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 #37 — Summer Fun

Namaste Yogis and Yoginis,

The Sun, known in Sanskrit as Surya, has long been understood to be the Giver of Life. Our earth and all its creatures wouldn‚t exist without the sun‚s energy, light and warmth. Personally, I‚m a true Sun Worshiper! Not in the Œbake my self silly‚ kind of a way (at least not any more), But rather in the way that I am deeply grateful for the rejuvenation and inspiration that is received from its healing presence.

Traditionally, to enhance a connection to this sacred solar energy, Hatha Yogis practiced the classical Salutation to the Sun (Surya Namaskar). Surya Namaskar is an expression of reverence and devotion to the Truth and Light that is both in the sun and in the Self; it is prayer and meditation in motion. We also receive tremendous physical and mental benefits from practicing the Salutes. They purify the endocrine and nervous systems; help develop mobility, alertness, and freedom while developing will power and physical strength.

As you may have already experienced, our natural impulse is to play in the sun. And this issue of Yogalicious is filled with ways to have even more FUN while enhancing your connection to the Sacred Solar Source.

With joy,
Jillian
—— IN THIS ISSUE ——


WORDS OF WISDOM

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.
 
WILLIAM 101 – EACH MOMENT COUNTS

"What's Really Important? You don't need to have a baby to appreciate that it‚s easy to get lost in the chaos, responsibilities and goals of life. I've always been a keep busy and get things done‚ kind of girl. (I love lists!) I am so used to having a perpetual LIST of things to do that it's easy to over look or post pone that which is truly most dear to my heart. At some point or another we all start to wonder if the things we put on our LIST are truly what's important to us. With William now 10 months old (and barely crying), he's becoming more independent and it's getting easier to steal time away from him to get my "LIST" done. But while he's becoming more independent, he's also becoming more fun and developing at lightening speed. Truly, I don‚t want to miss a minute. So I've begun the daily practice of asking myself, "What's really important." Because despite the length of my list, I have a choice of what is most important in my life and where I put my greatest amount of energy. I know this might seem like an easier said than done‚ kind of thing, but it is helpful to practice asking this question. When I regularly ask myself "what's really important?" I find that I can make choices more clearly and align my actions with my goals. After all every moment counts!   back to top
 
SUMMER LISTENING TO LIFT THE SPIRIT
http://www.ajnamusic.com/ Donna De Lory. Lover and the Beloved --beautiful devotional music!
http://www.rasamusic.com/ Great music for spiritually uplifting dance parties!    back to top
 
CLARITY THROUGH GRATITUDE
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." --Melody Beattie     back to top
 
FLOWING WITH REVERENCE

Sun Salutes are the core of vinyasa style classes; the flowing part that includes a Down Dog, Plank, Chaturanga, and Cobra or Up Dog. While it feels very physically challenging, it‚s truly a devotional series. A few years back I was in Teacher Training with the renowned Indian Yoga Master TKV Desikachar who offered a deeply poignant lesson about the Salutes. He explained that they are performed as a gesture (mudra) of devotion and dedication from the student to the teacher. His son Kausthub demonstrated this in front of a room filled with hundreds of yogis. Kausthub flowed through the series with such visible heartfelt devotion that it literally moved me to tears. The shift in energy in the whole room was palatable. From that point on, in my own sun salutes, I set an intention and dedication; sometimes it‚s the sun or earth, some times the Greater Energy, my teachers, family, or some one who needs healing. Either way, when I consciously bring to mind whom or what I am honoring my practice rises to another level and takes on a truly different feel and meaning for me. Try it in your own practice!

P.S. To help you cultivate and enjoy the fruits of Surya Namaskar, I will be focusing on them all summer both in my classes. (As will all the teachers at Devotion Yoga in Hoboken.) Over the next three months, I will be breaking down the salutes into their basic elements, with emphasis on Down Dog in June, Chatturanga in July, and Up dog in August. Cumulating with a sun celebration workshop at Devotion Yoga in the end of the summer.  back to top
 
MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR SUN SALUTES
http://www.yogasite.com/sunsalute.htm  A detailed how to do.   
http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/928_2.cfm  Article on the symbolic and mythic overtones - by Richard Rosen.  back to top
 
DOWNWARD FACE DOG -- JUNE FOCUS
Down Dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana, is a key element of the Sun Salutes. This asana is one of the most widely recognized yoga poses. It is an all over, rejuvenating stretch. It can be considered an inversion (as the heart is lower than the head), a forward bend (as the full back body receives a stretch, as well as an energizer and strengthener. Some of its benefits include: Calming the brain; Relieving stress and mild depression; Stretching the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands; Strengthening the arms and legs; Helping to prevent osteoporosis; Improving digestion; Helping to relieve headache, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue; And it is also therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica, sinusitis. Wow! All from a playful pose like dog.     back to top
 
MORE DETAILS ON DOWN DOG
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/19/story_1908_1.html -- good tutorial   back to top
 
SUMMER BEAUTY
"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." --Henry Ward Beecher.
Each time you appreciate the earth's abundant beauties you are offering gratitude. On your next walk, take time enjoy the flowers, the trees, the grass -- what ever you observe. Notice how nature can't help but radiate a delicious perfume and share's its splendor freely. When our hearts receive the beauty of the world, then the circle of gifting is complete, and we become fully present to life.   back to top
 
