Yoga in Northern Arizona

Gratitude

2010-06-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

The act of leaving inspires so much: so much sadness, so much joy, and, hopefully, so much love. Take an already full experience and add to it the heartbreak of watching a beautiful land go up in flames and I, for one, am left with an opportunity of infinite fathoms to reflect.

I have been blessed to have lived in Flagstaff, a city I have appreciated for its community, beauty, quirkiness, and more, for seven years. Leaving has been bittersweet and a practice of awareness regarding the journey, versus the destination. Choices we make in life can confound us, liberate us, stymie us….But through the thick of it, maybe we can remember to trust. To trust that the dharma of our lives will lead us where we’re meant to be, regardless of the “smaller” choices that can overwhelm our daily lives. This is not to promote passivity, but rather to trust in the natural current of life: when we find there is an imbalance of so much effort and so little surrender, we owe it to ourselves to consider why.

So, relinquishing my efforts to flow along the current of my life meant uprooting 7 years to plant roots in the desert (another place of extraordinary beauty). Despite my trust in this process, I have found myself facing attachments: to my previous way of life, to relationships, to the studio.

And now as I take a seat on the porch, I look past the sweet, syrupy colors of the sunset to the North, to another place I love. How I want to see it, though, and the truth of its current condition seem at odds. I think of people I know and their fear for their homes, animals, and more; I think of the land’s natural inhabitants—from the elk to the caterpillars and am sad for the lives and homes they lost; I think of the soil that will take inestimable years to heal, and I find it hard not to weep.

The journey of our yoga practice teaches us that balance is a constant process, not a static place: through beauty there may be immeasurable pain. How can we adjust to find equilibrium and harmony in the midst of this human-made tragedy? Maybe the answer is gratitude for the land that has been, and trust that through its own process it too will heal. I read a poem the other day and was struck by the relevance of the last stanza to our Flagstaff forest:

“… we are saying thank you
with the forests falling faster than the minutes
of our lives we are saying thank you
with the words going out like cells of a brain
with the cities growing over us like the earth
we are saying thank you faster and faster
with nobody listening we are saying thank you
we are saying thank you and waving
dark though it is”—“Thanks” by W.S, Merwin

Maybe sometimes we need to remember to say thank you—for everything and nothing all at once—a practice in itself of Samadhi. Thank you, Flagstaff, for your beauty, pain, sunshine and dark days. Thank you for being a place worthy of sacrifice.

--Autumn

“Breath: The Song of the Soul”

2010-05-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

“I find belly breathing to be really challenging[….] Also, I feel like I am often behind the teacher’s cues for breathing. Any suggestions?”

If you have ever watched a baby breathe, you have noticed how her belly will rise when she inhales and that her belly will fall when she exhales. Somehow, though, as we age many of us lose this natural capacity for full, deep breaths. Some hypothesize that we created shallow, upper chest breathing to prevent our bellies from looking too “full”; regardless of the cause, in our yoga practice we have many opportunities to reconnect with this most natural breath. Physiologically, when the belly rises with the inhalation, the diaphragm lowers, thereby allowing more room for incoming air; conversely, when the belly falls with the exhalation, the diaphragm lifts, thereby helping to expel the air from the lungs. It’s a method that facilitates greater depth of breath and calm in body and mind. Belly breathing is a sort of “gateway” breath before embarking on the more challenging, and transformative, pranayama exercises. And it’s arguably the most deceptively simple of the breathing exercises.

When in a yoga class and the instructor calls out a breath with a movement—for example, “Inhale lengthen, exhale twist”—it’s important to follow your own breath to its capacity instead of curbing it to heed the call of the next breath; i.e. finish your inhalation before initiating the exhalation, and vice versa. Honor the currents of your breath and allow yourself to experience its connection to your physical practice. Trust that you won’t fall behind. Trust in your own practice.

I find the very etymology of the word “spirit” to be comforting and highly applicable in yoga: it comes from the Latinate word “spiritus”, which means “breath”. This adds a whole new appreciation to the word breath’s sister word: respiration. That breath and spirit are entwined in the linguistic world is but one reference of their connection: vast Vedic literature regards the breath’s dual identity as a system that is both voluntary and involuntary; i.e. a system that is both physical and spiritual. Borrowing words to put the sentiment simply, and beautifully, “In the breath, the soul finds the opportunity to speak” (Faulds).

--Autumn

Making Space

2010-05-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

We all have some awareness that we carry our emotions in our body. When we get stressed we may have a stomach ache or a head ache or tight shoulders and a sore jaw. Is it possible we carry our history in our body? (Unfinished arguments and unneeded baggage weighing our bodies down) Through out my yoga training this had been a focus of mine as I have discovered many of my own old emotional habits in my yoga practice. I find myself struggling to pull my shoulders back, after all, my habit of folding my arms in front of me and protecting myself is ingrained over the years. Doing twists is a great way to ring some of this "stuff" out like a wet towel to make space for new energy! Forward folds are a great way to experiment with letting go and surrendering to what ever it is you have inside. Inversions are a great way to give yourself a new perspective and explore your fears. I invite you to consider your emotional road map in your own body. What are your habits in your yoga practice? Do you struggle with opening the heart in back bends or fears in inversions? Look for the relationship in your physical practice of yoga and your psychological practice of yoga. By all means come to my class and I'll see if I can help.
Peace, love and all things yoga,
Katie

All in the Name of Balance

2010-04-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I recently taught a class that was focused on balance, both physically and mentally. I told a story and many of you asked me for that story since you were not able to make it to the class. Well, this story was told to me about 5 years ago my a man who grew up in India. Enjoy. --Katie

There was a prince who had everything. He had a huge castle with all the food he could want, all the women he could ever want, and he was even a very talented violinist. But still, he was not happy. So he went to the Buddha to seek advice. He sat before the Buddha and the Buddha said nothing. The prince realized that simplicity was the key. The Buddha had nothing, needing nothing, and said nothing. So the prince gave away all his possessions and became a monk. He lived with the monks. When they ate beans and rice he ate just rice. When they walked along the path he walked along the rocks and he was still unhappy. He went back to the Buddha to seek advice. The Buddha asked the prince. "What happens when the strings of your violin are too loose. The prince answered, "The violin will not play." The Buddha asked, "What happens when the string are too tight?" The prince answered, "The strings will break and the violin will not play." The Buddha said, " Ah, so it is in Balance that music will play. Find your balance and listen for your music."

“What Kind of Yoga Do You Practice?”; Another Opportunity for Reflection

2010-04-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

This past month I’ve received inquiries from people wondering how to answer this question; and while the best answer is subjective I think the genesis of potential responses is most appropriately placed in the genesis of Yoga. The exact history of Yoga is debatable, but many Vedic scholars will date Yoga to approximately 5,000 years ago; however, this ancient yoga was not the yoga we see in most Western studios.

Traditionally, there are thought to be four main branches of Yoga: Karma (Yoga of Action), Jnana (Yoga of Wisdom/Inquiry), Bhakti (Yoga of Love), and Raja (Kingly Yoga or Yoga of Control). Raja Yoga, which is usually attributed to Patanjali, posits the 8-limbs of Yoga, aka Ashtanga—the point of origin for many modern styles/brands of yoga. While elements of the first branches may be found within many styles of yoga, it is primarily within Raja that we find reference to the physical, asana practice. Often thought to be a part of Raja, and sometimes thought to be parallel to it, is Hatha Yoga wherein we discover the asanas. Raja and Hatha Yogas are not mutually exclusive; rather, as stated in Hatha Yoga Pradipika, “There can be no Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga and no Hatha Yoga without Raja Yoga. Hatha is the preparation for Raja and Raja is the [ultimate] goal of Hatha Yoga.” The word “Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to “yoke”, to bring together the body, mind, and spirit. The etymology of “Hatha” is “Ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon; therefore, the Hatha yoga practice intends to help yoke/integrate two fundamental aspects of life and of our beings: the masculine and feminine and all that these aspects involve. This is a powerful thing to be aware of when preparing for and practicing the sun and moon salutations.

