|
DECK THE HALLS, NOT SOMEONE ELSE!
Relieve your holiday stress with Yoga at the Armory
THIS SUNDAY: 12/18/2011
Click here for information
DON'T MISS IT! |
|
Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information
|
Dec. 12 - 18, 2011
|
|
IT'S COMING:
NEW CLASS SCHEDULE BEGINNING JANUARY 2012!
Kundalini Yoga
THIS WEEK
Thurs 7:30 p.m.
Sat 11 a.m.
|
|
Just Say S-L-O-W
Taking a real break for the holidays " Life is not about circumstance. It's about purpose." -- Guru Singh I'm taking a little break (this is called teaching by example). In the past few Yoga Bits, we made it all the way from the First through the Fourth Chakras. After the holidays, we'll visit the 5th, 6th and 7th. But yoga has taught me to be in the moment (or at least to try), and right now the moment is preoccupied with the madness that so often accompanies the holidays. So let's have a chat.  For some reason, people go a bit insane this time of year. Or a lot insane. I know I certainly have a history of succumbing to the pressure. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: I genuinely despise this time of year. In the past, I've become caught up in doing things only to please other people -- or the exact opposite in which I have found it necessary to retreat from any participation in holiday activity. I'm not judging myself for it. I did the best I could. We all do. But it's a relief to have some choices now that don't involve either extreme.
I have lots of tools that are quite specific to the issues that crop up for me around this time of year. But I would say the one that is most universally useful, the one I share the most with others, is the practice of slowing down. After all, what is the hurry? Stop and ask yourself... Wait, first just stop. STOP. I know how hard that was -- and that's the problem. It seems some time after Thanksgiving, our already overburdened "To Do" lists grow exponentially. As if daily life wasn't jam-packed enough, now we are faced with extra planning, calling, shopping, visiting, entertaining and working (depending on your profession). |
|
|
I try to face the fact, early on in the holi-daze, that I am not going to get everything done on that giant list, not by a long shot. When I can accept that, I'm able to get back to basics (like breathing) that make my life easier and more pleasurable. I know I would much rather actually talk to someone than have us whiz past each other at the speed of light as we charge off to the next meaningless stop in the holiday gauntlet.
 | | Aaaahhhhh... |
Now if you are someone who does not become irritable, forgetful, compulsive or neurotic this time of year, you have no need to amend your behavior. You have taken your yoga practice "off the mat"! This phrase means that you carry the principles of your practice with you everywhere you go. So if your choices this time of year are working beautifully for you, I say, "Fantastic,keep up the good work!"
But if you're having a little trouble regrouping and you can't escape to the Caribbean, do not despair! There is hope in the form of yoga classes, specifically this Sunday, December 18, at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena. We're going to do specific things in class to combat holiday stress, sharpen focus and balance the nervous system. Click here for information about the Armory class. All other classes are listed weekly in the upper left column of each edition of Yoga Bits. I hope you'll take the time for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
|
 | |
| | |
 Yoga at the Armory:
Holiday Stress Relief
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 December class 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) 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
PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MAT & BLANKET. NONE ARE PROVIDED.
|
| | |
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). |
| | |
Classes for the Week of December 12
North Hollywood Thurs 7:30 p.m.
Sat 11 a.m.
Pasadena Sun 10 to 11:30 a.m.
|
| | |
| | |
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. |
| | |
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. |
|
|
|
|
The techniques and suggestions presented in Yoga Bits are not intended as medical claims or to substitute for proper medical advice. Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. If you are elderly or have any chronic or recurring conditions such as high blood pressure, neck or back pain, arthritis, heart disease, and so on, seek your physician's advice before practicing.
|
|
|
