Good morning Yogi Friends and Family,
Top  of the crescent moon. First just some fun and goofy tips for you Good Ideas and Tips, like

Newspaper Weeds-Away Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go,cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, they will not get through wet newspapers.

And then maybe you all knew this already, but I’ve lived in this Great State of Enchantment for almost two decades and didn’t know the meaning of the ubiquitous Zia symbol. A friend forwarded this to me. Zia symbol has four lines in each direction meaning:

• The compass (north, south, east, and west)
• The seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter)
• The periods of each day (morning, noon, evening and night
• The stages of life (childhood, youth, middle years and elderhood
• The sacred aspects one must develop (a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the well-being of others)

GREAT GONG NEWS! Two Gong Events coming up, in February Sat Guru will be presenting Kundalini Yoga and Gong Journey, Feb 23, here’s the info.

And then in March, to Gong Out the studio, Richard Rudis brings us his  GONG BATH, March 26. Gonging All Around, Vibrations Abound.

Our friend Shira Greenberg of Keshet Dance calls April the beginning of the Bedouin phase of YogaNow (the Bedouin are nomadic people who inhabit the middle east and north Africia, bedouin means desert dweller).  I will teach the Sunday 10 am class and Tue/Thurs 930 am classes at Keshet Dance, just 3 blocks from the current studio, and with abundant and free parking. Wednesday 545 pm classes will be at The Healing Gate in Nob Hill. Updates for classes are here.

The next phase of the YogaNow Teacher Training & Personal Enrichment will be a Retreat mode at Ghost Ranch in Northern New Mexico. We will host two ten day sessions, the first in October 2012, the second March 2013. Ghost Ranch with its stunning beauty in land, sky and surrounding environs (like Ojo Caliente Hot Springs) is the perfect place for yoga transformational teachings. Watch for details.

And now Vital Yoga: A Sourcebook for Students and Teachers, will be available at Whole Foods!

I hope you are all enjoying every phase of the  moon and your phases of life, every direction of the zia symbol and mostly, diving into your own luscious heart with yoga. Join me tonight on the mat for the 545 pm class, let’s vibrate together.

namaste and love,

Meta.

YogaNow News

Dearest and Most Cherished Yogis of YogaNow,

After over ten successful and exuberant years of yoga and community, YogaNow will close its doors at 215 Gold on April 1, 2012. I am ever grateful to you all for supporting the studio, each other, the teachers and me. I have enjoyed and cherished our time in practice and outside of practice.

To quote His Holiness, The Dalai Lama, I happily, voluntarily, proudly end it. The studio that is, but not our relationship. Even though we won’t have the same beautiful ceiling and space, I look forward to expanding our connection. I want very much to continue to create community, and I am seeking ways to do that, other than having a full time rented studio. I am looking forward to serving you, the student, without the day-to-day responsibilities of running a studio business.

I plan to continue to teach locally at a minimum on Sundays at 10 am and Mondays at 5:45 pm and daytime Gentle class beginning immediately in April. I’m looking for a space to rent by the hour for a few weekly classes. There are lovely spaces to rent that I know of and if you are aware of any, please let me know.

Do you have ideas for how to continue to stay connected? Please be part of the transition to the next phase. I invite you to co-create our world together.

My dharma has shifted to other yogic adventures and teachings. I plan to spend more time promoting the new edition of Vital Yoga: A Sourcebook for Students and Teachers. And importantly, I believe I must work to help support those who suffer from asthma. When I developed asthma over 23 years ago I was stunned to find that the prognosis was for a changed life of endless medications and depleted vitality.  It was through yoga and an entire yogic approach to asthma that has nurtured me to robust health and happiness. I feel directed, even compelled, to help others who want to find another way to deal with asthma, a way that includes all aspects of life and healing. I know I didn’t just get better just for my own benefit; I healed so that I could help others as well. If you have any connections to reach out to those who work with asthma, please let me know.

