This is a strange paradox, a little-known secret. Jesus isn’t speaking of worldly goods. He is speaking of a very rare kind of treasure: the more you draw on it, the more you will have. The more patient you are with people, for instance, the more patience you will have. The more generous you are today, the more generosity you will have tomorrow. The more love you give, the more loving you become.

The principle can be stated in the plainest of terms: if you are selfish with your love, the scant security you cling to will be battered by life. But if you give of yourself freely, your security will be unshakable. Your joy will be limitless. You will always have more to give. - Eknath Easwaran

 

The Easwaran website Thought for the Day uses quotes from many different spiritual traditions and various literary authors.  Enjoy!  (p.s.  I am in no way compensated for sharing this website.  I just love it!)

Dear Friends,

 

I've been reflecting on the concepts of presence and time.  The weather seems to be a trigger for these reflections.  At the moment, the temperature and humidity are perfect (in my mind) and perfect also in the sense that this is what it is in the moment.  In New England we have this saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute..."  Well I have to say, I love the weather, today. 

 

As much as we long for summer, it's a little like planning a vacation.  There's a long anticipation and excitement about what summer brings - longer days, more time to relax, more time to have fun, more time to get outside, more time in the garden, being able to garden instead of shovel snow, cookouts and lazy days at the beach.  For my husband, it's more time on his motorcycle and for our friends, more time on their boats.  As we all know about vacations, the planning and anticipation take a lot longer than the actual vacation. 

 

Yoga teaches us about the dualities of attachment and aversion.  Certain things we long for and cling to while there are other things that we avoid, almost at any cost.  This is the root of suffering.  Clinging and grasping or repulsion and avoidance.  We can practice these concepts on the yoga mat by watching our thoughts and behaviors.  Do we favor certain poses over others?  Do we strive for perfection or approach our practice with an open mind, open heart?  Is there a place for both?  In clinging to ideas or desires, suffering is inevitable (what if the temperature and humidity rise?!!). 

 

The Buddha taught the middle path - less clinging, less avoidance, less suffering.  We have many moments throughout the day to practice the middle path, to watch our thoughts, to let go of desire.  Reflecting on the Thought for Today, we have many moments throughout the day to practice being - present, kind, generous, loving. With a day spent doing these things, there's hardly any room for suffering!

 

On another note, I will be at Kripalu for the next 12 days completing my 500 hour certification with Integrative Yoga Therapy and then on to Montreal and Vermont for vacation.  I'll be returning to fall yoga classes with renewed enthusiasm and more tools to share with you.

 

Blessings for a wonderful day!  Peace and love, Karen

New session begins the week of September 28th.  Some classes begin the following week.  Please check the schedule for your class.

 

New this session: 

Let Go of Stress with Yoga Nidra (formerly the Stress Relief class).  This class meets on Wednesday evenings at Ledyard Center School from 7 - 8:30 p.m.  Check it out!

 

Contact me at yogahealsus@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

September 26, 10 - 4:30 p.m.

St. James Church, 95 Route 2A, Preston, CT 06365

 

Start the fall with a dive into an exploration of the concepts of the 5 Koshas, the 7 Chakras, the use of hand Mudras and how to incorporate them into our lives and into our practice.  The workshop combines lecture format with asana and other experiences to move your mind and your body. 

 

Bring your yoga gear, a light lunch and writing materials.  Herbal teas will be provided. 

 

Includes all levels asana practice.  Modifications will be offered as needed.

 

Welcoming students who want to learn more about yoga psychology and the philosophies of yoga and yoga teachers who want to add tools to their teaching toolbox.

Come one, come all! 

Have some fun with this one.  Bill Hufschimdt from Jai Shanti Yoga Studio in Atlanta, GA leads you through a fun exercise that good for your hands and your brain!

 

Other links to check out: 

Bandha Yoga - great website showing the muscle and skeleton in 3D

Vandita - love her Ram chant CD

Joyful Breath Yoga - If you live in or near Rhode Island, check out Joy's classes and workshops.  She's studied extensively with Amy Weintraub Yoga for Depression.  Joy is a Kripalu yoga teacher, currently training with Integrative Yoga Therapy.

In the last newsletter, I wrote about my daughter's volunteer trip to Kenya.  You can read about it and see photos at the link below.  Check out Day 6 photos and you'll see Rebecca reading to a classroom of kids.

 

I was so happy to receive daily text messages from my daughter, althought the content was something else!  Here's a sample:  "I made cement with sewage water and made a cement wall over sticks in a classroom for girls in Kibera slum and loved it!  Don't worry, I just took a long, thorough shower :)"  So glad that she was staying in a place that had clean running water.

 

To learn more about this mission, check out American Friends of Kenya at www.afkinc.org and Hope to Shine at www.hopetoshine.org

From time to time, something comes my way that I want to share with you.  This is one such thing -  Fellow Kripalu yogi Noel Abbott is moving south and selling his amazing home / reteat center.  This is what he wrote:

 

Have you have ever wanted your own beautiful place in the country with gorgeous panoramic views?  What if it included an exquisite yoga studio in the mountains?

 

Just a few of the features: