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Yoga Heals Us News October 2009

Breathe, you can relax now...yoga heals us.
 
In this issue:
  Thought for the Day
  Message from Karen: 
      Thoughts on Integrative Yoga Therapy
      and Health Care Insurance Reform
  Fall Yoga Classes
  Yoga and Social Skills class for children
  American Friends of Kenya slide show presentation
  Koshas, Chakras and Mudras 2 part workshop
  Retreat / Workshop For Yoga Teachers:
      Teaching Yoga for MS
      & Yoga Therapy in Practice
  Fall Sale

Thought for the Day

Yoga Sutra 2.33:  When presented with disquieting thoughts or feelings, cultivate an opposite, elevated attitude.  This is Pratipaksha Bhavana.
 
This sutra is a lead-in to the Yamas and Niyamas which form two of the eight limbs of yoga as codified by Patanjali in the system of yoga known as Raja Yoga or the scientific path, sometimes called Patanjali Yoga.  The Yoga Sutras provide a road map to enlightenment, the return to our own true nature.  The Yamas and Niyamas are codes of conduct which when we live it, we experience our true nature.
 
Yoga Sutra 2.30:  Yama is a reflection of our true nature as experienced through:
  Ahimsa:  reverence, love, compassion for all
  Satya:  truthfulness, integrity
  Astheya:  generosity, honesty
  Brahmacharya:  balance and moderation of the vital life force
  Aparigraha:  awareness of abundance, fulfillment.
 
Yoga Sutra 2.32:  Niyama is evolution toward harmony and encompasses:
  Saucha:  simplicity, purity, refinement
  Santosha:  contentment, being at peace with oneself and others
  Tapas:  igniting the purifying flame
  Swadhaya:  sacred study of the Divine through scripture, nature, and introspection
  Iswara Pranidhana:  wholehearted dedication to the Divine
 
The Yama and Niyama are expressed in all aspects of our thoughts, words and actions.  This is what allows them to be at the same time powerful and challenging to abide by.
 
These great truths are universal and inherent to all beings.  If altered or ignored, the quality of life is greatly compromised.
 
Pratipaksha Bhavana is a simple and direct way of keeping our minds calm and our hearts open. 
 
Yoga Sutra 2.34:  The desire to act upon unwholesome thoughts or actions or to cause or condone others toward these thoughts or actions is preventable.  This is also Pratipaksha Bhavana.
 
Source:  The Secret Power of Yoga:  A Woman's Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras by Nischala Joy Devi
 
I'd like to add that Patanjali thought that Pratipaksha Bhavana was so important that he devoted 2 of the 196 sutras to the concept, in addition to the other 14 related to Yama and Niyama.  He devoted 3 sutras to the topic of Asana, yet here in the west when we think about Yoga we usually think of Asana, giving it more importance than Patanjali intended.

Click here for Nischala's website

Message from Karen

Dear friends,
 
Fall has arrived here in New England.  The crisp air, cooler temperatures and fall colors practically beg you to enjoy the outdoors.  Fall is also a time of new beginnings - back to school and new classes, back to routine or perhaps a new routine.  Am I alone in thinking there's something settling about a return to routine?  Perhaps this is Pratipaksha Bhavana too.  The lazy, sometimes hot, days of summer and then fall, the opposite.
 
Perhaps I'm happy with routine right now because I was away most of the month of September, first to Kripalu and then to Montreal.  While at Kripalu, I completed my 500 hour training with Integrative Yoga Therapy
 
This training began almost 10 years ago and in many ways, has contributed to my health and well being in ways that I am still learning about.  In 1999, during a bout with MS, I heard Joseph LePage speak at a Kripalu Yoga Teachers conference.  The name alone spoke to me, "Integrative Yoga Therapy."  I knew that was what I needed. 
 
