summer
Posted in Uncategorized on 06/24/2010 10:10 am by stephanie“Once the light of yoga is lit, it will never dim.” bks iyengar
NO CLASSES SEPTEMBER 5 OR 6 LABOR DAY WEEKEND
“`Cheshire Puss,’ [Alice] began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name:
however, it only grinned a little wider. `Come, it’s pleased so far,’ thought Alice, and she went on.
`Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.
`I don’t much care where–’ said Alice.
`Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.
`–so long as I get SOMEWHERE,‘ Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you’re sure to do that,’ said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.’”
I adore this coversation between Alice and the Cheshire cat, it is such a reminder of how we approach our life, daily or in the increments of time we choose, I think of this as an analogy to our practice. - going somewhere? deeper asana today? lesser or no practice tomorrow, practice tomorrow, consistent or just wanting the practice to unfold effortlessly or with the same effort, asana habit; not departing the comfort zone.. These random thoughts seem care-less -just wanting something, like Alice wanting to get somewhere. that itch to be anywhere, just not here. It is that SOMEWHERE we will get when we find the focus and purpose of our practice a commitment. As we become more familiar with our body and its potential we can find that the destination - the somewhere - revealed through our spirit of consistent practice, exploration of going deeper into asana, and letting go of the “doing” yoga but being yoga..breaking old habits to realize we have myriads of possibilities in this yoga practice, not just settling into the the asana routine. Sometimes it can become a mundane practice if we don’t address our bodies with intention and a challenge. So the asana, is not done through habit, but always new, every practice it should ring new in the body, a new place is found, a new opening or a letting go. Get Excited! Indulge yourself wth inquiry about you, how you are put together and unfold, caring for your precious physical and spiritual self. Making the hours in the studio joyful and always an education of being there in that moment of your breath, the moment of this life. The quest is arduous and rewarding. Maybe you will come into a place of greater forgivenss or letting go, or greater expression and expansion. What develops is as unique as the individual - YOU - beautiful and profound.
These are my summer thoughts because so many people ask me where am I going this summer. I am here now doing this yoga, this teaching because there is so much to do here and I am defintely where I want to be with the students and the shala. It is my destination (destiny?) of choice: I watch the morning birds sip dew drops and the robins become inebriated with blueberries, the laughter of Miles, meadows of buttercups, and roadside daisies, simple choices. I find this special sweetness only here, and I graciously thank everyone for practicing at the studio and making this yoga your choice.
“Whether young, old or very old, sick or debilitated, one who is vigilant attains success in all the yogas, by means of practice.” Hatha Yoga Pradipika i : 64
New Sunday Shakti Vinyasa Class begins in July through August. Same Sunday class start time, 10:15 am for 75 - 90 minutes. This Shakti class will be a brisk led vinyasa class, the asana will be called but there will be a minimum of verbal instruction as how to do various asana. Robust asana practice for the moderate beginner through advanced students. A comprhensive yoga class that will both transform and invigorate your daily practice. while at the same time grounding and leading the student inward on an exploration of the deeper spiritual aspects of the self. Student must know sun salutations, basic asana and be comfortable with the inversions: headstand-handstand, backbends and assorted arm balances.
“SHAKTI” is a Sanskrit word meaning the sacred, creative, transformational energy in all of us. SHAKTI is responsible for creation and change within us and our universe
Mysore style class will continue on Mondays for the month of July/5 - 7 pm/last start time 6 pm. A class for introspective/ personal practice. No class July 12
1: Make it part of your yoga practice to arrive early. Getting to class about 10 minutes early can help you sign in, settle in and align your attitude with the purpose of the class. While you’re waiting you can practice a pose, do a few stretches or just sit or lie quietly, breathe and get centered. Repeatedly arriving late to class can be disruptive to others. We realize that situations do occur, however. If you do arrive late, politely prepare yourself for class at the door/have your mat ready to unroll quietly as you get on the mat.
2: Please turn off cell phones, pagers & anything that makes noise. If you must bring your cell phone, pager or iPod turn them to off or silent, not vibrate unless you have permission.
3: Bring Your Own Mat. We have shared yoga mats available for new or trial membership students, or if you have forgoten your mat. It is best however to use your own mat. One good reason is that it is more sanitary to use your own mat, rather than a shared mat.
