CITYNY Magazine — Feb/Mar 2000

   N E W S L E T T E R.. A R C H I V E S • Y O G A L I C I O U S #19 — March 2002

Namaste Yogis and Yoginis,

What I find most amazing about being a yoga teacher is witnessing the profoundly positive effect yoga has on everyone who practices. Some of the most significant changes that I witness occur when my students learn to let go and experience deep relaxation.

Throughout our lives, most of us have been encouraged to "do more." To learn, succeed, earn, and obtain more. We are trained to strive and applauded for achieving. And, while exploring our fullest potential is intrinsic to living comfortably in our society, we are rarely encouraged to delve into relaxation as a technique for enhancing quality of life. To just let go. Completely.

To inspire your practice of 'letting go', this issue of Yogalicious #19, is dedicated to tips and techniques for practicing Relaxation.

And, on that note, I am letting go off to Mexico March 6-23. I posted my fabulous subs at the bottom of this email, be sure to join them for class. The next Yogalicious will be in April. See you then.

Hasta, Mangos, and Guacamole,
Jillian
—— IN THIS ISSUE ——
BRIGHT SPIRIT TEACHER TRAINING


WORDS OF WISDOM

“When you don‚t punish or condemn yourself, when you relax more and appreciate your body and mind, you begin to contact the fundamental goodness in yourself.” — CHOGYAM TRUNGPA, founder of Shambala
Meditation
 
RELAX MORE

Coming Spring 2002, I will release a 20-minute guided-relaxation CD, Relax More. Relax More is designed to help release blocked energy, surrendering layers of deeply held stress and tension. When practiced daily, deep relaxation leads to improved health, increased energy, clarity of thought, inner balance, restful sleep... and more. Details to come next Yogalicious.   back to top
 
LETTING GO
In learning to let go of the tension, worry, and stress inside you, you will start to feel a whole lot better physically, and you will have more energy. It is psychological and emotional stress that is often far more dangerous than eating the occasional fatty meal or not exercising for a week or two. Read more http://www.innerself.com/Health/getting_relaxed.htm    back to top
 
TENSION HEADACHES
We For a daily yoga program to help prevent tension headaches visit: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/120_1.cfm   back to top
 
INJURY AS A RELAXATION TEACHER
When we don't relax and push too much sooner or later, we may find that it will lead to injury. Unfortunately for many yoga practitioners, it takes an injury to learn how to advance at a safe and comfortable pace. Read this very important article on yoga and injury http://www.yogajournal.com/views/287_1.cfm ... And if you are looking for a great doctor to help you deal with your injuries or back pain I highly recommend Dr. Robert Strell. Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Pain Management. Hoboken, NJ. 800 230 4424.   back to top
 
ALTERNATE NOSTRIL with AROMATHERAPY
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Sodhana) is considered one of the best breathing techniques to calm the mind and nervous system. Sometime I use a little oil on my right wrist to gain the benefits of aromatherapy. Try Lavender to relieve anxiety, exhaustion, fatigue, and nervous tension and to promote calmness and relaxation. For details on alternate nostril visit. http://www.holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga_breathing-ex-nadisodh.htm    back to top
 
RELAX AND KICK UP YOUR HEELS
Relaxing with your legs elevated up a wall or on a chair may seem simple, but it has incredible effects on your whole being! The pose helps calm the mind and aids in headaches, digestion, elimination, insomnia and much more. Doing it is simple: Lie flat on the floor and rest your legs on a chair or up the wall. Take your time to make sure your body is in a comfortable position. Gently stay aware of your breath as you relax in the pose for 1-5 minutes. The more you practice; you can increase your time up to 15 minutes. (Check with your doctor before doing this exercise. Some reasons you may not want to so this pose are - you are/have: Menstruating; Discharge or infections of the ear, sinus infections and the flu (common colds are usually fine to invert); Pregnant (unless you are a seasoned yogi or guided by a teacher); intense pressure or discomfort in your head, eyes, ears, neck or throat; Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and or obesity; Diabetes and/or insulin resistance; Glaucoma, detachment of the retina, or extreme nearsightedness.)   back to top
 
PREPARE SELF DEFENSE
One way to relax, is to feel more safe and confident with your own ability to protect yourself, set boundaries, or just say NO when you want to. I just completed an AMAZING 5 week, 20 hour self-defense course that helped build all these skills. The course was worth every moment of my time! http://www.prepareinc.com/    back to top
 
INTEGRATIVE REHAB NEWSLETTER
Healers Alyssa and Jane at Integrative Rehab have started an newsletter to share self help healing tips, news of healing events, and more. To receive your copy email them at alyssa@integrativerehab.net   back to top
 
RELAX INTO HAPPINESS

By Venerable Lama Gendun Rinpoche
Happiness cannot be found through great effort and willpower,
But it is already there, in relaxation and letting go.
Don't strain yourself, there is nothing to do.
Whatever arises in the mind has no importance at all,
Because it has no reality whatsoever.
Don't become attached to it,
Don't pass judgment.
Let the game happen on its own, springing up and falling back
Without changing anything -
And all will vanish and reappear, without end.
Only our searching for happiness prevents us from seeing it.
It is like a rainbow which you run after without ever catching it.
Although it does not exists,
It has always been there and accompanies you every instant.
Don't believe in the reality of good and bad experiences;
They are like rainbows.
Waiting to grasp the ungraspable, you exhaust yourself in vain.
As soon as you relax this grasping, space is there -- open, inviting, and comfortable.
Nothing to do--
Nothing to force --
Nothing to want--
Everything happens by itself.   back to top
 
BRIGHT SPIRIT TEACHER TRAINING

We have a few spots left for the Bright Spirit Yoga Teacher Training I am leading with Carrie Parker. It begins April 6, 2002 and is designed for serious yoga practitioners interested in either deepening their study of yoga or teaching. The program will take place over 12 months, one weekend a month. Classes are held at the YMCA in Hoboken, NJ. (15 minute commute from NY.) To receive an application or for more information please email carrierparker@aol.com or jillian_love@yahoo.com  back to top
 
Shanti,
Jillian

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