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O G A L I C I O U S #13
— August / 2001
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Namaste Yogis and Yoginis, Not to be a buzz kill but have you noticed that the days are already getting shorter and night falls earlier? It is slow, but the transition into fall has begun. (Make it a point to play in the natural sunlight as much as you can.) Transitions are a great time to move more mindfully. To notice what you are doing and thinking; to be present with change. This is the topic of my main article this month: Moving into the present moment, being exactly where you are. So, be here now. Enjoy! Jillian |
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IN THIS ISSUE ——
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| THE PRACTICE |
| PRAYER FOR CENTERING |
| DATES I'M AWAY TRAINING |
| RECOMMENDED WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS |
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| WORDS OF WISDOM |
| “Whenever you get there, there is no there there.” — Gertrude Stein |
| EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE MEANT TO BE |
| Have you ever practiced 'trusting that you are exactly where you are meant to be'? I don't mean simply surrendering in a "give up" kind of a way. I mean, just for a moment, to stop striving be somewhere or something else, stop focusing on the next destination and relax into your situation fully. Many of us continuously seek some sort of success or validation that we think will bring happiness. Even those of us involved in the personal growth process still have the idea that we need to be better -- we're still trying to get somewhere else. We think when we get "there" we will finally be okay, be healthy. Yet, happiness and consciousness cannot be found somewhere else; it happens through becoming aware of where we are right now. Besides, "Whenever you get there, there is no there there." When you 'trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be', you stop being tentative about where you are. Then your mind naturally stops running which allows you to be more receptive to what ever you 'really' need to know ~ and, become more involved in the journey that's unfolding in each moment. back to top |
| THE PRACTICE: |
| Try it. Come to a comfortable seated position (cross-legged or even on a chair). Notice what's going on in your mind. Take three slow deep, juicy breaths. Let your body soften on your exhale. Feel the waves of your breath caress the inner lining of your ribs. Allow your body weight to flow down out of your head, shoulders, and torso and into your hips and seat. Merge with the earth as you settle into the four corners of your seat. Notice your connection to the ground; trust that it will hold you up. You are just sitting right now, that's all. You don't need to go anywhere else, do anything else, or be anyone else. Do not be tentative. Be in your seat fully with a gentle awareness of your breath. Consider that you belong here, right now, exactly where you are, as you are. When you notice your mind running off, gently bring your awareness back to your body, seat and breath. Remind yourself that you are just sitting now. (It is important not to have expectations of how you might feel; you may feel blissful, anxious, sad, happy, or excited. Stay as relaxed as possible with whatever you become aware of.) Savasana and Tadasana are good poses to practice this in as well. Once you get the feel of this in your body, try taking it off the mat and practice when you are doing the dishes, eating a meal, or walking to your next appointment. back to top |
| JUST A FEW SPACES LEFT FOR YOGA VACATIONS WITH JILLIAN |
| Only a few spaces left for the Autumn Yoga Adventure in the Berkshire Mountains October 5-7. You'll spend this fall weekend on a sparkling lake, surrounded by the wooded Mountains with lots of yoga and other fun activities. For more information or to register call me at 201-377-7010. http://www.yogajillian.com Remember you need to pay by September 5 for early registration discount. There's direct public transportation available. back to top |
| YOGA IN PARADISE |
| Reserve your spot for Yoga in Paradise in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Deposits due October 31. Choose either March 9-16 or 18 - 24, 2002. This is the ultimate vacation where you can play, relax, and renew with soft white sand, crystal Caribbean water, golden sunshine and yoga twice a day. Play rigorously or retreat deeply. Space is going quickly! Visit http://www.yogajillian.com for more information or call 201-377-7010. back to top |
