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 #55—July 2007 |
Namaste Yogis and Yoginis, This July issue of Yogalicious is celebrates the beautiful light of summer. May you find time to enjoy it wholeheartedly! Let yourself get off track and play in the park. Catch some fireflies, make some ice pops, dash through sprinklers and enjoy some fun yoga moves and meditation. But mostly, just let your own light shine! With joy, PS. July 10, Tuesday, Come join me for a FREE yoga class, OUTSIDE on Pier A over Looking Manhattan! Catch some fireflies afterwards and get ice cream at Mr. Softy’s. Tuesday July 10, 7-8pm.For more details visit www.devotionyoga.com or call 201 610 9642. (This is a really fun way to play yoga!) Also, check out the Fit Yoga Conference in NYC August 7-9. I will be presenting “Blooming Open.” Check out www.fityoga.com for more details. Lastly, I have 6 spaces left for my Fall Foliage Retreat. Save your spot NOW!
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IN THIS ISSUE —— |
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| WORDS OF WISDOM |
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What if happiness didn't have anything to do with what you had, where you've been, or who you were, and arose entirely from what you chose to think about, yet nobody knew this? And that changing your thoughts, so that you could feel happier more often, would entirely change what you had, who you were, and where you're headed, yet nobody knew this either? Do you think if we told them they'd choose to think differently? - The Universe tut.com back to top |
| WILLIAM 101 |
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Our home sits on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. I admit, it’s a world class view. And on many occasions we witness amazing fire works as they illuminate the Manhattan line. But this Fourth of July, I saw my most favorite light show of all. It was 8:30 pm and my 4 year old son William was about to fall asleep when I was closing the bedroom curtains and spotted my first firefly of the season. Instantly, I was transported to my sweetest memories of childhood. My brothers and I spent countless summer nights chasing lightening bugs, cupping them in our hands and catching them in jars. Hypnotized by their glow, I didn’t notice that William slid out of bed to investigate my ohhs and ahhs. He rose on his tip toes to peak out the window. “What do you see Mamma?” he whispered. “Shhh. Watch. You’ll see little bright flickers.” I was so excited to see his reaction. “Mamma. Mamma they are fairies! The fairies came to visit us.” And while I never really thought of them as fairies before, William’s enthusiasm did rekindle a child-like wonder in me. “Wow. Fairies. Do you think they are really fairies William?” I encouraged. “Yes. They ARE fairies Mamma.” He said deeply satisfied. back to top |
| LIGHT OF WISDOM |
Aztecs used the term Firefly metaphorically, meaning a spark of knowledge in a world of ignorance or darkness. back to top |
| LIGHT UP YOUR PRACTICE |
Try the firefly pose. Have fun and don’t take it so seriously. Just lighten up and fly! http://yoga.about.com/od/yogaposes/a/firefly.htm back to top |
| FIREFLY MEDITATION |
| Sit in a comfortable position, in a chair or on the floor. Spine long, but relaxed. Breath normally. Rest your mind on your breath. After a few breaths, imagine your inhale brings in bright light. Imagine your exhale, radiates that light from ever pour. Inhale, your inner body fills with light. Exhale your outer body glows softly, radiating your inner brightness. After a few minutes of visualizing your breath and light, simply sit in your radiance. Like a firefly effortlessly and naturally radiates, allow your self to organically shine out. Sit for a few minutes longer and mentally send your light to anyone who needs it or to all beings everywhere. This meditation has many benefits such as relaxing your body, calming your mind, helping regulate blood pressure and heart rate, and balancing your nervous system. However, it has deep spiritual effects as it helps you bring in the universal energy more fluidly and allows you to offer it back out more readily. back to top |
| CATCH SOME MAGIC |
Want some instant happiness, spend a warm twilight evening catching fireflies with or with out a child to help you! Tips for catching fireflies: Fireflies are active at dusk after warm days. Watch particularly in the dark shadows beneath trees and along the grass. When you catch a fire fly, cup your hands around the firefly then transfer it into a jar carefully. (Don’t forget to poke holes in the top of the jar before you start your hunt). After you enjoy your light show for a few moments – let the fireflies go. back to top |
| MAKE YUMMY ICE POPS |
| Easiest treat! For a super delicious creamsicle, combine vanilla soy milk (I love silk brand) and orange juice, pour into ice pop holders. If you don’t have an ice pop holder you can put in a Dixie cup, cover with saran wrap, and pop in a Popsicle stick. Other variations we love: blend strawberries and with a splash of half and half or try chocolate soy milk with bananas. |
| UNION OF LIGHT |
| Perhaps the oddest phenomenon of the firefly is some species' ability to blink in unison. Trees filled with fireflies have been known to blink in rhythm—as though someone is flipping a light switch on and off. Some scientists believe that the synchrony guarantees a nice, dark moment for flying males to see the faint answers of the females. Others think that males are trying to beat the clock and be the first to flash to impress the ladies. Still others think that by coordinating their blinking, the collected males send a strong signal that will attract the females even from quite far away to their resident tree. For more facts visit: http://www.thaibugs.com/Articles/fireflies.htm back to top |
| FIREFLIES by Evaleen Stein |
Look! Look down in the garden how |
| And when the lightening bugs have gone… FALL FOLIAGE YOGA VACATION |
With Jillian – September 28-30, 2007 (only 6 spots left.). Nestled in the vibrant Berkshire Mountains, Race Brook is the idyllic setting in which to cherish autumn, leave the stress of everyday life behind, and enter a sanctuary for your body, mind, and spirit. You’ll go home totally revived and want to return again next year for the: Great multi-level yoga and meditation immersion - Scrumptious meals prepared by our natural Gourmet Chef -Unforgettable uplifting surroundings -Amazing Yoga Space (a restored barn illuminated by lofty sky-lit ceilings) -Charming lodge -Musical brook lined with cozy hammocks -Hiking trails and waterfall -And, of course, for the fun-loving students! Email Jillian for prices and details. Jillian_love@yahoo.com or call 201 377 7010. or visit the web site for more information http://www.yogajillian.com. back to top |
| FIT YOGA CONFERENCE www.fityoga.com |
August 7-9, 2007. NYC. Experience three mind-expanding days of yoga with some of the most well respected experts in the field. This is Fit Yoga’s first-ever conference and includes over 50 exciting classes with teachers featured in the pages of Fit Yoga magazine and beyond. I will be presenting Blooming Open. BLOOMING OPEN: RESTORATIVE YOGA, METTA MEDTITATION, AND DEEP RELEAXATION. Wed., Aug 8 from 3:30 – 5:30pm This perfect combination of simple mindfulness meditation and lovingkindness meditation, gentle yoga and restorative yoga poses (restful, supported poses) will help you cultivate inner harmony as well as greater sensitivity for yourself and others. You’ll leave feeling restored and connected the world around you. back to top |
| OTHER EVENTS WITH JILLIAN |
- Weekly Class, Saturdays 9:45-11:05 Devotion Yoga. www.devotionyoga.com |
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. |