Focus of the Month for June
Prana, Pranayama, Pranamayakosha
Going further with our interest in understanding basic yoga philosophy, this month we will look at the elusive Prana (breath, vital force), Pranayama (the 4th limb of yoga) and Pranamayakosha (2nd sheath of the body). We will get more into subtle body awareness with this exploration. If you would like to do a little reading on the subject, consult the yoga sutras chapter 2: 49, and chapter 2 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. You will find both of these sources at the yoga studio.
In looking for a good physical focus for the month the following question was recently put to the teachers at Jaya: What do you think is a good physical focus to go along with an exploration of prana? Here are some of their responses:
I think of asanas where you are more still, sukhasana, tadasana, supta baddha konasana, legs up the wall, etc. In these asanas, I can go inward and notice the prana a little more. The quiet in your body creates a quiet in your mind, which allows you to be aware of the prana.
-Christine.
I think a good sidebend like parvritta janusirsasana would be good to go along with prana. On the side that's lengthening, you can really feel the breath expanding the lung, the ribs, the muscles on the side. It makes the breath feel very tangible, which would be helpful since talking about prana can be somewhat intangible.
-Tina
Maybe savasana? Possibly an easier position to get in touch with the pranamaya kosa and an asana I think a lot of people take for granted. Really so much to talk about and teach regarding savasana too. Just a thought.
-Kyle Shepard (our newest addition to the teaching staff).
Special Classes and Events
Lessons From Retreat: A Listening Series
Wednesday June 11th at 8:15 am
We will listen to a guided meditation and have a short discussion after. The meditation is 40 minutes long. No prior experience needed. You can even lie down if siting for a long period is difficult for you. Please join us for this gem from India.
FREE
Kirtan with Nina and Friends
Thursday June 12 at 8 pm
Nina Rao learned traditional chant from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. Most recently she recorded a track 'Nina Chalisa' on Krishna Das' CD "Flow of Grace - Chanting the Hanuman Chalisa". She is joined by her friends Arjun Bruggeman on tabla (also on Flow of Grace) and chanters Ambika Cooper, Devadas Labrecque, Shyama Chapin, and Arch.
The proceedes of the evening will benefit The Food Bank For New York City.
$15 at the door, bring your friends.
FREE Introduction to YOGA CLASSES
Thursday June 26 from 5 – 6:05 pm w/ TBD
Monday July 14 from 4:45-5:50 pm w/ Christine Findley
Sunday August 10 from 7:45 –8:50 pm w/ Carla Stangenberg
Please bring yourself and a friend to Jaya Yoga for a free introduction to asana practice, meditation, and a little philosophy. Everyone is Welcome. If you have any questions contact namaste@jayayogacenter.com or ask at the front desk.
Teen Yoga Series
with David Figueora
Wednesday July 3 - July 30 from 11:30 - 12:30 am
You know you love yoga and your teen can totally benefit from the practice, but is probably unwilling to tag along with you to class. Problem solved: a class all their own.
$90 for the series (must sign up for the whole series)
pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com
Sweat It Out
Summer Immersion
with Carla Stangenberg
Tuesday July 15- Friday July 18 from 7-9 am
Take a week this summer to focus on your practice. Each day will be a different physical (standing, seated, vinyasa, supine...) focus along with a philosophical (ahimsa, santosha, anamayakosha...) focus. In addition to asana and philosophy we will practice mediation daily.
$80
pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com
Next Book Selected for Book Club
WAKING: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence
By Matthew Sanford
This is the story of a parapalegic yoga teacher. What he has to say about prana, and the subtle body is near mindblowing. Get this book now. Our next meeting is TBD (sometime early July - will post at the studio).
Important News At Jaya
Meditation Session Added
We are adding a 45 minute meditation session Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9:15 am, beginning June 18th. Don’t forget we also sit Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:45-9:15 am. Free to all who attend.
New Class Added
We are pleased to announce Friday June 27th at 10:45 am an open level class will be added to the schedule with Kyle Shepard. Kyle is a skilled teacher and has a warm disposition. You will find a good challenge in his class accompanied by smart attention to alignment.
Other Schedule Changes
Saturday 8:30 am Basic Level David Figueroa (as of 5/31/08)
Friday 9:00 am Basic Level Liza Toft (as of June 6)
Friday 4:15 pm Open Level will be taken off the schedule as of May 31st - if there is significant interest it will come back to the schedule Fall '08.
Sunday June 15 will be the last Sunday 7:45 pm Deep Rest - it will return to the weekly schedule fall '08.
Don't Forget
Back in February the focus of the month was "Love Your Planet" with that we made a commitment to not sell bottled water at the studio. We are sticking with our commitment, even though as it gets hotter it feels rather inconvenient. Remember to bring a reusable container for your water so you can fill up as many times as necessary during class.
Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor
-Jaya News Department
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