Once again, I need to say, thank you, thank you, thank you. Please continue to take classes at the studio until the end of March, and please continue to take classes in our new spaces. The other teachers will be posting where they will be teaching in April so that you can follow your favorites.

Thank you to all the teachers of YogaNow, past and present, you have offered your heart and soul in the service of yoga and I know we are all grateful to you.

The details: No refunds on bundles, you have 4 months to use the bundles. Or at the end of March you may be able convert classes to purchase used yoga props.

So much gratitude to you, to all the teachers of YogaNow past and present, and most especially to yoga for all that it offers,

Deep bows and many blessings,
Meta.

Greetings and November Salutations!

I’m on my way to a book signing/ workshop in Indianapolis at the Ann Katz Book Festival where the second edition of Vital Yoga: A Sourcebook for Students and Teachers has just arrived from the printers. Thank you all for your support and for our work together which is the basis of Vital Yoga.

And now, a video that makes me so happy that I weep, for many reasons, just one is watching Bella and Tara:

Another is the clarity of mind and integrity of the workers of the Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary.

The holidays are here (I know because there is a radio station that now plays Christmas carols 24/7) and it is a terrific time to invite yoga into your life in a more consistent way, so that you stay connected to you True Self, even if the world whirls other ideas. So, please do consider our special Holiday Yoga Bundle, just $9/class, to be taken in November and December.

AND remember that you have another invitation: yoga on Thanksgiving, Christmas And New Year’s Day at 10 am. Yoga with yourself, yoga with community, yoga with love.

Signing off with words from Alice Walker:

“The animals of the world exist for their own reasons.

They were not made for humans any more than

black people were made for whites or women for men.”

From my heart to yours,
Namaste,

Meta.

Dear YogaNow friends and family,

As I write this post a storm is brewing out the window and of course, we hope for rain. This is the first day of the Jewish New Year, 5772, so to all those of the Jewish tribe, Happy New Year! To everyone, Happy New Moon. The new moon, the new year, always new beginnings are open to us. And I find the Bhagavad Gita reassuring:

~ On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear. ~

Please join Elise Espat for the Introduction to Mysore Ashtanga Yoga this Saturday, Oct 1, 2-4 pm

Elise Espat

http://www.vitalyogathebook.com/workshops-and-retreats/workshops/…there will be a short video viewing, explanation and discussion, breathing practice and everything you need to know to begin Mysore. This is a workshop for everyone!

Note too that the Tuesday morning class is now 9:30 am, along with every other morning class.

As the seasons change you may want to consider a season cleanse, called panchakarma. This is a wonderful way to honor your body and the change in the air. Here is a web site with more information on panchakarma: http://www.ayurveda.com/panchakarma/index.html.

May I suggest a simple panchakarma, perhaps three days: a monodiet of kitchuri (many recipes for this including in Vital Yoga: A Sourcebook for Students and Teachers, p. 210-11); warm oil self massage daily; extra sleep; restorative yoga at home, for example, legs up the wall.

You are also invited to Friday at the Movies, an event co-hosted with the Albuquerque Ashtanga Shala, Friday, October 28, 2011, 7:30pm.  Join us for a screening of the new film “Yoga Woman”. View trailer here.

May your transitions be easy and your choices for attention nourishing,

with love and gratitude,
Meta.

“Within this body dwells the mountain of Meru, and it is surrounded by seven islands as well as lakes, seas, hills, plains and their presiding dieties.” Siva Samhita, 2.1

Chakras are a vital part of the energetic body, pranamaya kosha. Chakra literally means “wheel,” and may be thought of as gears that shift our energy up or down. Heavier energy, that has its home nearer the base of the spine and earth, has room to transform into less dense or concrete roots. Disconnected and etheric energy, that has its home nearer the crown and the sky, can become better rooted and manifest through understanding the chakras. So, say we are “stuck in a rut” or a self limiting belief pattern. Through aspiration, intention and dreams, we may lighten the heaviness of that pattern and find our perspective shifting, thereafter our life. Conversely, if our “head is in the clouds,” we can begin to lay wise plans to manifest our dreams into reality. Understanding one’s chakras is a never-ending and constantly shifting process, and one that is definitively enriching. The following is a basic chakra visualization that will lead you to the seven main chakras and may help you to get to know your chakras better. As with all methods of practice, keep a non-judgemental mind as energies arise and ebb. A non-attached attitude toward the outcome of the practice will lead you to true experience.

