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December 2008
| Focus of the Month for December The Chest / Non-Attachment (vairaagyam) This month our anatomical focus is the chest, comprised of its many parts: sternum, ribs, heart, lungs, and lots of muscles. As the temperature begins to drop, our instinctive reaction is to hunch our shoulders, letting the chest cave in, as if this action could combat the cold. It can't, but layers can. Try this on for size — this month you will be treated to a variety of chest openers and awareness builders, and your anahathachakra will be luminous by month's end through a combination of anatomical information and insight of the more subtle, subjective kind as well. Come explore. Philosophically, we are taking a look at non-attachment (vairaagyam). While attachment causes suffering, non-attachment creates freedom, liberation. You will find the concept in both the yoga sutras (Chapter 1; V. 15) and in chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita. Let's dig into this concept and find some connections to the asana practice. Bring your questions. At the highest level there is an absence of any cravings, either from the fulfillment of the senses or for extraordinary experiences. I.15 from Desikachar's Heart of Yoga Special Classes and Events NEW CLASS FAMILY YOGA with Kristin Bower Fridays, December 5 - 19th 4-5 pm Bring yourself and your child (7 years and up) to our first Family Yoga Class at Jaya. You will be able to practice right along side your child and share the benefits of yoga together. Three class series. $60 for one parent and one child. $25 to drop in. Email or stop by to pre-register. Beginners Only 6- Week Beginner Series Sunday's December 7th - January 11th 2 - 3:15 pm This class is tailored for the newcomer to yoga. You will be eased into the practice by the skillful attention of your teacher. You will learn basic body awareness exercises, basic asanas (yoga poses) that stretch, lengthen, and strengthen your body, and a handful of techniques to help reduce stress in your daily life. Wear comfortable clothes. All the props you will need for your classes are provided by the studio. At the end of your six sessions, you will be ready to join any of our Basic level classes. $85 for the series. Pre-registration required. Sign up now! E-mail to register for the Beginner Series. New Year's Beginner Series Saturday's January 3rd - February 7th from 2-3:15 pm with Sarah Selig Need a wonderful holiday gift for someone you care about? Give the gift of yoga. A gift certificate for a Beginner Series at Jaya Yoga is something that will lead to enjoyment for years to come. $85 for the series. Pre-registration required. Sign Up Now!! Email to register for the Beginner Series. BACK ON THE SCHEDULE DEEP REST Every Other Sunday 7:45 pm Restorative Yoga, also called Deep Relaxation, focuses on how the yin (receptive) qualities of the poses can be tapped into to induce deeper states of rest and relaxation. This class has one sole aim: deep mindful rest. You will be exposed to a combination of restorative yoga poses and be guided to hold these poses for an extended period of time, using props to provide physical support. Explore breath observation and guided meditation exercises. Taken as a whole, these techniques are used to usher your mind, body, and spirit into a state of deep internal awareness where we may let go of our hardened and habitual daily reactions in the body (samskaras). This is a great class if you wish to reduce stress in your daily life. December 7, Alison Dorfman December 21 (special solstice theme), Carla Stangenberg January 4, Alison Dorfman January 18, Danika Hendrickson FREE Introduction to YOGA CLASSES Monday December 1 st from 4:45 - 5:50 pm Monday December 29th from 4:45 - 5:50 pm 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 email us or ask at the front desk. Jaya Yoga Book Club Next Reading & Meeting Saturday, December 6th, 5:30 pm (after Tina's 4 pm Basic Class) We are reading Places that Scare You, by Pema Chodron. You will be able to find this book very easily at your local bookstore. "Our personal attempts to live humanely in this world are never wasted. Choosing to cultivate love rather than anger just might be what it takes to save the planet from extinction." (Chapter 7 page 41, Places that Scare You.) Please Join Us!! Advanced Class with Carla Stangenberg Saturday, December 13, 5:45-8:15 pm Here is a chance to engage in a mindful challenge. We will work on more advanced postures (arm balances and hip openers in particular). Other topics will include lines of energy, the light of awareness, and pratyaharya. You never know — you might find a portal to further your understanding of your practice. $25 (please sign up in advance by email for Advanced Class or at the front desk). CHANT AND BE HAPPY! KIRTAN with Nina and Ambika Friday, December 19 8:30 - 10:30 pm Ambika and Nina have been singing kirtan together for many years. They combine traditional Indian chants with both contemporary and traditional melodies in a call-and-response format. They will be accompanied by Arjun Bruggeman on tabla (who plays regularly with Krishna Das) and Sundar Dar on Indian bansuri flute. $15 at the door. Nina Rao first learned traditional chants from her grandfather while on holiday 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". Ambika Cooper first began chanting with Krishna Das on Monday nights at Jivamukti, some twelve years ago, and she’s been chanting ever since - on Krishna Das’ recordings, in temples and ashrams in India, at her wedding (the ceremony was held at the first Laughing Lotus), in her living room, with her kids, and on many a weekend night with her pals. Make A Wish Come True New York Cares and so does Jaya Yoga! We've had many requests to be a part of the New York Cares Winter Wishes program again this year. We have dozens of wishes en route to the studio; let us know if we should set one aside for you. New York Cares' Winter Wishes for Kids and Families program helps fulfill the holiday wishes of thousands of children and adults across New York City. For more information, go to New York Cares (NYCares.org). To reserve a wish, send us an e-mail. The Best Gift to Give is Yoga! We have gift certificates for everything from classes and class packages to private and semi-private classes with your favorite Jaya teacher. Stop by the studio or email today. Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor -Jaya News Department |
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