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Be your own bailout

March 24, 2009 in Yoga, events, frugal living

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.  Are you worrying about work, Looking to get a life insurance policy?  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 Yoga, events, recipes | 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 Yoga, events, recipes | 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 Yoga, events | 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 Uncategorized, Yoga, events | 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 Uncategorized, Yoga, events | 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.

 

Concord yoga benefit

December 8, 2008 in Uncategorized, Yoga, events, frugal living | Add Your Comment

Kate, Natalie and I send our thanks for contributing to our wildly successful  Yoga benefit class for the Acton Food Pantry.  This was a day about raising the bar of generosity. 

A record 45 people came to class at Yoga and Nia for Life in West Concord, MA.   

I led a brief meditation to get everyone centered, then Kate led a spirited flow of Elemental Yoga.  Some of this Yoga was new to us, and the focus in the room was incredible. 

Natalie’s guided restorative session led us into a Shavasana that was truly welcomed by all.  After the sighs, You could’ve heard a pin drop as people soaked-up their practice in serene-stillness.

concord yoga class to benefit the food pantry

Food, food, and more food!  We counted 70 bags that weighed an average of 13 pounds. When I sent the original invite, I asked that people offer-up their favorite foods.   Add in the generous donations by Whole Foods of Wayland of a case of olive oil and some great sauces and we’re around 1,000 pounds of food.  A new record at the Acton Pantry! 

There’s still some donations coming in, 100 more pounds and we’re at half a ton!   Just look at what a committed group of Yogis can do:

food raised by the concord MA yoga students

I appreciate your huge hearts and participation in our yoga benefit.  Bringing your favorite foods ensures a quality holiday dinner for many families in need.  You’ve made a measurable difference.  Our next step is to embrace this level of generosity year-round.   

Thanks to Maria Skinner, owner of Yoga and Nia for Life for donating her beautiful practice space, Kate Millen for her skillful-compassionate teaching, Natalie Engler for easing us in for a peaceful landing, and Whole Foods of Wayland for their generous and thoughtful donation.    

But most of all, thanks to you all!  We’re blessed with the most amazing Yoga students in the MetroWest area.  Your presence at these events makes our teachings possible.

Soooo, this does raise the bar a bit high, but I’m sure that together we can rise to it.  Keep an eye out for the next benefit at the Yoga Events Page, or subscribing to this Yoga blog’s updates.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class.

John

Recession proof your life

December 6, 2008 in Uncategorized, events | 1 comment

Daan Yoga, or Recession proofing your life

Two fellow Yoga teachers and I are hosting a benefit for the food pantry Today.  Coming off this cycle of abundance and frivilous spending by much of the country, I think we need to re-learn how to give, how to really experience generosity.

Two ways to experince the gift of giving:


1, Root through your shelves and find the box of pasta, and can of soup bought so long ago, and bring them along to class.  Yes, that will feed somebody, and we will very-much appreciate your contribution.


2, Search your cabinets and find the favorite item amongst your stores.  Hold it to your heart; imagine the person who will receive it.  Beam your prayer into the container, infusing the food with this light. Do this until your eyes well-up.  Bring it to class and place it in the bin.  Don’t tell anybody.  It’s not a story; it’s a sacred act of compassion between you and the recipient.

Daan Yoga - generosity


 It’s important to notice even a slight hesitation in your giving.  Is it an expensive item, does it activate a sense of ‘I don’t have enough?’   Our lower chakras blindly grasp the material world, and keep us in a feeling of fear and lack.  Our consumptive culture encourages this.   The antidote is to give.

That welling up you may feel, that’s your heart chakra activating.  Let the feeling wash over you and live in abundance.
 

Perhaps you really need that favorite item for your holiday dinner.  Then choose something else, but practice giving until you can sense no hesitation at all.   In Yoga philosophy this is called Daan.  Freely giving, freely living from your heart.  It is the only way to lasting happiness.  Happy if the market is up 600 or down 600.  

 In every moment, each and every breath, we have the option to skim the surface of life, or to live deeply.  Your choice, give the pasta, or give from your heart. 

Sometimes, we’ve only got energy to skim, to just get by.  What does that tell us about how we’ve been living?  Together we can build sustainable lives, where we have energy to share.  The answer is usually doing less, but with more heart.  Keep practicing.

I’m clinging to a jar of organic almond butter.  Will it make it to the benefit on Saturday?

check the yoga events page to see our holiday offerings

 

 

Om Sweet Om

October 24, 2008 in Yoga, events, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

Namaste!

Just posted this must-see youtube video to the blog. Stunning  footage of our home planet, with a nice Ommmm… soundtrack.   Tread lightly, John

 

 

P.S.  Still a few spaces left in the November Yoga workshop on the 22′nd in W. Concord.  We’ll have live Kirtan Music, a potluck, and movie night afterwards.

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100 free yoga videos

October 16, 2008 in Yoga, events, video, yoga films | Add Your Comment

 Namaste!

If you’ve got some extra time, well, alot of extra time, there’s a pretty amazing post at the Cloud 9 blog that lists 100 free online Yoga videos.  Some are better than others, but there’s surely something here for everyone:  100 free online yoga videos 

And for the poltical jesters, there’s a yoga practice created just for Sarah Palin on youtube.  If you a fan of Sarah, you may not like it too much…

I’ll see you in class!

john

p.s.  Just posted the Fall workshop on the 22nd of November, Join us for The Yoga of Sound.  We’ll have live kirtan music! 

We’ve decided that Nov 22′nd will be a potluck dinner and movie night at Yoga and Nia for life as well.  Details to follow.

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