1. Come to a comfortable seated or lying position, somewhere where the spine is largely straight and comfortable being so. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Scan the regions of the spine and head without attaching to any sensations or energetic patterns.

2. Bring your attention to the very base of your spine and hold it there. Notice how it feels to unwaveringly hold your attetnion there. You may picture a brilliant red color filling this space, Muladhara chakra. As you inhale, let the color brighten and as you rexhale, let the color become softer. Once more deeply connected to this energetic region, repeat to yourself, “I am infinitely safe” to encourage the freedom that comes from firm roots set in deep earth and a feeling of safely belonging. Exhale into Muladhara.

3. Inhale into the area four finger widths below the navel, the sacral chakra. Hold your attention there as you notice what it feels like to pay attention to this region. You may picture a glowing orange color here, at Swadhisthana chakra, that becomes brighter with your inhale and softens as you exhale. After breathing into this area and becoming connected, repeat to yourself, “I go with the flow of my life and the life around me.” Feel the water element cleanse any resistance that limits your life. Exhale into Swadhisthana.

4. Inhale into the navel and surrounding solar plexus. Keep your attention here as you notice the shift of energy in this region, Manipura chakra. You may connect by visualizing a golden yellow sun in this center, that expands on inhale and soften on exhale. After breathing here and becoming connected, affirm to yourself, “I use my will in a wise and compassionate way in the world.” Connect to your fire of will and manifestions while burning any impediments to your compassion. Exhale into Manipura.

5. Inhale into the heart region and center of the chest. Keep your attention here as you breathe into Anahata chakra. You might picture a brilliant emeral green color in this region, that inhales to brighten and exhales to soften. After breathing and connecting here, affrim to yourself, “I am deeply and unconditionally loving.” Recognize the air that allows you to feel, touch and connect with all beings on this earth. Exhale into Anahata.

6. Inhale into the throat center. Stay with unwavering attention here and notice how it feels. You may encourage a beatuiful sky blue color to expand as you inhale and soften as you exhale. After brathing the breath of connection to Vishuddha chakra, repeat to yourself, ” I speak the truth of who I am in a loving way.” Understand the power of the subtlest ether through your thoughts becoming manifest in your words and your words manifesting as your deeds. Exhale into Vishuddha chakra.

7. Inhale to the area of the third eye, approximately in between the eyebrows and into the center of the brain. Notice how it feels to hold your attention at Ajna chakra. Encourage an indigo light to expand as you inhale and soften as you exhale. Once breathing and connecting here, affirm to yourself, “I trust my intuition and my life messages to guide me.” Grow to trust the undeniable inner guide within you that mirrors itself all around you to guide you home. Exhale into Ajna.

8. Inhale up to the crown of the head and here experience a shimmering crystalline light, reflecting all the colors within its crystalline reflection. Take some time to breathe into this region and inahle it open, exhale to soften. Feel this breath of connection at Sahasrara Padma chakra. Affirm to yourself, “I am one with all.” Let this realization create the warm environment in which you know yourself to be connected with the whole of life, intimately witnessing all divisions and duality dissolve.

9. Let this light at Sahasrara suffuse your entire body and all the chakras with the healing energy that assures your return to wholeness. Inhale deeply at the crown of the head; exhale to the third eye. Inhale deeply at the third eye; exhale slowly to the throat. Inhale at the throat; descend your exhale to the heart. Inhale fully at the heart; exhale to the solar plexus. Inhale brightly at the solar plexus; exhale to the sacral area. Inhale smoothly into the sacral area; exhale to the root. Inhale to the crown of the head along the line of the spine and exhale to affirm your root. Breathe up and down the spine to cleanse this channel and feel embodied in the now. As you feel ready, offer gratitude for your discoveries and open your eyes.

