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April 2008
| Focus of the Month for April The Yamas, and Inversions Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline ethical practices known as the "yamas," or restraints, and internal disciplines, or "niyamas" which together constitute a path to the true Self. Recently, Patricia Walden, a senior Iyengar teacher, said to a group of students who were readying themselves for a workshop with her: "Your asana and pranayama practice will bear more fruit when you are firmly established in the yamas and niyamas." This month we take our cue from Patricia and dive into understanding the five yamas (and save the niyamas for May) as mentioned Yoga Sutras (chapter 2 verse 30). It is our hope that we see the practice as much more than a physical practice alone. As we deconstruct the yamas (the word is Sanskrit and literally translates as “restraint”) we come to understand that this “code for living virtuously” enhances our practice, and bears even sweeter fruit with deeper insights as we move beyond the body. Part two of the focus of the month is inversions. In your basic level classes you will find a firm foundation for head standing (sirsasana) and learn how to use the blankets and straps in your shoulder stand (salamba sarvangasana) practice. In the intermediate and open level classes we will establish again a firm foundation in hand stand (adho mukha vrksasana) and forearm stand (pincha mayurasan) so we can lift our bodies over our heads with fearlessly and with ease. We have a lot to work on. Head Shoulders Knees and Toes INTERMEDIATE Series Asana Extravaganza: Back Bending with Sarah Lewis and Carla Stangenberg Saturday April 5 from 5:45 - 8:45 pm Beginning with a review of the basics – where to place the tailbone, rotation of thighs, activity in the core. Make sure we understand (somatically) these concepts in basic backbends (urdvha danurasana aka. full wheel…) then progress to more advanced forms – scorpion, dwi pada viparitidandasana, drop backs… We will also take a request or two. $45 for the workshop Sign up now class is this Saturday. Pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com Free Introduction to Yoga Class Thursday April 24 from 5:00 - 6:10 pm Please bring yourself and a friend to Jaya Yoga for a free introduction to asana practice, meditation, and a little philosophy. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions contact namaste@jayayogacenter.com BASIC LEVEL Back Bending Workshop with Sarah Lewis and Carla Stangenberg Sunday April 27 from 2 - 4 pm Learn basic level back bends smart healthy ways in and out of them. We will work on camel (ustrasana), bow (danurasana), and cobra (bugangasana), maybe even one or two more. We are really going to focus on listening to the body so we know when enough is enough. $30 pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com Beginners Wanted 3 Week Beginner Series with Carla Stangenberg Sunday May 4 - 18 2 - 3:25 pm This class is tailored for the new comer to yoga. You will be eased into the practice by the skillful attention of your teacher. You learn basic body awareness exercises, basic asanas that stretch lengthen and strengthen your body and a handful of technique to help reduce stress in your daily life. At the end for you six classes you will be ready to join any of our basic level classes. $45 for series pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com More Kids Classes A Seed Grows this Spring at Jaya We are pleased to announce that Bija Yoga – a studio dedicated to childhood education through the processes of yoga and dance - will take up residence at Jaya Yoga Center. You can sign up right now for the next series of classes beginning May 5th. Classes are taught by Lauren Maples. Down Dog for Kids with Lauren Maples May 5 – June 9 6-week series Down Dog for Kids classes introduce children to the practice of yoga. Yoga poses and principles are explored in a variety of fun ways. Nature, basic anatomy and imagination are all key aspects of the class. Children are encouraged to explore the way their bodies move through creative projects, collaboration, story time and songs. Chanting, breathing exercises and simple meditation practices relax and calm the mind. Each classes finishes with relaxation - something the little yogis come to look forward to! No prior yoga experience required. Other Kids Classes and Class Times Thursday is Beginners Night at Jaya with Judy Atrubin 7:45 pm Beginner / Basic Level Class Please bring yourself and your curiosity about the practice of yoga. In this class you will experience basic level asana (poses) to get you moving gracefully (vinyasa), breath awareness exercise to help you deepen your lung capacity and meditation to help you intentionally let go of stresses from your daily activities. If you have recently completed a beginner series this class is a great next step. $15 to drop in or use your class card. Meditation Tuesday and Thursday on- going 8:45 - 9:15 am We offer the time and space all you have to do is show up and meditate. If you sat with us during the week of meditation be daring keep your practice alive, join us. FREE Book Club Report We had a great time with Stephen Cope's Wisdom of Yoga here is one of our favorite quotes from the book: "what we are searching for is searching for us. The way is to stop. To let ourselves be found. Stand still." This is a great book for understanding the yamas as well, the language is direct. Next we will read Light on Life by BKS Iyengar. Our get-together date is TBA - some time late May. Thank you!! Everyone who bought t-shirts, books, who came to the benefit class and to those of you who simply made a donation to New York Collation Against Sexual Assault. The money raised goes directly to the cause. Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor -Jaya News Department
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