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February 2009
| Focus of the Month for February Abdominal Core & Belly Bandhas / The Bhagavad Gita The abdominal core and belly bandhas will provide our physical focus of the month. We will learn all about the mysterious mula bandha (root lock) and uddiyana bandha (upward flying lock) and what muscles need activation to get these powerful locks to help direct the flow of prana in the body. By working with malasana, lolasana, jathara parivartanasa, navasana (and numerous others), we will locate, utilize, and strengthen (not harden) the abdominal core muscles. By doing so, perhaps even alleviating minor lower back discomfort along the way. Philosophically, we will use the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita, as we found out in book group this past Friday evening, is dense with information regarding the path of yoga. Some of its themes are karma yoga (the yoga of action), bakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), love, meditation, the gunas, and living in the world. The Gita is really for us, people who live in the world, who have families, jobs, and so on, as opposed to monks, nuns, and sadus. Pick up a copy – the book group read Eknath Easwaran’s beautiful translation. On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort towards spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear. (The Gita 2:40) First Class Free - February 4th Down Dog for Kids 12 week series with Lauren Maples Wednesdays, February 4 - April 22, 3:30 - 4:15 ages 4-8 yrs Bija Yoga’s Down Dog for Kids classes introduce children to the practice of yoga. Yoga poses and principles are explored in a variety of fun ways. Nature, basic anatomy, and imagination are all key aspects of the class. Children are encouraged to explore the way their bodies move through creative projects, collaboration, story time, and songs. Chanting, breathing exercises, and simple meditation practices relax and calm the mind. Each class finishes with relaxation - something the little yogis come to look forward to! No prior yoga experience required. Email if you would like to attend. For Beginners 6-Week Beginner Series Saturday, February 28 - April 4, 2 - 3:15 pm with Tina West 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 of the props you will need for your classes will be 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 or $17 per class to drop in sign up now email for beginner series Beginner Series in Progress Sundays 2 - 3:15 pm with Carla Stangenberg $17 per class to drop in DEEP REST Class Every Other Sunday 7:45 - 9:00 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. "The deep rest that comes when you lay down your burden." P. Doobinin February 1, Carla Stangenberg February 15, Alison Dorfman March 1, Danika Hendrickson February 15, Alison Dorfman Presidents Day Events Free Introduction to Yoga Classes February 16, 4:45 - 5:50 pm with Christine Findlay Please bring yourself and a friend to Jaya Yoga for a free introduction to asana practice, meditation, and a little philosophy. Everyone is welcome. Wear comfortable cloths. If you have any questions email us or ask at the front desk. Basic Meditation Instructions February 16, 10:45 - 11:45 am with Carla Stangenberg Basic Buddhist meditation instructions will be given. We will explore the seated, walking, and lying down postures. If you are interested, please reply via email. By donation. All Levels & Kirtan Class February 20, 7:45 - 9:20 pm with Ruthie Streiter One hour of asana, pranayama, rest, philosophy and suprise along with 35 minutes of chanting (kirtan). Join Ruthie for this wonderful and new experience. She wll be accompanied on her harmonium by her friend Damaru on Indian drums. Please send us an email letting us know you would like to attend. This special class will be on the schedule once a month for the next three months. Next: March 20 and April 20 $15 BOOK CLUB REPORT We had a great time with a record number of people showing up for the meeting. It must have had something to do with the book – the Gita is so deep. For our next book, a couple of suggestions have come in: Open to Desire, by Mark Epstein, M.D.; one of the Upanishads translated by Eknath Easwaran; and Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. Send us your vote by email. We will have the winner posted on the website and at the studio this week. Advanced Class with Carla Stangenberg Saturday, March 7, 5:45-8:15 pm Give yourself a little extra time to explore more advanced asanas (including an elongated guided savasana). This time around, we will focus on the bandhas, core muscles, and how they relate to one of our favorite subjects – arm balances (working on peacock in particular). We will discuss the actual function of the bandhas. The secret information of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika will be one of our reference manuals. Please join in this exploration of advancing your practice. $25 (please sign up in advance by email or at the front desk). Looking Forward to Sharon Salzberg teaching on Lovingkindness (metta) Thursday April 2, 8 - 10 PM The renowned Sharon Salzberg has agreed to come to Jaya – this is huge!! Mark your calendars. "One of America’s leading spiritual teachers and authors, Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work." (from her website) Taking reservations now by email. Looking For Your Input |
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