March 2010

Jaya Yoga Center
1626 8th Ave.
Brooklyn NY 11215
718-788-8788
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March Focus of the Month
Surya Namaskar/ Santosha
For the month of March we will focus on Surya Namaskar: sun salutation. As the days get longer little by little we can consider the rising of the sun as we salute it. Surya Namaskar is a smooth sequence of movements used to warm the entire body. There are many different styles of hatha yoga and just as many different styles of practicing the sun salutation. Beyond the variety of known sequences are the new variations offered by creative teachers blazing their own trails. Come and see what our teachers have to offer you.

Recent studies have found that Surya Namaskar, when done on a regular basis, is beneficial for cardiovascular health, decreasing resting pulse rate and blood pressure. Additionally the practice is known to ease stress and bring one's mind into a state of equilibrium where craving is diminished where a sense of enough is enough presides.

This brings us to our philosophical focus of the month, the niyama of Santosha (contentment). When do you feel like everything is all right, just fine? Maybe when looking at mother nature as she makes her slow change from season to season, maybe when spending quality time watching a little one grow before your eyes, maybe creating a piece of art, maybe after a group yoga class. Let's consider this niyama together as we slide slowly into spring.

"When at peace and content with oneself and others (Santosha), supreme joy is celebrated."
Chapter 2, Verse 42 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Nischala Joy Devi

Yoga for Men: Shoulder Openers Workshop
with Michael Gates
Saturday, March 6, 5:45 - 8:15 pm
Got tight shoulders from over activity or inactivity? Check this workshop out, it will give you some tools to work with to unlock the tight spots. The results of this workshop will vary, but you can expect more energy in your pursuit of physical activities, whether it be swimming, golf, weight training, etc., and less discomfort. You will gain knowledge of the anatomy of the shoulder girdle, yoga poses (asana), and a little meditation. All levels welcome!
$25 pre-registration / online price, or $30 if paid day of workshop
Register here.

Deep Rest
with Kyle Shepard
Sunday, 7:45 - 9:10 pm
March 7, 14, 21 and at 6 pm on March 28
(Special Event 8 pm March 28)
Restorative, a.k.a. deep relaxation, focuses on how the yin (receptive) qualities of the poses can be tapped to induce deeper states of rest and relaxation. This class has one sole aim: deep mindful rest. This is a great class if you wish to reduce stress in your daily life. This class has recently been dubbed the "Rolls Royce of relaxation!" We just got a whole bunch of new props to help us with the relaxation process come and check them out!!
$15 to drop in, or use your class card

KIRTAN
Fridays, 8 - 9:30 pm
March 12, Nina and Devadas
March 26, Damaru
Come and be lead through beautiful Sanskrit chants to uplift the spirit. Please join us for these special evenings of music and devotion.
Offered by donation.

Advance Your Practice Workshop
with Carla Stangenberg
Saturday March 13, 5:45 - 8:15 pm
This time around will focus on hip openers and throw in a couple of arm balances for good measure. The 2 and a 1/2 hour format gives us a bit more time to dig deep and expand wide. This workshop is for the curious, enthusiastic practitioner of asana!!
Register here.

All You Need is Love Yoga
with Kenzie Pause
Friday March 19, 8:00-9:15 pm
The music of The Beatles has spanned decades and generations. The beautiful practice of yoga has spanned over 5,000 years, evolving into many forms and styles over time. While The Beatles may be young in comparison, combining the two seemed like a natural addition to my yoga practice. I created All You Need Is Love to put two of my favorite things together: yoga and The Beatles. The class takes you on a physical, mental and sometimes even emotional journey through energizing asanas (poses) to revitalizing pranayama (breathing exercises) to a soothing yoga nidra (deep relaxation) complete with the music of one of the greatest bands ever.
$15 (class cards can not be used for this class)
Register here.

All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance.—John Lennon

Labor and Delivery Workshop for Couples
With Kelly Devi
Saturday, March 20, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
This workshop will help you to connect with your innate maternal wisdom as you learn the techniques that facilitate natural childbirth. Partners will learn practical ways to provide support during the miraculous process of birth. This workshop approaches labor and delivery from a yogic perspective, but no previous yoga experience is necessary. Couples at all stages of pregnancy are welcome! Dress comfortably.
$85
Register here.