In 2000, I took the IYT 200 hour yoga teacher training.  Later I became a mentor in the IYT home study program.  I had my first Yoga Nidra experience during the IYT program.  Little did I know that Yoga Nidra would become a significant part of my healing process. 
 
For more than six months, during 2000 - 2001, I listened to Joseph's Healing Tools tapes every night before falling asleep (ok, I often fell asleep while listening to them!)  I made some lifestyle changes during the same time period, including Pratipaksha Bhavana (although I didn't call it that at the time), got laid off from my job (yea!) and became a full time yoga teacher,. 
 
My health has been good ever since.  These practices work.  Integrative Yoga Therapy begins with the concept that separation from spirit is at the root cause of illness.  Integrative Yoga Therapy offers many tools from yoga texts and other healing modalities with the goal of discovering the causes of separation and offering tools to return to wholeness. 
 
It was through IYT that I learned about koshas, chakras, mudras, pranavayus, yoga nidra and many of the concepts and tools that I bring into the yoga class.
 
Integrative Yoga Therapy can be used alone for health and healing at all levels of being.  Integrative Yoga Therapy can also support traditional medical practices and treatment. 
 
With health care as a national topic for discussion and debate, staying healthy seems to be the best option.  However, even healthy people need preventative health care. 
 
That brings me to another topic near and dear to my heart.  More than 50 million Americans have no health care insurance, and therefore often opt out of health care at all except in emergencies and even then may delay care.  (How many people do you think come to yoga because of a health crisis?  Let me tell you - a lot.) 
 
The way I look at it, if you are 18 and under or 65 and older, you have some form of health care insurance available to you at a reasonably affordable price, including the public option called Medicare. 
 
Given that this is true, then most of the 50 million people who don't have health care insurance are between 19 and 64 years old - and working.  At least, we hope they're working.  Who else is going to support our needs?  Social Security and Medicare are funded through employee taxes.  Doesn't it make sense to make sure that all employed people (and those who are not employed as well), have affordable health insurance?
 
If we choose not to make the moral argument that health care insurance for all is the right thing to do, can we not make the argument that health care insurance for all is good for our economy or our national well being?  And what about people who have good health care insurance?  They are most fortunate, now.  I have good health insurance through my husband's job.  However, without that, I can't get affordable health insurance because I have a pre-existing condition.  How many Americans are in that situation?  And what about self employed people?  I know a lot of yoga teachers who don't have health care insurance and sometimes they need it too.
 
So I ask myself, who's fighting health care reform and why?  I'm guessing it's not so that we can have the best option possible, I'm guessing it has to do with money.  So, let's cultivate Pratipaksha Bhavana for our collective highest and best good.
 
Stay healthy!  Stay informed.  Peace and love to you, Karen

Click here to watch Robert Reich video on health care options for working people.

Fall Class Schedule

Gentle Yoga at St. James Church starts next week:  Tuesdays, 5 - 6:15 p.m.  See website for details. 
 
Ledyard Parks & Recreation classes began this week.  There's still time for you to sign up.  Check out the Yoga Nidra class.  Each week a different relaxation.  Please remember to dress in warm layers, bring your blanket (or sleeping bag - but no sleeping during Yoga Nidra!) and a bolster or pillow so that you will be very comfortable.  Believe me, you'll be glad you did.
 
Other classes are ongoing or began last week or begin next week:
Adaptive Yoga for MS began last week.  Join anytime.  See website for details.
Ledyard Senior Center classes begin next week. 
 
Can't commit to a class?  Drop-ins are invited to the evening classes. 
 
Private lessons are also available for students who need support for a home practice, working for specific needs, long term or short term.  See the website for details under Individual Services.

Click here for class information

Yoga and Social Skills classes for children

Synergy Center's Sensational Programs
Synergy Socials at Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT
Session One:  Tuesdays and Fridays, October 6 - 23rd
Session Two:  Tuesdays and Friday, November 3rd - 20th
  
Lil' Surfers
Children ages 3 - 5
1:30 - 2:45 p.m.
 
