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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 #7 —
December / 2000
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Namaste
Yogis and Yoginis, Welcome to YOGALICIOUS #7. The end of the year
is always a great time to consciously practice and explore ways
of “letting go”; releasing what you don’t need
to take with you into the New Year and creating space for the
unknown. We all have our own idea and experience of what “letting
go” means (physically, mentally, and emotionally). And, your
wisdom will come from your own practice; you are your best teacher!
Perhaps though, some of the ideas here may help you discover ways
to “let go” in order to open and be receptive to your
teacher, your intuition. Have fun! Jillian
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IN THIS ISSUE ——
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“Life is all Memory, except for the one
present moment that goes by so quickly
you hardly catch it going.” — Tennessee Williams |
| NEW YEAR EPIPHANY |
| Truthfully, for much of my life New Years has primarily brought me into deep thoughts like; What’s the perfect party plan? What’s Nicole doing? What will I wear? Will I be warm enough? And, more lately: Who has the most comfortable couch to chill out on? However, reflection feels a little different this year. I recently attended a traditional Tea Ceremony at the Urasenke Tea House lead by Tea Master, Mr. Hisashi Yamada. He is a radiant, wise, wide-smiling, older Japanese gentleman. When asked what he missed about Japan, his eyes sparkled and he started to talk about New Years. He shared how it is different America. In China and Japan New Years is not a one-night celebration. It’s not about the clock striking 12, or the ball dropping. Their celebration rituals extend for two weeks as they honor all that has transpired that year, and prepare to begin anew. It’s a very sacred time. Listening to Mr. Hisashi, I grew acutely aware of this opportunity to give thanks for all the wisdom I have gained from this previous year’s experiences, the struggles and the celebrations. And then to consciously, let go of the year and make room for the fresh unknown... I wish you the New Year that you desire, good health and contentment. back to top |
| TEA CEREMONY |
| The Tea Ceremony I went to was at Urasenke Chanoyu Center. 153 E. 69th Street. New York, NY 10021. Tel: (212) 988-6161. They offer courses, events, and training. back to top |
| OUT YOUR NOSE... |
| Here’s another way to let things go... Try nasal irrigation. I realize that some of you will not look at me the same after I tell you this, but... I love my Netti Pot. It is part of my morning ritual. What’s a netti pot? It is a simple ceramic device with a long spout that has apparently been around for about as long as the practice of medicine. You fill it with warm water and a teaspoon of sea salt, pour the water in one nostril and have it come out the other! It takes practice and a while to get used to, but I found it is well worth the effort! Using a Netti Pot can help remove certain virus products, making less work for the body’s natural immune and disease-fighting systems. It also helps thin and release extra mucus preventing colds and infections. The saline keeps the nasal and sinus tissues moist and helps the nose to heal. To read more about nasal irrigation and other yogic cleansing techniques check out: http://www.shoal.net.au/~swami/yogmed.html back to top |
| A QUICK DE-STRESS |
| Relaxing with your legs elevated up a wall or on a chair may seem simple, but it has incredible effects on your whole being! Your venous blood is taken from the legs to the heart for purification without any strain because of the force of gravity. Your heart relaxes, as it does not have to work to pump the blood. Oxygenated blood is circulated to the chest area, reliving numerous respiratory stresses and ailments. The thyroid gland may be gentle stimulated, which increases metabolism. The pose helps calm the mind and aids in headaches, digestion, elimination and insomnia. (It is also good for varicose veins). 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 and that you feel balanced and symmetrical every where. Gently stay aware of your breath, moving in and out of your body, as you relax. Stay in the pose for 1-5 minutes. The more you practice; you can increase your time up to 15 minutes. I like to imagine a waterfall, flowing down my legs, cleansing everything in its path. Whirl pooling in my belly, and streaming out through the crown of my head, taking with it everything I do not need now. (This pose is not for everyone, you should check with your doctor before doing this exercise and read the inversion precautions below.) back to top |
| WHEN NOT TO GO UPSIDE DOWN |
| There are endless benefits to inversions (head stands, hand stands, lying with your legs up, even down dog is mild an inversion) but you may not want to go upside down all the time. According to an article in the September/October 2000 Yoga Journal, a general guideline, is DO NOT invert when you have/are: 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 |
| CNN ON THE WEB |
| The Interview I taped for CNN FN is on the web. It was on Business Unusual, December 11th,. The interviews in order are: Deepak Chopra, Elizabeth Lesser, Jillian Pransky (me), and Silvia Browne. I am about 15 minutes in to the show. You can watch it at: http://cnnfn.cnn.com/services/fnonair/video/bu/121100.html back to top |
| GREAT READ! |
| Curl up with this book. The Testament of Yves Gundron by Emily Barton. I read this book almost a year ago, and it has stayed vividly with me. Emily, who is also a wonderful yoga teacher, created an incredible world that you will be happy to get lost in and characters you won’t want to leave. back to top |
| SCHEDULE CHANGES |
| Due to new changes in my schedule, my last class at Power Pilates will be Friday, December 19th. It has been great to share classes with many of you there. Thank you. I am adding some new classes in NYC starting in January and will send out an email in a few weeks announcing my schedule. If you have any questions feel to email me. back to top |
| RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FELLOW YOGIS |
| THE INVITATION by Oriah Mountain Dreamer is a great book. The chapter on standing in the fire I really enjoyed. Also, if you have a chance to do a workshop with Oriah on the Invitation it will be quite an experience. Mitch. CHIROPRACTOR: Alicia Klimkirewicz. 155 E. 55th Ste. 6c NY NY 212 319 6311 back to top |
| BEYOND WORDS Sri Swami |
| Satchidanada “There is a certain kind of deer from which we get musk fragrance. But that deer is always searching for the source of the fragrance it does not realize it comes from him; it is in him. Like that deer we run here and there searching for that peace (that beauty) which is always within us.” back to top |
| WORKSHOPS NEW YEARS MINI-RETREAT |
| A rejuvenating yummy flow of restorative poses and gentle yoga. You’ll need to bring a pillow and blanket. January 6 - Saturday 12:00-2:00. At the YMCA, Hoboken. With Jillian Call 210-963-4100 to register. Limited to 20 people. back to top |
| A VERY MEXICAN HIDEAWAY and Yoga! |
| 17 fun loving yogis are coming to ISLA MUJERES on my Yoga Vacation! The hotel has kept open five spaces for those of you who missed the deadline. They’ve also made single rooms available for an additional $175 dollars. Call me to register 210-377-7010. To read an article from Dec 17th New York Times on Isla Mujeres: A Very Mexican Hideaway http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/17/travel/ISLA.html back to top |
| Thanks for reading everyone! As always, I’d love to hear your recommendations and comments. Also, if you have a friend who’d like to receive this newsletter, have them send in their e-mail. Please let me know of any email address changes of if you would like to be taken of the distribution. |
| Happy celebrations. With much joy, Jillian |