Atma Bodha-The Vancouver Yoga Center Newsletter
Issue 2-Spring/Summer 2004
Apr 10, 2004

Hi !

In this issue, you'll read:
Welcome to the second Issue of Atma Bodha-Vancouver Yoga Center's Newsletter.
Class Schedule For May 3-June 27 & June 28-Aug 22
Yoga Potluck Party
Upcoming Workshops
Eternal Om Meditation
Sivananda Satsang Meditation & Chanting
Yoga Summer Camp for Kids!
Yoga Teachers Training Program
7 Foods for the Body, Mind, Spirit By Melonie Nielsen
Yoga Posture 101- Adho Mukha Vrksasana By Matt Hartman
Ayurvedic Cooking - Carrot Halva
Welcome to the Astrology Corner with Jay Puryear
Book Review-Hope's Edge By Theresa Cross
Poem By Rumi

Welcome to the second Issue of Atma Bodha-Vancouver Yoga Center's Newsletter.

Welcome to the second Issue of Atma Bodha-Vancouver Yoga Center's Newsletter.
Atma means the "Supreme Self" Bodha means "knowledge of". It is our Vision of the Newsletter and the Center to teach and practice principles that align us in a more balanced harmonious way so that we may connect into our highest potential and begin to understand the great mystery that is life. We hope you enjoy the various articles on Yoga, Ayurveda, Health, Philosophy, Cooking, Astrology and our communities favorite books. We would welcome your submissions for future issues just send them to Melonie at melonie@vancouveryogacenter.com

We will not sell, share, or rent your email information to others. You may unsubscribe any time here or with the link at the bottom of the newsletter.

Enjoy!
Melonie

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Class Schedule For May 3-June 27 & June 28-Aug 22

Monday
9-10:30am Beginners TBA
3:45-5pm Beginners Melonie
5:30-7pm Intermediate Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Beginners-Intermediate Melonie
Tuesday
9-10:30 am Gentle-Beginners TBA
3:45-5pm Intermediate Melonie
5:30-7pm Gentle-Beginners Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Beginners Melonie
Wednesday
9-10:30am Intermediate Matt
10:45-12:15noon Beginners Matt
5:30-7pm Intermediate-Advanced Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Beginners-Intermediate Melonie
Thursday
12-1pm Mixed Levels TBA
3:45-5pm Gentle-Beginners Melonie
5:30-7pm Beginners Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Intermediate-Advanced Melonie
Friday,Saturday & Sunday
Classes coming soon– check the newly designed web page for updates
See also upcoming workshops

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Yoga Potluck Party

Come join us for our annual Vegetarian potluck. Gather with your fellow yoga mates or come for the first time to the studio and meet a great group of people.
Saturday May 8th 5pm-?
Bring a small dish and Family and Friends.
The potluck will be followed by a Musical Celebration! Bring your own musical instruments, play one of ours, or just relax, listen and socialize.

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Upcoming Workshops

Yoga Therapy Workshops:

Apr 24th Yoga & Ayurveda for Stress Management 1-3 Saturday $35
May 8th Yoga for Scoliosis 1-3 Saturday $35
May 22nd Feet & Knees 1-3 Saturday $35

3-Hour Sunday Yoga Intensives:

April 25th 10-1pm Restorative Yoga, Pranayama, & Meditation $35
May 23rd 10-1pm Standing Vinyasa (flow) & Balance poses (hands & Feet) $35

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Eternal Om Meditation

If you like to OM during yoga class, you'll love this! Facilitated by Ron.
Sunday June 6th 6pm-? Free

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Sivananda Satsang Meditation & Chanting

Silent Meditation, Kirtan Singing and Philosophical discourse followed by Prasad ( a sweet treat!) Facilitated by Ron
Sunday July 25th 6pm-? Free

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Yoga Summer Camp for Kids!

We are excited to present two new programs at the center facilitated by Mary Ellen Bray, Anusara Yoga Instructor and School teacher.
This summer provide your children with a exciting new way to explore and appreciate their creative potential. These yoga Kids camps will be presented in a playful, simple & fun way. Empowering the children to discover a sense of awareness and respect for themselves, others & the world around them through yoga poses, breathing and relaxation.

Kids Yoga camp 3-5 years old
June 28st-July 2nd 1:30-2pm $35
Kids Yoga Camp 6-12 years old
June 28st-July 2nd 2:15-3:15pm $60
(this is a date change from the printed newsletter due to Vancouver Schools ending late this year)

Call studio for more information or to register. (360) 521-1609



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Yoga Teachers Training Program

The Vancouver Yoga Center will present its Teachers Training Certification program this fall.
This training program will exceed the 200 hour requirements of Yoga Alliance and qualify you for Registration. This comprehensive, year-long program will be held one Saturday each month for 9-12 months, with additional classroom hours, workshops & homework assignments required. The basics of teaching all classes of asanas will be covered, plus: anatomy, assisting, adjusting, use of props, therapeutics, sequencing, Pranayama & overview of the different systems of Yoga philosophy. At the end of the program there will be a 5-day intensive teachers training course in Anusara Yoga to get you on your way to certification with Anusara Yoga. This training will cover more advanced alignment principles and adjustments along with the fine art of Heart-themes.
Dates, Times and Prices to be announced. Call Melonie for more information. (360) 521-1609

