| Atma Bodha-The Vancouver Yoga Center Newsletter
Issue 3-Fall/Winter 2004
Aug 8, 2004Hi ! In this issue, you'll read:
What is Atma Bodha?
Class Schedule Aug 30-Dec19 2004
Anusara Yoga Workshop With Noah Maze
Yoga Teacher Training Course
Meditation with Dechen
Ayurvedic Medicine Workshop
Therapeutic Yoga Workshops
3-hour Sunday Yoga Intensives
Making Every Moment Meaningful
Virabhadrasana 1- By Matt Hartman
Ayurvedic Cooking - Kitchadi
Welcome to the Astrology Corner With Jay Puryear
Book Review by Ronald J. Osborne
Healing Arts at the Vancouver Yoga Center What is Atma Bodha?
Welcome to the 3rd 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.comWe 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 Aug 30-Dec19 2004
Monday
No classes Sept 6th—Labor day– 7 week term3:45-5pm Beginners Melonie
5:30-7pm Intermediate Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Beginners-Intermediate TBA Tuesday 3:45-5pm Intermediate Melonie
5:30-7pm Gentle-Beginners Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Beginners TBA Wednesday
9:30-11am Intermediate TBA
5:30-7pm Intermediate-Advanced Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Beginners-Intermediate Melonie Thursday
No classes Nov 25th—Thanksgiving– 7 week term 9:30-11am Beginners TBA
3:45-5pm Gentle-Beginners TBA
5:30-7pm Beginners Melonie
7:15-8:45pm Intermediate-Advanced Melonie Friday
5:30-6:45pm Pre-Natal Amy
7-9pm Meditation Aug 27– Oct 1 Dechen Saturday
8:45-10:15am Beginners Amy
10:30-12noon Intermediate Amy
Sunday 3-4pm* Family Yoga class Mary Ellen
(*Sept 26th, Oct. 24th, Nov 21st, Dec 19th
$12 parent + 1 child, $5 each additional child)
Schedules subject to change.
Check on-line for updates - www.vancouveryogacenter.com
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Anusara Yoga Workshop With Noah Maze
Nov 12th 7-9pm $40 Nov 13th 12:15-4:15pm $80 Nov 14th 9-1pm $80 Save by coming to the whole 10 hour workshop $150 Pre-registration is required. Pre-register by Oct 25th call 360-521-1609 Anusara yoga is a uniquely integrated approach to Hatha Yoga in which the art of the human spirit powerfully blends with the science of bio mechanics. It is an exceptional yoga system that integrates the celebration of the heart, universal principles of alignment, and balanced energetic action in the performance of asana. Noah Maze is a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor, and currently lives in Los Angeles. Noah's teaching style is uplifting, energetic and expressive of the depth of his knowledge and experience in the principles and practices of Yoga. He is recognized in the yoga community as one of the most advanced and proficient practitioners and teachers of Anusara Yoga. Noah's students consistently soar to new levels. This workshop is for Intermediate and up students or those who have a strong desire to improve their practice and bump it up to the next level. Those that attended Naime Jezzeny's workshop this year will not want to miss this workshop. All workshop hours count toward Certification with Anusara Yoga. This workshop is recommended continuing education for Yoga teachers and is also required for the Teachers Training program.
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Yoga Teacher Training Course
Starting October 2nd Vancouver Yoga Center will be commencing its Teachers Training Program. Teacher Training Saturday classes for the year will be:
Oct 2nd, Nov 6th, Dec 4th, Jan 8th*, Feb 5th, Mar 5th, Apr 2nd, May 7th, June 4th, July 9th*, Aug 6th , Sept 10th*
* means holiday schedule change.
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Meditation with Dechen
Western Buddhist Nun Kelsang Dechen will present a 6 week Meditation and talk series on How to Love: Inner Technology To Open Our Hearts. Session will include a teaching, discussion time, and guided meditation.
Kelsang Dechen is the resident teacher at Mahasiddha Buddhist Center in Portland, Oregon, and is known for her light hearted and practical teachings. www.meditationinoregon.org
Aug 27-Oct 1 Fridays 7-9pm
Cost $8.00 each class ~ Join Anytime All Are Welcome!
For future dates & times & other philosophy classes visit us on line at:
www.vancouveryogacenter.com
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Ayurvedic Medicine Workshop
INTEGRATING AYURVEDA INTO YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
Ayurveda considers that each of us is a unique mind-body type. Ayurvedic therapeutic health plans are highly personalized for your unique physiology and your specific condition.
You will :
Study about the different body types, and find out your own.
Create a daily health routine.
Customize your diet and discover the importance of the seasons on diet.
Learn about seasonal cleansing practices. Plus much more…….Dr. Vivek Shanbhag Ayurvedic MD, and Founder of AYU Ayurvedic Academy in Seattle , WA will present this 4 hour class. All are welcome no Yoga or Ayurveda knowledge needed.
Sept 25th 12-4pm $70 Pre-registration required call 360-521-1609
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Therapeutic Yoga Workshops
Yoga For Menopause with Mary Faith BonneySept. 11th 1-3pm $35 The human body is a constantly changing miracle of life. Yet, changes in our body can create havoc for us as we struggle to adapt to them. Yoga, as a means of unifying body, mind, and spirit, offers many practical skills for self care during times of change. Yoga practice allows us to re-establish balance, calm and self acceptance while increasing strength and flexibility. This coming Fall at Vancouver Yoga Center, I will be offering a Yoga workshop designed for Women. We will examine and discuss the physiology of change during Menopause. Then we will explore specific Yoga poses, Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation as a path to enhanced health during this time. Hips & Low Back Oct. 16th 1-3pm $35 Shoulders, Upper Back & Neck Jan 22nd 1-3pm $35 Feet & Knees Feb 19th 1-3pm $35 Yoga Therapy Postural workshops are a chance to deepen your understanding of your own body. We will observe postural alignment and how the principles of yoga can help bring balance to the structure of the body and alleviate stress and strain. These workshops will give you the tools to rehabilitate and prevent injuries. lass will include lecture, hands on adjustments and practice of yoga postures. For most classes handouts for a home practice will be offered. These workshops are also recommended as continuing education for yoga teachers and healing arts practitioners. No Yoga Experience required. Yoga for Digestion Dec. 18th 1-3pm $35 To Register call 360-521-1609
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3-hour Sunday Yoga Intensives
10am-1pm $35ea
Each weekend we will explore more deeply a different class of yoga postures. These workshops will be challenging and a boost to your yoga practice.Oct. 17th Hip Openers, Twists & Forward Bends-All Levels
Dec 12th Restorative Yoga, Pranayama, & Meditation-All Levels
Jan 23rd Upper Back Openers & Backbends-Intermediate
Feb 20th Standing Vinyasa (flow) & Balance poses (hands & Feet)-All Levels
Mar 20th Advanced Inversions– Intermediate-Advanced
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Making Every Moment Meaningful
There is nothing more precious than our human life. Having been born as a human being we have immense freedom to accomplish almost anything we want. We can become a powerful politician, a successful businesswoman, a great scientist or artist. We can travel the world or even go to the moon, or we can settle for a simple family life. With so much freedom, we need to ask ourselves, what is the most meaningful way to use our life? What will make us truly happy? What will benefit others the most? And when this life is over, what will help us then?
If we ask ourselves these questions sincerely and deeply we shall discover that the way to make our lives truly meaningful is to dedicate it to spiritual development. In essence this means to eliminate our negative and deluded states of mind, and to cultivate positive peaceful states. By making this our priority, the negative minds that are the source of all our problems, such as anger, jealousy, attachment, pride and ignorance, will gradually decrease; and our positive qualities, such as love, compassion and wisdom, will increase. As a result we shall enjoy a happy, peaceful life, free from anxiety and problems, and we shall naturally benefit others. Spiritual practice is what gives meaning to our lives, and by applying our practice at the time of death we can die joyfully and experience pure lasting happiness in all our future lives.
Meditation is a mind that concentrates on a virtuous object.
Whenever we meditate we are performing an action that will cause us to experience inner peace in the future. The purpose of meditation is to make our minds calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and we shall experience true happiness; but if our mind is not peaceful we will find it difficult to be happy. If we train in meditation our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful. Eventually we shall stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.
© Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and New Kadampa Tradition 2001 Gen Kelsang Dechen will lead weekly Meditations Friday’s 7-9pm Aug 27-Oct 1
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Virabhadrasana 1- By Matt Hartman
This standing pose is named for the powerful hero Lord Siva created when he tore a lock from his dreaded hair and upon manifestation, proceeded to lead an army in revenge of a disloyalty to the chief of all gods. Also known as the upright warrior pose it is commonly incorporated into the sun salutation (suryanamaskar) in many traditions of hatha yoga.
The power of this hero pose begins at the soles of the feet and rises through the muscles of the legs to give a strong sense of connection from the earth below into the fire of the belly. Just like Virabhadra honored the source of his power (Siva), there must be reciprocation from the belly through the bones of the legs back towards the earth. This gives a feeling of standing into our own strength while being equally grounded, such a necessity to face the challenges of day-to-day life. When we align with our own strength we can take the experience of the pose from the foundation and access a sense of ease into the heart and spirit of the breath. With the arms extended overhead and the gaze in a comfortable point the warrior shines and expresses it’s own glory with pride and conviction, never forgetting the greatness that lies within.
Virabhadrasana I strengthens and tones the muscles of the legs, pelvic floor, and abdomen. Strength and tone of the legs improves digestion, blood flow, and can help alleviate stiffness in the ankles and hips. The integration of the shoulders and neck help pain and stiffness in this area and create more capacity in the lungs for the breath. When we find ease in a pose like Warrior I, our lives take on the quality of equanimity and versatility.
