aquarian Soldier
Evolving Beyond Cro-magnon Consciousness We are entering the Age of Aquarius on Nov. 11, 2011. It will be a new time. The entire psyche is changing. -- Yogi Bhajan You've probably heard a bit of hype around the upcoming 11/11/11, referred to by some as the End Times, the new Enlightenment, Doomsday, the end of the Mayan Calendar, the opening of the Cosmic Portal and such.
 | | The Fifth Dimension - Aquarius (1969) |
For lots of folks, including me, Nov. 11, 2011 is a big deal. But is it really the end of the world as we know it? In the Kundalini yoga community, we say, "Not exactly." |
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It's a watershed moment, no doubt. The Piscean Age, which officially ends 11/11/11, was a time dominated by hierarchies, authority, reasoning, dualities, loyalty and competition. Now civilization is moving into the Age of Aquarius, in which success will be determined by cooperation, experience, compassion, service, invention and awareness. Perhaps the most famous illustration of this shift is the recent overthrow of long-time dictators in numerous countries. Those rebellions are examples of the "old way" becoming obsolete and giving rise to a new group consciousness.
To meet the challenges of this coming age, we must rise to a new level of awareness. Our task at hand is comparable to another defining evolutionary development. About 7.5 million years ago human creatures stood up for the first time. It took another 4 million years or so to get used to this walking business. After all, moving from four legs to two felt unstable and caused insecurity. It took time to trust that standing up was a good idea. Since then human specimens have been evolving in various ways -- mostly physically and mentally as needed to promote our survival.
Now we must stand up again, only this time that stand is in consciousness. Only by evolving our awareness will we carry ourselves forward into this new age, the Aquarian Age. In the same way it took millions of years to adapt to our physical standing up, we won't be waking from deep sleep on Nov. 12, 2011, to Peace on Earth and time travel. Any real change -- both evolutionary and revolutionary -- takes patience, dedication and lots of failure.
These changes are occurring at every level of human existence. For example, if it seems to you that time has been flying by and that people are more on edge than in the past, you are not imagining things. As we transition between these ages, there's a kind of cosmic "squeeze" going on and everyone is feeling the pressure whether they realize it or not. The simple fact is: we need specific, effective tools to navigate the shift. So while you may find all this "new age-y" philosophy a bunch of hogwash, you may be thoroughly convinced that your life is stressful. And, wouldn't you know it, Kundalini yoga can help with that.
Yogi Bhajan knew that the need for balance, stress-relief and community would grow as 11/11/11 drew near. In fact, this is the root of one of his more famous quotes explaining his purpose in bringing Kundalini yoga to the west in 1969: "I came to the United States to create teachers, not to have students." He wanted to establish an "army" of Aquarian teachers who could pass along the techniques of this practice. So whether you're on board for the whole "dawning of the Age of Aquarius" trip or you just want to lower your blood pressure, adding yoga into your life will help. Our task at this crossroads is to commit to beginning.
On October 3, a global 40-day sadhana will launch and last through 11/11/11. Its purpose is to elevate the spirit, strengthen the central nervous system and link the collective consciousness. A commitment to 40 straight days of meditation can be intimidating for anyone, even practiced yogis. If you can't begin on October 3, or if you don't think you can manage 40 days but you would still like to try, that's awesome. No need to put undue pressure on yourself. (There's enough pressure coming down on us already thanks to the transformation of the ages.) Just give it a whirl and see how it goes for you.
If you do want to attempt a 40-day practice, I suggest connecting with like-minded others by signing up online at Spirit Voyage. Forty days of sadhana will change your life (I speak from experience) and it's important to have the proper encouragement and support in place to reap all the benefits.
A sadhana is about commitment and challenge but it should also realistically fit into your life. Signing on for 40-days of a certain meditation may not be what works for you. Or it may be exactly what you need to put the focus on yourself and your growth. Each person and each situation is different. If you're unsure or you have any questions about framing your practice, please feel free to email me.
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 Yoga at the Armory: October 23
Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena Community Class 10 to 11:30 a.m. $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 October 3
North Hollywood Thu 7:30 p.m. No Class Saturday
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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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