Hari Om Tat Sat.

Greetings and Grand Salutations to you all,

Colorado River flowing in the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon offered its usual vibrational delights to me last week when I went for a hike down, one night in the bunk house at Phantom Ranch and then hike back up the next day.  I met many interesting and lively hikers who had personal stories and perspectives that I so enjoyed.  The Canyon always offers me not only a spiritual boon but a physical challenge. On this fourth trip I took the steep and waterless South Kaibab Trail in both directions, usually I just take it down. It was a difficult aerobic workout (took 4 hours 15 minutes) and was unrelentingly uphill as the altitude change is a mile in about 7 miles. But I’m so grateful to report that nothing hurt and my lungs worked so well that I didn’t even consider using the inhaler that I carry as a precaution.

Each time I’ve hiked the GC there has been some challenge:  the first time, 7 yrs ago with my then 16 yr old daughter, we hiked up/down in one day and I had to use an inhaler the whole way up.  The next time about 4 yrs ago I went solo and my knees hurt.  I am singing the praises of yoga and thankful to the universe to be able to hike that amazing big hole in the earth with my body parts functioning.

If you have any interest taking the hike – it is after all one of the seven natural wonders of the world, which is 6 hours and 15 mins from my door to the Canyon entrance – I encourage you to do it!  You can call Phantom Ranch and just try for cancellations as I did for a bunk at the bottom. Or perhaps you have your own “mecca” to seek.

I met a kayaker who had a video camera on his head – HD he assured me – so that he could record his trip down the Colorado River.  As I’ve said in my classes: this is such a great metaphor for the witness that yoga helps us develop.  We all can cultivate our own HD video camera, observing dispassionately what is going on inside and outside.  We just flip the switch and watch the thoughts, ideas, actions, world go by.  Sure we might hit some rapids, but we can still move to the witness mode.

Entry from bridge at river to the South Kaibab Trail

Speaking of witness mode…I hope you are considering what your intention, sankalpa, might be for the Yoga Challenge. What would you like to cultivate for yourself, for the summer?  The Yoga Challenge is a way to be intentional for the month of May – 3 classes a week for 4 weeks, with your own private intention set on paper for you.  At the end, an external reward – many local businesses are offering up treats, like…restaurant gift cards, facials, massages, dance lessons and more.

Please mark Saturday April 30 on your calendar 1-3 pm for the GRATITUDE Festival, free yoga, free iced chai and lemonade, music and henna tattoos.  Celebrate our 10 yrs together.

Sending hugs and love,

namaste,

Meta.

Due to a communication snafu this is late notice but…
a workshop is HAPPENING this Sunday, tomorrow, 6:30-9:30 PM, to Enhance Your Svasana (corpse pose)..ooo…what a way to celebrate the New Moon and begin that cycle with ease!

Albuquerque Stillpoint Workshops
Canada’s leading Craniosacral therapist, Robert F. Harris, will help you discover profound and rapid relaxation by engaging your ‘stillpoint’.  A stillpoint is a therapeutic technique from craniosacral therapy that instantly shuts down your stress cycle.  It allows your body’s restorative nervous system, the parasympathetics, to come into dominance and rebalance.

This workshop will be valuable for therapists, creative artists, individuals with contemplative practices such as yoga or meditation, and anyone dealing with the challenges of stress.

YOU WILL GO HOME WITH:

·      Feelings of unparalleled, absolute calm – the ultimate Shavasana

·      The ability to bring on your own stillpoint or to perform a stillpoint on others

·      Skills to transform and manage pain, stress and insomnia for yourself and others

·      An understanding of craniosacral therapy and this new stillpoint technique

·      A set of therapeutic Becalm Balls (retail value $30)

WHEN & WHERE:
Sunday April 3, 2011
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Yoga Now
215 Gold Ave., S.W., Abq.