So, how we answer this deceptively simple question depends on our personal philosophy and spiritual belief. Some answer that they practice “Hatha Yoga” and others will respond with a specific style. A Yoga Generalist, so to speak, would perhaps see the varying styles of yoga as coming from the same source and make choices of what to practice based on personal proclivities for any given day—it could be Ashtanga, Kundalini, or Bikram. And perhaps this person would also believe that styles are secondary to the actual experience; taken further is the belief that various styles are yet another way to divide people and that the names and personality imprints on the different styles are irrelevant to the one true path. Others, though, remain steadfast in their dedication to a particular style. Personally, I find much wisdom in the idea (paraphrased from Enlighten Up!) that it doesn’t matter whether we travel by foot, car, or plane—as long as our body, mind and spirit grow and unite with each other—the destination will be, virtually, the same. In this philosophy, the dedicated Bhakti Yogi can discover the connection with this Supreme Being, Purusha, just as well as an Ashtanga Yogi.

At NAYC, we are fortunate to be able to experience different styles of classes and instructions. Through our varied experiences, we are in a prime position to reflect on our personal philosophy and spirituality regarding our practice. Maybe we are generalists who answer this question of what style yoga we practice broadly or maybe we’re faithful devotees who express our loyalty to one particular style. Regardless of how and what style(s) we practice, we can participate in the hopeful truth made by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: “Practice and all is coming.”

--Autumn

Advancing into Grace

2010-03-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have heard many people discussing “advanced” yoga classes; more specifically, I have received inquiries from people who express interest in the studio, but wonder why we do not offer advanced classes—likely their question is based on the studio’s level designations 1/3 or 2/3 on the schedule, but no solid ‘3’s. While this numeration supports the studio’s philosophy to encourage everyone to feel welcome to explore all classes, this notion of an advanced class begs the question of what “advanced” means and how to safely engage in an advanced practice.

A common delineation for an advanced practice is that a person can perform wheel and can kick into handstand. Yet subtleties abound and not all who can perform wheel can perform it safely. So then how is “advanced” evaluated, and by whom? Is a twelve-year-old who can fall into wheel and windmill her light-as-a-fairy self into handstand an advanced yogini? Or, perhaps, is an advanced yogini the one who has explored how to spread her awareness to all parts of her being in an asana so that she simultaneously “poses” and “reposes” (Iyengar)? True, she may not be able to bend into wheel, but she has an amazingly balanced and graceful triangle pose. A gymnast is not a yogi.

Let’s face it: many “advanced” poses are stunning. But when we decide to attend an advanced practice, which part(s) of us are ready? Are our physical bodies prepared with strength, flexibility, and knowledge of proper alignment? Is our mental body prepared to approach an honest practice filled with “faith, courage, determination, awareness, and absorption” (Iyengar)? Is our spiritual body able to breathe through our practice and experience that our breath is so much more than a respiratory action? Too often, it’s our ego that unfurls the mat in an advanced practice—this ego that allows us to soar when we serve it well, and feel small when we cannot do its bidding. There is a fine, and sometimes indistinguishable, line between appropriately challenging our whole being and the natural advancement of poses that follows and the ego wanting to inflate itself through perceived successes. But within our practice, we know what is true; the rub is whether or not we honor it. When I teach English, there are always people in my class who love to write creatively and they feel confined by grammatical rules and style guidelines. But as a writing teacher, I want them to know the basics so that they have a strong, solid foundation and from that place they can make creative, more personally expressive choices. The same can be said for our approach to asanas. Can we practice the patience of establishing a strong foundation in dolphin to avoid potential injury from extending ourselves too soon into headstand? When we understand and inhabit structural guidelines, we inhabit grace.

“Advanced” is a nebulous word brimming with so much potential integration, and injury. Much like there is Yoga and then there are branches of Yoga; there are asanas and then there are branches of asanas. Each branch can lead us toward integration. Patanjali says, “When an asana is correctly performed, the dualities between body and mind, mind and soul, have to vanish.” Certainly the duality does not vanish when it’s our ego that wants to light up in firefly. Our practices can be authentically advanced, in body, mind, and spirit, if we honor the asana as a method of healing and engage in an honest practice. Iyengar writes, “[The asanas] should be performed in such a way as to lead the mind from attachment to the body towards the light of the soul so that the practitioner may dwell in the abode of the soul.” But this will ask for many things, one of which being an honest reckoning within our practice and the trust that there are many ways to find the light of the soul—and they may or may not include firefly.

--Autumn

Letting Go!

2010-03-26T09:52:00.001-07:00

Yoga is an opportunity to let go. Let go of expectations. Let go of judgments. Let go of pressures to succeed. Let go of the shoulds, coulds, and woulds. But if we come at our yoga practice the same way we “attack” all other things we “do” in our lives we’ll get the same thing out of it. I should be able to do headstand. I could breathe more. I would love to calm my mind but I can’t. Being aware of how much we push and beat up on ourselves is a great start but almost makes it harder! Damn! I am beating up on myself again. I should just accept myself. I could be more at peace with myself. I would love to just let go! Fact: Not many of use are walking around in a yogic state all the time and that’s okay. If you’re aware that you beat up on yourself, much like me, here’s a way to break the cycle and jump off that wheel. Every time you notice judgments of yourself replace them with what you want to cultivate. Here’s an example; I’m not good at triangle pose. I should be better after 3 years of practicing! I’m not good enough at my job. I could do better. My house is a mess and I haven’t gone to the grocery store. I would love to be a better provider at home. Stop! Acceptance, Compassion, Let go. Repeat what it is you want to cultivate in your head and create a mantra. You can use mine if you like. Allow yourself something positive to focus on. Let it be okay if you find it difficult to focus on your mantra. Let it be okay of you don’t notice any difference in your mental state. By not attaching to the outcome and accepting what is you have started replacing your judgments already! Know that some days it will be harder than others. That’s okay as well. It’s all the process of letting go!

Happy Yoga-ing!
Katie

Teacher Training

2010-03-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

What is Yoga?

During a typical teacher training I think most people spend some time asking themselves, what is yoga? There are many differing opinions on this. I'm happy to share my view of a several thousand year old tradition in a few paragraphs...

First off there are two different forms of yoga. Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga. Many of us practice both forms and some of us do not. To me yoga encompasses both forms but I'll define them separately as they make sense to me.

According to B.K. S. Iyengar Raja Yoga is the complete mastery of the Self and with that mastery, a union with the Divine occurs. Raja Yoga also refers to the spiritual or mental practice of yoga rather than Hatha Yoga or the physical postures of yoga. Of course you can see how these two forms of yoga can be practiced at the same time. It is said that Emerson and Thoreau brought the concepts of Raja Yoga to the West which may have laid the foundation for Hatha Yoga to build in popularity and the eventually meshing of the two. When I think of Raja Yoga my bar becomes so high I almost become angry with myself for being so far from the bar. Complete mastery of the Self? I have a hard time expressing compassion for myself when I fall out of a balance posture let alone compassion for the jerk who cut me off in traffic and then gives me the bird. I've learned to focus my energy on smaller steps to work toward a greater goal. I tell myself and others to start with just recognizing your motivations and thoughts behind every action. Become aware of the why behind what you do. Don't judge your motivations but simply be aware of them. Judgments, I believe, only lead to an increase in the external desires and "fluctuations of the mind". We seem to always want what we can't or shouldn't have. Another words, by telling yourself "I can't be angry towards anyone" you might end up focusing all your energy on your anger and feel so frustrated that anger is all that comes out. Instead start small and just notice why you do what you do and start on your yoga mat. In my experience, the things you seek will begin to happen naturally with practice. As Pattabhi Jois would say, "Do your practice and all is coming."

Teacher Training

2010-02-25T12:41:00.000-08:00

To Teach or Not to Teach?

I never wanted to teach yoga. The idea of teaching a room full of people all at different ability levels, with varying energies and experience didn't sound fun to me. You got Joe over in the corner sweating just thinking about trying to touch his toes, you got Mary up front eager to show everyone the "correct" way to do each asana and then you got Bob who ignores all of what you say and does his own thing in the corner. Ahhh. No thank you. I am however lucky enough to be in Flagstaff where the Mary's and Bobs are few and far between. There are of course Joes but Joes I can handle.

