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What if you throw a party and nobody comes

July 24, 2012 in abundance, events, Yoga | 6 comments

Being the Change, World Peace and Yoga Conference - Harvard, MA

When Nina Vecchi and I decided to offer a not for profit Peace and Yoga conference to our community – it was not without a significant level of uncertainty.

The chosen date smack in the middle of our globally-warmed Summer, The chosen venue: the progressively thinking, but sleepy in the Summer town of Harvard, Mass.

Would this work, Could this work, and what were we thinking?
Our intentions were clear and pure, to help our little corner of the world become a more peaceful place… 

We commit to move forward, do our best, and not be too attached to the outcome. The very essence of the Bhagavad Gita:

Live your live as an offering.
But that nagging thought, 'What if we throw a party and nobody comes?' lingers just below the surface. The cure? Recommit to doing our best.

Being the Change starts real small, it's Nina and I, but then Will Tuttle says yes. He'll come. Sigh. Now we're talking! Nina creates a poster, Thanks for the logo Jo!

Now it's real, from an idea into form, For the Yogis amongst us: That's the journey guidance takes down the Chakras – if we have the courage to follow it: From Sahaswara, pure guidance, to Ajna, a hunch that this it is meant to be. 

Through truth @ Vishudda yes it's pure. Into Anahata, our hearts are totally all-chips in.

To Manipura, it's not about us, we'll commit & put our best efforts into it.

Downwards to Svadistana, lets get creative, how can this become amazing?

Landing at Muladhara, it's now tangible – on the ground and moving forward. 'Aint no stopping us now…..  From Patanjali-speak back to english:

Then… someone breaks the ice and Paypal's that first ticket. Woo whoo! Nina excitedly calls that morning to fill me in. over the next few days, A few more sell, and we're at three peeps.

You know that old saying 'two's a party, three's a crowd'… well, that doesn't quite apply here.

There's a long and palpable silence.

A daily check for how many tickets are sold. yep, still @three. sigh, I can almost see tumbleweeds rolling in the mid-summer streets of Harvard Mass. 

Then… what's that? there's a little buzz. A couple more people sign up.
Five, nine, twelve tickets! This seed has sprouted, This just might work out. 

Momentum builds, my first full breath in a week… We continue to nurture this sapling.

20, 27, 33! Pretty quickly, a threshold is crossed… and the question changes from 'how many tickets are sold,' to 'how many tickets are left?' 

Is the hall half-empty or half-full?
Our community fully embraces the idea – Volunteers come forward to help out.
(We could use a little help the day of if you'd like to get involved) hope now abounds. we really can do this.

Additional presenters come on board, our program is quite full, but we squeeze in Chris Belanger for Laughter Yoga (what a hoot!) Even people who cannot come the day of – help spread the word about Being the Change. Thanks to those who helped get the word out, you know who you are.

A couple more musicians join us Yes! We've got a sound guy. Arif will drum. Kimberlee will sing, Bindy will play her sacred bowls. Twinkle joins up! 

Area bodyworkers and energy healers fill our healing garden to capacity. This is really coming together. Julia, Beth and others will have you feeling great. We start collecting practitioners names for next years event.

Debra from the Wholesome Cafe and Healing Center offers to bake us all wholesome cookies! Lisa is making her famous macaroons for the whole gang! wow, thank you.

Tom Lena comes through with Coconut Bliss ice 'cream' frozen desert for everyone. Hmmm, we'll need to buy more compostable utensils. This baby is evolving into quite a party!

Ringy dingy! Nina, Will, land I are interviewed in a great Living section front-page feature for the Worcester T&G. 
At three quarters full – Uncertainty morphs into anxiety – just how many can comfortable fit?' and then, a couple more sign up. 'what if we have to turn people away?'

What if you throw a party and everybody comes?
The remaing tickets for Being the Change World Peace Conference number in the teens. You can purchase yours at www.beingthechange.us   

 
(Edit,. as of Thursday afternoon please note that we sold all the remaining tickets. We'll let you know about next years expanded program in a larger space.)
 
 If you know you'd like to join us, to assure your spot, I urge you to get your ticket beforehand. All the proceeds go towards feeding hungry people and animals in our community. 

If you have an idea for an offering, A class, a workshop. what's holding you back? the time to get to it is right now. Make it pure of intent, and do your best. Just see what happens then.

I thank you all for your support, and Nina for her inspiration, this event just wouldn't be without her vision and talents. What a joy to offer this program.

Om Shanti, I'll see you on Saturday.

-john

 
p.s. —added post event:  We need a bigger hall!  at 120 people, we called the conference full.  For a full hour after we closed the doors, the hall caretaker and a volunteer  stood at the head of the driveway directing traffic and turning away car after car of hopeful attendees. 

I'm so sorry that everyone couldn't  join us, but that so many people have an interest in a peace conference gives me great hope for our community.  We've got some great follow up events in the works:

Discussion groups, inspiring field trips, a series of fun cooking classes and a film series. Stay tuned, and subscribe to my blog updates to be first in the know!  Stay tuned, We're just getting started.   Namaste.  -j

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Dharma Mittra Yoga

May 9, 2012 in events, happiness, Yoga | Add Your Comment

Namaste!  A special treat this weekend:

Concord Dharma Mittra Yoga class in Massachusetts

This weekend, leading Yoga teacher Jessica Crow is Amtraking up from NYC, bringing her Dharma Mittra inspired Yoga to our small-town (but worldly) community. We'll learn a lot and get a taste of NYC Yoga. These classes will be especially good for teachers to attend, please help spread the word?

For those who like a more vigorous class – this Thursday night, May 10th:

 Jessica guest teaches john's 5:30pm Challenging Yoga class.

Jessica hails from the Dharma Mittra Yoga lineage. If you’ve seen the poster of the little man in the postures… yeah, that’s the one! Join us for this inspiring but accessible class!

Bring your playful adventurous spirit! and Jen and I will be there to practice with you all. Come learn how to ‘float’ with Jess!
 

Friday night May 11th 6:30-8:30pm – Special 'Satsang' gathering at YNFL

Please Join Jessica Crow, Durga Yoga teacher Jen Sundeen, and myself for a special Friday night Yoga and Music gathering:

A great opportunity for teachers, students, artists, musicians… Something for everyone:

Jessica, Jen, and i will weave teachings on the Koshas in with meditations, Pranayamas, Mantras, Mudras, and a brief Mellow Restorative Yoga session, leading into a decadent Yoga Nidra guided relaxation…

Upon rising We'll offer a few live music songs joining in a spirited kirtan and culminate in a powerful Trataka meditation. We have a nice outline planned, but much of this gathering will be a spontaneous wave of co-creation in the moment.

This unique Satsang will be Offered By Donation towards Jess' Amtrak ticket. Hope you can join us for this rare opportunity to experience Dharma Mittra inspired practices out our way.

We need more of these types of event in our community, Where we can gather, support each others journey, and have conversations that matter.

 Sunday AM May 13th Celebrate Mothers Day with us.

Jessica Crow and I will co-teach our Sunday morning Peaceful Yoga Practice at 9am. We'll be sure to infuse this nice Mother inspired practice with breathwork, meditation and some nice music.

Be sure to check out the events page for details on the in-depth classes and powerful inversion workshops Jessica will be offering this weekend. Friday Morning at Durga Yoga in Harvard, Ma, and Saturday afternoon at Mystic Fitness in Framingham.

Om Shanti. and please help spread the word? Forward this note to your friends and Yoga teachers who are looking for new juice in their teaching repertoire.  Check out the pictures of Jess Floating at the events page

-j

P.S. For those who've been asking for more morning classes, I've added the 10am YNFL Tuesday morning class to my schedule, we started out last week with a nice group. Note that we start gathering at 10, but officially start class at 10:15. 

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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 your own bailout

March 24, 2009 in events, frugal living, Yoga | Permalink

Ram-Sita-Lakshmana-Hanuman

This Thursday is Ram's appearance day.  Ram is known for virtue, a word that has almost dropped from our vocabulary.  Our politicians lie, our icons lie, the banks lied, even A-rod lied. 100% natural, new and improved, green? Who can you believe, who can you trust?  Ram never lied, Ram always did the right thing.  Even when it was very hard.

Don't become cynical. Refine your self-awareness until your subtle body becomes a finely tuned truth-detector, then follow that bliss.  When we sit down for practice, our mind often takes some time to settle down.  Our endless to-do list. Dissolve these concerns with a long focused breath out.  

Finding peace and stillness takes practice.  Asana, Mantra, Kirtan, Meditation, a walk in the woods, listening to your favorite music, dance… a good run.  What makes you feel connected?  Do more of that.  Double digit returns on your spiritual 401k !  This is how we bail ourselves out.  Connection.

There's a resurgence of the Kirtan wave in the Boston area, and throughout  the country. People are gathering in Yoga studios, halls, and living rooms to share simple songs of connection.  When we are connected, we make more appropriate choices, for ourseves, for others, and for our environment.  

If you're curious about Kirtan, come to our gathering at Yoga and Nia for Life in W. Concord on Saturday, April 4'th 6pm.  it's very low-key.  Come listen, come sing along, and bring an insturment if you'd like.  There's no cost, and We'll have information about the local Masters who have been cultivating these gatherings for years. Prajna, Ahsara, Shubal, and others.  It's a party, you'll be glad you came!

In Honor of Ram's day, this Thursdays Yoga classes at 4, and 5:30 will be inspired by Satya (truth), and Virtue, and of course, by Sita, Ram, and Hanuman We'll crank up the harmonium and our voices to make space for truth, connection and virtue. 

Om Shanti,

john

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Pom Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

March 7, 2009 in events, recipes, Yoga | 2 comments

Pomegranate juice antioxidant

Molly over at Pom Wonderful sent me a case of their pomegranate juice to try out, and tell you all about.  I’m sure you’ve heard of pomegranates. My Mom would buy them for us as a treat around Thanksgiving time, We called them Indian Apples.  Prying the seeds from the bitter rind was fun, and there was the sweet/tart reward. 

POM has spent $25 million on research, and the juice doesn’t just taste good, but has many health benefits.  "and the concentrated Polyphenols make it the most potent antioxidant in nature."  According to Michael Davidson M.D.

If you’re curious, you can check out the health benefits, recipes, and more at Molly’s Pom Blog

No longer just a treat, and we no longer have to peel, the juice can be had in most stores.  I like it cold with a splash of seltzer.  I’ll see if I can get us some coupons.

Much appreciated Molly, and if you need a second opinion you’ve got my address! 

               So much Kirtan happening this month

March 14, Wah’s concert to benefit Amma, the Hugging Saint.

March 20, Krishna Das is in Cambridge

March 21, Kirtan with Prajna, Shubal, and Ashara at the Arlington Center. 

March 22, Hanuman Chalisa at Prajna’s on the 22′nd.  phew.   

April 4, Satsang with John and guests, details to follow

April 5, Kirtan with Ashara in Topsfield – 978-887-9708

I’d love to see Wah! again, but I’ll be at the temple for a special Narayan – Lakshmi Puja.

March is a big month for Rama as well, the 26′th in particular.  We’ll talk about Rama at The Sping Equinox Class on the 21′st, check the Events page for the scoop.

Om Shanti,

-j

Buddha Sees His Shadow

March 1, 2009 in events, recipes, Yoga | 2 comments

        Spring Is Coming!

Buddha Statue in the snow, spring cleaning class

Not known to be a skier, he’s up to his eyes with this snow… 

Thanks so much to the Yoga and Cooking class attendees this past weekend!  Great food, lots of fun, and many requests to have another.  Isn’t it the perfect place and huge kitchen for a class like that?  It’s a joy to teach there every Monday morning. 

Thanks to Amy for her kitchen skills.  I’ll be sure to post the pictures and recipes up here very soon.  Send in your recipe/theme requests for the next class.  A series would be excellent.

I just opened the registration for our annual Spring Equinox Yoga class.  Saturday, March 21′st 12:30 to 2:30pm at Yoga and Nia for Life.  we already have a few sign-ups for this spring-cleaning class, let me know right away if you can join us.  This will be an opportunity to honor the changing of the seasons, clear out old ways of thinking, dismiss lingering tensions and anxieties in our body/mind.  Say Yes to spring.

Also check out the Restorative class that Natalie Engler and I are hosting at Yoga and Nia for Life on March 29′th.  12:20-2pm.  Natalie is a master at restorative Yoga and this special class is limited to just 20 participants.

Yeah, another storm, but spring seems right around the corner!   The Pic above is the Buddha who greets me as I leave my house each day.  

