Stop And Smell The Spring Rolls

November 23, 2011 in Yoga | 3 comments

The offerings at the sprawling Waltham Mills open studios were intriguing, but the scene bordered on chaotic. An ocean of hopeful creatives trying to take in so much art that the shuffle through the myriad of offerings took on a brisk quality.

“Just a few more studios to go” became our Mantra.

Having more than our fill, and running on fumes, We escaped into the crisp Fall air, making a bee line through the park for The Elephant Walk.

This Cambodian restaurant is renowned for their tasty make-your-own spring rolls, (which I could already taste.) In fact I was so far ahead of myself that I almost missed the leaves:

Mindful Yoga Classes Concord Mass

The beauty stopped me short in my tracks. Late sun slicing through the still-clinging leaves had set afire the fallen ones, a carpet of sundrenched color: beyond vibrant reds, bursting yellows, deep and pale greens. Natures effortless creation.

Hers is the true ‘open studio.’

I soaked up the scene with all my senses, including P’s patient smile as she tolerated my spontaneous photo shoot of the leaves, shadows, and one old-man squirrel – quite amused by me, a mere tourist in his world of the moment.

Even in this urban setting, a tiny pocket of nature provides an opportunity to pause and nourish ourselves, to fill the creative well.

Next week I’m taking a few days to slow down and immerse myself in stillness, practice, and time in nature. I’ll see you on Monday the 28th, and have lined up some great subs you’re sure to enjoy for Tuesday – Wednesday and Thursday’s classes.  (Tue-Taylor, Wed=Linda, Thur=Linda/Sidone)  I’l be sure to return for Sunday with tales from the moment.

Oh yeah, When we finally got to the restaurant, it was closed! Yes, in this case the journey was much more satisfying than the destination.

I hope you can get outside and enjoy your surroundings. Click on the comments link and share your favorite fall walk. If you don’t have one… find one. Or I’d be glad to share one of mine!

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for your support and presence in classes over the past year, the opportunity to share this practice with you, to teach what I love… to those who love what I teach. Our Yoga community in Concord is thriving and I thank you for that.

This weekend, we’ve got a special Friday 8:30am class, and Live Music Yoga with Tom Lena playing guitar for us on Sunday. Check the events page to find out more.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-j

P.S. I just got off the phone with Brice at Sirius Community, our Spring Yoga Retreat is officially on for the weekend of May 18th 2012. Space will be limited, reply to this note to be on the pre-registration list. You’ll get the details first.

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How a Yoga Teacher Shops

November 8, 2011 in abundance, frugal living, recipes, Yoga | 2 comments

Free food from vitacost

We can live very-well, and also stretch our dollars far by making smart choices.

For years now, I’ve been buying much of my brand name food, teas, bars, superfoods, grains, soaps, toothpaste, cleaners, oils, and supplements online from Vitacost.

Their prices are *great*, their selection is vast, I get free shipping, and customer service is just the best.

Yes, companies like this still do exist. So, why do we deal with the ones that don’t treat us as nicely?

I wish they would teach Verizon a thing or two!

A few clicks, a couple times a month, and I get a big box from them. So simple. I would pay more for this kind of service…. but the kicker is, their prices are *much lower* than whole foods, and the shipping is free.

I also support the local health food store, and farmers market in season for my fresh veggies, a few stops a week and my shopping is complete.

Here’s just one instance: I pay under 5 dollars for 100 good quality organic green teabags. (yeah, I drink a lot of tea.)

A great deal: They just started this great referral program, for a limited time they are offering a no-strings attached ten-dollar coupon for your first purchase.

I hope you can pardon the commercial nature of this post, but I only endorse what I personally use, and I know you’ll love this company as much as I do. You’ll save time and money.

It’s gets better, (for me!) When you place your first order, they credit my account with a bonus as well. Win-Win-Win, I don’t expect this offer to last long.

To get ten-dollars off your first order (and keep a Yoga teacher flush with tea-bags) click on this link to signup:

—->  Vitacost Free Food New Customer Signup Promotion.

Like I said, no strings,  no hype, just good prices and service. Enjoy! and let us know how you make out.

Thanks Vitacost, Keep up the great work and low prices, I’ll be sure to send everyone your way.

Please Help us spread the word, encouraging more reasonable food prices. Please forward this post to a friend, and/or click the FB like button below.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

P.S.  Bindy’s playing her singing bowls for our Monday 4pm class. Please come early so we can start right on time. Check the events page for more info, and the scoop on Thanksgiving weekend.

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Yoga For Kids

November 4, 2011 in Reviews by john, Yoga | Add Your Comment

It’s no surprise that kids love to practice Yoga. Here’s a few resources that may help you introduce Yoga to a curious child:

Renee Sherkness has sent me a review copy of her new Childrens Yoga book: Stories That Come Alive Through Yoga. I had fun reviewing the stories, looking at the great illustrations, and her suggestions for introducing a Yoga practice to children. (ages four to eleven). Her method of teaching also allows the adult teacher enter the child’s world of possibility. Thanks Renee! You can take a look at her book: Stories That Come Alive Through Yoga.

