GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

Dvesha
for Sandi and Carla

Since my mother hated beets,
I always refused them—

until one night at a diner,
a friend insisted, try them.

The blood of one single purplish-red globe
dripping across the formica table,

the thing speared between the tines of my fork,
how much we kill before killing,

all that we deny, all the white lies,
who or what are we protecting?

And how many of us are running from
and running to: pleasure, yes;

pain, no. And how easy it is to lock a door,
one half turn of the wrist and safe,

but from what?
During meditation, Carla says:

Try to taste your own heart
and I return to this, new to the city,

with a new friend after midnight,
dank, brave and earthy bite—

I was hooked. Though it took years for me
to peel my own, let my own hands be stained,

because after all, how can any of us escape
the beat of Shiva's drum,

our own our magenta desire
without noticing how rich the color

of blood, our lives, bubbling up
from an open wound before we

apply the band-aid, and kiss
our pain away.

—by Carly Sachs

Photograph by Carla Stangenberg. See full version.

Jaya Yoga East opening in Kensington October 1st!

More details here.

Upcoming Workshops & Events

Stephanie Syman
Author of The Subtle Body: The Story of Yoga in America In The Subtle Body

Friday September 10, 8 pm

Stefanie Syman tells the surprising story of yoga's transformation from a centuries-old spiritual discipline to a multibillion-dollar American industry.

Sound Meditation Class with Kenzie Pause

Saturday September 18, 7-8:30 pm

Gentle and restorative yoga followed by an extended savasana with guided meditation and healing, harmonic vibrations of crystal singing bowls make for a relaxing evening that's sure to take your meditation practice to a new level.

Kirtan: Chanting with Shyama

Friday, September 24, 8 pm

Sweet time together, singing the many names of the One. Kirtan is call and response chanting in the Hindu tradition, with simple, beautiful melodies to soften the heart so that the seed sounds of the Names can take root and flower there.

Labor Day Weekend Schedule

Friday September 3
7 am All Levels with Sarah
9 am Basic with Carla
10:45 am Open with Kyle

Saturday September 4
8:30 am Basic with Leslie
10 am Open with Sarah
12 pm Intermediate with Kyle

Sunday September 5
9 am Basic with Sarah
10:30 am Open with Carla
12:15 pm Intermediate with Alison

Monday September 6
9 am Basic with Tina
10:30 Open with Judy
6 pm All Levels with Christine

Focus of the Month for September

Pada / Abhinivesha

This school year our physical education starts with an examination of the pada or the foot. It is delicate made in so many little pieces yet strong resilient and supportive. The foot is the foundation of all the standing poses but also come into play in every thing from inversions to hip-openers. Abhinivesa is the last of the Five Kleshas (afflictions). Some common translations are clinging to life, fear of death or self -love (small "s"). Yoga offers us a clear methodology for managing our human terror at the prospect of our inevitable disappearance from the planet. Read more...

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Also...

Teaching Students to Turn Inside: Yoga and Mindful Awareness

Interview with Carla Stangenberg, Director of Jaya Yoga Center, for the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society.