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January 2009
| Focus of the Month for January The Spine / Practice (abhyasa) Moving along in our bodies to find a fitting physical focus for the first month of the new year, David Figueroa suggested the spine. How many vertebrae do we have? What is flexion, extension, the four curves of the spine? What directions do the curves go and why? How does the spine factor developmentally? What muscles are connected to the spine? With the spine, we have a lot to choose from in terms of honing a focus within a focus. How will this information help our practice of vrksasana, urdhva danurasana, and other asanas? To give us a clue as to how he might help us understand the complexities of this subject, David says, "Focus on the entire spine with the idea of balancing upper and lower, front and back. I am also interested in how the spine literally reflects the emotions and energy of the body, big time." Abhyasa – the word is Sanskrit and means practice. The start of the new year is a great time to recommit devotedly to daily yoga practice of asana, pranayama, mediation, the yamas and niyamas. We need to utilize these aspects of the yogic path every day in order to assist ourselves along this path. Tapas (one of the niyamas) is a ferociously burning internal desire so strong it compels you to action. You in action is your practice. Do it – recommit to your practice. It is simple, do it right now – sit, be quiet for a few minutes, or do a few sun salutations or take ten mindful breaths. Do something for yourself, for your family, your community, for Brooklyn – for all sentient beings (every person and animal). Our practice creates a ripple effect into the world around our own bodies. Again, it is simple – if you are in a good mood, have an easy laugh. You will create another happy vibration as you interact with someone else, and so on and so on. We all want a more peaceful, loving, joyous, harmonious 2009. We need to do our part – take the reins and practice. New Year's Beginner Series 6-Week Beginner Series Saturdays, January 3 - February 7, from 2-3:15 pm with Sarah Lewis This class is tailored for the newcomer to yoga. You will be eased into the practice by the skillful attention of your teacher. You will learn basic body awareness exercises, basic asanas (yoga poses) that stretch, lengthen, and strengthen your body, and a handful of techniques to help reduce stress in your daily life. Wear comfortable clothes. All of the props you will need for your classes will be provided by the studio. At the end of your six sessions, you will be ready to join any of our Basic level classes. $85 for the series $15 per class to drop in Next Beginner Series Starts Sunday, January 25, 2 pm DEEP REST Class Every Other Sunday 7:45 - 9:00 pm Restorative Yoga, also called Deep Relaxation, focuses on how the yin (receptive) qualities of the poses can be tapped into to induce deeper states of rest and relaxation. This class has one sole aim: deep mindful rest. You will be exposed to a combination of restorative yoga poses and be guided to hold these poses for an extended period of time, using props to provide physical support. Explore breath observation and guided meditation exercises. Taken as a whole, these techniques are used to usher your mind, body, and spirit into a state of deep internal awareness where we may let go of our hardened and habitual daily reactions in the body (samskaras). This is a great class if you wish to reduce stress in your daily life. January 4, Alison Dorfman January 18, Danika Hendrickson February 1, Carla Stangenberg Weekly Chanting with Nina Rao Tuesdays, 11:15 - 11:45 am (after Carla's 9:30 am Open class) No experience needed – or batteries, for that matter. The chants are really easy to follow. The practice of chanting, similar to the practice of asana, is good for the body, mind, and spirit. This is offered by donation. Come share the experience. Free Introduction to Yoga Classes Monday, January 19, and February 16 4:45 - 5:50 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. Wear comfortable cloths. If you have any questions email us or ask at the front desk. Jaya Yoga Book Club Next Reading & Meeting Friday, January 30th, 7:30 pm (after Christine's 6 pm intermediate class) We are reading Eknath Easwaran’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita. This is a mighty book and deserves a thorough look. Some of the themes in the Gita are karma, the practice of meditation, the gunas, and of course love. Pick it up today. Advanced Class with Carla Stangenberg Saturday, January 24, 5:45-8:15 pm Give yourself a little extra time to explore more advanced asanas (including an elongated guided savasana). This time around we will focus on a series of arm balances after thoroughly opening the shoulders and bound twists. Philosophically we will look at what insight (inner guidance) is and how to recognize it when it occurs. Perhaps the best name for this class would be How to Advance Your Practice. Please join us. $25 (please sign up in advance by email or at the front desk). Down Dog for Kids 12 week series with Lauren Maples Wednesdays, January 28 - April 15, 3:30 - 4:15 ages 4-8 yrs Bija Yoga’s 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. $180 for the series Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please contact 718-788-8788 or email. Thank You!! To New York Cares Make a Wish Program Participants The Sangha at Jaya is responsible for giving dozens of gifts to under privileged youth in Brooklyn for the holidays. Giving is a huge part of this yogic path. To give selflessley, with out the expectation of getting anything back. We as a community really shine in this regard. A extra special thank you to Carly Jacobs and Alex Aron who volunteered their time and cars to make a couple of deliveries, which came in really handy as the deadline conincided with the flood at the studio. Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor -Jaya News Department |
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