"The Yoga for Labor & Delivery class gave both my husband and I practical tools to keep calm, breath well and stay focused throughout. This class was invaluable to us."—Makesha & John

"We loved the workshop - we thought it was very useful and comforting in terms of getting a sense of what's going to happen and how we can keep things positive."—Loca & Cabot

COMING TO JAYA
Abdi Asadi author of Shadows on the Path
March 28, 8 pm
Abdi Assadi is coming Jaya to share his insights into the spiritual path with us. He will talk, lead meditation and sign books. This event is offered by donation. Please RSVP namaste@jayayogacenter.com so we have some idea how many people to expect.

Jaya Gita Study Group
Saturday, April 3, 5:45 pm
The book we are studying is the first volume of Eknath Easwaran's three-volume set The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living: The End of Sorrow. Please make sure you get this book, not just his translation of the Gita; this one has commentary that ends up being a big part of the discussion. Chapters 5-6 will be the subject of our third meeting. Please come if you're interested; don't worry if you did not come last time.

Make your mind one-pointed in the practice of meditation and your heart will be purified. Make your mind one-pointed in the practice of meditation and your heart will be purified.—Bhagavad Gita, C. 6, V. 12, translated by E.Easwaran

RETREAT
Jaya Yoga Tenth Anniversary Celebration Retreat in Guatemala
April 10 - 17, 2010
With Sarah Selig and Carla Stangenberg
We hope you will join us for this yoga retreat celebrating the tenth anniversary of Jaya Yoga Center. Lake Atitlan is 4,500 feet above sea level, a perfect place for reflection on your personal practice and the connection of all of us together in the wonderful Jaya community. Everyone is welcome - even those who do not currently practice at Jaya. We will have two daily all levels yoga classes including asana, pranayama, meditation, and deep rest (not necessarily in that order). Each day there will be "open studio" where Carla and Sarah will be available for your practice questions. The beautiful setting, three meals each day, a sauna, and an excursion round out this experience.
For more information, click here. Only 2 spots remain on this retreat!!

SHARON RETURNS
Meditation Workshop: Tools for Awakening Courage, Faith, and Compassion
with Sharon Salzberg
Wednesday, May 5, 8 pm
This evening focuses on the practical tools that help us go beyond our constricting habitual patterns, such as fear and denial. Awakening the inner capacities we all have, meditation allows us to transform our worldview from one of isolation and confusion to one of connection, clarity, and compassion.

Especially in times of uncertainty, meditation opens us to a power of faith and courage based on seeing things just as they are.

Suitable for both new and experienced meditators, the program will consist of guided meditations, talks, and time for questions and answers.
$25
Register here.

Drop into a Series in Progress
Prenatal Yoga
8-week series
With Kelly Devi
Saturdays, 2 - 3:30 pm
Celebrate your pregnancy through the peaceful and empowering practice of prenatal yoga. This class offers a peaceful environment in which to connect to your body and your baby throughout the journey of pregnancy. Classes are geared toward keeping you strong, toned, informed, relaxed, and focused as you prepare for labor and motherhood. Prenatal yoga can help to alleviate the common discomforts associated with pregnancy and offers a unique opportunity to network with other moms-to-be.
Drop in $17/class.

Drop into a Series in Progress
Kids' Classes
6-week series
with Kenzie Pause
February 24 - March 31, 3:30 - 4:15 pm
Children ages 4 to 8 are welcome at this series of classes. Your child will be introduced to the practice of asana, learning the names of the poses in Sanskrit, singing songs, and having a great time! No experience needed.
$17 to drop in

Drop into a Series in Progress
BEGINNERS ONLY! 6-Week Beginners' Series
with Carla Stangeberg and Ramit Kreitner
Sundays, February 28 - April 11, 2 - 3:15 pm
This class is tailored to 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 yoga poses (asanas) that stretch, lengthen, and strengthen your body; and a handful of techniques to help reduce stress in your daily life. At the end of your six classes, you will be ready to join any of our Basic-level classes.
If you miss one class, you can attend a make-up class on Thursdays at 7:45 pm.
$17 to drop in
PLEASE NOTE: This series skips Easter Sunday April 4th.

Special Offering
Affordable Acupuncture at Jaya
with Leah Sasha Schwartz, L.Ac.
Thursdays, 12 - 3 pm
A typical session involves a health history and wellness assessment. Specific acupuncture points are recommended to achieve the most fluidity and flow of internal energies or Qi (chee). Sterile hair-fine single-use needles are gently inserted and retained as you lie comfortably and rest. Ten to 30 minutes later, the needles are removed and you experience sensations of realignment with yourself.

If you would like an appointment, please email; we are taking appointments at half-hour intervals.

Thank you for your practice, patience, and good humor.
-Jaya News Department