I’ve been talking with Maria about Monday’s classes, we’ll make the call around noontime if the roads look safe or not.  Please call the studio/check the studio website before you come out for Yoga class in West Concord. 

Check the events page, or subscribe to the blog updates to be sure not to miss any announcements. 

Om Shanti,  I’ll see you in class.

-j

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Smile time

February 17, 2009 in events, Yoga | 3 comments

Meet Marie Ansumana from Liberia:

Marie's first smile after cleft surgery

Last summer we offered a benefit Yoga class for SmileTrain, a group of doctors who perform free cleft palate surgeries in the most desperate areas of our world. 

The benefit was a great success, and we raised $2,500, enough for 10 brand new smiles.  I’m starting to get pictures of the children we helped to smile for the first time.

Marie is 3 years old, her family makes $115 a year.  Dr. Gary Parker, and you, gave Marie a second chance at life. 

When I put together a workshop, or benefit class, there’s sometimes a very-brief period of worry.  What if nobody comes?  I’m blessed with the most amazing students, and your presence in classes and workshops make so much possible. 

Thank you so much for your participation!  I’ll be sure to let you know when we can hold our next benefit Yoga class.  

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class

-j

 p.s.  I’m Sub-teaching the Saturday 8am class at Yoga and Nia for Life this week, Feb21.

om shanti

January 22, 2009 in events, Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

"You are what all happenings happen in.
What happens must happen so remain
unaffected as Peace. Be Peaceful and
this Peace will Spread. What rises from
Peace is Peace and what rises from
confusion is confusion. So Be Peace and
give this to the Universe, it is all you
should do."         - Papaji

 The ancient teachings agree, the peace you seek is not out there.  What you’re seeking, you already have. The practice of Yoga is one way to reveal this peace, your truest nature. 

Join us for class tonight and we’ll be that much closer on the journey back to ourselves.  

Not to sound new-agey at all,  This is the map the ancients left for us.  Ancient solutions for our modern issues.  Yes, we need to practice.

Next weekend is our Banish the Winter Blues Workshop.  

With the practices of inspired-Asana, Pranayama, Kirtan, and Bhakti we’ll replenish this reservior of peace that resides within us all. 

When we shine, we light the way for others.

There’s some space left, but email me right away.  Hope you can join us!

 Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

-john

Yesterday’s News

December 16, 2008 in events, Uncategorized, Yoga | Add Your Comment

In the 1920's, it was believed that smoking cigarettes helped with respiration, Tour DeFrance riders would lite up and share cigarettes before big hills. 

Tour de france smoking helps with hills

Aren't you tired of the old thoughts, beliefs, prejudices?  How do we release who we used to be, and embrace who we are becoming? 

Steady practice wipes the slate clean.  Patanjali wrote these Sutras over two thousand years ago:  

 1-13 Tatra sthitau yatno-’bhyasah

Being firmly established in the state of controlled thought waves
is called practice.

1-14 Sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkarasevito dridha-bhumih

Persistent practice, becomes firmly grounded in presence when it has been practiced for a long, uninterrupted time, and with earnest devotion.

sah – that practice
tu – however
dirghakala – (for) a long time
nairantarya – without interruption
satkara – reverence, devotion, respect
avesitah – pursued, practiced, continued
dridhabhumih – firmly grounded
 

Yesterdays News

I saw this bag in the store the other day.  Old news.  Not much good except for cat litter and bird cages. 

What old ways do you hold on to?  Next time you practice, shed your skin, and thaw your heart.  Let each breath out make room for the new.  It's never too late to re-write your story.   I'm planning a special New Years Day workshop on making space for lasting change.  we'll explore our practice as a vehicle for transformation.  Details to follow soon.

                       My brush with fame!


If you've got Fallon health insurance,  before you recycle it, check out the members calendar they sent you for a pic of me standing on my head.  I think it's on the March page.  Yeah, what a hoot.  Mom took mine for her fridge.

There's still room to join us this coming Sunday for the Winter Solstice Yoga Class in Concord, and note our annual day after Christmas class on the Yoga events page as well.

Om shanti, I'll see you in class

-john

 P.S.  note the new Amazon link in the left column of my website.  If you bookmark this link and start any Amazon shopping from there, Amazon pays a teeny-tiny referral fee which will go to feed homeless animals. Every little bit helps.

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