COST: $75 (cost of the class includes a set of the BeCalm balls)

TO REGISTER: Please go to our online registration to sign up for workshops and courses.  If you are unable to register online, you may also contact us at 416-971-8674 OR send us an email at info@cranialtherapy.ca .

WHO: Robert Harris RMT, is a Craniosacral and Stress Expert and one of Canada’s leading therapists.  With his partner Alix McLaughlin, he is co-founder and director of the Cranial Therapy Centre (est.1987) in Toronto. It is Canada’s largest and longest-established CST centre.  With over 20 years of CST teaching experience and the developer of the Becalm Balls, Robert offers seminars within teaching hospitals, health clinics, yoga studios and corporate environments, alongside his full-time practice.

Greetings on this remarkably cold February beginning,

Gigi inside taking a stroll.

How cold is it? Too cold for chickens, I think. It is predicted to be below zero tonight and tomorrow. I decided my chickens, Gigi, Janice, Taffy and Dreamsicle, wouldn’t survive that drop and so brought them inside. They didn’t object at all when I reached inside their coop were they were roosting and huddling together. I wonder if egg production will improve? Life is such an experiment.

The media is full of yoga and meditation news.  I hope you are finding these reports inspiring, for example, did you read the article about how meditation actually changes the brain?  Here’s an excerpt:

The researchers report that those who meditated for about 30 minutes a day for eight weeks had measurable changes in gray-matter density in parts of the brain associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/how-meditation-may-change-the-brain/?scp=2&sq=meditation&st=cse

The idea that our brain changes can be measured and seen after just eight weeks of meditation is astonishing to me. I find, for myself, that meditation can be only 15 minutes and I feel the calming and clarifying effects the entire day, which is also astonishing.  And often when I’m confused about something in my life, if I begin the meditation with an intention of understanding the problem, the answer appears effortlessly to me during the sit. It is so easy to start – no need for worrying if you are doing it right or long enough – just start. Give yourself a break and nourishment, whenever you can fit it in!

Classes continue at YogaNow even with this daunting weather – roads downtown are open.  We welcome you.

many blessings and so much gratitude for you…and the warmth of our homes,

Meta.

Happy and Glorious New Year to you all,

As 2011 approaches, a new decade begins, and we are all given yet another opportunity to create, re-create, re-envision our lives, our ultimate work of art.  Yesterday I went to see monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery sand paint a spectacular mandala at a rug store in Sante Fe, SERET & SONS Rug Gallery, 121 Sandoval St.  This is free an is open to the public daily.

Monk at Work.

Sand and instruments (on the right) for sand mandala

The Rinpoche spoke after the day’s work at 4:30 pm and he talked about how we are all equal, we all want to be happy, we all try to be happy, none of us wants to suffer. And we all create, with our minds, our world.  And our job is train our minds so that we can be happy. The monks then chanted in the amazingly deep and rich-throated vibration.  If you can make a trip to see this work, I think you will enjoy it.  On New Year’s Day it will be brushed away, reminding us of our impermanence.
The sand that is used is taken from stones that have been “prepared” by keeping them in a sacred cave and then removed for crushing. Below are some of the sand paint colors.

Below is  a small section of the nearly complete mandala, this one symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

portion of mandala, the black area will be filled in by the New Year

You are invited to join together for a yoga class on New Year’s Day – 10 am – rejoicing in the beginning, sharing yoga and community (and even some nosh). I will play a recording of the monks chanting for the New Year’s Day class. Please join us.

Also, the lost and found will be taken to a charity this weekend so please check for your things.

I am deeply grateful to you all and for our shared space of yoga,
With love, passion for yoga and you, and the knowledge of our fleeting moments, like sand in the mandala,
Meta.