I find the human mind both amazing and frightening. I took the time to read a book about meditation this summer and found it very easy to relate the teachings of the author to my own experience of the practice. And as always, reading other teachers' work helps me find new vocabulary for my own teaching.
Reading the book, together with my everyday life experience, magnified my awareness of how our thinking mind takes some seriously strange and often unhealthy paths on a very regular basis. It's easy to come up with endless examples from our own thoughts and everyone else around us. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was asking a friend how her summer had been for her and her family. She started by saying "The summer had not gone the way it was supposed to." I smiled inside, as that is actually funny. I also understood what she meant, this is after all something that happens to all of us. We plan, in so many ways, and often it doesn't play out the way we want it to. Isn't it funny that we even expect that life should go the way we think it up beforehand?
Unfortunately, this way of thinking often creates suffering. We become disappointed, frustrated, angry or disillusioned. This is why we meditate, through postures, breath or mantras. It gradually quiets our mind, as it often can be like a hurricane of thoughts when left unrestrained. The meditation brings awareness to what we are actually thinking, so that we can break patterns that lead to suffering. We get to laugh at ourselves along the way when we see our own funny thoughts. The practice slowly increases the amount of time we are completely present to life.
It takes willingness to slow down and become attentive to what takes place when we leave our mind on auto-pilot. It also takes a true interest in finding a different state of mind then the one we think of as normal. I hope that you will take the time to do just that. In what ever way suits you the best this fall. I will continue to share my own practice, knowing how much more easeful, joyful and beautiful my experience of life is due to it.
"If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath."
Amit Ray
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New Classes in September
Gentle Yoga
Thursdays at 11:15am - 12:30am
This class will be "gentle" in the way that it will be physically less strenuous and complex then my other classes. This type of class is especially suitable for anyone that is working with injuries and physical limitations, people who are going through chemotherapy or living with autoimmune deceases, and anyone who takes up the practice of yoga after having lived a sedentary life for a long time. It's also a perfect class if you simply want a less physically demanding practice and still reap the benefits of yoga. If you are interested in this class, please let me know asap. And feel free to let family and friends know about it as well.
This class is scheduled to start on Thursday the 13th.
Restorative Yoga
Wednesdays at 7pm - 8:30pm
I am very excited to be having weekly restorative classes offered at the studio. This deeply relaxing and rejuvenating class will be offered by my longtime student and friend, Chantal Doktor. Chantal is a graduate from
the Ramapo Yoga Teacher Certification program, and over the last few years t
he restorative practice has become her forte and love. I highly recommend that you try her class. You are very likely to see me on a mat next to you! Considering Chantal has a bit of a commute to the studio she asks that you register for the class either by text or email. Please do so the latest by 2pm on the day of class. You can reach her by text/phone at (862)200-4185 or email at [email protected].
If you have any questions, send a line to Chantal and she will be happy to help.
Exchange: $20 at time of class
This class is scheduled to start on Wednesday the 26th.
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My classes will be starting up on September 6th, and I will be offering
4
Thursday, 4 Friday,
4 Saturday,
and
4 Sunday
classes this month.
I look forward to seeing you in the studio and sharing the "awesomeness" of yoga with you.
Peace,
Lena
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The Lotus Flower
The Lotus is one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. It has its roots in the mud, at the bottom of streams and ponds, but rises to bloom above the water without becoming wet or tainted by the mire below. It symbolically represents being fully grounded in earth, yet aspiring towards the divine. For thousands of years the Lotus has symbolized spiritual growth and self realization.
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Stay Connected
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