Mitch’s Yoga Journey:

Satori Ebedes of SeYoga for Kids sent me a copy of her Yoga book and audio cd for Children. Her whimsical book comes wtih a nicely made practice towel that illustrates Mitch’s’ journey through the red rocks of Sedona Arizona.’ A more basic approach than Renee’s book, and probably more appropriate for a younger range of children. to get a better look, vist Satori on the web.

 

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Happy Diwali

October 28, 2011 in books, events, jnana, Yoga | Add Your Comment

A Nasa Photo of India during Diwali

diwali in india the festival of lights

For hundreds of millions of people, we’re in the midst of one of the most important holidays of the year. Diwali celebrates the return from exile of Rama, a much beloved form of divinity. Across India and around the world, lamps and candles are lit to help guide Rama home.

No, we surely don’t have to subscribe to Hindu beliefs to practice Yoga, but we can use these myths and stories to enrich our practice.

Essentially Rama was known for doing the right thing, even when it is extremely difficult, even when he could have gotten away with the easy route. Rama underwent great hardships and personal loss to do what was just.

When we practice Bow pose, Dhanurasana, it honors the Bow left by Shiva as test of righteousness for who would win the hand of Sita in marriage. Rama was the only suitor who could lift the bow, and was so strong that it broke under his draw. (please don’t pull that hard in class!)

The kneeling warrior pose, Anjaneasana, honors Hanuman, Rama’s faithful servant, who is the quintessential symbol of devoting ourselves to what matters most.

Bridge Pose, Setu Bhandasana, honors the bridge that Hanuman built from India to Lanka – to rescue Sita from the clutches of the villain Ravana. In my practice, I like to see it as the bridge from where and how I am, to where and how I’d like to be.

Although they were not easy to get to, I loved visiting the places in India sacred to Ram: Nasik where he lived in exile for 14 years, and the southeastern most tip – Rameshwar and Dhanuskodi, where Hanuman built the bridge. These places are continuously teeming with countless pilgrims, seekers of peace and simplicity, they welcomed me with open arms.

The Long Ancient Corridor at Rameshwar – a meditative walk.

long corridor at rameshwar jyotir lingam

At the root of many Hindu stories are simple seeds of guidance, how we could live more peaceful lives, richer with meaning and purpose.

Happy Diwali! Consider lighting a candle tonight, and sitting in stillness for a few moments. I hope your practice brings clarity, helps you to cut through the chatter of our turbulent times, so you can do the right thing, and dedicate yourself to what matters most.

On Saturday we have our Open Mic Kirtan/Satsang – We’ll share some music and stories. it’s a free event and you’re most welcome to listen in, or bring something to share.

On Sunday morning, we’ll be sure to integrate these postures into our peaceful Yoga class in West Concord.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

P.S.  Many thanks to all who joined us for the full-house Live Music Yoga class with Karnamrita. She promises to return, but in the meantime, We’ve got Tom Lena, Irene Solea, Bernadette, Bindy, and Clarence Dow confirmed to offer their beautiful sounds for our Yoga classes in Concord. See the Events page for the scoop.

For a fun read of the stories behind our Yoga poses, check out these books:

Ganesha Goes to Lunch: Classics from Mystic India (Mandala Classics)

and

Downward Dogs and Warriors: Wisdom Tales for Modern Yogis

 

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Karnamrita Dasi

October 18, 2011 in calling, events, mantra, music, Yoga | 12 comments

Karnamrita Dasi Live Music Yoga Class

I have the best news to share with you! This coming Sunday, October 23rd. Karnamrita Dasi will be singing for our 9am morning Yoga class.

Inspired by her life story and beautiful music, I’ve been playing Karnamitra’s songs in class for years. You see, her mom’s dying wish was that she sing, and boy does she sing… in honor and memory of her mom.

Last weekend, her first time in Boston, I sat in on one of her gatherings. When she offered the first line of the first song, her soaring vocals enveloped the silence, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the full room.

So true to her name which means ‘Nectar for the ears.’

Whoah. Intending to just stay an hour… I ended up staying for the whole event and over an hour afterward to get a chance to talk with her.

I asked Karnamrita to come and sing for our Sunday morning Yoga class. Right away she said “Yes,” but then added, “I don’t have a way to get there from Boston.”

While I pondered that, a man offered to drive her to the studio. Nice, thank you Shunyam.

“Wow,” She then explained: “Okay, but I need to be in New York City by 3pm, can you get me to a bus or train?” As I started to ponder that tight a schedule, a woman stepped in and offered to drive her to NY after class. Thank you Madhuri.

Just then, a man handed the volunteer driver a roll of bills to pay for the gasoline. I’m sorry that I don’t know his name.

So many things came together for Karnamrita to join us this Sunday, She’s very happy to be coming, and I’m feeling very fortunate to be able to share her singing with you all.

I hope you can join us, Sunday morning, October 23rd, 9am for our all levels peaceful Yoga class at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord. An easy ride, just off Rt. 2, plenty of parking.

Please come early! Class will be mellow – peaceful Yoga, regular coupon rates apply, and beginners are surely welcome. Click to hear Karnamrita

You can read some of the glowing reviews of her music by clicking on her album below:

See you there!