So what changed your mind you might ask? Why teach yoga now? Well truthfully it was the experience of teaching yoga itself that changed my mind. After just a few times of , "oh come on teach me please", I was hooked. I was even told I would glow after teaching. Sharing something that is such a personal experience can be a scary thing. Here are some pointers from my experience as well as from the teacher training for anyone who is interested in teaching or just deepening their practice of yoga:

Practice! It is important to teach from your personal practice. Why? Because we always teach best what we know from personal experience. If you stay committed to your practice of yoga doors will begin to open up.

Teach from the heart. This is related to teaching from your personal practice but different in that it is important to teach what moves you and not what you think others are expecting to be taught. There is a balance here. It is important to consider the experience, physical limitations, and state of each student in the class and conform your approach to them while maintaining the theme of what is meaningful to you as the teacher.

Learn the history and traditions behind yoga including some Sanskrit. Why? Because it gives you the opportunity to connect the dots. There are many many many translations of the Yoga Sutras and other yoga texts. Learn some Sanskrit and figure how what they mean to you. This allows you to teach from your experience of what it all means.

Learn some anatomy. You don't have to run out and get a doctoral degree in anatomy although it would be helpful. But at least familiarize yourself with basic anatomy and how the asanas are different for different bodies. Why? Because it will help you in your own practice to make deeper connections to what is going on inside your skin and it will help educate you so no one gets hurt. Yoga is for healing not hurting.

Find a good teacher! We are all still learning on this path of yoga and even the teacher needs a teacher. There is always someone who knows more. Continue to challenge yourself by finding someone who can help guide you along the way.

What is meaningful for me? The themes I am currently exploring in my personal practice are acceptance, compassion, devotion, and ease in effort. Acceptance for my physical limitations due to injury on the mat and acceptance of all those around me off the mat; because really we are all the same and merely at different places on our paths. Compassion and love of myself on the mat so that I am able to share that compassion for others off the mat. I do believe it is compassion that tears down barriers we build between ourselves. If we are able to accept someone for who they are it becomes easier to have compassion for them despite any actions we may not agree with. Devotion. For me devotion is to my practice of yoga. It's warm in bed and cold and dark out there but I get up anyway and practice. I'm tired and grumpy and feel irritable towards this person but I search for compassion anyway because I am dedicated to practicing yoga no matter how many steps back I may experience. Ease in effort. I am always searching for ease in my effort during my asana practice. Sometimes I find it. Sometimes I don't but I always try to remain aware of it on and off the mat. It's a special moment when I suddenly realize I can try a little less and breathe a little more. I forget now and then and find myself stressing over my to do lists but of course it is a practice.

Do you "DO" Yoga?

2010-02-21T16:06:00.001-08:00

Do You “Do” Yoga?

Many of us have been asked this question, and many of us may have stumbled in our attempt to answer. While this question is certainly innocuous, it is also powerfully evocative in the thoughts it triggers: what does it mean to “do” yoga?

Certainly in a studio class, our yoga practice includes the asanas (physical poses) but for many yogis, their practice simultaneously values and transcends the asanas; they find their practice when standing in line at the grocery store just as much as when they are in Warrior I on their mats. After all, isn’t the practice of yoga about our awareness, our mindfulness, ability to focus, and our willingness to look at ourselves with honest eyes and minds and know when we may need to slow down, wake up, or stop and take a few deep breaths?

Depending on how we approach the question if we “do” yoga, we will often hear others, or ourselves, say something to the effect of being “good” at it: as in “I’m not very good at yoga” or “You must be really good!” With the sentiment of “good” people likely mean that you must be a real-life version of Gumby in your “bendiness” and/or of Herculean strength to lift yourself into Scorpion. But, really, what good does any of the physical skill mean if the same person is rude on the road? And it is at this point where there is a sort of reckoning in our practice: we balance ourselves with the physical practice of engaging our “edge” to inhabit the strongest, healthiest body we possibly can, and the trust that our practice of yoga is much more than our physical ability. For better or worse, there is no clear path to this balancing act, which is the winding beauty of each individual’s practice of yoga. Perhaps we support the delineations of different types of yoga and subscribe ourselves expressly to one style; or perhaps our practice disregards such categories and instead sees in each style valuable, unifying principles of yoga. Regardless, we can learn more about ourselves and how we practice by taking time to reflect. This practice, this journey, will ask for many things: the least of which is honesty, patience, and a willingness to be open to receive our individualized answers.

So I know how I may humbly answer the question whether I “do” yoga: with every breath. And as for being “good”, I choose to look past the word and rather trust that I constantly apply effort in my practice—sometimes this is remembering to practice awareness as I extend through my fingertips in Warrior I and sometimes it is remembering to practice patience when I’m standing in what feels like an interminable line in the grocery. I trust that if I apply genuine effort and awareness, I will be where I need to be when it is time. This is my practice of yoga: what is yours?

Please send in questions, comments, concerns, etc. so that this can be the beginning of a thread found in subsequent NAYC newsletters.

30 Day Yoga Challenge Ends Tomorrow!

2010-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

The following folks have been entered into the raffle! Congrats!

Jordan Buchhagen
Annie Borling
Krista Coquia
Lauren Driebe
Mitch Driebe
Rachel Durben
Mechelle Felsted
Kim Holland
Leslie Hutchinson
Chris Kassar
Karla Kennedy
Eric Marlatt
Sandy Roberge
Ayala Steinitz
Liza VonRosensteil
Michelle Wells
Cathy Wolfe

You still have one more day to take class. Hope to see you!

6 Days left!!

2010-01-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Krista and Karla for attending 16 classes! And kudos to Michelle Wells for getting 17 classes today! You guys are officially entered into the raffle and are all rock stars :)

Class Attendance Today and Tally:
Mechelle Felsted 14
Kathy McKeiver 7
Rachel Durben 13
Krista Coquia 16
Karla Kennedy 16
Sarah Gianelli 13
Mitch Driebe 14
Leslie Hutchinson 14
Chris Kassar 13
Michelle Wells 17
Fon Cordasco 11
Caleb Cordasco 9
Greg Novak 13
Mark Stevens 8

8 Days left!!

2010-01-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Class attendance today:

Cathy Wolfe
Mechelle Felsted
AnnMarie Dewees
Sarah Gianelli
Sandy Roberge
Annie Borling (2 classes)
Jordan Buchhagen
Krista Coquia
Kim Holland
Leslie Hutchinson
Mitch Driebe
Fon Cordasco
Caleb Cordasco
Michelle Wells
Andrew Greene
Chris Kassar
Mark Stevens

Day 24...9 days to go!

2010-01-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

That's right. The 30 Day Yoga Challenge is extended until February 3rd to make up for our snow days. Below are results as of today Monday Jan 25th.

Jordan Buchhagen 12
Johnston Addie 0
Annie Borling 13
Micheal Carey 1
Valerie Carter 9
Krista Coquia 14
Fon Cordasco 9
Caleb Cordasco 7
Terra Couch 1
AnnMarie Dewees 8
Lauren Driebe 11
Mitch Driebe 12
Rachel Durben 12
Mechelle Felsted 11
Laura Fickel 9
Monique Funk 0
Joni Garafolo 0
Sarah Gianelli 10
Besty Hamill 5
Kim Holland 16
Meg Hughart 0
Leslie Hutchinson 11
Brad Johnson 12
Chris Kassar 11
Karla Kennedy 14
Jeff Labanc 6
Chris Latham 0
Nikki Leger 9
Eric Marlatt 15
Vanessa McGlothin 4
Kathy McKeiver 5
Holly Roach 6
Sandy Roberge 12
Marilee Roberts 9
Gina Shorten 4
Ayala Steinitz 13
Mark Stevens 6
Judy Stratton 6
Liza VonRosenstiel 16
Michelle Wells 13
Cathy Wolfe 13

Day 19 and 11 more to go!

