Posts made in October, 2011

Introducing: Restful Yoga

Posted by Dhruti on Oct 21, 2011 | 0 comments

Many approach a yoga class for the physical benefits, while others may seek a more spiritual or meditative practice.  However, seeking any of these can often be unavailable to some people due to various limitations.  Someone may seek yoga as a means to loose weight, but this same individual may feel they are not physically strong enough and have low self esteem and therefore will never go to a class for fear of not “being in shape.”  Or, another might have a physical limitation due to prolonged illness and not have the stamina or strength to perform posture after posture.  However, these individuals are still in need and could benefit greatly from a yoga practice.  A yoga class must offer us something we need, even if we don’t readily recognize that need.

Why Restful Yoga?  This class will offer the tools needed to learn to be at ease with the body you have regardless of its current condition.  Restful Yoga is a gentler physical version than a typical yoga class.  A prolonged warm-up is followed by gentle stretching and meditative awareness of the body.  The class then flows into a modified version of postures, or asanas, different than those in our other asana classes.  Class will conclude with a peaceful meditation and inward focus while either seated or lying down.

The Restful Yoga class is perfect for those who suffer from chronic health conditions and physical limitations, or even for those who would like to approach yoga at a slower pace.  This class offers a fulfilling yet manageable way for anyone to participate in a yoga class.  If you can walk down our stairs to get into the studio, then you are qualified for this class.* Restful Yoga will be offered once a week on Thursday evenings from 7-8 p.m. and is one of our pay by donation classes.

*If you are interested in this class yet stairs are not accessible to you, please contact us so we might bring yoga to you.  We truly are here to help.

Jai Bhagwan!

Yoga in the Park

Posted by Dhruti on Oct 15, 2011 | 0 comments

Last month, it was my privilege to attend Yoga in the Park in Jacksonville,Florida; an event which raised funds and awareness for cancer patients and survivors.  Now, some might think that Florida is a long way to go for Yoga in the Park, but what it really was, for me, was an opportunity to not only learn, but to be with a very dear friend.  My friend, Linda, is a breast cancer survivor and we both attended yoga teacher training together at the Amrit Yoga Institute. Also, I lost my own dear mother to breast cancer five year ago.  This was just something I needed to do.

Now, I do not know the final numbers for how many were in attendance, but my best estimate was approximately 500 people showed up for the posture segment, and perhaps half of those remaining for the exceptional speeches thereafter.  My beloved teacher, Gurudev, Yogi Amrit Desai, spoke of the traditional aspects of yoga, something I’m certain you’ve heard Ramdas or I speak of if you’ve ever attended a class at Shanta Yoga.

It was amazing for me to watch and feel the response of others, those who have never been exposed to yoga, traditional or otherwise.  Gurudev spoke of both the inner and outer dimensions of yoga, but my favorite part of his speech was when he spoke of what yoga truly is and the affects it can have.  To paraphrase his words, he spoke of what we, as a society, believe yoga to be and why it is generally practiced; that is, postures on a mat or the physical aspects of yoga.  While the physical benefits are indeed enormous and are practiced all over the world, it still does not matter how flexible you become or how much weight you loose, you will never reach what is causing you stress without being guided by some sort of consciousness.  “You cannot force yourself into health.”

This is such a simple yet profound statement.  We need truly be aware of what is happening to our bodies.  Traditional yoga provides us with such powerful tools for learning about ourselves and what keeps us from our full potential.

This trip, for me, has had a lasting affect, which in turn has inspired a new class at the Shanta Yoga studio, which will begin Thursday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m.  Please check back here on Friday for a full description of that class and what it is all about.

Jai Bhagwan!