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Ayurvedic Cooking - Kitchadi
According to Ayurveda, all imbalances in the body begin at the junction from one season to the next. It is at this time that the individual constitutions (doshas) are quick to fall out of balance. This is also the best time to do cleansing practices and to get back on track with a healthy routine, good eating habits, massages, yoga, meditation and Pranayama to curtail any negative effects on the body. You may notice for yourself if you are one who normally gets colds, flu's or allergies at even the slightest change in season. This can be a sign that the body needs a little bit more support from you to give it what its needs to cleanse and restore itself.
Our next upcoming transition will be between Oct 20th-Nov 20th. This is a transition into a vata predominate phase. During this period it is best to make meals that are warm & easier to digest. In Ayurveda there is a classic nourishing recipe for times of cleansing called Kitchadi or kitchari depending on region. During & after Panchakarma(a 1week-1month long Ayurvedic cleansing program) this can be your main staple.
If you are feeling the effects of the seasons you may wish to eat this cleansing and rejuvenating meal anywhere from 1-7 days
Kitchadi-
1 cup Yellow split mung dal
1 cup basmati rice
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled
2 tbsp shredded coconut
1 small handful fresh cilantro
1/2 cup water
3 tbsp Ghee
1 1/2 inch cinnamon bark
5 whole cloves
5 whole cardamom pods
10 black peppercorns
3 bay leaves
1/4 tea turmeric
1/4 tea sea salt
6 cups water
Wash mung dal and rice .In blender put the ginger, coconut, cilantro, and 1/2 cup water and liquefy. Heat a large saucepan on medium. And add ghee, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns and bay leaves. Stir for a moment until fragrant.
Add the blended items to the spices, then the turmeric and salt. Stir until lightly browned. Stir in mung and rice and mix well. Pour in 6 cups of water, cover and bring to a boil. Boil 5 min, then turn down to very low and cook lightly covered until soft (25-30min.) Served with lightly steamed veggies, it’s a complete meal.
There are many different ways of making Kitchadi, depending on the season or ailment. Mostly it is the spices that change and the staple is the mung beans and rice cooked together. You may even experiment and create your own kitchadi. Another addition to this recipe is to put veggies in the pot to cook along with the beans and rice.
Bon Apatite!Melonie
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Welcome to the Astrology Corner With Jay Puryear
The beginning of September, from the 1st to 9th, starts with Mercury moving slowly in the sky. Take care in your communications for that week, emphasizing clear communications in all avenues. From Nov 30 to Dec 22, look at the possibility of making early purchases for the holidays (especially electronic items), to avoid any challenges with that Mercury retrograde period. Also, during this holiday period, look at contacting people that had an impact in your life, in the past, to express what they meant to you, or someone who you aren’t speaking to and clear the air between the two of you with forgiveness. Jupiter, in Libra (for the next year starting in October), is about opening up to new relationships in your work and social life, and deepening your current ones. Libra is about balance, equality and fairness. Examine your relationships to see if you can do more to balance your relationships with your partners and partnerships. Do you need to listen more? How about doing something unique, different or special for those you love. Break out of the routine and explore new activities with your partner. With the autumn equinox on Sept 22 at 9:30 am PDT, this is a good time to meditate and tune into the changing seasons. Consider meditating on what you have been doing, energetically, over the past three months. Where do you want to be energetically in the next three months? The equinox is also a great time to do an autumn detox and cleanse (both liver and kidneys) for the body to prepare for the slower energies of winter. Jay Puryear (jpuryear@att.net) is a Yogi at the Vancouver Yoga Center who owns a mail-order herbal apothecary and scientific instrument company.
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Book Review by Ronald J. Osborne
Years ago, a friend recommended “A Return to Love” by Marianne Williamson. She gave me a copy and I noticed the sub-title: ”Reflections on “A Course in Miracles”. I began reading and soon discovered that this was a book about another book! She read “A Course in Miracles” and wrote a book about it!
I decided to read “A Course in Miracles” and have my own “reflections”- They were quite different from hers.
Which got me to thinking: Even though I always considered myself Christian, I had never read the Bible! I had based my religious life on other’s reflections of a book that I hadn’t read. And why would anyone read the entire Bible or any other big confusing book when there’s always a priest or rabbi or politician (or book reviewer) willing to do it for them? They wouldn’t lead me astray or use religion to justify war would they? So I read it (more then once) and I’ve discussed it with others who read it and I continue to reflect on what I see as it’s message: “Love… don’t judge… forgive”. But don’t take my word for it. Read it for yourself.Please email your review of a book or publication that has inspired you or changed your life.
Email to: Melonie@vancouveryogacenter.comAlso 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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Healing Arts at the Vancouver Yoga Center
View the links below for more information.Massage Therapy
Private Yoga & Structural Therapy
Ayurvedic Nutritional consultation
Herbal Massage and Steam Therapy
Shirodhara
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