Sea Stars
Children ages 6 - 9
4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
Cost: $150 per child ($25 per class)
 
Maximum number is 8; student to adult ratio is 4:1
The groups will include yoga or another sensational transitional activity followed by fun structured activities that will be great socialization experiences for children with special needs and typical developing children. Skills addressed will include: appropriate greetings, following directions, turn taking, and appropriate play interactions.
 
barmstrong@connectwithsynergy.com or koboyle@connectwithsynergy.com

Click here for more information about Synergy Center

American Friends of Kenya (AFK) presentation

If you've read my last few newsletters, you know that my daughter, Rebecca, went to Kenya this summer on an educational mission with American Friends of Kenya.  AFK was founded in eastern Connecticut just a few years ago and has made an impact in the area of Kenya in and around Kibera in Nairobi.  Rebecca and Emely Silver, one of the founders of AFK, will talk about their recent trip and present a slide show.
 
Date:  October 13th
Time:  7:00 p.m.
Location:  St. James Church, 95 Route 2A, Preston, CT 06365
 
Free and open to the public.  Please come!
 
RSVP:  yogahealsus@yahoo.com or call 860.204.0797 so that we know to expect you.

Click here to read more about AFK. Be sure to click on the Hartford Courant link to read press coverage and see photos of the trip.

Kosha, Chakras and Mudras workshops

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.
 
Saturday, October 24, 2009
(rescheduled from 9/26)
 
In this workshop, we’ll explore 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 workshops combine 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.
 
 
  • Presenter:  Karen O'Donnell Clarke, eRYT500, certified Kripalu Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy.
  • Location:  St. James Church, 95 Route 2A, Preston, Connecticut 06365
  • Workshop options: 
    • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
      • Overview of Samkhya Philosophy, Koshas, and Chakras
      • Chakra Yoga Asana Practice
    • 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
      • Working with the Chakras for health and healing
      • Guided Imagery and Chakra Yoga Nidra
      • Mudras for balance and health
  • Tuition:  $35 each session or $65 for both 
    • Mail your check to: Yoga Heals Us LLC, 129 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, CT 06339
    • Please pre-register so that I know to expect you.  
  • CEUs:  This workshop meets the Yoga Alliance standard for 3 or 6 Continuing Education units.
    • Yoga Teachers, request a certificate of attendance at registration and add $10 to the registration fee.

Click here for more information.

Workshop / Retreat for Yoga Teachers

Save the Date!
November 19 - 22, 2009
Teaching Adaptive Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis
& Yoga Therapy in Practice
The first ever residential retreat program in Connecticut for Teaching Adaptive Yoga for MS and Yoga Therapy in Practice.  This training program offers tools that will enhance your skills as a yoga teacher, and a wonderful retreat opportunity for you to take time out for yourself.
 
Enjoy quiet reflection on the lake, trail walks in the woods, get a massage, gather with friends and colleagues, morning yoga, evening restorative and yoga nidra, kirtan...
 
Location:  Camp Wightman, 207 Coal Pit Hill Road, Griswold, CT 06351
Click the photo for information about Camp Wightman. 

Click here to see workshop details, housing and commuter options, and all-inclusive pricing.

Fall Sale - Celebrating 14 Years with Ledyard Parks & Recreation

Now through October 14th
 
Tee shirts, $14
Gentle Yoga CD, $14
Healing Yoga CD, $14
Yes, You Can Yoga video, $14
 
Email me for size and color selection.  Short sleeve only.  Checks or cash only.  Not local?  Add $2 for shipping.

Contact

Karen O'Donnell Clarke
Yoga Heals Us LLC
mailing address:  129 Rose Hill Road, Ledyard, CT  06339
860.204.0797
yogahealsus@yahoo.com

 
Yoga Heals Us LLC • 129 Rose Hill Road • Ledyard • CT • 06339

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