-john

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Be This Happy

October 15, 2011 in abundance, Yoga | 4 comments

Why not be this happy

The best camel pose I’ve ever seen!

When was the last time you were this happy?

This level of joy surely lives within us all. What could you do more of, (or less of)

to express your inherent joy?  What are you saving it for?

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

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Steve Jobs Greatest Quote

October 7, 2011 in calling, creativity, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Steve jobs quoteations

Thanks for everything Steve. We’ll think for ourselves this Sunday morning while practicing to beautiful live Cello music with Clarence Dow. All the details on my events page.  See you there!  -j

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The Weaver and the Loom

September 13, 2011 in books, creativity, writing, Yoga | 4 comments

The Weaver and the Loom

Yoga for artists in concord ma

B.W. Yogini and weaver at Emerson Umbrella

Sit here for a bit. Place yourself

outside the frenzied pace of life.

Slow down long enough to

appreciate birds in flight, water

drops like prisms in the grass and

countless shades of green. Step

off the fast track and listen to the

sound of breath and birdsong. Take

a moment to just be, and in the being,

know the whole of this creation,

mystery and madness, passion and

profanity, know it all as one, stunning

tapestry. Sit still and the thin line

between sacred and profane simply

fades away. There is nothing then

to reconcile. All the disparate threads

are woven on the loom of life. Sit here

for a bit and your unique place in the

pattern becomes clear. Take the still

point with you when it’s time to walk

away. Make the choice to see affinity,

to watch the picture taking shape as

thread joins thread. Dare to be the

weaver and the loom, creator and

creation, the sower and the sown.

In a moment of stillness, all that

came before is seen as one.

–From Danna Faulds’ Go In and In: Poems from the Heart of Yoga

(a great book for Yogis and for teachers of Yogis.)  There’s a long line for the beautiful clothing that BW weaves in Concord at the Emerson Umbrella for the Arts… One thread at a time. She practices with us in West Concord. Thanks B!

 

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In Tune

August 20, 2011 in Yoga | 4 comments

Photo illustration by Ray Graham

Remember tuning your old television set?

First you would turn the big knob, ‘chunk chunk chunk’ to change the channel. Then you would turn the knob’s outer ring till the fuzzy picture appeared on the screen.

With the focus of a safecracker, you would ease the knob back and forth a few times, tuning out the static, finally settling on the clearest reception you could get.

This could take some time.

Finding your Yoga posture is a lot like tuning these old televisions, each practice, each pose is different. Things drift, change, sometimes we need to use a block, or a strap.

Remember wrapping tinfoil on the rabbit ears?

Your yoga posture is not out there, not in a book, a video, or in a teacher’s lesson. You’ve got to feel your way there through subtle – minute adjustments. The static falls away, and clarity takes its place, flooding your body with awareness.

With practice you will ease into that place sooner, where it just feels right.

Where you’re in tune.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-j

p.s.  There are still three spots open for our Fall peak-foliage Yoga retreat in Central Mass. Check out the pics of the solar powered eco-village we’ll be staying at on my Yoga Retreats page

 

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Don’t be the cookie

July 28, 2011 in ahimsa, creativity, recipes | 8 comments

In some popular styles of Yoga, students are encouraged to aspire to an ‘optimal alignment.’ While safe alignment is very important, I’ve seen much forcing in postures, the ‘ideal’ of a posture pushed like a cookie-cutter onto an unready body.

These kind of classes foster competitiveness, and echo much of our modern culture, which values appearence over substance.

Look where that focus has brought our society.

I think these lineages of Yoga mean well, but sometimes the language used can project that there’s something wrong with where we are currently at. You are where you are, and it’s a perfect place to start a Yoga practice.

Let your practice validate you on the way to transforming you.

Raise your right hand, make the peace sign, and take the Yogacratic oath…

Say: “I’ll do no harm.”

In our classes together, we adapt the postures to the current state of our bodies. Not an impose, but a Yoga pose, now helpful in the context of our lives. We foster a safe place where there’s nothing to prove, and we support each others unfolding.

In practice, we are not looking for paper mache’ shells of experience, but true postures, fully embodied, with substance and purpose.

Postures from the bones-out. Yes, Yoga is an inside job.

The true ‘optimal alignment’ is where the posture is safe, and of benefit to your whole being. Steady, with even breath, a meditative quality in your mind, and a clear sense of purpose. This place can be elusive. We get there by feel, and this takes practice.

Practiced this way, your favorite Yoga posture can be the one you are currently in. There’s just no place you’d rather be. From these peaceful places we can contemplate higher thoughts, like offering peace and compassion to all beings.

Our grandfather of Yoga, Sri Patanjalii suggested our postures be steady, and sweet, and on that note, I’ll close with some sweet postures:
Yogi Cookie Cutters yoga pose cookies

Yoga posture cookie cutters are available from The Kitchen Yogi, others from here. and compassionate recipes here. But remember, make enough to share, and don’t be the cookie!

Have you found yourself in a competitive class? Did you win? how did you feel after?

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class. -j

SKBHBPMU7PS9

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