SUMMER READS BOOKS
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse: Classic, short and interesting beach read. It‚s the fairy tale version of Siddhartha Guatama's life (The Buddha).
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: I am so glad my husband finally convinced me to take a break from my "yoga related books" other wise I might have missed this fun and thought provoking read!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. PH.D: A great small book with simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life.    back to top
 
HALL OF LIGHT
Susye Ferullo and Jennifer Hall, Wonderful teachers and graduates of the Bright Spirit Yoga that I co-lead with Carrie Parker Gastelu have opened a Yoga and Health studio in Saddle Brook, NJ at 487 Market Street. They are both true spirited yoginis with a deep desire to share the teachings. Check out their schedule of classes and workshops at.  http://www.halloflight.com./   back to top
 
WEEKEND YOGA RETREAT
WHEN SUMMER IS DONE, TRANSITION SEEMLESSLY INTO FALL.
October 1-3, 2004. Reserve your space for this ultimate yoga weekend get-a-way in the Berkshire Mountains. You‚ll deepen your practice, become centered and grounded for the seasonal transition, and have the opportunity to savor autumn‚s spectacular gifts. This retreat is loved for the incredible restored barn we practice in, the brook side hammocks, the friendly students that come together, the scrumptious gourmet meals prepared for us by Natural Chef Joan Embree, and for the peaceful and inspiring surroundings. And our cozy lodge sits below the majestic Appalachian Trail which will be lustrous with Fall Foliage. When we are not practicing yoga, you are free to rest or play as you please: explore the great outdoors, hike to the water falls, enjoy a bodywork session or simply curl up and read. For photos from previous trips visit the photo album on my web site at www.yogajillian.com. For more details and to reserve your space email yoga_julie@yahoo.com. Reserve your space with a deposit of $75 by August 1. Balance due September 1.     back to top
 
MORE SUMMER FUN

YOGA IN THE PARK -- HOBOKEN Hosted by Devotion Yoga.
Nothing Beats Yoga Outside! Come celebrate the summer at Pier A and do some Yoga In The Park. Every Monday Night from 7-8. Cost is $5. Bring your own Mat. Classes run from June 14-August 23. A different Instructor will lead you each week. I will be teaching the class on July 19 and August 2.

CHARLES MATKIN WORKSHOP -- Don‚t miss this one!
Devotion Yoga, Hoboken. Saturday, June 12th 2:15 - 5:30pm - $50
Starting with a practical Dharma talk, an in-depth Asana exploration and experiential partner work, this workshop is designed to challenge, re-inspire and expand what it means to be fully human. Charles Matkin is a third-generation yogi, and was formally instructed in yoga and meditation at the age of five. Visit www.satsangyoga.com and http://www.matkinyoga.com/

MEDITATION, HEALTH AND HEALING with Anthony Varriano.
Sunday, June 13th, 2:00 - 4:30 $30 to pre-register ($35 at the door) at Devotion Yoga Hoboken. www.devotionyoga.com

HIP & HEART OPENING YOGA WORKSHOP with Steven and Laura Markus
Saturday, June 19th 2:00 ˆ 4:00pm $35 to pre-register ($40 at the door) at Devotion Yoga Hoboken. www.devotionyoga.com.

HIDDEN STRESS/CROUCHING TENSION with Laura Carite.
Offered once a month on Saturdays, 1:30 ˆ 3:30pm Next Class June 26th Pre-registration required $35 at Devotion Yoga Hoboken. www.devotionyoga.com

SOUND MEDITATION with Daniel McBride.
Sunday, June 27th 2:00 - 4:00pm, $30 to pre-register ($35 at the door) at Devotion Yoga Hoboken. www.devotionyoga.com

PRE NATAL TEACHER TRAINING with Carrie Parker.
Saturday and Sunday 26th and 27th June $250 Be yoga 138 5th Ave.
NYCwww.beyoga.com Learn more about Carrie parker (my partner for Bright Spirit Teacher Training) at www.yogawithcarrie.com

EVENINGS OF MELODY at Yoga Mandali
Soho. NYC. http://www.yogamandali.com/ Sat June 5-26. kirtan's with special guests.

WOMEN'S MINI-RETREAT with Nicole DiSalvo Billa.
Sat. June 19th, 1-3 at Hall of Light Saddle Brook, NJ. Visit www.halloflight.com for more info.

DEVOTION YOGA EVENTS
There are lots of great happenings at Devotion Yoga in Hoboken, 79 Hudson Street. Steps from the Path Trains. A simple and short commute for Hobokeners and NYers a like. Check out www.devotionyoga.com for details of these up coming events. Email Liza to receive the Devotion Newsletter: info@devotionyoga.com    back to top
 
THANK YOU
As always, thank you for joining me here. I am grateful to have this opportunity to share with you. I would love to hear your ideas or suggestions. Please email me if you have an email address change or would like to add a friend to this distribution. If you enjoyed this issue I‚d be honored if you pass it along to friends.

PS I will be away June 4-6 for Bright Spirit Teacher Training Retreat and June 20-25 teaching at Omega in Rhinebeck.

Enjoy Each Day!
Peace Jillian.    back to top
 

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