Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information
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Oct. 17 - 23, 2011
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Kundalini Yoga
THIS WEEK
North Hollywood
Thurs 7:30 p.m.
Sat 11 a.m.
Pasadena
Sun 10 to 11:30 a.m.
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Seeing Is (Not) Believing
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain We often determine that we have seen a situation "correctly" and act according to that perception. In reality, however, we have deceived ourselves... -- "The Heart of Yoga" by Desikachar My nine-year-old neice turned to me the other day and said this: "I've figured out the secret to advertising."  | | Don Draper of AMC's Mad Men |
We were at my nephew's orthodontist appointment seated in the waiting room, a truly tricked out den of distraction that is supposed to keep kids' minds off getting their braces tightened and parents' minds off how much they are paying for it. She decided to share this insight with me as we stared mindlessly at the giant flat screen TV mounted on the wall. "There are really two things," she explained. "First, you have to act like your product really works. Second, you have to get good-looking people for your billboard." I think that about sums it up, yes? So it seems advertising is the opposite of yoga. In advertising, the goal is to manipulate the senses to induce desire for a product. In yoga, we undergo an ongoing process of awareness and refinement in order to see reality. |
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| If a fourth-grader can spot the tactics used to influence our choices, can't we all? The incredibly profound answer to this question is: nah.
If we can't see these smokescreens, then how are we to appropriately navigate our lives? Sadly, a great many folks don't. They simply bounce from circumstance to circumstance with little or no consciousness of how incorrect judgment has played a part. Yoga uses the term avidya to describe a false perception. Avidya can cause distress and lead us to unintended consequences.
In the book "The Heart of Yoga," Desikachar explains that we need not judge ourselves for having avidya -- it is an inevitable aspect of living in the physical world through our human senses. Rather than try to avoid avidya, which is impossible, yoga provides us with a path to identify false perception and improve our understanding. We are then able to choose correctly.
Focusing on the breath is a perfect example of how yoga develops this clarity. The first time you come to the mat, you may have no awareness of your breath. Gradually, through regular practice, you may increase consciousness of the inhale and exhale. Eventually you can learn to regulate the breath for optimum well-being. But not much progress can be made if you are never aware that your breathing is problematic in the first place.
Once you begin to develop awareness in one area, it's almost a certainty that your improved skill will carry over to other parts of your experience. And although we sometimes resist new awareness, clarity ultimately frees us to be who we are. As Desikachar explains, "When we see something correctly there is a profound peace within us -- we feel no tension, no unrest, no agitation."
Sounds like a bargain to 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 17
North Hollywood Thursday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. Pasadena Sunday 10 a.m. |
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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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