Struggling With Holiday Pressure?
 DON'T MISS THIS SUNDAY
YOGA AT THE ARMORY
Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information

 Nov. 14 - 20, 2011 
Kundalini Yoga
THIS WEEK
Thurs 7:30 p.m.
Sat 11 a.m.

Nov 20 in Pasadena
10 to 11:30 a.m. 
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Class Information
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Questions?
Your Roots Are Showing
It's the beginning of the world as we know it 

  "No matter where you go, there you are." 

-- Confucius  

 
If you're reading this newsletter, it must be obvious to you by now that the world didn't end on 11/11/11. Excellent. 

 

Now what?

 

DaVinci ChakrasI'm so glad you asked! As I think about the beginning of the brand-spanking-new Aquarian Age, I feel aware of how important it is to have a strong foundation in order to go forward successfully. Just like the cornerstone of a building, being properly "set" within ourselves provides the basis for good construction. 

 

In yogic terms, we can examine the quality of our personal foundation through something called the First Chakra, also known as the Root Chakra.

 

A chakra is a center of energy where, ideally, prana (life force) is flowing freely. In Chinese medicine, this is referred to as chi. We all have zillions of chakra points but in yoga we focus on seven main centers that are aligned along the spine and correlate to different aspects of existence. (In Kundalini yoga, we also work with an 8th chakra, the aura, our personal magnetic field which is the totality of all the other chakras.)

 

The cool thing about working with the chakras, in my humble opinion, is that you don't actually have to get all up in the mystical to find them helpful. If talking about energy and prana is just plain goofy to you, the chakras can simply be viewed as symbols for various parts of the body, mind and spirit. By contemplating these areas, we can assess where we may need attention or improvement physically or emotionally.
The First Chakra is aligned at the base of the spine around the tailbone and represented by the color red. It is sometimes called the Root Chakra because it relates to the Earth element and is at the lowest point along the spine. Physically it governs elimination (yes, that kind of elimination) and emotionally it is associated with the survival instinct and fear.

Chair Pose
Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
If your First Chakra is well-balanced, you will feel grounded, secure, stable, and have healthy functions of elimination. When it is out of whack, you may experience feelings of fear, insecurity, isolation and disconnection and constipation. You want this chakra in tip-top shape if you are negotiating a salary, facing a life change (deliberate or accidental) or feeling stuck physically or mentally. If you have a tendency to engage in self-sabotage, an imbalance in the Root Chakra may be partly responsible. People with a history of early trauma, abandonment or deprivation often suffer intense fear and mistrust because this chakra was compromised during important developmental stages.

Chair Pose, mulabhandha, Kundalini Frog Pose and Crow Pose all work the First Chakra, but (brace yourself for shameless self-promotion) don't try those at home if you have never been to a yoga class to learn proper alignment from an instructor. Instead, explore alternate ways to develop the purpose and symbolism of this energy center, such as gardening, stomping the feet or walking. Anything that consciously connects you to the earth is appropriate.

Beginning at the beginning allows you to establish a solid base from which you can safely grow and expand. We all start somewhere. Your solid roots create the conditions that lead to glorious blossoming of body, mind and spirit.
Sat Nam,
Mary
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armoryYoga at the Armory:
Holiday Stress Relief
November 20 & December 18

  

At this time of year, I frequently hear from people that the holiday season is a major source of stress. The seemingly endless advertisements depicting joyous holidays do not resonate with many of us. Furthermore, the pressure to be cheerful can be unbearable for those dealing with complicated family dynamics or painful changes in their lives.

 

Even for those who typically enjoy the coming weeks, the hustle and bustle leaves little time for self-care. Without making a special commitment to nurture your body, mind and spirit, you can quickly get lost in the shuffle.

 

My November and December classes at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena will be specially designed to neutralize strain and relieve mild depression. You will also benefit from poses that balance the glandular system and aid digestion (just in case you eat too much Tofurky) and we will probably even laugh a little, too!


Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena

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.

 

 

guestALL 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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classesClasses for the Week of November 14

 

North Hollywood  

Thursday 7:30 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. 

 

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 descriptionCLASS 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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policiesPOLICIES

 

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.