| SLIPPERY OR DIRTY MAT? |
| Your mat may be a bit slippery when you buy it. It will perform best after its been broken in or, you can scrub it with equal parts vinegar and warm water then put it in the dryer for 5-10 minutes to add friction. For cleaning do the same. Make sure you use a front loading machine (avoid a top loading machine as mats become wedged in the center post). You can use liquid detergent. Put in dryer for 5-15 minutes or drip dry. back to top |
| MANY PATHS OF YOGA |
| Did you know that the different styles of physical yoga you may hear studios offering such as Iyengar, Astanga, Vinyasa, ISHTA, Jivamukti ect. all fall under the umbrella of HATHA yoga. Hatha is concerned with physical and energetically purification and training. It embraces many practices, including physical postures and breathing exercises (pranayama) which also act upon the physical nervous system and etheric body. The focus is to bring the physical body into a perfect state of health so the soul has a providential vehicle to work through. But there are other paths of Yoga (ways to create Union between the body and mind) such as Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga. To learn about other paths/branches of yoga visit http://www.self-realization.com/yoga.htm and http://www.mv.com/ipusers/howell/ejh back to top |
| HEY SLEEPY HEAD! |
| Stress is a major cause of insomnia and may contribute to other sleep disorders. Here you can find information about the effects of stress on sleep, including resources on stress and insomnia, coping with insomnia, when to seek medical help, and practical tips for getting a good night's sleep. http://stress.about.com/cs/sleepdisorders/index.htm back to top |
| GREAT YOGA TUNES |
| I've been playing Wah! HIDDEN IN THE NAME in class lately. Everyone loves it. It's a great blend of sensual spirituality over a cultural mix of pop, rock and reggae. http://www.wahmusic.com back to top |
| RELAXATION FOR LIVING |
| This 25-minute guided relaxation CD is a great way to do a daily savasana on your own. It's produced by a wonderful yogi whose also a musician. To order contact Lynne Couchara at lynne.couchara@intrasphere.com back to top |
| PRAYER FOR CENTERING |
| May today there
be peace with in me May I trust my highest power that I am exactly where I am meant to be May I not forget the infinite possiblities that are born of faith May I use those gifts that i have received and pass on the love that has been given to me May I be content knowing i am the child of the universe (god, anything you like to say)... Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, and to bask in the sun... It is there for each one of us. ! back to top |
| RECOMMENDED WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS: |
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KRISHNA DAS AND SHARON SALZBERG: An evening of Chanting and Lovingkindness Meditation Friday, September 21, 2001 (7:00-10:00pm) Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street (btw. Park and Lex) COST: $20 Pre-registration is recommended. For more information please contact NYI at 917-441-0915; nyinsight@earthlink.net (highly recommended by Jillian) BEGINNERS ORIENTATION WORKSHOP with Jillian. September 28 Friday. 6pm - 8pm. Yoga Zone, 138 Fifth Avenue. (at 19th street) 212-647-9642. Please share this with your friends who are new to yoga or ready to try it. This is orientation is designed for both first time and beginner students who wish to deepen their understanding of yoga and learn the basics necessary to participate comfortably and safely in a group class. $40 in advance. Includes free Yoga Zone videotape at Workshop. Pre-registration is suggested. BARON BAPTISTE Power Yoga: The Building Blocks. September 29. 2:30- 5:30 Yoga Zone, 138 Fifth Avenue. (at 19th street) 212-647-9642. Cost $45 in advance/ $50 at the door. Preregistration is suggested. Baron Baptiste is the creator of the best-selling Power Yoga video series. Baron writes "the Awakened Athlete" column for Yoga Journal and teaches his high-energy yoga on ESPN2's "Cyberfit" show. He developed a Power Yoga program used throughout the NFL to reduce stress and prevent injury while maximizing performance. For students of all levels. back to top |
| DATES I'M AWAY |
| August 27 - September 10 Studying with my teacher Erich Schiffmann. back to top |
| As always, thanks for reading! I would love to hear your feedback ideas. Please email me if you have a friend you would like to add to the list, have an address change, receive more than one copy, or would like to be taken off the list. |
| Om Shanti Jillian |