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7 Foods for the Body, Mind, Spirit By Melonie Nielsen

The ancient science of Yoga is a simple, natural program involving five main principals designed to retard the aging process and keep the physical and mental faculties strong: Proper Exercise, Proper Breathing, Proper Relaxation, Proper Diet, and Positive Thinking and Meditation. This system was designed with the idea that we were not born merely to be subject to pain, suffering, disease and death. On the contrary, there is a far greater purpose to life! But, the spiritual investigation of life’s purposes requires keen intellect and strong will, products of a healthy body and mind.
Yoga is a life of self-discipline based on the tenets of “simple living and high thinking”. The body is seen as a temple or vehicle for the soul, and has specific requirements which must be fulfilled for it to function smoothly. An automobile requires five things: a lubricating system, a battery, a cooling system, the correct fuel, and a responsible driver behind the wheel. This body-vehicle also needs:
Proper Exercise: acts as a lubricating routine to the joints, glands, organs, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other body parts by increasing circulation and flexibility.
Proper Breathing: aids the body in connecting to its battery, the solar plexus, where tremendous potential energy is stored. When tapped through specific Yoga breathing techniques (Pranayama), this energy is released for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Proper Relaxation: cools down the system, like a cars radiator. When the body and mind are continually overworked, their efficiency is diminished. Relaxation is Nature’s way of recharging the body.
Proper Diet: provides correct fuel for the body. Optimum utilization of food, air, water, and sunlight is essential!
Positive Thinking and Meditation: puts you in control! The lower nature is brought under conscious control through steadiness and concentration of mind.
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Let’s focus on Proper Diet. I have found 7 different foods to care for not only our Body, but our Mind and Spirit as well.
1) The Food we eat: Organic, Locally Grown, Whole Foods, eaten in season and cooked with Love are the best!
2) Nurturing touch: Hugs and Massages are better than dessert !
3) What we see: Watching violence and negativity on the screen or in real life effects our state of mental/emotional health.
4) What we smell: Aromatherapy is a whole healing science using the medicinal properties of the plants aromatic oils. Smell also has an effect on the mind. Most of us have witnessed this when we have smelled something and automatically had memories of the past.
5) What we hear: Listening to positive music or affirmations can elevate our soul, make us feel happy and create a state of physical health. Listening to negative music or words can bring us into that state of anger and thinking.
6) The company we keep: This is something most of us don't think about, but the friends and people at work that we spend time with have an effect on us. If we allow ourselves to be around negative people we can pick up their bad habits and energy. This is one reason people flock to spiritual people and places. We feel more happy and elevated around people who are focused on a higher purpose.
7) The words we say: This is the most important food for the Body, Mind & Spirit, and the hardest of all to control. If you’re in a bad mood and say something mean to someone, notice how you feel afterwards:fatigued, regretful and not very elevated. Then see how you feel when you compliment someone on something. Instantly you feel happy, elevated, and positive.
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If you are seeking better health or state of mind, I encourage you to look at these 7 foods for the Body Mind and Spirit and see where you may be able to better nurture yourself.

Melonie Nielsen is the owner of the Vancouver Yoga Center. She draws from her training as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Certified Ayurvedic Health Practitioner.

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Yoga Posture 101- Adho Mukha Vrksasana By Matt Hartman

Adho Mukha Vrksasana (ADHO MU-KHA VRIK-SHA-SANA) ADHO=DOWNWARD MUKHA=FACING VRKSA=TREE ASANA-POSE,
also known as handstand is probably the most familiar and symmetrically graceful asana of all the arm balance variations. Some of us probably attempted this pose as a fearless little kid, before we knew what it meant to fall on our head. If you grew up watching or participating in gymnastics you might remember the ease and strength demonstrated as gymnasts executed this inversion in their routines. Some of us (the author included) wait until later in life to attempt the challenge of turning ourselves upside down while balancing on our arms and creating a straight line from hands to feet. The stability of adho mukha vrksasana begins with enthusiasm and grounding through the four corners of the hands and continues circumferentially along the muscles of the arms and shoulders until there is a genuine embrace of the shoulder blades on the upper back. This line of energy into the heart focal point is complimented by the ability to extend down towards the earth and up towards the sky with pranic force through the bones. The strength required of the wrists, arms and shoulders relate to the attitude of steadfastness and the dedication we make to ourselves, our loved ones, and all things sacred. When learning handstand it is equally important to remember your connection to the greater tapestry of life and practice with a sense of surrender and acceptance. Striving and competition will not be advantageous when connecting with the heart, take this advice from one who knows!
Now once the focal point is strong and stable the real trick is bringing the hips over the shoulders and the feet over the hips. Think of standing upright, straight and still (samasthiti) with even support of the muscles on all sides of the legs and tonus to the pelvic floor and naval area. This feeling is what needs to be simulated when standing equally on the hands in the divine flow of gravity. Downward facing tree pose is renowned for the core strength required to position the pelvis and feet over the support of the heart. This requires concentration to the central midline and gives us a direct core experience into the nature and action associated with the wisdom of yoga. This wisdom gives us a glimpse into the psycho/emotional web within us and over time provides clarity regarding our fears, perceived limitations, and fluctuations of thoughts.
In public yoga classes handstand is great for the spirit of community as it excites conversation while instilling confidence, support and trust; very important if your kicking up for the first time with a fellow yogi assisting you! Adho Mukha Vrksasana should not be practiced in cases of cardiovascular disease, brain tumors, or traumas without consent of a physician. Many yoga teachers believe it should not be practiced by women during the first (heavy) days of menstruation, be sure to check in with your instructor.