4:Follow the Teacher. The reason to partake in a yoga class is to follow the instructions of the teacher. Not following the instructions of the teacher can be confusing for both the teacher and the other students. Unless you are doing modified poses for injuries, or the modified poses of pregnancy, it’s best to stick with what the teacher is doing. It is better to sit still and skip certain moves if you do not or cannot do them than to do your own thing in the middle of class.
5: Speak in hushed tones before and after class. Loud voices can interfere with students who have arrived early for meditation or staying after class for some quieting time. Be respectful of the volume of your conversations.
6: Be a good yogi and clean your borrowed mat before putting it away. Mat disinfectant is kept at the studio. Also, please pick up and neatly put away any props you use.
7: Personal hygeine: come to class clean, bathed. Hygeine is part of yoga practice and shows respect for yourself and others. For the comfort of those around you, please come clean, avoid smoking before class and avoid wearing heavy perfumes, eating garlic or onions. Men bring a towel for sweaty adjustments.
8. Guest are welcome but please bring them to a class that is their level of practice, no beginners in an intermediate or advanced level class, please-help make their visit enjoyable.
Self-awareness leads to attention to detail and to the respect for the space and people around you. Thank you for creating a sacred space for your practice and for respecting Raven Yoga Shala. By following these basic yoga class etiquette tips you will help make yoga a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The most important thing… enjoy yourself and have fun with your yoga practice!
Summer Recipe: Kachumber ~ Fresh Tomato, Onion & Cucumber Salad This is a very popular and easy salad. A salad in an Indian meal serves only as an accompaniment rather than a course in itself. It is eaten along with the main meal. During the meal it is normal to pick up any curry with a piece of Indian bread and also in the same bite pick up a little bit of the salad too.
Ingredients:
1 English cucumber small dice, (peel and seed if desired)
2-3 large ripe tomatoes diced
1-3 green chilies finely chopped
5-7 sprigs cilantro leaves
1/4 - 1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup finely cut green onion
1 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
How to make Kachumber
Take a big glass bowl and add tomatoes, cucumber and onions.
Now add the chilies, cilantro leaves, sugar, lemon juice and salt
(Seasonings may be adjusted to acidity of vegetables and lemon)
Mix well
Serve chilled with spicy curries
We are creating our schedules and workshops for the fall..look for some exciting changes and adventures at the Raven Yoga Shala!
om shanti
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6: Be a good yogi and clean your borrowed mat before putting it away. Mat disinfectant is kept at the studio. Also, please pick up and neatly put away any props you use.
7: Personal hygeine: come to class clean, bathed. Hygeine is part of yoga practice and shows respect for yourself and others. For the comfort of those around you, please come clean, avoid smoking before class and avoid wearing heavy perfumes, eating garlic or onions. Men bring a towel for sweaty adjustments.
7: Personal hygeine: come to class clean, bathed. Hygeine is part of yoga practice and shows respect for yourself and others. For the comfort of those around you, please come clean, avoid smoking before class and avoid wearing heavy perfumes, eating garlic or onions. Men bring a towel for sweaty adjustments.
8. Guest are welcome but please bring them to a class that is their level of practice, no beginners in an intermediate or advanced level class, please-help make their visit enjoyable.
Self-awareness leads to attention to detail and to the respect for the space and people around you. Thank you for creating a sacred space for your practice and for respecting Raven Yoga Shala. By following these basic yoga class etiquette tips you will help make yoga a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The most important thing… enjoy yourself and have fun with your yoga practice!
Summer Recipe: Kachumber ~ Fresh Tomato, Onion & Cucumber Salad This is a very popular and easy salad. A salad in an Indian meal serves only as an accompaniment rather than a course in itself. It is eaten along with the main meal. During the meal it is normal to pick up any curry with a piece of Indian bread and also in the same bite pick up a little bit of the salad too.
Ingredients:
1 English cucumber small dice, (peel and seed if desired)
2-3 large ripe tomatoes diced
1-3 green chilies finely chopped
5-7 sprigs cilantro leaves
1/4 - 1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup finely cut green onion
1 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
How to make Kachumber
Take a big glass bowl and add tomatoes, cucumber and onions.
Now add the chilies, cilantro leaves, sugar, lemon juice and salt
(Seasonings may be adjusted to acidity of vegetables and lemon)
Mix well
Serve chilled with spicy curries
We are creating our schedules and workshops for the fall..look for some exciting changes and adventures at the Raven Yoga Shala!
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