Sandy's Newsletters

March 2007

Namaste' Sandy Carmellini


This day, March 2, we celebrate a full moon.  It has been said that a full moon is a time to make decisions; more energy is available for major undertakings.  So perhaps it is time for you to make some positive changes in your life.  Some students and I have just come back from a beautiful retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii, and while there many of us made a commitment to practice more positive aspects of yoga.  

This month I'd like to share some valid information about meditation.  The Buddhist path is a personal experience of achieving deep and long-lasting happiness by gaining wisdom and a mind that is free from negative emotions.  It happens through cultivating positive practices.

About 2500 years ago in the foothills of the Himalayas (now called Nepal) Siddhartha Gautama was born.  He became known as the Sage of the Sakyas.  He was recognized as an ordinary man that was able to attain enlightenment.  His father was the King of the Sakya clan.  It was predicted he would be a great world leader—a teacher of men.

Siddhartha ventured out and experienced sights that made his life of luxury seem empty.  He became aware of old age, sickness, and death.  The sight of a simple monk at peace despite the absence of luxury inspired Siddhartha to find the origin of suffering and more importantly, the means to overcome it.  At the age of 29, Siddhartha left home to pursue his path to an ascetic life.

After experiencing much hardship with this ascetic life, Siddhartha realized this type of life was futile.  One day he arrived in a town called Bodhgaya and began to meditate under a Bodhi tree.  His mind became still and clear!  He remembered a successive series of rebirths that he had experienced.  Siddhartha believed that this lack of awareness of the true nature was the cause of the cycle of suffering known as, “samsara.”  This ignorance, combined with a false sense of self causes us to carry out actions that due to the laws of Karma, result in further suffering and unhappiness.  Through self-examination and reflection he was able to free himself of negative emotions.

Siddhartha eventually became known as Buddha—“The awakened one.”  Shakyamuni Buddha is the recognized Buddha of this age.  It is believed that there have been many more before him, and there will be many more to follow.”  

Some tips for meditation:
Distractions come in many forms.  Do not get angry or frustrated.  This is the nature of the “monkey mind” and awareness of this is actually a sign of progress.  As thoughts arise, simply return to your breath.  Be patient and understand that wandering mind or distracted mind is part of its nature.  Don’t try too hard.  Meditation should be enjoyable.  Sometimes you may need to take a break—go for a walk, get some fresh air, and then try again, later in the day.  I this information encourages you to begin a meditation practice or to deepen your already existing practice.

We are now accepting registration for the Sedona Retreat this October.  Currently, we are already half full.  If you are interested in attending please send me a deposit to reserve your spot. The Spa, Miiamo at Enchantment Resort was voted #1 in America by Travel and Leisure (November, 2006).  In addition to the 100 different body treatments offered there they have also just added Flower Essence baths.  Guests will receive a book at the end of the session.  Enchantment is truly an extraordinary place--indeed magical.  I hope you can join us!

If a retreat is not for you at this time, then come to a workshop!  Partner Yoga on Saturday, March 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the Yoga Room in Berkeley.  I am offering a $5 discount for pre-registration and a surprise gift!  Please contact me if you are interested.  

Until next month,
Be well,
Sandy


Workshops:
Partner Yoga, March 24, 2-5pm at the Yoga Room in Berkeley $50 per couple/pair

A Yoga Practice Intensive, April 28, 1-5pm at Yoga-Movement Center in Walnut Creek  $40 pp

Chakra workshop, May 19, 2-5pm at the Yoga Room in Berkeley  $35pp


Link to my website: http://www.yogasandy.com/mailer/redir.php?id=1&st_id=14
email:  sandy@yogasandy.com