2010-01-20T20:20:00.001-08:00

First Name	Last Name	Total Classes Attended
Jordan	Buchhagen	10
Johnston	Addie	0
Annie	Borling	11
Micheal	Carey	1
Valerie	Carter	8
Krista	Coquia	12
Fon	Cordasco	9
Caleb	Cordasco	7
Terra	Couch	1
AnnMarie	Dewees	8
Lauren	Driebe	9
Mitch	Driebe	11
Rachel	Durben	11
Mechelle	Felsted	10
Laura	Fickel	7
Monique	Funk	0
Joni	Garafolo	0
Sarah	Gianelli	9
Besty	Hamill	4
Kim	Holland	15
Meg	Hughart	0
Leslie	Hutchinson	10
Brad	Johnson	10
Chris	Kassar	10
Karla	Kennedy	12
Jeff	Labanc	6
Chris	Latham	0
Nikki	Leger	9
Eric	Marlatt	13
Vanessa	McGlothin	3
Kathy	McKeiver	3
Holly	Roach	6
Sandy	Roberge	11
Marilee	Roberts	7
Gina	Shorten	4
Ayala	Steinitz	11
Mark	Stevens	6
Judy	Stratton	5
Liza	VonRosenstiel	14
Michelle	Wells	12
Cathy	Wolfe	11

Day 18!

2010-01-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

Didn't see as many people in the studio today. Weather? Too many folks out playing in the snow?! Hope to see you all tomorrow. Only 12 days left!

Class Attendance Today:

Mechelle Felsted
Cathy Wolfe
Nikki Leger
Sarah Gianelli
Kim Holland
Mitch Driebe
Chris Kassar
Caleb Cordasco
Fon Cordasco

30 Day Yoga Challenge

2010-01-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hello All!
We are into our 17th Day of the Yoga Challenge with 13 more days to go. A couple of you are close to our 16 classes in 30 Days to be entered into the raffle! An updated total of classes will be emailed out tomorrow.
Good Luck and keep your practice strong!
-Katie
Operations Manager
NAYC

Day 16!

2010-01-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

Class Attendance Today:

Mitch Driebe
Lauren Driebe
Cathy Wolfe
Liza Vonrosensteil
Eric Marlatt
Jeff Labanc
Krista Coquia (2 classes)
Jordan Buchhagen (2 classes)
Laura Fickel (2 classes)
Judy Stratton
Val Carter
Rachel Durben
Chris Kassar
Betsy Hamill
Karla Kennedy
Annie Borling
Kim Holland

Day 13!

2010-01-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already the 14th of January. The month is flying by!!

17 days to go...

Class attendance today:

Brad Johnson
Lauren Driebe
Cathy Wolfe
Mechelle Felsted
Jordan Buchhagen
Eric Marlatt
AnneMarie DeWees
Sarah Gianelli
Karla Kennedy
Rachel Durben
Krista Coquia
Mitch Driebe
Caleb Cordasco
Kim Holland
Sandy Roberge
Leslie Hutchinson
Chris Kassar

Day 12!

2010-01-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Day 12 with 18 Day to go in the 30 Day Yoga Challenge! Here is the results for today!

Jordan Buchhagen 6
Johnston Addie 0
Annie Borling 8
Micheal Carey 1
Valerie Carter 5
Krista Coquia 8
Fon Cordasco 7
Caleb Cordasco 5
Terra Couch 1
AnnMarie Dewees 7
Lauren Driebe 6
Mitch Driebe 6
Rachel Durben 7
Mechelle Felsted 6
Laura Fickel 2
Monique Funk 0
Joni Garafolo 0
Sarah Gianelli 5
Besty Hamill 1
Kim Holland 10
Meg Hughart 0
Leslie Hutchinson 7
Brad Johnson 7
Chris Kassar 7
Karla Kennedy 7
Jeff Labanc 3
Chris Latham 0
Nikki Leger 6
Eric Marlatt 10
Vanessa McGlothin 3
Kathy McKeiver 3
Holly Roach 6
Sandy Roberge 7
Marilee Roberts 6
Gina Shorten 2
Ayala Steinitz 9
Mark Stevens 5
Judy Stratton 4
Liza VonRosenstiel 10
Michelle Wells 12
Cathy Wolfe 7

Great Job!
-Katie
NAYC

Day 11

2010-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

19 days to go...

Class attendance today:

Lauren Driebe
Cathy Wolfe
Nikki Leger
Sandy Roberge (2 classes)
Sarah Gianelli
Annie Borling
Michelle Wells (2 classes)
Krista Coquia
Jordan Buchhagen
AnneMarie DeWees
Chris Kassar (2 classes)
Marilee Roberts
Mitch Driebe
Caleb Cordasco
Fon Cordasco
Leslie Hutchinson
Liza Vonrosensteil
Mark Stevens

Day 10

2010-01-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

30 day Yoga Challenge Results for
Day 10, 20 days to go!

Name Total Classes Attended
Jordan Buchhagen 4
Johnston Addie 0
Annie Borling 6
Micheal Carey 1
Valerie Carter 4
Krista Coquia 7
Fon Cordasco 5
Caleb Cordasco 4
Terra Couch 1
AnnMarie Dewees 5
Lauren Driebe 5
Mitch Driebe 5
Rachel Durben 6
Mechelle Felsted 5
Laura Fickel 2
Monique Funk 0
Joni Garafolo 0
Sarah Gianelli 3
Besty Hamill 1
Kim Holland 9
Meg Hughart 0
Leslie Hutchinson 6
Brad Johnson 7
Chris Kassar 5
Karla Kennedy 6
Jeff Labanc 3
Chris Latham 0
Nikki Leger 4
Eric Marlatt 9
Vanessa McGlothin 2
Kathy McKeiver 1
Holly Roach 4
Sandy Roberge 4
Marilee Roberts 4
Gina Shorten 1
Ayala Steinitz 7
Mark Stevens 4
Judy Stratton 4
Liza VonRosenstiel 8
Michelle Wells 8
Cathy Wolfe 5

30 Day Yoga Challlenge Day 9!

2010-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Total attendance results for Sunday Jan 10th!

Remember, everyone that attends 16 classes in 30 days is entered to win!

Good Luck!

-Katie

NAYC

Name Total Classes Attended
Jordan Buchhagen 4
Johnston Addie 0
Annie Borling 4
Micheal Carey 1
Valerie Carter 3
Krista Coquia 6
Fon Cordasco 5
Caleb Cordasco 4
Terra Couch 1
AnnMarie Dewees 4
Lauren Driebe 5
Mitch Driebe 5
Rachel Durben 6
Mechelle Felsted 4
Laura Fickel 2
Monique Funk 0
Joni Garafolo 0
Sarah Gianelli 3
Besty Hamill 1
Kim Holland 8
Meg Hughart 0
Leslie Hutchinson 5
Brad Johnson 6
Chris Kassar 4
Karla Kennedy 5
Jeff Labanc 3
Chris Latham 0
Nikki Leger 4
Eric Marlatt 6
Vanessa McGlothin 2
Holly Roach 3
Sandy Roberge 4
Marilee Roberts 4
Gina Shorten 1
Ayala Steinitz 6
Mark Stevens 4
Judy Stratton 4
Liza VonRosenstiel 7
Michelle Wells 6
Cathy Wolfe 5

30 Day Challenge Day 7

2010-01-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

23 days to go...

Awesome job to Michelle Wells and Kim Holland who have already taken 6 classes! Rock on.

Class Attendance Today:

Jordan Buchhagen
Brad Johnson
Karla Kennedy
Ayala Steinitz
Krista Coquia
Annie Borling
Kim Holland
Liza Vonrosensteil
Gina Shorten
Michelle Wells
Chris Kassar
Mechelle Felsted

30 Day Yoga Challenge Day 6

2010-01-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

There is still time to sign up!

24 more days to go....

Class Attendance Today:

Brad Johnson
Mechelle Felsted
Nikki Leger
AnnMarie Dewees
Krista Coquia
Michelle Wells
Jeff Labanc
Caleb Cordasco
Fon Cordasco
Sandy Roberge
Mitch Driebe
Leslie Hutchinson
Kim Holland
Chris Kassar

30 Day Yoga Challenge Day 5!

2010-01-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

We are 5 days into our 30 Day Yoga Challenge and the numbers are in for visits today. Below are the total number of classes attended for each participant for far. We have 25 days left. Great job everyone on committing to your practice in 2010!

How's it feel so far?

Good Luck!

-Katie

Operations Manager

Northern Arizona Yoga Center

Monique Funk 0
Sandy Roberge 1
Sarah Gianelli 3
Meg Hughart 0
Mechelle Felsted 2
Rachel Durben 3
Liza VonRosenstiel 4
Karla Kennedy 3
Mark Stevens 3
Chris Latham 0
Joni Garafolo 0
Kim Holland 4
Cathy Wolfe 4
Leslie Hutchinson 3
Johnston Addie 0
Gina Shorten 0
Micheal Carey 0
Eric Marlatt 5
AnnMarie Dewees 3
Marilee Roberts 2
Besty Hamill 1
Lauren Driebe 3
Mitch Driebe 2
Brad Johnson 3
Nikki Leger 3
Holly Roach 2
Laura Fickel 2
Judy Stratton 3
Fon Cordasco 3
Caleb Cordasco 2
Annie Borling 3
Krista Coquia 3
Valerie Carter 3
Terra Couch 0
Jordan Buchhagen 2
Ayala Steinitz 2
Jeff Labanc 0
Michelle Wells 4
Vanessa McGlothim 2

30 Day Yoga Challenge Attendance 1/5/10

2010-01-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy day at NAYC! Nice job to everyone who is rocking the 30 Day Challenge....

Class Attendance Today:

Brad Johnson
Mechelle Felsted
Lauren Driebe
Sarah Gianelli
Cathy Wolfe
Nikki Leger
Ayala Steinitz
Jordan Buchhagen
Rachel Durben
Mark Stevens
AnnMarie Dewees
Liza Vonrosensteil
Leslie Hutchinson
Mitch Driebe
Caleb Cordasco
Fon Cordasco
Eric Marlatt

30 Day Yoga Challenge

2010-01-04T17:04:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the 30 Day Yoga Challenge!
We are 3 days into our challenge with 28 days left including today.
Every Monday I will send out an update email on how many classes you have attended and how many days you have left in the challenge.
Remember to sign in when taking a class otherwise your visit will not be recorded. When you sign in for class check the box for 30 Day Challenge. Remember, you must attend 16 classes by Jan 31st to be entered to win. Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into the raffle for prizes.

Good Luck!

-Katie
Operations Manager

Gita blog, 3

2009-12-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Regarding our discussion on the Bhagavad Gita, chapters 7-12:

These six chapters are most strongly associated with Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion. We began our conversation with a discussion on of ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’ found within chapter 7, verse 2 when Krishna tells Arjuna, “I will give you both jnana and vijnana. When both these are realized, there is nothing more you need to know.” There is a profound distinction between these two words: ‘jnana’ means knowledge of the divine while ‘vijnana’ refers to the living knowledge of the divine, or, the ability to know the divine through everyday actions which requires utter dedication to yoga and meditation. I read Gandhi’s statement about the Gita wherein he claims that the scripture “calls on humanity to dedicate mind, body, and soul to purity.” We discussed jnana and vijnana in light of this call toward purity, which we can understand to be synonymous with the call to yoga and meditation. Of course, this necessitated a conversation still of how. Different views of meditation were offered and while each bore unique aspects, they all shared the intention of distilling our mind to the true essence of Self—Purusha. Once again we discussed the gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), our sensory-driven society and the challenges to identify and understand the difference between the real and unreal (Prakriti and Purusha, if you will); “The states of sattva, rajas, and tamas come from me, but I am not in them. These three gunas deceive the world: people fail to look beyond them to me, supreme and imperishable. The three gunas make up my divine maya, difficult to overcome. But they cross over this maya who take refuge in me” (7.12-15).

Chapter 7 brings forth a new term: maya. Inextricably linked to the gunas, maya is as simple as it is complex. Maya is understood to be a veil between one’s Self and the truth: the thicker the veil, the further away one is from God. Put another way, the thicker the veil, the nearer one is to evil; “Others who are deluded by maya; performing evil deeds, they have no devotion to me” (7.15). There is a story of Narada, an ancient Indian sage, and God, in the form of Vishnu, that profoundly illustrates maya. After years of dedicated meditation, Narada came to know God as Vishnu and one day Vishnu appeared to him and asked him if he could grant Narada any form of assistance. Narada replied that he wanted help understanding how mankind can get so caught up in maya; how can people be so foolish, he wondered? To which Vishnu replied, “Let’s take a walk.” On their walk, they came to a desert and both of them became exceptionally thirsty. In the distance, they saw smoke and thinking there was a village Vishnu asked Narada to go to the village and bring back some water. Narada happily complied.

Narada traveled over the dry sand until he reached the village and knocked upon the first home’s door that he saw. A beautiful young woman answered. Within seconds, he seemed to have forgotten everything else and he stayed in the village to marry the young woman and they began a family. After twelve years, his wife had their third son. While this youngest son was still a baby a flood tore through the village and all the homes were destroyed. Thankfully, Narada, his wife and their three sons escaped and waded through the powerful knee-high water; Narada held one son by each hand and had the baby over his shoulder while his wife struggled by his side. Suddenly, Narada slipped on a stone and the baby slipped from his shoulder into the water. In a flash he had released his son’s hands to save the baby but the powerful current swept the baby, and then the two older boys, away. Narada’s wife was overcome with grief; her knees buckled, and she too was taken by the water. In mere moments, Narada lost everything and he too collapsed with grief and surrendered his life to the water.

A long while later, Narada regained consciousness and when he remembered all he loved and lost, he wept. “Narada!” a voice called and he looked up to see Vishnu. “Narada, what happened?” asked Vishnu. “A half hour ago I sent you for water, and now I find you sleeping in the sand!” Such is the power of maya: time passes and whether it’s been hours or thousands of years, once one awakens it’s as if no time has passed at all.

These chapters also foster a discussion of dharma—one’s fulfillment of self-expression and self-realization—karma, and rebirth; “Those who remember me at the time of death will come to me. Do not doubt this. Whatever occupies the mind at the time of death determines the destination of the dying; always they will tend toward that state of being. Therefore, remember me at all times and fight on. With your heart and mind intent on me, you will surely come to me. When you make your mind one-pointed through regular practice of meditation, you will find the supreme glory of the Lord” (8.5-8). We connected this to our discussion of the challenges (gunas, service to our senses, and maya) and illuminated the path toward this one-pointed focus as the eight limbs of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhynana, and samadhi).

In the following few chapters, Krishna explains to Arjuna that he resides in everything and that when one understands Krishna’s presence in all then that one is enlightened; “To those steadfast in love and devotion I give spiritual wisdom, so that they may come to me. Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives” (10.10-11). To illustrate his omnipresence, Krishna states, “I am the silence of the unknown and the wisdom of the wise” (10.38).

Brining this back to Arjuna’s battle—both literal and figurative—Krishna explains that Arjuna should not fear taking another’s life because, “I have already slain all these warriors; you will only be my instrument” (11.33). And so we come to an ever-unfolding answer of which path of yoga is “right” (Karma, Jnana, or Bhakti), and we find this exchange in chapter 12 when Arjuna asks Krishna, “’Of those steadfast devotees who love you and those who seek you as the eternal formless Reality, who are the more established in yoga?’ Krishna responds, ‘Those who set their hearts on me and worship me with unfailing devotion and faith are more established in yoga’” (12.2).

This third section of 6 chapters concludes with a beautiful declaration of the power of equanimity; Krishna states, “That devotee who looks upon friend and foe with equal regard, who is not buoyed up by praise nor cast down by blame, alike in heat and cold, pleasure and pain, free from selfish attachments, the same in honor and dishonor, quiet, ever full, in harmony everywhere, firm in faith—such a one is dear to me” (12.18-19).

I hope to see you this Saturday, December 19th, for our discussion on the remaining chapters (13-18) in the Bhagavad Gita. In closing and justifiable for no other reason than its beauty: “If a thousand suns were to rise in the heavens at the same time, the blaze of their light would resemble the splendor of that supreme spirit” (11.12).

Namaste,

Autumn

December's Pose of the Month: Urdhva Hastasana

2009-12-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

Press your feet into the ground, draw up through your legs and spine and extend your arms up while drawing your shoulderblades down. Externally rotate your arms to free up your neck. Engage your external obliques to draw your floating ribs in - this helps counter the tendancy to turn this pose into a backbend. Look at your thumbs without collapsing your neck. Breathe evenly into the front and back of your lungs. Urdhva Hastasana means upward hands pose.

Instructor Q and A with Steph Revering

2009-12-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

So, tell me Steph...

How did a farm boy from North Dakota end up practicing and teaching yoga?
First, I had to leave North Dakota. Then, years later, a friend suggested I may take some benefit from practicing Yoga. I tried it, loved it, and the rest, as they say, is history. By the way, I never lived on a farm. I was the ND version of an urbanite. Ha!

Ashtanga Vinyasa. Why does this style of yoga resonate with you more than others?
Ashtanga Vinyasa is a genuine, tried-and-true method. It asks for everything you've got, then it requires a little more. I don't mean just physically, either. As a path of transformation, it is very thorough. The practice unfolds over a lifetime. If you dedicate yourself to the Ashtanga method it will rock your world. Dabbling in it will not yield lasting benefits. It is not an instant gratification path. It is not for people who do not want to overcome the slimy-toothy-scary things that lurk in the darkest corners of their being. It is not for lazy people. It is for people who want to become the human they were meant to be. No small task, for sure.

How has your practice evolved over time?
It's gotten more challenging and rewarding.

What do you do when you're not "yoga-ing"?
I'm a Ninja Assassin and Flamenco Singer . . . not really. I make paintings and read books. I enjoy traveling. Myriad other things. Sleeping.

Favorite pose?
Sirsasana.

I've noticed you have a fondness for coffee and Yoda. What else are you fond of?
Non-talking.

Bhagavad Gita from 10.17

2009-11-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for our November 21st’s discussion session on the Bhagavad Gita, I want to send a short synopsis of main ideas in chapters 2-6 and the discussions they elicited on October 17th.

Our discussion began with a brief background of the Gita (see first blog) and transitioned us into our discussion of chapter 2: a chapter that is widely considered to be a relative summary of the entire song. In this chapter, key topics are revealed such as Samkhya Yoga, Karma, Buddhi and Jnana Yoga, and from here connections were found to the eight limbs of yoga. A prevailing theme within chapter two is that “yoga is skill in action.” We spend a great deal of time discussing what this means and how this deceptively simple phrase evokes the awareness that our practice is so much more than our asanas. Also we began a discussion of Patanjali’s Sutras and discussed shared points of wisdom between the two texts.

Chapters 3’s foundation is set within Karma Yoga and reveals Arjuna’s struggle with what is “right”: to fight in this battle (“action”= Karma Yoga) or not (“inaction”= Jnana Yoga)—these quotes are intentional…. We discussed the idea of senses from which we began a discussion on what pratyahara means in our asana practice and our lives. Other points of conversation relate to the ego and how it is the attachment to our sensory experiences that creates selfishness and lack of awareness of what is right. Other points of conversation were the gunas, how our sensory experiences affect these mental qualities, and again we found connections to Sutras; for example II.3.

In Chapter 4, Krishna explains to Arjuna, “The wise see that there is action in the midst of inaction and inaction in the midst of action. Their consciousness is unified, and every act is done with complete awareness.” Unattached to the results of their actions, the wise understand that all actions are offerings to Krishna who “dwells in every creature.” These excerpted quotes lay the foundation for the essence of the following chapter.

Chapter 5 again redirects us to the focus of Karma Yoga and the importance of action; Krishna states, “Perfect renunciation is difficult to attain without performing action. But the wise, following the path of selfless service, quickly reach Brahman.” In action, there must be awareness and selflessness. Therefore, Arjuna is understand Krishna’s answer to his question: yes, Arjuna should fight in the battle because it would be in accordance with divine law and for Arjuna to have fear in killing others shows a lack of faith in Krishna: the spirit does not die, only the body. Naturally, this was a great source of conversation with our group.

In chapter 6, Krishna reiterates the idea that renunciation and selfless action both lead to the same goal and that the wise know that the path of knowledge and the path of action are the same. To understand they are the same is to understand that Krishna is in every thing and every being; this unity is the foundation for Krishna to explain the philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga as a guide for Self-realization. We connected certain verses in the Gita to Sutras II.28-55.

*For our next session on November 21st please be prepared to discuss chapters 7-12; I hope to see you then….
Namaste!

Pose of the Month: Samasthitihi

2009-11-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Pose: Samasthitihi

This can be translated as 'standing in a straight line' or 'equal standing'. This is also called Tadasana, or Mountain Pose. If we examine the two names for this pose we get a pretty good idea what it's all about: Rising up evenly from a solid foundation. Your feet are the roots of the mountain, make sure they are planted squarely on the ground with the inner ankles and big toes touching. Keep your insteps lifted. From your feet draw up through your legs. Your quadriceps will engage, lifting your kneecaps. Draw your lower belly in and up, shoulders down, arms by your sides. Extend the crown of your head up. Your spine will elongate, creating freedom in your torso and neck. Breathe evenly into the front and back of your lungs deeply and smoothly. Fix your gaze to the tip of you nose or to a spot on the floor in front of you. Try not to let your eyes wander. Work on bringing steadiness and evenness to your body. Release any unecessary tension through your smooth, deep breathing. This sets you up for engagement in all the rest of the poses of Suryanamaskara, Sun Salutations. This is where you begin to still and focus your mind through attention to your bodily engagements and breath.

Immune System Boost

2009-10-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

With cold and flu season upon us, many of us are looking for ways to take care of ourselves and strengthen our immune systems. Good rest, wholesome food, and lots of hand washing are all good practices during this time. There are also certain asanas that can be incorporated into your daily routine as a way to further your efforts against unwanted illness. The profound effects of yoga on body and mind help support our body’s natural defenses, hopefully leaving you with fewer days sick in bed.

Come check out my class on Saturday, November 7th where I will be leading a restorative class, specifically geared towards the immune system.

Immune System Boosting Soup
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Ginger, minced
1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
2 heads Baby Bok Choy, roughly chopped
4 Cups Vegetable or Organic Chicken Stock
1 Cup firm Tofu, cubed
Heat olive oil over medium heat in medium size saucepan. Add ginger and garlic and sautee until fragrant, about a minute. Add bok choy and stir. Pour stock into saucepan and add tofu. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer until bok choy is tender, 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Emily Bailet-Stoner

2009-10-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

On September 17th, we began a discussion on the Bhagavad Gita as a four-part specialty class. Here is a summary of what we discussed…and why.

All are welcome to join us on October 17th to discuss chapters 2-6, practice salutations, pranayama, and meditation. Future posts will, likely, be shorter (I think).

Affectionately referred to as the “Gita”, the Bhagavad Gita was written by Vedavyasa between 500-200 BCE (dates often vary) and translates from Sanskrit to mean “Song of the Lord”. Even more precisely, the song is the wisdom of the Lord Krishna. While the intentions behind our yoga practices are even more varied than the styles of yoga from which to choose, most who practice yoga seek to develop wisdom and insight regarding some of life’s most compelling experiences, challenges, and philosophical queries. This is where the Gita comes in. Commentaries and translations of the Gita outnumber those of any other scripture and upon reading it, it is clear why. These 700 Sanskrit verses illuminate a warrior’s ethical, moral, and spiritual journey in conversation with Lord Krishna, and we as witnesses can learn much.
Considered to be a part of the epic Mahabharata, the Gita takes place on a battlefield within the Kurukshetra War that occurred somewhere between approximately 1000 and 700 BCE (these dates vary considerably depending on the writer/researcher). The story goes that before this battle, Krishna lay sleeping and two warriors, Arjuna of the Pandavas and Duryodhana of the warring tribe, Kauravas, were by his side. One warrior could be granted limitless support for his troops and the other could have his chariot led by the Lord. Duryodhana sat beside Krishna’s head, Arjuna at his feet. When Krishna awoke he saw Arjuna first and asked which of the two choices he would prefer; his answer: to be led by the Lord. If you aren’t seeing a metaphor yet, here’s more: the song begins with the blind King Dhritarashtra asking his servant Sanjaya to tell his the story of the battle between the one side led by his son Duyodhana and the other side led by Arjuna. The tale begins with Sanjaya stating the names of the fighting warriors, and soon after quotes Arjuna’s request of the Lord: “drive my chariot between the two armies. I want to see those who desire to fight with me. With whom will this battle be fought?” (2.21-2.23). A warrior asking to be smack dab in the middle of a battle scene? While some scholars choose to take this story quite literally, I think we have much more room for inquiry when we approach this as allegory. This is not so much a story of a man’s external dialogue with an outside God, but rather an intimate, internal dialogue with the divine that resides within one’s soul. From this metaphorical battleground (i.e. one’s soul) we venture into an understanding of unity (yoga), dharma (the “order” of things), karma (cause and effect of actions), the gunas (mental qualities), Atman/Purusha (one’s divine soul), how to be free of materialistic needs and attachments, and so much more.

Considered a handbook for self-realization, the Gita offers wisdom to be practiced in every one’s life— regardless of particular religious proclivities. Its 18 chapters are (more or less) divided into 3 sections (some argue 4—or more), each highlighting a specific type of yoga. For instance, the first six focus on Karma Yoga; the middle six on Bhakti Yoga and the final six on Jnana Yoga. TheseYogas offer lenses through which to understand Arjuna’s most profound of questions and also offer in response “not a book of commandments, but a book of choices” on how to live in accord with our own state of truths: kindness, compassion and devotion (Easwaran, xlviii). Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana Yogas create the three main themes of this scripture: knowledge, action, and devotion. From this foundation we are able to ask and discover answers to questions like why we suffer, who are we, and who is God.

In addition to our discussion on the historical, philosophical, and spiritual background of the Gita, we read the first chapter together and discussed the symbolism we found and more: the conch shell as breath/prana, the battleground as the soul, and questions were raised with regard to the social stratification—in particular 2.40-2.44 which states, “When there is no unity, the women of the family become corrupt; and with corruption of its women, society is plunged into chaos.” We discussed the balanced approach of reading a text with our subjective, 21st century awareness and the awareness of an ancient societal system. We may not agree with all that the text offers, but this too is the beauty and heartbeat of the scripture; “the Gita places human destiny entirely in human hands. Its world is not deterministic, but neither is it an expression of blind chance: we shape ourselves and our world by what we believe and think and act on, whether for good or ill. In this sense, the Gita opens not on Kurukshetra but on dharmashetra, the field of dharma, where Arjuna and Krishna are standing for us all” (Easwaran, xlix).

Please feel free to email me with any questions and/or comments. I hope to see you on October 17th.

Yoga and our Lives: A Deeper Understanding

2009-09-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

Autumn will be teaching a recurring Saturday class in which we explore the Bhagavad Gita. I attended the class in September and I highly recommend taking it in October. If you, like me, have found the physical practice of yoga to lead you down a road of further inquiry into the heart and history of it all, then I encourage you to come and discuss this beautiful, timeless text with us. Below you will find what led Autumn to develop this class and anything you might have missed last month. Copies of the text can be purchased at the studio, on-line or in town.

Peace--Jess

I chose a specialty class on the Bhagavad Gita to explore this rich text with others who similarly want to discover the ways in which this song's wisdom can enrich our physical yoga practice and our lives. What better basis for community than a discussion of this ancient allegory of such human questions? So many of us can relate to Arjuna's struggle to understand the ethics behind some of our most poignant choices and we similarly try to reconcile our faith with life's inevitable tragedies. We can learn from Arjuna's struggles and Krishna's insight, and glean meaning to transfer to our own lives through this exploration of Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana Yogas.

Our two-hour long class begins with a discussion of the session's previous readings including the literal and symbolic, and is followed by a series of saluations, pranayama, and meditation. My intention with the class is to sit with others who would like to journey into this scripture to reveal more subtle, spiritual nuances in how we engage in our asana practice and, much like a mirror, how we engage in our lives.

While attendance at each session is recommended, it is by no means required. For our next session on October 17th, we will be discussing the text up to, and including, chapter six.

I will be posting notes from our first session on this blog. Stay tuned!

Namaste,
Autumn

New Monday Night Class taught by Autumn Bolin

2009-09-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

Curious about the new Yoga for Your Type class on Monday evenings from 7-8:15pm? Autumn shares more about it below....

Monday evening’s class “Yoga for Your Type” is an Ayurvedic-based yoga practice that offers an opportunity to learn about and experience the wisdom and healing benefits of the sister sciences, Ayurveda and Yoga. The main focus in one’s Yoga practice is to calm and heal the mind through the meditation, pranayama, and asana to (re)discover self-realization while the main focus in Ayurveda is rooted in one’s physiology to (re)discover self-healing. The intention of this class is to offer healing asanas with an awareness of Ayurvedic aspects such as doshas (body types), gunas (mental qualities), our energy cycles, and more. Ayurveda encourages us to identify and honor our unique physical constitutions; by doing so, we can take the helm of our health and wellness. The focal points of this class will be to balance the doshas, strengthen the condition of the body, enhance our prana, and restore balance to the mind. During this 75-minute practice, we will engage in meditation, pranayama, and various asanas with guidance regarding intention and breath to help restore one’s natural balance. The asanas will include standing, balancing, inversions, backbends, forward bends, twists, and floor poses and will range in intensity, but the physical practice will approached with gentleness to find peace in the evening hours.

*The title of the course comes from one of Dr. David Frawley’s books; I am currently in his program of study to become certified as an Ayurvedic Counselor.

Practicing Ashtanga outside of NAYC

2009-08-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, Jess here again. I recently bought Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual: An Illustrated Guide to Personal Practice by David Swenson that I have been using for my home practice. I have found it really helpful for working on the Primary Series outside of class when I don't have the guidance of Steph, my totally awesome yoga teacher. For each posture, Swenson has at least 3 illustrated modifications. In addition to that, he also lists the number of breaths that should be taken and the drishti (gazing point) for each asana. And if you are interested in learning the English translations of the asanas, Swenson breaks that down too. The Intermediate Series is included in the manual as well, which is inspiring to say the least (I keep staring at Insect pose in complete awe!). And on a final note, I appreciate that the manual is spiral bound, which allows it to lay flat on the floor next to my mat. So, if you are looking for a resource in developing your Ashtanga practice outside of class, I'd highly recommend this guide. Cheers!

Quiet Strength

2009-07-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely blog readers. This is Jess, one of NAYC's front desk folks and resident massage therapist. I recently read an article by Kino McGregor entitled "The Quiet Strength of a Woman's Body." In the article, she discusses the idea of strength, in both male and females, specifically relating to one's yoga practice. I found the article to be inspiring as I journey through the Ashtanga Primary Series. I am hard pressed to find any physical endeavor that has challenged me more than this! Yet, as I continue to explore this path, I find my dedication and joy for the practice is only increasing. My body feels strong. My mind feels at ease. I eagerly await my time on my mat, knowing it is always an adventure.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the article!

Tantra, Kundalini, and Integral Philosophy

2009-07-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, Namaste.
Here are a few links and ideas to enrich our practice. We will have some of these concepts as foundational to the asana classes.
First thing, some familiarity with Integral Philosophy will help. Try this general article from Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integral_movement
From here you could check out the integral institute and the vast work of Ken Wilber, especially as it relates to yoga and cosmogenesis.
These articles about Tantra and Kundalini:
http://www.traditionalyogastudies.com/Traditional%20Tantra%20and%20Contempory%20Neo-Tantrism.pdf
http://www.traditionalyogastudies.com/God%20Agni%20as%20Kundalini.pdf
Alright. I hope this information functions as a way to infuse your vinyasa with transformational power. There is a limited amount I can say and fit in our purifying workout all in an hour and 15 minutes. This should help us dive in. But don't limit it to these recommendations. You probably have various sources of spiritual inspiration that can deepen the practice. Please share with our group if you know of something of particular merit.
Om Shanti. Peace.
Geoffrey

Thai Massage and Thai Yoga at NAYC!

2009-06-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Jason Temkin is now at NAYC offering Thai Massage and Thai Yoga Workshops.

Jason has been involved in various fields of fitness and healthcare for 12 years. He is an Arizona State Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist and Asian Body Therapist. Jason is a graduate of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. He is also a NAU graduate with a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science. Jason has background studies and interests in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and yoga. He is a Certified Thai Massage Practitioner and Certified Thai Massage Instructor. Jason specializes in Thai Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Asian body therapies such as: cupping, gua sha, and moxibustion. Check out the below links for more information.

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/moxibustion.php (Moxibustion)

http://www.massagecupping.com/ (Cupping)

http://www.guasha.com/ (Gua Sha laymen)

Jason will be doing a Thai Yoga class July 26th at 11am.

This one-of-a-kind informal class is designed to compliment and/or supplement one’s active yoga practice and/or lifestyle. Thai Yoga is a partner-style passive/active stretching class. The participant can come solo to be partnered up or come as a duo. The intention of the class is to learn co-participation (unity), develop core movement, increase flexibility both passively and actively (Thai style) and have fun. The class is slow-paced, high concentration, and a terrific benefit for both the giver and the recipient. In order to take this class, some knowledge of anatomy is useful (but not required) and you do not need to be flexible to participate. Come get stretched out!For more info visit the website, www.northernarizonayogacenter.com.

Girlymann Concert

2009-06-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Girlyman is coming to Flagstaff! Maybe you've heard of them? They often open for the Indigo Girls. They will be playing at the yoga center Wednesday June 24th at 8pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $13 + tax at the door.
Harmonies – if you had to describe the music of Girlyman in one word, this would be it. The band blends modern acoustic, americana, and folk-rock into a musical recipe The Village Voice has called “really good, really unexpected, and really different.” The wide range of instruments – acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, djembe, electric baritone guitar – reflects an eclectic sound, and the band members switch off lead vocals and songwriting duties. But it is the stunning three-part vocal blend that creates the Girlyman magic.
For more information visit www.northernarizonayogacenter.com.

Recipe

2009-05-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

Mama Bear's Simple Tea for Nausea and Strength
1 inch peeled thinly sliced ginger root
1 to 2 cups water
1 tablespoon of honey, milk, or soymilk to taste

Simmer the ginger in the water in a pot until the water is slightly colored by the ginger. Strain into a mug. Stir in honey. Add milk to taste. Sit back, breathe deeply, and enjoy!

Birth Story by Prenatal Student

2009-05-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

It was Tuesday night June 10th, and I went into the hospital around seven to be induced. IT was what I spent the last nine months preparing for, I knew my body could do this and I felt very connected to the baby and sensed that he was ready to work with me on this journey. Even with the first contraction I remember returning to the meditation, Sat Nam –“I am truth, truth is my identity” I asked someone to turn on my CD at that point and it repeated a few songs that I got from Laurel, my prenatal instructor, though most of the labor. My favorite and one I sing to my son still, May the Longtime Sun, had such a deep affect on me and carried me through many contractions and then helped me to relax. As each wave came I would keep my eyes closed, relax my face and my body, and take deep breaths. I felt strong of mind and body and after nine hours of labor it was time. Time to push, time to work the hardest I’ve ever had to work and time to meet him. It was so hard but my body was made to do this and at 1:36pm on Wednesday, June 11. 2008 Jola came into the world and greeted the room with his beautiful, pure, physical presence. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I was so proud of my self and him for what we just did and so excited to start our next journey. I look back on all the amazing support, love and wisdom that I received through the pregnancy and am left with such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Laurel’s prenatal yoga class, especially, was instrumental. I learned how to take care of my body, embrace the changes that were occurring, love and connect with myself and the baby, and truly know the power that was inside of me. I was never scared and I was able to express my emotions in a safe place.
-Karna Otten, prenatal student

Yoga for all seasons

2009-04-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

“Yoga for all seasons; may our yoga practices not collect dust”
Autumn Bolin
Spring. Often we can smell it coming before we see or feel it. Trudging through the slush, we inhale the sweet, damp scent of the earth and eventually we are greeted by a warm day. Excited, but tentative as mice, we peek our heads outside, testing the commitment of this warmth. With honed skills, we ride the ebb and flow of Spring’s approach—one day wearing shorts and the next our down jackets—and before long we are basking in Spring, thirstily drinking in the blue skies and golden sun, sometimes feeling dizzy from the thawing and swirling of our spirits. And before the tulips show their blooms, our indoor activities, like our wool sweaters, are boxed away, ready to collect dust until the Fall.
A walk in the woods, a run in the neighborhood, a precarious grip on a steep crag—all of these can elicit a calmness of spirit and a quiet of mind; they are subjective expressions of yoga. And yet while yoga can look many different ways, any realization of yoga asks for an awareness of balance—and this balance is much more than maintaining an asana. Throughout the day we notice changes in our physical and energy bodies; noting ‘I’m hot’ or ‘I’m cold’ and from here tuning in to the energy of the sort of practice that would bring about greater balance. On a chilly day we may crave a warmer practice—more ‘ha’, sun; on a warm day we may choose a cooler practice—more ‘tha’, moon. While these messages may be clear to us throughout a day, we would learn much from turning our attention toward larger cycles like the seasons. Certainly we find balance in warming our homes in the winter and keeping cool in the summer, but we can explore deeper places of our beings in our worlds by considering how we can balance the energies of the seasons with the energies of our practices.
Yoga is unity. We practice uniting our bodies with our minds and our hearts, the individual with the universal, and with these unions—and more—we manifest the balance that is innate but too easily forgotten or unacknowledged by the busy-ness of our daily lives. When we come together for a class in the studio, we cultivate our personal practices, in part, by participating in our practice with each other. From reminders about alignment that protect and challenge our bodies, to being led through pranayama exercises that bring about a deep, meditative calm, we are gently brought back into our truest selves through our yoga classes. These shared practices allow us opportunities to discover, explore, and reside in experiences that are unique from many of our home practices. The sun’s siren song is too tempting to deny; let us listen, though, with our other ear to the call of our dedicated yoga practice.
I hope we all play, sweat, and get dirty with the earth in these coming warm months; and I hope we all remember to balance this fire by coming indoors to practice yoga in our community space—a space whose heart beats from each and every one of us.

Namaste Noble Yogis!

2009-04-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the birth of the NAYC blog!
As one of the world's first professional bloggers, i bow to the Noble Effort and Intent of this forum. May the Love and Care we share for others shine endlessly and vibrate through cyberspace and may our contributions help heal the broken wings of those in suffering...
including us all.
Head bowed and Dharma Blessings upon thy Practice and May you realize your Practice everywhere,
coach ilg
founder/Wholistic Fitness®
staff teacher/NAYC
visit coach's complimentary version of his award-winning subscription blog right here:
http://indirectlines.blogspot.com/

A regular Yoga practice

2009-04-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

Happy spring!

Warmer, longer days full of trail runs, bicycle rides, climbs and hikes are just around the corner. It may seem that with such a plentitude of excellent outdoor activities a regular Yoga asana practice may seem extraneous or burdensome. I know that the majority of you reading this require no convincing to the benefits that time spent on your sticky mat can provide… but for the occasional practitioner, let me draw you in.
Strength, balance and the purification of the bodily systems are the 3 primary physical benefits developed through a regular Yoga asana practice. Who wouldn’t want that? Practicing regularly will help decrease the strain from the occasional summer weekend overdose of fun. Yoga cultivates greater body-wide awareness, allowing for more intelligent engagement in whatever you are doing- from managing a steep and rocky trail to dealing with Flagstaff summertime traffic. The equanimity we develop through our focused activity at NAYC helps us deal appropriately with the vicissitudes of life.
I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the point. Yoga is good for you. Consistent practice opens the doors of potential and helps you be the best human being you can be.
Peace-
Steff

Yoga and Stuff

2009-04-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Katie. I manage the Northern Arizona Yoga Center in Flagstaff Arizona. Running NAYC has been the best job of my life thanks to all the amazing instructors I work with. I am surrounded my a slew of knowledge and information regarding yoga, meditation, food, life, relationships, and how to enjoy life. With so much to share I thought I'd create a blog for all of our instructors to share their knowledge with the world! So, here we go!...