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Ayurvedic Cooking - Carrot Halva

Carrot (Gajar) Halva
This dessert was a hit at the last yoga gathering. It is one of my favorite desserts from my adventures in India. It is traditionally made in the winter months but I had so many requests for the recipe I just had to put it in the Summer newsletter. Halva means sweets in Arabic and refers to thick pudding-like mixtures made from vegetables or grains. Sweet makers in India are called ‘Halvais’.

To serve 8 you will need:
2.2 pounds carrots, coarsely grated
4 cups whole milk
3 1/2 ounces Ghee
8 ounces(1 cup) Powdered sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 cup slivered almonds
Put the grated carrot and milk in a heavy-based saucepan over low heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring until the carrot is tender and the milk evaporates. This must be done slowly or the mixture will burn. (may take 1+ hours) Add the ghee and cook until the carrot starts to brown.
Add the sugar and cook until the mixture is thick and dry. Add the raisins, cardamom and almonds. Serve hot in small bowls with cream or ice cream and sprinkle with a little ground cardamom.
This dish is balancing for all constitutional body types but Kapha’s should eat this in moderation, and make it with goat’s milk if possible.

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Welcome to the Astrology Corner with Jay Puryear

Mercury, the planet of communications and transportation, is retrograde from April 6th – 30, also August 9 – Sept 2nd. . During Mercury retrograde, it is not the best time to start new projects nor sign contracts. It is a good time to clear the clutter of old paperwork, re-new old acquaintances and reflect on the past few months. Cleaning out the closets and garage are great activities to do this month. It is also a good time to revise, reconsider, repair or review.

Jupiter (in Virgo all this period) is about learning more about your personal health, how to live healthier and better. Focus on perfecting your yoga postures and getting grounded in your practice.
Saturn in Cancer continues to bring us closer or more involved with family.

Venus passes directly in front of the sun June 8th ( last time Venus eclipsed the Sun was 108 years ago). From 10:14 pm, June 7th, 2004 (PDT) to 4:26 am, June 8th (PDT). It will eclipse the Sun at exactly 1:42 am (PDT) on June 8th. Venus represents the heart and the feminine side of our being. The Sun represents our individuality and the masculine side of our being. Venus eclipsing (in front of) the Sun is symbolic of our need to consider the feminine expression first, before the masculine and to allow the feminine energies to guide the masculine
When Venus eclipses the Sun, it will block some of the Sun’s light and expose the shadows in your emotional relationships. You must take responsibility for how you show up in your relationships with others.

Jay Puryear (jpuryear@att.net) is a Yogi at the Vancouver Yoga Center, herbalist, naturopath, and astrologer, who owns a scientific instruments company.

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Book Review-Hope's Edge By Theresa Cross

Hope's Edge
The Next Diet for a Small Planet by Lappe' & Lappe' is a very readable account of how groups of people are challenging the way their food is grown and distributed. It's overwhelming to think about the problems with modern agriculture and food production: pesticides, genetically modified foods, privatization of seeds and genetic coding, famine, the loss of healthy soil needed to feed a growing world population, family farms going out of business and replaced with large, corporate, monoculture farms and feedlots, etc. Instead of focusing on the problem, the authors traveled the world and provide detailed descriptions of solutions: people-driven vs. corporate-driven economies, sustainable ways to grow organic food and raise animals in a humane and healthy way, and empowered villagers addressing hunger and jobs. This book truly gives the reader hope about the future of our food supply and the question of how we will feed ourselves. And it's full of delicious recipes! Clark College library has this book.

Please email your review of a book or publication that has inspired you or changed your life.
Email to:
Melonie@vancouveryogacenter.com
Also if you would like to contribute a article for the newsletter or have suggestions on topics to be discussed please email Melonie with your suggestions.

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Poem By Rumi

OUT BEYOND IDEAS OF WRONGDOING AND RIGHT DOING, THERE IS A FIELD. I'LL MEET YOU THERE.

WHEN THE SOUL LIES IN THAT GRASS, THE WORLD IS TOO FULL TO TALK ABOUT. IDEAS, LANGUAGE, EVEN THE PHRASE EACH OTHER DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE.

~RUMI

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