The Kathopanishad described Yoga as thus: "When the
senses are stilled, when the mind is at rest, when the
intellect waivers not--then, say the wise, is reached the
highest stage. This steady control of the senses and mind
has been defined as Yoga. He who attains it is free from
delusion"
That passage is from B.K.S. Iyengar's classic book,
"Light on Yoga." And as I prepare for my upcoming retreat on
Sedona, those words resonate with me. There has been much
written in recent magazine articles about the health
benefits of yoga, but those of us who practice regularly
know yoga goes much, much deeper than just the physical
body.
And so, there is more opportuntiy for you to join me in
learning about yoga and yourself! I have two new yoga
classes on my schedule:
Saturday mornings from 10:45am to noon at The Yoga
Movement Center in Walnut Creek (starting in June)
and
Tuesdays from noon to 1:00pm at Yoga Sol in Concord (I
rotate this class with another instructor so contact me if
you have any questions)
Both studios are beautiful and I am very happy to add
them to my schedule. I hope you will come and see me soon!
Our Tuscany retreat in Italy is starting to fill up!
Please let me know if you are interested, this will be a
wonderful opportunity to practice together and take in all
the history and beauty of Italy. We are really excited about
this retreat! (Florence is only 20km away from the Villa).
Green Gulch is also starting to fill up. This retreat is
perfect if you just want to get away for the weekend. Our
days there will be spent practicing yoga, hiking to the
beach and woods, walking through the organic gardens,
learning meditation techniques from the Zen community,
eating delicious organic meals or just relaxing in the
spectacular peaceful setting. Several people have inquired
about the work study program; it is still available!
Our "Asana of the Month" is Adho Mukha Svanasana--Downward-Facing
Dog. This pose is frequently used as a resting pose between
asanas or as a symmetrical pose between asymmetrical
standing poses. Of course there are many ways to explore the
movement and comfort in the pose, but the following will
give you a good, basic foundation:
Begin in extended arm child's pose. As you inhale come up
onto your hands and knees; your hands will be slightly ahead
of your shoulders. Curl your toes under and on an exhale
straighten your legs and lift the pelvis up towards the sky.
Send the weight of your body back into your legs, keep your
neck long and fingers spread evenly as they press into the
floor. The idea is to create length in the spine, so at
first you may have to bend the knees in order to free the
back of the legs and allow the spine to stretch. When you
are comfortable, invite your heels to reach down, towards
the earth, and straighten your legs without locking your
knees. Take several nice full breaths, and when you are
ready to release, bend your knees back towards the floor and
rest in child's pose (Balasana).
Enjoy, and feel free to share this newsletter!
Peace, and many blessings,
Sandy
Link to my website:
