Spokane Yoga Shala Blog

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

2009-02-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

“Let there be Peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” – Jill Jackson, 1955

Heavy snow covers Spokane, beautifully muffling external distractions and encouraging inward reflection. It is a perfect complement to the holiday season and its universal supplication for Peace on Earth.

But, what is this Peace we summon? A life without conflict? The cessation of hostilities between nations? Mutual harmony? Freedom from strife? Complete stillness?

In the yoga shala mantras are often followed with the ancient Vedic call for Peace, ‘Aum, Shanti … Shanti … Shanti … .” .

But what does it mean? A literal translation is ‘Om, Peace, Peace, Peace’.

So why is ‘Shanti’ repeated three times? To emphasize the importance of ‘Peace’ in everyone’s lives would be an obvious guess, yet according to the Vedas there are obstacles that prevent our realization of true Peace and they fall into three distinct categories. The repetition of ‘Shanti’ is meant to draw our awareness to these obstacles.

The following is a Vedic interpretation of ‘Aum, Shanti … Shanti … Shanti …’:

May we be protected from and enjoy the Peace that follows the removal of obstacles beyond our control (natural disasters – record snowfall, earthquakes, etc).

May we be protected from and enjoy the Peace that follows the removal of obstacles coming from the earth; anything outside ourselves – people, animals and our surroundings (noisy neighbors, barking dogs, ringing cell phones, mosquitoes).

May we be protected from and enjoy the Peace that follows the removal of obstacles coming from within our body, and our mind (anger, envy, greed, jealousy, lust).

And, finally, when correctly chanted, there is the short silent pause ( … ) that follows each repetition of ‘Shanti’. This silent pause, this moment of Peace, reminds the seeker of the desired goal. Ultimately, ego is the only obstacle to inner Peace, so the third Shanti is considered the most important one. Even if we are free of outside distractions, if we are not calm on the inside we will never know true Peace. But, once we have found inner Peace, external obstacles can ever disturb us.

Enjoy the snow (and its obstacles), the festivities of the season and as you extend holiday greetings and wishes of Peace to friends and family consider the words of Gandhi, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” and of Albert Einstein, “Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes – goodwill among men and Peace on Earth.”

Best wishes for Happy and Peace-filled Holidays !

Aum, Shanti … Shanti … Shanti … .

With Sincere Gratitude to His Holiness Sri Jayendra Puri Maha Swami-ji,

Sri Kailash Ashram, Bangalore, India

Ascent Magazine

2009-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

We just found out that Ascent magazine is closing and it's last issue will be coming out in early spring. As most of you know Ascent was born from the teachings of Swami Sivananda Radha, whose lineage is continued at the Yasodhara Ashram, just north of us here outside of Nelson, BC, and of coarse locally at The Radha House. We are sad that this quality magazine is leaving us - and thank you all for the ten years of inspiring essays, stories, poems, pictures and more.

Savasana

2009-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Lars and Angus demonstrate two different versions of Savasana this morning in mysore...

More inspiration...

2009-01-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

Karen found this video and if you go to Shane Hart's website you can get a photo of one of his sculptures for your desktop wallpaper.

Loving Kindness Meditation...

2009-01-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

We found this beautiful graphic on Nancy Gilgoff's website... and some more information on Loving Kindness on the website.

We have this thing about beets...

2009-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

We love them!! Try this recipe if you love beets too.

Beet Curry

Ingredients

2 c. yellow lentils
8 c. water
1 T. turmeric
----
4 large beets cut into large dice
1 large onion cut into large dice
5 (or more) large cloves garlic, pressed
2 T. cumin
1 T. coriander
5-10 dried red chilies, crushed
salt to taste

Instructions

Bring lentils and turmeric to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally to keep the lentils from sticking to the pot, which should be large.
While it simmers, spray a frying pan lightly with oil spray. Pop 2 T. black mustard seeds over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions, saute for a minute or so, then add beats and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 min. Add contents of the frying pan to the lentil pot. Add the rest and simmer until the lentils start to disintegrate.

Serving

Serve with basmati rice...

Restorative Vinyasa this weekend...

2009-01-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon from 4:30 - 6:00pm with Joanna Darlington, there are still a few spots available.

People Who Inspire Us...

2009-01-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I am writing to you from Nairobi, Kenya on New Years Day. On this day last year, I WAS AFRAID. As I watched TV coverage of the

Kenya

's presidential election, feeling helpless, I found out that all roads were closed and that the country was being rocked by violence that would take over 1000 lives and displace over 500,000 people. I remember my sister's call to me.
"Paige, you have to leave, what is a yoga teacher going to do?"
We have all heard the stories about women who pick up cars when their children are under them. Ironically, even my moment of great challenge, I felt more committed, strong and unwavering than ever to offer the abundance of our community to the community I was living amongst. I wanted to see yoga, UNITY, coming together, more than ever.
As Patanjali says "When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."
So I started writing letters to you guys and telling the stories of what was in front of me. In two weeks we raised over $15,000 dollars and started a program to bring relief in the form of MOVEMENT to internal refugee camps around

Kenya

. We called this program "Amani Circus" , Amani meaning peace in Kiswahili.
I stayed in

Kenya

until late April.
And came back again in July. And came back again in November.
What I will try and do in this newsletter is document and celebrate our successes by sharing them. I hope each story plants a seed for what we will create together in 2009. I am fully committed to being here, with you, to facilitate our dreams of making a difference right now.
Each time I went home I met people who got inspired with my story and my work. A whole community matched my commitment with their commitment. You donated money to keep the programs going. Baron Baptiste, my teacher and friend, inspired by the transformation he saw in me, came on board to cultivate the seeds of transformation that were being planted in

Kenya

. Yoga studios around the country had benefit classes. A single individual bought a plane ticket for a

Kenya

to come to teacher training in

Mexico

. I Love Yoga and the Urban Zen Foundation became retail partners to begin a successful, sustainable business element to the project. My dear friend and teacher Jason Nemer began a sister program called "Yogis for Peace". Friends flew to

Kenya

to volunteer. So many people came together, new friends and old, to support unity through the movement arts.
I did not do this by myself, but TOGETHER, we did this.

Non-Violence : Amani Circus
Reaching Out through AcroYoga, Yoga, Acrobatics and Dance

In February 2008, Tara Quinn, Michael Saab and I , in partnership with Sarakasi Trust developed Amani Circus. Amani Circus is an educative and engaging process iactive participation allows the participants, all personally affected by the post-election crisis in

Kenya

, to transform their negative experiences and traumas into art and creative expressions. Cultural diversity is celebrated and used as the inspiration for creation. Creating together builds trust; performing together means learning from one another and sharing si the ultimate expression of community. The Amani Circus is Sarakasi and Africa Yoga Project's program for community artists and trainers taking a role as ambassadors of peace through specific well structured activities in local communities, advocating peace, unity, healing and reconciliation by using performing arts and culture
yogis In 2008....
- We had 8 outreach Amani Circus programs that reached over 20,000 displaced people
- Funded a 9 month training program for the performers in the Amani Circus Show.
- 12 Amani Circus performers were contracted for a three week

Italy

tour to perform and share ideas about Social Circus .
In 2009...
- Amani Circus continues! Sarakasi has adopted this program to be it's official training outreach program. Over 50 part time trainers will be put into place in 40 slum communities teaching acrobatics, dance and yoga.

Unity : Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga in Africa

Although Yoga is not always done on the mat, an important part of the project is remembering that the asana practice is what got us here. It opens up the body and frees the limitations of the mind. It heals on so many levels. We are not just teaching students but empowering future teachers.
In 2008...
- We held over 10 weeks of intensives & workshops with various international teachers.
- Partnered with Mkombizi In Moshi, Tanzania to teach vulnerable school age children and their teachers how yoga can be used in the classroom
- Had vegetarian cooking lessons for our students
- Sent Moses Mbajah to Tulum, Mexico to take a two week teacher training with Baron Baptiste
In 2009...
- We will hold the FIRST Kenya Yoga Teacher Training with Baron Baptiste
- We will employ 15 part time Kenyan Yoga teachers
- We will host volunteers from all over the globe to share and become part of this thriving community

Possibility: "I Love Yoga" Masai Women's Group
In partnership with I Love Yoga, Wildlife Works and The Urban Zen Foundation, we have created a yoga driven business in the heart of the bush. 100% of the profits of this project are split evenly between supporting or yoga projects in Nairobi and community educational projects that the Masai Women choose. This program creates work, empowers women with choice and voice. Through a cultural exchange with the students in Nairobi , it also promotes unitya nd cross cultural understanding. The handmade goods are also super hip and beautiful.
In 2008...
- Provided fair wage work for over 20 women
- Sponsored two orphaned children to primary school in the villagewomen
- Provided each woman in the group with a goat for milk during a drought
- Broke ground for 2 new classrooms where over 30 girls will be educated a year!!!!!
- Hosted 20 youth from Nairobi to experience traditional Masai lifestyle as a means of cross-cultural healing and reconciliation
In 2009...
- We will launch an online store
.........UP TO THE WOMEN....

My wish for this year is for all of us to commit ourselves to the realisation of the world as a united nation, whose communities live and work together as one people, sharing a vision of a common destiny where we are all a powerful force in our own lives and in the lives of others.

With a swell of gratitude,

Paige Elenson
Director, Africa Yoga Project
for more information or to make a donation:
www.africayogaproject.org

Save the Polar Bears - Just sign this petition...

2008-12-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

Go to www.savethepolarbear.org.

Winter Solstice Class

2008-12-23T22:02:00.000-08:00

The warmest room in town...

Welcome to the World!

2008-12-19T12:22:00.001-08:00

Yeah! Welcome Angus! Born 12.9.08, 8lb's 13oz, 21 or so inches long. Dad is very proud to see "his boy" and mom too. Sister's Lucy (5 1/2) and Grace (2 1/2) love him a lot and are very happy they can once again sit on their mothers lap! Thank you to all the Shala teachers who have been teaching my classes for me the last months plus, and to all of you who have sent congratulations and more.

Vote on Future of Riverfront Park

2008-11-24T23:09:00.000-08:00

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is seeking written public testimony concerning the use of Conservation Futures funding to acquire the YMCA property in Riverfront Park. To facilitate gathering public input, a survey is available online at spokanecounty.org/parks. Individual responses to the survey are confidential. The survey will be available until Tuesday, November 25th at 5:00 p.m.

Click here to take the survey.

Oh the simple things...

2008-10-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

The new shower was inaugurated today by me - yahoo! For me the excitement lies in the fact that I could lock the door and not worry about what catastrophe was going on outside involving a 2 year old and a 5 year old! As well as thinking how nice it will be on the days that I practice right before I teach - now I can take a quick refreshing shower in between ( a win / win for all!). The shower is there for all of you to use as well. We even have towels for you located in the hutch across from the toilet - we just ask that you throw them in the hamper when you are finished, and we will take care of the washing. Enjoy!

Yoga in the News...

2008-10-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from this morning....

2008-10-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Pictures from a Mysore class last summer...

2008-10-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Restorative Yoga in October

2008-10-08T12:48:00.001-07:00

Wow... it has been a while! So we are really happy to announce that Joanna Darlington will be teaching a "Restorative" style class once a month at the Shala. It will be held in Studio B, which means we are really going to have to limit the class size to 15. So we need you to pre-register online, or by calling us 509.869.4121 or emailing us to reserve your spot. The October class will be on the 19th from 4:00 - 5:30pm.

Bhajan - this Saturday 9/20

2008-09-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Please come and join us

What is a Bhajan? A Bhajan is gathering to sing traditional Hindu hymnals. (Very much likeYou will be offered a handout of the hymnals in order to participate – all are welcome! Kids too!The Bhajan will start at our Kirtans)6 p.m. and will last about an hour, followed by a Pot-luck dinner of Indian dishes!Please come and help us celebrate World Peace Day, with this very special Bhajan.
Location: Unity ChurchCorner of 29^th and Bernard 6:00p.m. this Saturday evening

Questions, please contact Trillian at 216-6411

Info on World Peace Day, log on to:

www.onepeacemanypaths.org

Karma Yoga Class - Friday Night!

2008-09-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Some of you remember that we started to initiate our Karma Yoga Program last year, where you could attend a class and in doing so support a local non-profit. And you may also remember that you've not heard anything about it since last fall! But we are happy to report that it is back up and running, led by student Karen Gordon.

This Friday night (September 19th at 5:30pm) is the first Karma Class since last fall - and the beneficiaries are this amazing organization called Candlelighters of the Inland Northwest. Please come join us for a little yoga-ing and afterward to listen to a speaker from Candlelighters tell us about what they do to support families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer in our area.

The proceeds from your attendance at the class will be donated to the organization, you can also make a donation, and who knows you may get inspired by one of their volunteer opportunities! Be there without being there! Another option if you can't make it to class is to email us and tell us you would like to be checked into class - and we will count you as being there, deduct a class from your class package and donate the proceeds.

We hope to see you there!

Pictures from the Kirtan...

2008-08-31T09:21:00.001-07:00

Manju Jois in Hood River this Fall!

2008-08-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

Manju Jois will be teaching a special five day retreat / workshop in Hood River this October 13-19th. The intensive will include Ashtanga Yoga Series 1 and 2, pranayama, shanti mantras, teaching methods, ashtanga yoga philosophy and yoga diet. For more information and registration call 541-490-4719 or email hoodriverashtanga@yahoo.com.

What's in a name?

2008-08-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Juliet: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet."

Speaking of names... we are finally changing our name! City Yoga seemed to fit us when we were downtown, but with our move to the South Hill it started to feel a little mis-matched. "Yoga Shala" is a common way to identify a place where yoga is practiced. The word "shala" has been used to mean 'school', coming from an earlier form of the word meaning 'shelter'. It is most commonly used to refer to a 'great hall' or 'place with a special purpose'. So this feels a little more fitting.

The change is coinciding with a lot of other exciting things (as you know). So far if you've been to the "Shala" :) in the last week you've seen our new entrance, and entrance hall. You've also seen our freshly painted room - with the amazing mural of Shiva drawn and painted by Buck and Jen. There is more to come so keep checking!

In the meantime:
1. Please change your settings for the website to www.spokaneyogashala.com to be active this Sunday (August 17th)
2. Please change any links you may have to the old website to the new domain name.

We will keep you posted on how the changes are progressing as they happen.

Yoga School this weekend....

2008-08-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Karen with our new Shiva mural behind her. The mural was done by Buck and Jen Holland. Wow!

Come See the Mishra's Friday Night at the Unity Church at 7pm

2008-07-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

Moon Days

2008-07-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

As you many know there is no mysore practice on the days where there is a new or a full moon. This friday August 1st is a new moon so if you are doing the mysore program you have the day off!

The following is borrowed without permission from Tim Miller's website -

Both full and new moon days are observed as yoga holidays in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. What is the reasoning behind this?

Like all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle. The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.

The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.

The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest.

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga over time makes us more attuned to natural cycles. Observing moon days is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature so we can live in greater harmony with it.

get your tissues...

2008-07-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yoga School this weekend...

2008-07-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

This weekend students did their presentations of the systems of the body and we went over sarvangasana (shoulder stand) and sirsasana (headstand).

Happy Birthday Guruji!

2008-07-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 93rd Birthday, Guruji! Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois was born on the full moon day of July 1915 (Guru Purnima day). This year, that day falls on July 18. To learn more about Guruji's amazing life and his more than 70 years of teaching Ashtanga yoga, see www.ayri.org/biography.html.

Yoga School this weekend...

2008-07-14T13:01:00.001-07:00

Closing of Ashtanga Yoga School

2008-07-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

We know that change is a part of life, and we knew that change was coming at AYS, and it has. David and Satya have closed the Ashtanga Yoga School in Seattle. I saw on Ashtanga.com that it was for sale - so who knows maybe another authorized or certified teacher will take over - but for the time being their students are moving either over to Troy Lucero's studio, or at 8 Limbs where some of the former senior AYS students will be teaching mysore style classes. For us though we will be seeing David as we normally do - this fall he'll be here the weekend of October 17th - 19th.

Thank you so much David and Satya and the students at AYS who have always inspired me, and helped me stay true to this path toward truth, and love. Below are some of the beautiful quotes from reactions to the closing.

Blessing to you all for all that you have done, you have been our inspiration in so many ways. What a ride! It has been wonderful, and we look forward to seeing you soon. "All is coming..."
"We live in a rainbow of chaos"
Paul Cezanne
Let us send good thoughts to each other and to our teachers, wherever they may be. I often repeat the little prayer David taught us at Breitenbush one year "May you dwell in your heart, May you be free from suffering, May you be healed and whole, May you be at peace."

Yoga School this Weekend

2008-06-23T05:27:00.001-07:00

Except for the Point...

2008-06-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Except for the point, the still point, there would be no dance.

– The Four Quartets, T.S. Eliot

It is early on a cool summer morning – the kind that just makes you want to hit snooze and roll over for another hour. But you are not in bed; you are on your mat. You’ve joined a unique group of individuals world-wide who continue a daily tradition that dates back thousands of years. The tradition known outside of India as Mysore practice.

Your first ujjayi breath summons the spirit of the enigmatic Patanjali. The room, otherwise quiet and empty, is filled with the sound of your breath and is energized. Whether practicing alone at home, with others in a yoga studio or at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute shala in Mysore where often it is so crowded that the yoga mats touch each other, you are transformed.

Mysore practice is a method that makes Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, often considered an extremely vigorous yoga practice, accessible to everyone. The practice is not led by a teacher. The level and number of poses varies with everyone. Without the ‘pressure’ to stay with the teacher’s count, you have the luxury of following your own personal rhythm, maintaining focus by listening to your breath and using the dristi – the still point of concentration. This individualization allows the teacher to work with you one on one. It encourages you to work and explore each pose independently at your current level in the series; to go within. Most importantly, you develop consistency.

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the teacher of this method, reminds all of us to “Do your practice and all is coming.” One of the important things that ‘is coming’ is the realization that the practice itself, done with consistency, is the real teacher. This is the magic of Mysore.

Treat yourself to something special – City Yoga Summer 2008 Mysore Practice hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6AM – 8AM.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

Thanks to Lars for this beautiful description.

Notes from the Shala...

2008-06-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

Asana and injury, and the purpose of stopping at postures you have not yet mastered...

Regarding asana and injury, Sharath explained that many people get frustrated when they have injury (yoga or otherwise) - many people also feel to not practice when injured. He explained that the yoga will heal you! If you are injured and you use the breath and bandhas properly, modifying as you need in the asanas, your yoga practice will heal your body. Thus, when you do become injured continue to practice each day, simply modify the asanas as necessary.

Sharath was also asked why he stops us in asanas, what is the purpose, and should we follow this prescription for our practice once we return home. I loved loved loved that she asked this question - because back home in Orlando so many people want to keep going keep going - people do led practice all the time so why should they stop in mysore with asanas they obviously cannot do - it behooves me but then again it is obvious that some people really don't get the WHY. Well Sharath explained that when he stops us at a posture we have not mastered, we are forced to think about and work on that asana instead of spending the whole of our lives just doing the postures and never mastering ANY! He explained that when we do the entire practice in this way we are never doing yoga, we are merely doing stretches in some order. When we stop at an asana we cannot preform with ease of breath and movement, we will spend more time and more focus on that asana until we do eventually get it. He told a story of how Guruji didn't give him any new postures in over two years at one point when he was working on fifth series. I have always told my students that it doesn't matter which posture you are stuck on, becasue you will ALWAYS be stopped somewhere - so let us not mull over our own egos - instead let's enjoy this amazing journey!

The Beloved Festival

2008-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

2008 Open Air Sacred Art & Music Festival

Beloved August 15th - 17th

a many-hued tapestry of music, dancing, playing and praying to open our hearts to the One Spirit of all peoples, plants and the planet. dissolving the illusion of separation through music, art, workshops, councils, performances, dancing, camping, kids, yoga kirtan, special guests and more.

A little more about Michiko...

2008-06-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

Where are you from originally?
I was born in Germany (my dad worked for American Express) and grew up mostly in Central Washington.
What brought you to your first yoga class?
I attended my first yoga class while traveling in India. I attended a one week workshop in Rishikesh where we learned Surya Namaskar A and B. However, the primary focus was breath and philosophy. It was an amazing experience. Most tourists in Rishikesh were there to practice yoga, learn sanskrit, and be close to the Ganga.
Do you participate in any other kind of consistent physical exercise?
Before finding yoga, I had two knee surgeries (a result of several skiing injuries and a volley ball injury) which limited my physical activities to hiking and bike riding. I limited my activities because I was afraid of reinjuring my knees. Once I began practicing yoga, I felt a renewed confidence and trust in body. I still feel a little trepidation about my knees, but that fear no longer inhibits my physical pursuits.
What are you reading right now?
I am currently on a Japanese literature kick and am reading "The Warrior Kumagai."
Do you have a hobby or interest that you have that we don't know about?
I am currently not engaged in any hobbies. I am busy learning how to be a mother, a wife, and a multiprofessional woman.

Michiko has recently returned from maternity leave and teaches the popular Sunday 4pm Level 1 class.

Flowers

2008-06-10T13:44:00.000-07:00

Though it was snowing this morning, we still have fresh flowers from Elaine's garden. Many of you remember the amazing arrangements that Elaine made for the studio last summer, this year I hope to take pictures for the blog. Thank you so much Elaine and John! (above: rhododendron, forget-me-not, pasque and trumpetvine).

A little about Shannon...

2008-06-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

Where are you from originally? Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but raised in Puyallup, WA - but am an Eastern Washingtoner (is that a word?) at heart - Go Cougs!

What brought you to your first yoga class? Curiosity & Burn Out from other forms of exercise and it's continued stress on my knees and other joints....mainly curiosity is what made me search the web for a Yoga Studio in Spokane...which brought me to 2 websites....I found City Yoga and the rest is history!

What was your experience? Both challenging, intimidating, and yet not overwhelmingly so....just enough that it continued to peak my curiosity.....how long would I have to do it before my wrists no longer hurt in downward dog? would I ever be able to hold chaturanga? could I stick with it? would it be enough?

Do you participate in any other kind of consistent physical exercise? not really, when it's nice I'll go for walks with my son Sam (2 1/2) and dog Riley (9).....we used to play recreational co-ed softball, volleyball, and basketball....but ever since I had Sam it's mainly ALL YOGA....

What are you reading right now? LOTS of books - too many at once, I'm trying to get in all these differ net pregnancy books (32 weeks right now) in preparation for hopefully a natural birth this time around, but also am trying to start "The Glass Castle" both out of personal interest and book club selection....And trying to finish "The Yogini" - loaned out by a yoga student so I can pass it on to the next yoga student :-)...

Do you have a hobby or interest that you have that we don't know about? Ooh that's a good one, seems it's changed as my life changes....I could say bookkeeping & report writing since they are now my side job and because Yoga used to be my hobby and I quit my corporate gig to devote more time to my Yoga practice, teaching, and raising a family...but now accounting work doesn't sound like a very fun hobby....right now i enjoy a good nap, look forward to the sun shining and when we get to go to the lake and hang out with friends and family on and off their boats....someday maybe we'll have our own, but until then thanks Mom & Allie and the McCarry's!!! In the winter, I have to say it's watching Sam and Mitch build snowmen in the backyard and Sam trying to ski for the first time at Mom and Allie's cabin - he is so much fun! You can just watch him play and use his imagination and get lost in it with him...he is amazing! My next hobby will be nursing his baby sister Molly when she joins us in August....but then you probably all know about this....

Shannon teaches regularly at City Yoga and is also the bookkeeper extraordinaire!

Ashtanga video...

2008-06-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Guruji in Florida!

2008-06-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

I know that this is old news for some of you, but just got these photos from a student of David's who went to see Guruji. I'm sorry for those of you who were going to go from here but got cancelled on - from what I heard: "It was very cool and the shala is gorgeous! He was in good spirits and taught the standing poses the 2nd day and opening/closing prayers each day." Sri Gurubhyo Namaha!

Happy Feet...

2008-05-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

From a student...Ok since class yesterday I have been concious of my feet and realized even when I walk or stand my arches collapse down  and have to think about putting them in a better position.  I think that will be huge for my
practice as far as engaging my legs and helping me be in better positions in yoga class and outside of yoga.
Thanks for having that as our focus for the day.

Couple of things...

2008-05-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Restorative Yoga with Katie this Sunday at 5:15pm
The studio will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday - May 26th
Philosophy Study Group with Judy meets Tuesday - May 27th at 7:00pm
Summer Mysore Program begins June 2 - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6-8am

Six days a week...

2008-05-20T05:29:00.001-07:00

“Aren’t you going a little overboard with this yoga thing?” Comments such as these have been abundant this week, in addition to hints that I am becoming “obsessed” and choosing yoga over other priorities. I find myself struggling to find a compromise within myself to honor all the commitments in my life, take care of those closest to me, and take care of myself. Initially I questioned myself…”Maybe I shouldn’t practice so much” Thoughts of guilt, uncertainty and sadness ensued. At the end of all these emotions that I experienced, I had an “a ha” moment. Deep in my heart I know I would never let something come in the way of my family, but as I continue to practice yoga I realize I am finding a way to be at peace with myself and my life. Hopefully as I continue on my journey, those around me will be able to see the benefits (both physical and mental) that I already feel.

On the asana front I have added the first six poses from the Second Series after completing the Primary on my self practice days. I was a bit apprehensive to try it but after Katie mentioned that it would only add about 8 minutes to the practice, I thought I’d give it a shot. The combination of back strengtheners and back extenders (backbends) have been a great complement to my practice. I also find that I have more focus on my bandas during the second series for some reason.

I have experienced one less than positive situation this week that I’m hopeful yoga will help me through. It appears that the symptoms of my rheumatoid arthritis are beginning to rear their ugly head. I have been virtually symptom free for the past 4 years, which I attribute to hormones associated with pregnancy and nursing. When I have flared in the past I usually got pissed, felt sorry for myself and dwelled on what this disease was preventing me from doing. This time I have a different mindset. I’m going to celebrate each day that my body allows me to come to my mat. If I’m stiffer, so be it. If I have less range of motion, so be it. At least I’m still practicing. And loving every moment!

Make this video go around the world...

2008-05-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Six Days a Week...

2008-05-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

I must say that I feel my practice has already progressed. I don’t, however, know if it strictly a change in my intention, or physical development as well. Intention is such a catch phrase in much of the yoga literature that I have read. “Be in the moment” “Focus on the now”. Well yeah, I sure do feel in the moment when my thighs are burning in Virabatrasana A and B. Figuring out how to “stay in the moment” and continuously focus on breath, bandas, and alignment is where the difficulty lies. I do feel, however, that the commitment that I have made has certainly made me more aware of my intention. I come to the mat with much more presence in the current moment rather than dwelling on what I haven’t been able to do in the past and what I’ll likely not be able to do today. I also seem to be more aware of subtleties during my practice. I am improving on my ability of self-observation and the ability to translate that into adjusting my postures. Rotating this and extending that is starting to make much more sense to me. If I could just remember to breathe! It is fairly exciting to report that last night I was able to lift up off the floor (briefly) for this first time in Utplutih. And what do you know, it must not have been a fluke as I was able to do it today as well. I am starting to celebrate each of these small victories.
I have received many words of encouragement over the past week and remain touched that so many people support me on this journey. The community that has grown at City Yoga is full of many caring, encouraging and supportive people. Knowing that I have a silent cheering section beside me during my practice keeps me motivated on those early, early mornings. Many of those people have also said the same thing to me, “Don’t be surprised if you get more out of this experience than you expect”. I already feel that I have and I can’t wait to see what more is in store for me. I look forward to sharing my experience with all of you and returning the favor of support.

Six Days a Week...

2008-05-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Trepidation. That’s what I felt when I began to contemplate the journey of 6 days a week of practice. Could I do it? And at what cost to my family? Will this affect my boys? Will it take time away from them? Immediately, thoughts of guilt set in. It’s amazing how good I am at feeling guilty since I became a mother. At the end of this internal argument I came up with the following…Yoga has taught me patience, self respect, and strength (physical and emotional). If those characteristics can make me a better mother, providing a strong example to my boys, a committed practice was worth a shot. My hope is that with a dedicated practice I will continue my journey not only in developing strength and flexibility in the asanas, but more importantly continue to celebrate my spirit, encouraging self love and self respect.

In order to commit to this challenge, I had enlist the support of my husband, kids and friends. I knew I couldn’t do it alone and I am pleased to say all have stepped up and provided me with support. Attempting to schedule practices in my week has already been difficult. My good intentions have been interrupted by LIFE. I have, however, made it to the mat 5 days this week. In addition to 2 led classes I have introduced 2 EARLY morning practices and one home practice.

How do I feel? Tired. But invigorated at the same time. I am also proud of myself. I have successfully completed my first week without taking time away from my family and without feeling (much) guilt for what I sometime perceive as selfishness. I think that is going to take a while for me to get over.

Early morning practices are different than the afternoons. I takes me longer to warm up and I find that my hamstrings and hips take longer to open up. This morning I attempted to stand up from urdhva dhanurasana and it just wasn’t going to happen. I initially felt frustration and some anger. “Why the heck is this hard today?” but then I forced myself to step back and appreciate that fact that I had made it to the mat. Be happy with that! Practicing by myself has also forced me to be self motivating and accepting to the fact I may not always have an energized practice.

One week down, many, many, many to go. Goals for this journey….lifting up and jumping back without using blocks, binding in supta kurmasana, generally improving my strength. More importantly I want to live yoga. Not only asana but incorporating the philosophy of yoga into my life. Lofty? Yes. Attainable? Hopefully.

Lindsay will be posting her practice journal over the next four months. She has been practicing at City Yoga since the early days in the Steamplant, works and has two little children. When she expressed some frustration to me about her progress in her practice which was pretty consistently 3-4 days a week, I suggested that she try for a period of time to practice six days a week, taking off moon days and the first three days of her menstrual cycle. She was up for the idea and started right at the beginning of May. Not a small task to bring add on to an already busy life, she has to fit practice some mornings, and some evening but she is making it work! Lindsay, thank you for sharing this with all of us.

The Opening Mantra...

2008-05-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

We posted the article written by San Francisco Ashtanga teacher John Berlinsky last June and a lot of people really liked it so we are posting it again. Now you can also hear David Garrigues doing the opening mantra.

Ashtanga practice is traditionally begun with the recitation of the mantra. What we call the Ashtanga Mantra is really two shlokas from different sources. The first is a verse from the "Yoga Taravalli" by Sri Shankaracharya and the second verse is from a longer prayer to Patanjali.

The Ashtanga mantra has been translated a number of times with various interpretations of the individual words. Instead of looking at the mantra as a literal translation of the Sanskrit, I see the mantra as an invocation and living part of our yoga practice.

Read more...

Watch this video...

2008-04-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

and the band Five for Fighting will donate $.40 to Autism Speaks. Also in the video they talk about early intervention and alterative therapies - one of which happens to be yoga. For more information about yoga for children with autism contact Amy at Spokane Youth Yoga.

I could never do that...

2008-04-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

We've all done this: watched someone effortlessly perform an amazing, seemingly impossible asana, and thought to ourselves any number of judgemental, self-degrading, negative thoughts along the lines of: "I'll never be able to do that, I've been doing this so much longer than him and why can he do that and I can't, I suck, why am I even trying to do this, ____(insert your favorite judgemental thought)_____." Or maybe you take the self limiting tack of "why would I ever want to do that to myself!"

It is a natural function of being human; we have this brain that is capable of many layers of thought. We can be editing, monitoring and judging what we are doing, and then editing, monitoring and judging what we are thinking about what we are doing and so on and so on. Of course we all know by now that the goal of yoga is to some how take respite from this "ability". Patanjali's yoga sutras focus on the aim of learning to control the wanderings of the mind; yogas citta-vritt-nirodhah. Learning to somehow for a moment see past the veil or maya of the conditioning of our lives - so that we can see things as they are, be present.

So here we are getting on our mat either at home in our living rooms, or coming to a class. We look around and compare ourselves to the people around us and we begin to have these thoughts (see above), so we question the value of practice, we look for a new teacher, a new studio, a new thing, but inevitably, eventually those same thoughts come back. Before we know it five years later we're in the same confused place, as Richard Freeman says with a lot of shallow wells all around us.

Consider this: Practicing with total attention within the body is advanced yoga, no matter how easy the posture: practicing with your attention scattered is the practice of a beginner, no matter how difficult the posture. (David Coulter, The Anatomy of Hatha Yoga) Let yourself be inspired by the people joining you on their mats and then go back inside, listen to your breath, do your best and try to learn from what you are feeling. Keep coming back to your mat, dig a deeper well, the effortless beauty of asana will sneak up on you one day when you least expect it.

Enlighten Up!

2008-04-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Looks like an interesting film.

A little about Karen....

2008-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Where are you from originally?
I'm originally from Colville, WA.
What brought you to your first yoga class?What was your experience?
My initial yoga experience is a little different as I didn't attend my first class until after I'd been practicing regularly on my own for over a year. After some reading, somehow a light bulb kind of went on in my head one day that said yoga was the thing that was missing in my life. I bought a couple of books and starting going through the practices in the books. One of those books was Beryl Bender Birch's "Power Yoga". From my first practice on, my back pain from an old auto accident injury was significantly improved. I went on to teach myself the entire primary series from Birch's book before I ever set foot in a yoga studio. When I finally decided to find a teacher I was hooked on Ashtanga and at that time there was no one teaching Ashtanga in Spokane. I started attending Alison Rubin's Iyengar classes at Harmony Yoga to make sure I was learning the alignment properly to avoid creating potential imbalances or injuries. My experience of taking that first "public" yoga class was that it felt strange to take something that had been very private and personal for me and start doing it in a room full of people. I found that there was wonderful energy, support, and learning to be had in a group class setting.

Do you participate in any other kind of consistent physical exercise?
I love any kind of activity that gets me out in the woods. I hike (and sometimes trail run) consistently all year. More intermittently, depending on the season, weather, etc., I like to get out and mountain bike, kayak and rock climb.

What are you reading right now?
In addition to the latest Yoga Journal, right now I just started an old book from the mid-seventies that I came across called "Indian Thought".

Do you have a hobby or interest that you have that we don't know about?
I think everyone knows that my husband and I love to travel, but we also love 40's style swing dancing. And when I have a snippet of spare time I'm hooked on Sudoku puzzles.
Karen has been teaching at City Yoga since we opened in 2003. Though she works full time as a school psychologist she also maintains a daily ashtanga practice and teaches every other Thursday night at 5:40pm and regularly subs.

Time to Spring into Home Composting...

2008-04-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Spokane Master Composters will host their Spring Compost Fair at the John A. Finch Arboretum on Saturday, April 26th from 11AM – 2 PM. Just in time for spring yard clean-up, participants will learn how to turn yard and garden debris into valuable soil amendments and reduce garbage disposal costs. The Fair is being held in conjunction with the Arboretum's Arbor Day festivities.

A variety of hands-on demonstrations will be highlighted --- including a "hot" compost pile and worm bin. Participants will learn about the materials to use in composting, how to build and turn a compost pile and how to choose the appropriate bin. Participants must arrive by 1:30 PM to complete all of the activities by the 2 PM closing time.

This event is free and open to the public. Spokane County attendees (with identification verifying residency), can receive a free compost bin (one per household) after completing the various activities.

The John A. Finch Arboretum is located at the intersection of Sunset Highway and "F" Street. For more information, call the Recycling Hotline at 625-6800 or visit http://www.solidwaste.org

Philosophy Study Group Tuesday 4/22 at 7pm

2008-04-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

In our series on meditation, two additional meditation techniques.

7:00pm - 8:15pm - counts as one class.

This weekend - thank you David and all!

2008-04-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Restorative Yoga this Weekend

2008-04-10T08:51:00.001-07:00

This Sunday night at 5:15pm - please pre-register, maximum is 16 unless you can bring your own chair! Hope to see you there at the end of the beautiful day we are suppossed to have!

More from Charleston...

2008-04-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here is another picture - this is Jennifer, my dear friend from Charlottesvile. She hosts Tim there once a year and David as well. And that is Tim - below is a link to an article that Tim wrote - good reading.

http://ashtangayogacenter.com/alchemy.html

Hello from Charleston!

2008-04-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

I almost don't want to post these pictures as Dan told me that there was still snow on the ground there! I hope you enjoy them - we've had a really nice trip, I'll be writing about more of the details later. I found an ashtanga studio "the practice space" to practice at and may have re-ignited the yoga bug for my mom and her two sisters. Tim Miller was here last weekend so I spent some time with him, he did a mysore class, a led primary series class, and what he calls "improvisation" which is a lot like what I do on saturday mornings, he also did a lot of talk, most of which I had to miss, except for the sutra discussion, which is always good. As some of you know, Tim was one of the first westerners to practice with Guruji, and has been teaching this method for nearly 30 years in Encinitas, CA at The Ashtanga Yoga Center. My good friend Jennifer Elliott from Charlottesville, VA drove the eight hours to Charleston to see me and Tim which was really amazing of her. We have one more day, and then leave tomorrow night. I'll see you all this weekend!

Philosphy Study Group this week...

2008-03-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night, March 25th at 7:15pm, no experience necessary, all are welcome. Counts as one class.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Come celebrate with us today!

Vacuum bags and more...

2008-03-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

When we make the choice to come to class, to put down our mats and to practice we may also be making any of (not limited to) the following choices: to hire a babysitter, to not clean the house, to not make breakfast or dinner for the rest of the family, or to leave babies, or children or spouses or __(fill in the blank)_______ . Any number of things must fall into place in order for us to actually make it to our mats. Some days are better than others, some excuses to not come to the mat are better than others.

For me today the issue was vacuum cleaner bags. Some time last week our vacuum cleaner bag at the studio was totally full and I tried to empty it out so that I could keep using it, but in doing so ripped it. Alas, I was going to have to go out and buy some new ones! You might not think that vacuum cleaner bags could really be that integral to the running of a yoga studio but let me explain something. We often use the analogy of "peeling back the layers of an onion" to describe the process of yoga. Well what we don't mention about that is the peeling of layers of skin, toenails, and hair that is also a part of the process. You might not believe how much of this, plus all of the dust and fibers from blankets that we accumulate on the floor after just one class. So we use the dry mop to sweep the floor, and then we vacuum the debris from the mop - so the vacuum cleaner is pretty important.

So what I now know is if you are in need of vacuum cleaner bags don't go to Walgreens, Fred Meyer, Albertson's or Target (at least if you have the kind I have). After these four trips, finally I went to JJ's Vacuum Store this morning and after two trips there, I finally had the right bag.

This, was what was almost going to keep me from my practice today. Two things made me do it, one is that I feel better when I practice, it is fun, I enjoy it, it is a time for me to focus on myself and on what makes me me, and two because Lars was going to meet me :). As I started my first sun salutation I smiled thinking to myself "do your practice...all is coming...even vacuum cleaner bags..."

On to the green mats...

2008-03-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

The new eco mats that are coming out are pretty much made out of rubber - Mary sent me some great information about them. Thanks Mary!

Rubber, being tapped from trees (as is maple syrup) is a natural material that turns to dust in the landfill. I just got my new one, a Harmony mat, from matsmatsmats.com http://www.matsmatsmats.com/yoga/yoga-mat-fusion.html

Their Fusion mat is 5/16" thick and 8 pounds. I bought the Pro mat which is only 3/16" thick and about 5 pounds. I may regret it in the long run...don't know yet. They both come in 68" or 74" lengths.

We both remember the "carpet pad" mats and how they ate up your feet. This commercial rubber mat does NOT--at least not to my experience so far. It feels much much cushier than the carpet padding too.

The cons of rubber are listed on the website:

This mat should not be left outside in the sun, since natural rubber is very sensitive to direct sunlight - the material can dry out, harden and lose its grip.

Natural rubber always has a "rubber" odor that will diminish over time [never completely in my experience-you have to get used to it]

People with latex allergies should avoid natural rubber.

I can attest to the first caveat -- the summer of "108 days of yoga" when I came to class virtually every day, I left my mat in my car much of the time. And yes, it started to slide all over the floor at practice. I deep-sixed it out of frustration! With my new one I must remember NOT to do that. But I loved the deep red color (Sedona red) of my new one and bought it as much for that as the "green" aspect. We'll see...

The Yoga School of Spokane

2008-03-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

Announcing the Yoga School of Spokane, yoga teacher training certification program! The Yoga School is actually a bunch of teachers from a bunch of different yoga schools here in town, working together to offer a multi-faceted, multi-lineage in depth study of yoga. The 200hr program is already open for registration which you can do online or in person.

Mastering the Basics

2008-02-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

Wow - here are the latest graduates from the Mastering the Basics class. I wish there was no audio but alas you can here me too! The next MTB class begins next Monday, March 3, I am limiting the class size to 20, so you may want to register in advance. You can sign up online, or call us at 509-869-4121

Philosphy Study Group - This Tuesday at 7pm

2008-02-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 26th at 7pm
This class counts as a regular class.
Register now!

Yoga From the Inside Out

2008-02-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

"The hatha yoga practitioner uses the body as the vehicle of consciousness, as the terrain for practice, exploration and ovservation. To practice self-observation in hatha yoga we use the asanas to witness the sensations of the body, the thoughts of the mind, the feelings of the heart, and the majestic simpliciy of the spirit. Paying attention to people is one of the best ways to show them that we love and care for them. In the practice of hatha yoga we can hone our ability to pay attention to the physical alignment of the body in space, our attitudinal alignment with our heart's desire and the spiritual alignment we have with the Divine. By paying attention to ourselves through self observation in our yoga practice we show ourselves that we are worthy of our own attention, making our practice into an act of love. In this spirit of love, yoga can become an offering of peace."

An excerpt from Christina Sell's book "Yoga From the Inside Out". Christina will be at Garden Street Yoga in Coeur d'Alene, April 18-20, 2008.

I think we've all felt this way...

2008-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

"Upon entering the yoga classroom my mind was filled with much confusion, and my body with doubt. That Monday night i left with a different look and yoga and at myself. It all started with a clearing of the mind for the first few poses. That was followed by focusing on breathing, and bondas. The rest just fell into place. With every breath heating me up from the inside and every pose becoming easier, my body began to mold into one with my mind. It is a feeling that i have never felt before. A feeling that can not be explained with words, but by experience alone. I have played may sports and none has given me such a rewarding feeling. I want to thank all the Teacher of City YOGA and keep up the great work." A student from the Mastering the Basics class

ja*lu: grow up organic

2008-02-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

ja*lu is a local company started by an entrepreneurial, philanthropic, eco-conscious mom. go to their website complete with online store and wholesale options for more information or read below..

the motivation

What can I say, having children changes the way you look at life, and it's been no different for me. I love staying home with my boys, but also craved the sense of accomplishment I had in the professional life. My goal was to create a company that allowed both and could actually make a difference in areas that are important to me. That is when I came up with the idea for an organic line of baby gear. I see it as an opportunity to take care of our environment and our babies with products that are made with both in mind, after all, they both deserve our best.

the philanthropy

ja*lu believes in giving back and will be donating 5% of profits to selected charities. Listed below are a few of the charities ja*lu will be supporting through product and financial donations.

Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital: This hospital holds a special place in our hearts as it has served my own family through various illnesses and continues to serve the community of Spokane and the Inland Northwest. If you would like to learn more about this special place, please visit the Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital at www.shmcchildren.org

International Breastmilk Project: This amazing charity, founded by Jill Youse , sends donated breastmilk to orphans in Africa, who were orphaned due to poverty and AIDS. The gift of breastmilk is life changing, and life saving. If you would like to learn more about how they are changing the world, please visit their site at www.breastmilkproject.org

Sunshine

2008-02-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Pretty soon we will have sunshine streaming through the windows again. The days are already starting to get longer... yeah spring!

Sacred Space - Tom Rosenthal

2008-02-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

I found this collection of stunning photos on the site of the Yoga Shala in NYC. If you go to the link it will take you to the artists statement and the full gallery.

"The practice of photography mirrors my yoga practice. Through repetition the magic happens. Shri K. Pattahbi Jois led me to the sacred internal space of practice. This group of photos celebrates the sublime beauty of yoga and the human body, and the universal spirit that lifts us all."

Ten Weeks in South India

2008-02-10T09:59:00.000-08:00

Slide Presentation and Potluck at City Yoga on the Hill

Saturday, 16 February 2008 at 4 PM

We asked Lars if he could put together a slide show about his trip to India. As most of you know Lars spent a month in Mysore, India, at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute. Followed by a month at Lino Miele's workshop in Kovalom. Light app's and chai for pot luck would be nice. We hope you can stop by!

Yes we can!

2008-02-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have all seen this by now - but no matter who you are voting for this is a message about union, about action and an inspiring one! Don't forget to caucus today - saturday - People are so talented...

Just in case...

2008-02-06T23:35:00.001-08:00

you were confused about the caucus vs. the primary - luckily Judy Sugg, one of our teachers here is very involved in the caucus on saturday and gave me the following info:

For the 1st time in many years Washington State Residents will get a full say in the nomination of the next Democratic Candidate.

What many people don't know is that in order for your voice to be heard you MUST attend a caucus to be apart of that decision. You may have heard that we have both a caucus and a primary election here in Washington. Only the February 9th caucus (not the primary election scheduled for 10 days later) will help determine the Democratic nominee for president. The primary on February 19 has no relevance for the Democratic Party. (however, you should still fill out your primary ballot, and send it in - because it may still be used if there are undecided delegates down the line.)

So if you are like many including mys elf and have never attended a Presidential Caucus here is what you do:

1 - Mark - Saturday, February 9 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm on your calendars
2 - Visit the link below, type in your name and zip code, scroll through the names and find yourself, click on your name it will tell you where your caucus will be held. They are in 100's of locations throughout the city.
http://www.wa-democrats.org/caucusfinder
3 - Attend your caucus, listen to the candidates representatives, and vote

Over the last month 100's of Thousands of people have been actively participating in this process, now is our time! Also, this is not just pertinent if you are a democrat - 1/2 of the Republican delegates will be designated through the caucus.

you can also go to http://spokanedemocrats.org/ for more information.

Mysore in Mysore...

2008-02-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

KYRS Gets Web Stream Back Up...

2008-01-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

So, KYRS lost its donated streaming host before last summer and has been struggling to set up another service. "It was a matter of cost and technical obstacles," stated Lupito Flores, KYRS Station Manager. "We
wanted to do it right, pay all the license and service fees, and we just didn't have the technical support we needed," said Flores.The live Internet stream of this community radio station is an
important link to Spokane area listeners and people around the world."In the past we've had listeners as far away as Switzerland and ElSalvador via the Internet," said Flores. "Being a Low Power FM community station, our broadcast signal is so weak that many people
can only hear us through our streaming," said Flores."We're still working on linking the stream to our website and other minor adjustments, but we're back and very happy about that," Flores
added. The direct link to access the KYRS streaming audio is:                http://www.live365.com/stations/kyrs?site=pro

The Business of Being Born

2008-01-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

January 26, 2008
7:00pm
(panel following)

BING CROSBY THEATRE
(formerly The Met)
901 Sprague Avenue
Spokane, WA

$7/person $10/couple suggested donation at door
Refreshments and maternity information available
For info email: businessofbeingbornspokane@yahoo.com

Goings on...

2008-01-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

Restorative Yoga - Sunday night at 5:15pm
Please, please pre-register, we have to limit the class size to 18 so that we have enough props for everyone to enjoy. If you try to register online and you can't email me.

Philosophy Study Group - Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00pm
Remember, this counts as a regular class.
Contact Judy if you would like more information.

SemiMini: Sarvangasansa - Shoulder Stand with Katie January 26th at 11am
Cost is $20 ($15 for monthly members)
Please pre-register as class is limited to 4

Intro to Second Series Class - February 3rd at 5:15pm
Permission is required for this class

SemiMini: Shoulder Openers with Zeny - February 16th at 11am
Cost is $20 ($15 for monthly members)
Please pre-register as class is limited to 4

Restorative Yoga - February 17th at 5:15pm
Please, please pre-register, we have to limit the class size to 18 so that we have enough props for everyone to enjoy. If you try to register online and you can't email me.

Philosophy Study Group - February 26th at 7:00pm

On to the black mats...

2008-01-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

In my memory black mats started coming out around 2000 - or that is when I started seeing people using them. At first I thought they were too thick, too big and WAY too expensive. There was no way I was going to pay $70 or $80 for a yoga mat. But as I said in the previous mat blog, a friend of mine decided it was time that I had one and gave me one! She is a good friend. So the story with the black mat is that they are thick but not squishy, for people who tend to slip on other mats, often they don't slip on the black mat, they are also a little wider than most of the other mats so you have a little more mat underneath you which I like. From what I can tell most of them are 98%pvc and 2% recycled polyester - and because of the fact that you will probably only have to buy one in your life, there is a lower probability that it will end up in a landfill. I've always purchased my black mat from either Barefoot Yoga or Bheka - they both have a shorter and a tall version, their prices are about the same. The other company is Manduka - which I've never used - but a lot of people have the Manduka. Also, Manduka makes another mat called the PurpleLite Travel Mat that runs for more like $60 and that a lot of people seem to like just as well as the black mat. When I was doing research for this blog it looks like Barefoot and Bheka offer a similar purple mat as well.

Next on the discussion list is the new green mats.... if anyone has anything to offer about these let me know.

The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga

2008-01-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

So far this is one of the best anatomy books I've found. We have a copy at the studio if you want to check it out or you can go to the Bandha Yoga website and order a copy for yourself. The website has a ton of information - when you have a minute go to the "scientific keys" tab and check out the section on the biomechanics of breathing. Enjoy!

Mats, mats, mats...

2008-01-14T13:47:00.000-08:00

Okay - so trying to figure out what kind of mat to buy for your practice. Either you've been using the loaner mats we have at the studio and have noticed that best case scenario they smell like bleach, worse case scenario they smell like sweaty feet (yuck!). And you've decided to get your own mat or you are having one of the following problems with the mat you already own:

slipping, your hands and feet slipping during the opening sun salutations and the standing poses
slipping, later on in the practice when there is sweat flying everywhere
slipping, the mat is actually slipping on the floor
not enough padding
pieces of mat left all over your body after practice

In this blog and over the next week I'll try to address the above issues and point you in the right mat direction. I'd love it if anyone has anything to add to any of this! The first yoga mat I had was the "standard long life" mat by Bheka and which go for about $26. We have a bunch of these mats at the studio - they are the ones that have sort of a terry cloth feel to them when they get worn out. Prana mats are the exact same mat, except theirs come in different colors, and in the manufactuing process of the coloring they've come out with a somewhat different texture that seems to wear better - but feels a little stiffer. They are both pretty thin though, so after wearing through a couple of those I switched to the "deluxe long life" mat also made by Bheka and which run for $35. Both of these mats, as most mats do, come in a standard length but can also be bought in a longer size. I really like these mats, and find that for the sweaty hands and feet people, sometimes these are the best solution - but not always.

The standard "sticky mats" can also work well for people who don't have the sweaty hands and feet issue. These are the mats that you can usually find at Huckleberry's or Target etc. Sometimes you have to throw these mats in the wash with a minescule amount of detergent get rid of the sheen they come with, if slipping is a problem. I also recommend that when you get a new mat if wearing it in through your practice doesn't work lay it out on the floor between your bed and your bathroom or some other well traveled place in your house.

So after wearing through a couple of the Bheka deluxe long life mats (which are nice and thick), and by wearing through I mean, holes and after practice being covered with little blue pills of mat, my friend gave me one of the "black mats". Since this is a whole other topic I will save for tomorrow. Even more to come... mysore rugs....

Welcome Zeny!

2008-01-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

Yes my name is really Zeny, and yes I am a Yogini. I was baptized Zeny Rose Bagatsingh, born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I moved to Spokane in 1996, am married to Jerry and have 2 sons-Elijah and Spencer.

Although I have Indian roots I didn't discover Yoga until my twenties, when I began to teach Group Fitness classes at the local gym. Initially I was only interested the the physical aspect of Yoga, but over time the spiritual aspects of Yoga created in me a hunger to learn all I can. Soon I found myself attending Teacher Trainings, and reading book after book on Yoga, Anatomy, Eastern Philosophy. I have immersed myself and continue to do. Yoga for me is more than something you do on a mat, it is a way of life-living harmoniously with oneself and the world. My principal teacher is Andrey Lappa, Ukranian Yoga Master, and I am certified by him to teach Universal Yoga-a multidimesional system of Yoga, as well as Dance of Shiva-system of conscious liberation thru the development of coordination and reaction. I am ever grateful to Andrey for being not only my Yoga Teacher but also Spiritual Mentor. His intelligence and compassion inspire me to become as fully developed as I can, not only in Yoga but in all aspects of my life.

Zeny will be teaching the new "Mandala Vinyasa Level 1-2" Class which begins tonight at 7:00pm

New Mat Bag

2008-01-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

We are asked all the time about mats and other yoga practice support items. So I'm going to try to get information for all from what i've learned over the years. This is a new mat bag made by my friends at Saka Yoga in Burlington , VT. I've had one of the first generations of their cargo bag for years, and I love it. This new Pinda backback is awesome for travel when you want to take your mat, and for riding your bike to the studio, or if you are just tired of the horizontal mat bag. More soon on mats...

Pictures from an Indian wedding...

2008-01-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Judy has shared some pictures from her family wedding. For the full album you can go to http://picasaweb.google.com/JudyNarayan/PrarthnaWeddingJAPhotos?authkey=OUewYzg5dwU

Krismas In Kovalom

2007-12-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Katie and Friends at City Yoga,
Happy Solstice and other Holiday Greetings from southern India.

As many Ashtangis already know, there are times in our practice when we just have to be willing to sit back for a while and take it easy - ahimsa for the body - for ourselves. It's often a discouraging to do so because, at least in my experience, a big part of me is driven by seeing improvement in my practice. So when the body rebels from time to time and decides it needs a break I have needed to be ready to hear that message and be willing to accept it. That's where I am again now in my practice. For many of us in the Ashtanga community injuries seem to come and go. In India (as elsewhere) it is common to meet people practicing Ashtanga and begin sharing stories about injuries, past or present. Currently I have overcome an 'issue' with my left knee only to have had to completely modify my practice in order to respect a complaint from my left shoulder. This set-back is personally frustrating because I have wanted to stay as healthy as possible while here - afterall, it IS India. But at the same time this injury offers me an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate I am to be able to enjoy Ashtanga at whatever level of accomplishment or modification. There is also the metaphorical element of things happening on Indian time. the hotel room I stay in promises hot water (24-7), but the first four days the water heater was broken - "no problem sir electrician coming, fixing." Well, yes, I had hot water four days later. Many mornings I wake up and there is no water at all (the hotel 'boy' forgets to turn on the pump and fill the resivoir on top of the hotel so all of the rooms have water). "No problem sir, now pump running, few minutes water coming, no problem." In the bottom line is our ability to 'go with the flow' and accept what is. Whether this is an interruption with a daily routine or an interruption with a yoga practice. In both cases the most important thing is not to lose track of the focus on the breath, the bandhas and the dristi. Then there is total enjoyment of the present moment. I don't think it's particularly easy but it is the constant challenge. always lessons to be learned.

Looking forward to practicing with you all soon.

Jai Mata Ki,
Lars

The Antidote to Holiday Stress

2007-12-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

Restorative Yoga - Sunday 12.23 at 5:15pm

Feedback from a student after our last restorative class: "Sunday, after the class, I felt “lighter, softer”. This seldom is the type of feeling I have. Generally, I hold everything tightly and with control, putting large amounts of effort into activities. So, soft and light felt very good. Also, my mind and body were working together, I had time to feel a pose, be that pose. Generally, I can be “distracted” for any number of reasons.

< The next night >Monday’s class was very “full” (of distractions…), but somehow, it was easier to stay within myself, to let my mind and body work, lighter and softer again."

For more information on the ways that Restorative Yoga works click here.

Happy Solstice!

2007-12-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia:

The winter solstice occurs the instant when the Sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance on the other side of the equatorial plane as the observer. Depending on the shift of the calendar, the event of the Winter solstice occurs sometime between December 20 and 23 each year in the Northern hemisphere, and between June 20 and 23 in the Southern Hemisphere, and the winter solstice occurs during either the shortest day or the longest night of the year. Though the Winter Solstice lasts an instant, the term is also used to refer to the full day and night (24hrs) within which the event occurs. Worldwide, interpretation of the event varies from culture to culture, but most hold a recognition of rebirth, involving festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations. Many cultures celebrate or celebrated a holiday near the winter solstice; examples of these include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Pongal, Yalda and many other festivals of light.^[1]

Mastering the Basics

2007-12-14T09:59:00.000-08:00

Here is the current Mastering the Basics class in there sixth week - they are doing awesome! Sign-up's have already begun for the January session, which starts on January 7th - and as usual meets on Monday and Wednesday nights at 7:15pm. For more information about our MTB course click here.

Eating to Support Your Yoga Practice

2007-12-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt from an article written by Guy Donahaye from the Ashtanga Yoga Shala in NYC. To read the full article click here.

If you look at the ancient texts on yoga they recommend a minimal diet of a little rice, a few vegetables, some mung dal (lentils) and ghee (clarified butter). The assumption here is that the practitioner is spending most of the time sitting in meditation or study and otherwise minimalising activity. However, a diet like this may not be sufficient for someone who has a stressful job or is physically very active.
What is perhaps most important to note is that food and eating are there for the purpose of nourishing the body which has an inate healthy apetite for what is beneficial. Unfortunately, in our modern society, divorced from the rythms and influences of nature, our apetite has become completeley disturbed and confused and all kinds of unhealthy eating habits have resulted.
We no longer know what is healthy to eat, how much to eat or when to eat. We use food for the sake of pleasure instead of nourishment, we eat excessive amounts and we eat all the time. The foods we choose are produced in all kinds of artifcial ways and many kinds of chemicals to stimulate the taste buds and encourage us to eat to excess.
Apart from the influence of food on the body, we find that food influences our mental state to a very high degree and we can thus divide food types into three broad categories:Food which promotes a healthy, calm, focused state of mind.Food which stimulates and disturbs the mind.Food which makes the mind dull.
The right kind of food is called sattvic food, when eaten in appropriate amounts and at the right time of day, this kind of food generates the ideal state of mind for practicing yoga and a healthy body. Characteristics of this kind of food: natural, fresh, organic, easy to digest.
Food we find stimulating may contain caffeine, chillies, refined sugars etc. Although in appropriately small quantities these substances may have beneficial effects for producing certain results, when used in excess they have extremely negative consequences for our system.
Other types of food we use for "relaxation". These foods, full of preservatives and other mind-dulling influences are taken to give a certain "comfort", but also result in very negative consequences for the human system.
In adiition to the types of food consumed, negative consequences result from excessive eating and eating at the wrong times.It is impossible to give a general diet which will suit all individuals. Students will need to develop a sensitivity to what foods are beneficial and which ones harmful. A student who also has a job which involves a lot of physical work will need a more protein rich diet than one who's work is sedentary. One who's work requires great mental effort, or who is exposed to great stress may also require more food.It is a general reccommendation for yoga students that they follow a vegetarian diet, however, for those who have a long history of meat eating, changing to this way of eating overnight may not be possible or advisable. If you are a habitual red meat eater and are wishing to transition to a healthier way of eating, you may start by first substituting white meat or fish and gradually reducing the frequency of meat eating. Equally, if you eat white meat you may transition first to fish and so on.As you start practicing yoga, you will notice that your eating desires slowly change. If you listen to your body, the transition will be healthy and happy.

AYRI in the USA

2007-12-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Even though I had been practicing Ashtanga Yoga for three years in the fall of 2001, I was kind of clueless about what was going on.. or maybe I just wasn't ready. But I was living in Virginia and could have easily gone up to NY to do one of those weeks with Guruji. But like I said I was apparently kind of clueless - and pretty much didn't even know it was going on. By the next summer it seems I sort of had caught on with the system, and upon moving to Spokane July '02 registered myself to attend the five day workshop in Seattle put on by David and Satya. (At that time I did not know them at all.) A friend of mine who I had rowed with (and hadn't seen since the "96 Olympic trials)and whose husband was the rowing coach at UW was going to let me stay at their house. So I had a place to stay and a yoga class each morning for a week, and didn't have a job... so off I went. My first day was less than stellar - I have to admit that upon seeing my two friends from the glory days of rowing and consuming a glass or two of wine I was LATE arriving to the venue where our beloved guru of Ashtanga Yoga was going to be teaching for five days. When I finally found the place, there were seemingly hundreds of pairs of shoes filling the anteroom of a community college gymnasium. The owners of those hundreds of shoes were already partaking in surya namaskaras as I sneaked into the very, very, very back row. After I was finished berating myself for being such an idiot - is seems out of all those 250 people, I was the only one who couldn't make it there on time - practice went along as usual. Because I was in the back row, Saraswathi was walking around and helping us bind etc.. Sharath was in the middle, and Guruji was in the very front. After we finished, as we were laying in Savasana, I noticed that people were starting to get up and go stand in this line, that ended at the three of them sitting up in the front of the gym. As clueless as I was I apparently had enough sense to go join the line and wait for my turn to meet this great teacher face to face. I wasn't sure about the kneeling at someones feet, or kissing their feet or whatever it was that everyone was confidently doing, but I continued to wait. When it was my turn I went over to him and sort of semi prostated myself at his feet, too shy to actually touch them, and then just went the easy way and gave him a hug. His smiling eyes, and his bear hug made me forget all my self-consciousness, and then he looked at me and said "you're here?". He must have thought I was someone else, but then of all things, then he thanked me! Wow, meeting him face to face is such a gift.

Well anyways, as the week wore on I was able to make it there on time. I slowly started to make my way toward the front of the room. One day I unrolled my mat right next to a woman named Fiona Stang who I went to high school and college with back East - which was really remarkable. I became more comfortable with the line, the kneeling thing, and began to look forward to that big hug. Since that time I've gone to see our teacher two other times and now (besides going to India) you all can too! He will be in the AYRI center they have built in the US - this March! I highly encourage you to take this opportunity!

'Tis the Season...

2007-12-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

From all of us here at City Yoga we wish you are warm and peaceful holiday season! It has been an honor to share the gift of this practice with you over another year, and we look forward to many more.

During the month of December our classes are as regularly schedule except for the following cancellations, and special classes:
Sunday 12.16 @5:15pm Introduction to Second Series with Katie (please pre-register)
Sunday 12.23 @5:15pm Restorative Yoga with Katie (All-Levels)
Monday 12.24 @9:00am Beginners Flow with Judy(Level 1)
Monday 12.24 @10:30am Ashtanga Inspired Holiday Flow with Katie (Level 2/3)
Monday 12.24 Cancellations: 5:40pm and 7:15pm
Tuesday 12.25 Studio Closed
Monday 12.31 Cancellations: 5:40pm and 7:15

Check the website for special New Year's Day classes, January's Karma class and new classes being offerred in 2008!

Lokaha Samasta Sukino Bhavantu, (May all beings ...

Smiles From Mysore

2007-12-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Katie and Friends at City Yoga
1) My Mysore milestone
2) Shala steps at 4:45 AM
3) Guruji
4) Saraswati
Say Puri!

The shala is surprisingly crowded again. I say surprisingly because it will be closed from 14 December until 5 January and so most of the advanced and semi-permanent people have already relocated to Goa and workshops there with teachers like Sharath, Rolf, Tim Miller and so many others. I have begun starting at 5AM to stay with the early group and their heat. Before the sun comes up these last two weeks the mornings are a comfortably cooler 60 - 65 degrees but the shala is energetically and physically steamed with the 30 - 40 early folks. As the morning progresses, the temperature heats up outside but inside the shala the intensity decreases and there is noticeably less heat in the room. It's very interesting. I really love the early morning starts and hope I can continue them when I get back home. Took more pics today in the shala because I wanted to get one with Saraswati but each time I've tried she has been busy with her afternoon class. Today she was in the office with Guruji and when I asked if I could have a photo with her she said "sure, you are my good student". Only two more practices left for me in Mysore. It's sad. There's so much I know that I will miss when I have left. Planning the return trip already.
Hugs from Mysore, Larsy

Interview with Saraswathi from Namarupa

2007-11-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

NE: What advice can you give to Ashtanga Yoga teachers who want to teach this method over a long period of time, as you have done?

SR: You don't want to change the method. What you learn in Mysore with us is what you should teach in your place. Guruji has told us so many things; you can't go changing it. If you follow Guruji's method, definitely everything is coming spiritual. It will change minds; everything will change. People like it the way it is - that's why it is spreading everywhere. For forty years nobody has taught like hiim. But in old age - seventy years, eighty years - you keep a few asanas and make them your regular practice. Just do primary, that's enough, but don't stop. You look at the people and see what is suitablele for them. You can choose what their practice should be. Even a very big man can do Surya Namaskara with the correct breathing - you can make him try. Soon it will be much easier for him. If you can't do Surya Namaskara, you can do simple asanas, with breathing and mula bandha and drsthi. Even sick people can do the breathing. Eventually they will feel happy ad their bodies will become light. So many people tell us Guruji has changed their lives with Ashtanga Yoga.

Westerners are very strong people - when they start, they keep going.

From the Fall 2007 issue of Namarupa, excerpt from an interview of Saraswathi Rangaswamy, the daughter of Sri K.Pattabhi Jois by Nick Evans.

Neti Pot How To

2007-11-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

2 Girls for Every Guy...

2007-11-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Katie and Friends at City Yoga, Just like the Beach Boys remind us in 'Surf City', the Mysore shala has the same ratio: "Two girls for every boy". (Sometimes it's three to one.) Today is Sunday and the first day of the yoga practice week. This class and the last on Friday are led classes. I don't particularly like the led classes since we all start well together, but by Navasana things begin to fall apart (Saraswati has a long five count in each of the repetitions). And just before the finishing asanas, it's a scramble just to keep together. But the led classes do allow a head count for the current population. Sixty-one in the shala this morning. Among the people I have met, therer are representatives from the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Japan, Korea, Norway,Russia, Scotland, Sweden, Taiwan and Thailand and the USA. Two things unify this unique group, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and English. Some of these people are just beginning an Ashtanga practice and work with Saraswati one-on-one in the afternoons. Others are very advanced and there's every level in between. If you don't know where to stop during ypur practice, Saraswati will tell you when to sit and watch during the led class. Many of the people here are teachers. Some will return to where they live and teach until they've saved enough money to support them being here for another six months. Others, like myself, are only here for a few weeks. Whatever the reason or the duration, it is undeniably an experience of a lifetime. I'm already past my half-way mark in Mysore - time flys when you're having fun. Om Shanti, Lars

Happy Thanksgiving from Mysore

2007-11-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! A few of us are getting together on T-Day for vegetarian potluck. Today marks three weeks in Mysore and have only two more before going further south. It's going fast. I haven't been adjusted by Saraswati at all this week. Just help in drop-backs. I wait, but there are many more people now than last week and she just keeps moving around and gets the drop-backs for sure and if time (so it seems) she will come and assist in other poses. It's all good. My knee is getting better. I can take Ardha Baddha Padmatonasana with no pain again. The massage guy's work is effective. I've also been following some advice from Gregor. Speaking of Gregor, there's a woman here who goes to his shala in Australia. She says 'he's just such a lovely man and his wife is a dream'. Stay warm, Love from Mysore, Lars

Rick Davis Sculpture

2007-11-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed our really cool bike rack embellished with om signs and yoga figures? Well they are creations of Rick Davis - you can check out his new website at http://www.rickdavissculpture.com/.

What happens in Mysore after morning practice?

2007-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Katie and Friends at City Yoga,

As so many of you lucky Ashtangis have experienced recently with David's Immersion Workshop, a regular daily practice is the 'best' teacher. Still there is no substitute for a knowlegable teacher who can give sensitive adjustments and personalized attention to your particular body during those practices. That is the beauty of Mysore style learning. I'm becoming more settled into a routine here. My practice, as I may have written already, begins about 5:15 AM. So generally I am leaving the shala around 7:30 AM when the last batch of students are just beginning. because I am able to take extra breaths in poses I want to explore more deeply or repeat poses when asked by Saraswati. And if you want specific help you need to wait until she can get to you. There is no need to rush through and no one says you're going too slowly. During the rest of the day there are several options. For those who just want to do the complete tourist thing, lying beside a hotel pool and listening to their i-pods that's a possibility. Exploring the city of Mysore is a culturally and visually interesting touritst-type activity - although exhausting and not something you need to do daily. Although I have my favorite places that I enjoy returning to, where I always notice something new. In the spirit of deepening the yoga experience, there are an abundance of classes in which to participate. They vary in cost to completely free to quite pricey - there's something worthwhile for every budget. I am taking a Sanskrit class from a young Sanskrit teacher - it meets 4 days a week. After learning to write and read the Devanagari script for an hour we have chanting with the same teacher to emphasize correct pronounciation. Our chanting is from the B Gita, the Yoga Sutras, shlokas for Bhajan and some shanti pat mantras. On the days we don't have that class I meet with his teacher who is a Professor of Sanskrit (she has a lovely south Indian singing voice) and we chant from a variety of sources. The second class is completely free. There are some yoga students who have gone there, perhaps for months becoming years. That class is like going from my 4-day a week Kindergarden-level course to a college-level course. It's very inspiring and humbling at the same time to see yoga students from all over the world in a small room in an ordinary home in an older part of Mysore chanting these verses accurately, by heart. There are also classes in the local language - Kannada, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Massage, Yoga Therapy, Yoga Philosophy, the Yoga Sutras and South Indian Cooking. All of them are taught by current or retired teachers and doctors. There's always something to learn. After a nap or two during the day I try to have a light early fruit dinner and be asleep by 8PM. It's gotten cooler here in the morning and I am glad that I packed a sweatshirt. Although the temperature is a probably a comfortable 60 degrees it is chilly especially after a hot practice. Hoping you are all well. Continue your practice and all is coming. Lars

Free Rice

2007-11-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

This site is interesting: www.freerice.com. By participating in the vocabulary quiz with advertisements on each page, you raise money for the UN World Food Program a little bit at a time. The user wins by improving their vocabulary, the advertisers win by getting their ads seen, and the World Food Program gets support. By my calculations (assuming 20-30 milligrams per grain) they managed to donate around 1.3 to 1.9 tons of rice yesterday.

It took me very little time today to get up to 1500 grains, and it's good fun. The words actually get quite hard. My vocabulary level hovers around the low to mid forties.

Here's another interesting site. http://www.poverty.com/internationalaid.html

Did you know...

2007-11-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

With your unlimited monthly membership, not only do you have one guest pass per month, but you also have one free Spokane Youth Yoga class that you can use for your child or give to a friend. The pass expires at the end of the SYY current session. If you would like more details let us know. Also have you seen their new Spokane Youth Yoga website?

My'sore in Mysore

2007-11-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
After three weeks, the newness is beginning to wear off and things out of the ordinary seem quite normal. India is certainly a country of contrasts. Diwali Festival just ended (although I was warned that in a week there will be another grand night of firecrackers - again). I believe it was the night of 10 November - the last night of the Festival of Lights - that the firecrackers began at 6 PM and continued literally (and excessively) non-stop until around 2 AM. The noise was so constant and loud that neighbors in the house next to my bedroom window turned up the music they were playing and then were shouting at each other in order to be heard above the resulting din (gunga). The owner of one of the places where I eat meals said that the growing number of Indians working in the IT sector has produced this new affluence in the south resulting in bigger and bigger spending on events such as Divali.

Food in the south is mainly vegetarian and it is delicious. I did see a local place that advertised Fried Chicken. Just about a mile from where I am staying is a major intersection where you can find a Domino's, Subway and a Pizza Hut. I haven't seen a burger place yet. Visiting schools is quite an event. They have been very welcoming and generous with their time. Usually I meet with the Principal first, chai is served and we talk for a while then other teachers are summoned to meet me and we talk some more. Then we start off to visit the classes in which I have expressed an interest. I am escorted to evreything. The escort(s) stays with me all the time. At times they become bored with the lessons observed and suggest that we can leave now, but I insist on staying through to the end.

The students are eager to speak with me when given the opportunity. In class they are completely engaged in the topics. Sometimes they are called to do board work, at times they are simpley asked to explain a theorem or a technique. When the teacher has asked a question in class generally all hands shoot up to hope to get called upon to answer. When given a problem to solve, they get on it immediately trying to be the first to offer a solution. They use no calculators (log and trig tables are allowed) and they know plenty of short-cuts and quick-tricks to manage the arithmetic needed in either algebra, geometry, trig or calculus. All of the students wear school uniforms except for those in what they call junior colleges (this is grade 11 and 12 here and the students have a tough syllabus). I have purchased some books used for those grades to indicate the curriculum studied.

I have yoga class starting at 5:15 AM and I am finished by 7 AM. Schools don't begin until around 9:30 AM. The weather is pretty constant. About 80 each day cooling to about 70 - then the Indians put on scarves and sweaters. It's humid and I am still adjusting to that. Other things like cows loose on the streets (also ponies, goats, dogs) competing with ox carts, bicycles, pedestrians, mini Indian cars, larger SUV like vehicles, ornately decorated trucks, scooters, motorcycles and flower festooned, smoke belching 2-stroke auto-rickshaws amid a cacaphonous variety of horns and the way everything seems to mesh with little altercation makes life here even more unique. Everyone drinks filetered water - if they can afford it. I have a 20 Liter bottle delivered for 50Rs (about $1.25).
Wishing you could all have the opportunity to be here and enjoy the experience.
Lars

More lessons from Mysore...

2007-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Katie and David and friends at City Yoga, Deepavali (or Dewali) celebrations started last night. Lots of firecrackers. My neighborhood sounded like a war zone. Friday is a moon day so no practice, but Friday is usually a led class day so Thursday is the led class this week. The led classes begin at 5am. I usually wake up at 3:45am to have time for a small coffee at home and some time to wake-up the 'system'. Maybe it was the explosions last night or that I needed an extra hour's sleep, or whatever, but anyway I forgot to set my alarm. So this morning I awoke at 4:50am leaving only 10 minutes to make it to the led class. Somehow I managed to get there before 5am. I was so grateful to Guy and Holly, who have been my practice neighbors this past week, since they 'kinda' saved a spot for me. I was able to get my mat out and street-clothes off and ready by the time Saraswati entered the practice room. Whew! For me it wasn't the best practice ever, but, fortunately, I was, at least, able to catch my breath and started practice in a calm state of mind. Nice challenge for Yogaschittavrttinirodah. Friday and Saturday are yoga holidays. Because of the extra day off in a row, some people have scheduled overnight excursions to areas of interest nearby. I have my Sanskrit and chanting class on Saturday morning and my first Ayurvedic massage scheduled on Saturday afternoon, so I'm staying here. There is so much to see and do here in Mysore that I'm not sure that I will bother arranging out of town adventures. There are a couple of local men that I have become friends with; we enjoy just sitting and talking over a coffee or chai, and of course, a sweet or two. This morning after practice, I was invited to participate in a short puja at the Ganesha Temple. The young priest was very kind and explained the significance of all the aspects of the ritual. There is a beautiful Krishna Temple, up the road from the shala, where some of us go for a short meditation sit in the afternoon. Enjoy your time with David. Om Shanti, Lars

Thank You Heather and Benjy!

2007-11-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

Thank you Heather and Benjy for giving us such a beautiful and inspiring experience. Thank you everyone who came. We will see Shantala again next fall!

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. - Chief Seattle