The Centered Place Newsletter
October 2023
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Dear Philip,
Swami Nirmalananda (Gurudevi) always begins a talk with this benediction:
OM svaroopa svasvabhavah namo namah
It means:
“I bow to your own inherent Divinity, your Self.
I bow to my own inherent Divinity, my Self.
I bow to the inherent Divinity of all beings, the One Divine Reality being you,
being me and being all.”
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And we bow as well - to you and all of the above!
When Halloween comes, we will bow to the inherent Divinity, the One Self, who is being all those goblins, ghosts, skeletons, spidermen, superwomen, Power Rangers, ballerinas, witches and … Barbies.
Barbies? Yes Barbies. We'll bow to the #1 Barbie, and all the other Barbies: Doctor Barbie, President Barbie, Midge (pregnant Barbie), Lawyer Barbie and so on, and also all the Kens, and Allan, too. (More on this later!)
I want to share what we wrote about Halloween in an October newsletter several years ago:
“Wearing costumes and masks, children -- and adults -- can become whoever and whatever they want to be... They can temporarily leave behind the constraints and shortcomings of being who they think they are or who they are told they should be. They can totally immerse in identity with their superheroes, celebrities or whatever else they masquerade as.
"Not only can they try on new outfits but also new 'infits': they can try on new personas and new ways of being. They can explore and exercise new qualities and powers. The little boy or girl in a lion costume can feel what it’s like to roar and be the ... king or queen of the savannah. The Peter Pan lookalike can imagine the joy and freedom of flying – and of never having to grow up. They can all feel what it’s like to be free, free to be what they wish to be.
As a yogi/yogini, how might you consider Halloween? Consider it a celebration of your freedom to become whoever you want to be, or more precisely, to become all that you already are. Take off your mask – all your masks! Know and honor your Self, your Divinity…. "
“…You are more than who you think you are. There is more to you on the inside than the outside can ever convey. This is yoga’s magic, to make you able to look inside and find who you are at the deepest and most expansive level within. To know your own Self, your Core-Essence, your own Beingness…” ~ Swami Nirmalananda
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And in a more recent October, we wrote the following, which is especially relevant, given the political and religious conflicts that are currently burning like wildfires around the world:
“Driving home at twilight on Halloween, I passed through West Brookfield. The Town Common and adjoining streets were festively flooded with children in a wide variety of costumes and disguises. The children were having a delightful time with their new identity for the day. The ghosts, goblins, and skeletons were fine with one another.
I thought how lovely it would be if we adults could take on our varying identities with such joviality and ease: not taking ourselves so seriously, not bickering – ...not forgetting who we really are while performing our various roles and responsibilities. And what if we could see one another in the same way as we see those lovely children? Even in their attire of vampires and zombies, we can still see them as little angels.”
|  | Pumpkin photo provided by Shanti Cattacchio. Pumpkin was carved by her son, Justin. | |
And did we mention Barbie? What? Barbie? That's what Nancy and I both thought when we first heard the movie was in production. Who wants to see a movie about Barbie?
Well, after hearing so much praise and critical acclaim, we finally jumped in, joining the millions who have already seen the movie. Right from the get go -- the opening scene of the film -- we were sold. The film is fun and funny, educational and inspirational. The sets and costumes are very colorful and beautiful. The music and choreography are delightful to hear and watch. The film even delves a bit in history, sociology, psychology and philosophy.
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The film's story is a hero's quest -- a heroine's, quest that is, but the men have a valid quest, too: to realize the Kens are more than just Kens. Both Barbie and Ken go on a journey to self-discovery and self-acceptance. Barbie embraces herself, her mortality and her emotions, even with the cellulite showing up on her legs and with flat feet that no longer fit in her high heels.
Some reviewers say the movie is the flip side of misogyny, but we disagree. The movie pulls the curtain to reveal that men, too, are victims of patriarchy. Director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women), who co-wrote the script with her husband, Noah Baumbach, said her hope for the movie "...is that it's an invitation for everybody to be part of the party and let go of the things that aren't necessarily serving us as either women or men."
See the review on the Spirituality and Practice website. See also the teaching scene referred to (a powerful soliloquy in the movie delivered by actress America Ferrera in the film). She expresses the bind that women are caught in, having to live with so many contradictions. The spiritualityandpractice.com website ("Resources for Spiritual Journeys") includes lists and reviews of other films and books that are of spiritual value, updated periodically.
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- Focus Activity for this month: Lunge ahead!
- Student responses for last month's Focus Activity
- Announcements & reminders
- This month's fundraiser: UNICEF Earthquake Relief
- Class schedule & fees
- Testimonials
- Health precautions
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- Birthdays
- Swami Samvidaananda, The Centered Place Saturday October 21
- Freebies and other offerings from Ashram
- Wisdom to live by
- Video of the month
- EnLighten up
- Problems receiving newsletters?
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Focus Practice for this month: Lunge Ahead!
A Lunge a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Lunge IS good for you! And if you feel that you are coming down with something, do a lunge every hour! It works.
For this month, take the following Lunge Plunge. Do at least one lunge a day. Keep count. Track your progress. At the end of the month, we will give a gift certificate for a free Embodyment private session to whoever has the biggest tally.
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Students Report about Last Month's Focus: What's Meaningful
Here are responses from three students, sharing what was most meaningful for them in the September article titled Pleasures, Happiness and Bliss.
Marie Thibeault, Holland MA: The quote from the article: "Yogic spirituality is not something reserved for Sunday mornings, but is knitted through your whole life, enriching your relationships and everything you do.
Her comment:
"This is so very true for me. I discovered it as a gradual growing awareness of how pieces of my practice would wind thru my days, in times with others and in the silence of a walk. The mantra calms my mind in the early morning anxiety buzz. As I walk, my steps echo the mantra. Or, I will stop and stand in tadasana with eyes closed to hear the world and my breath.
"It soothes me - mind and soul - but also brings a new shine to so many parts of my day.
"The wonderfully curious thing is that this yogic spirituality winds and twines with my very strong and lifelong personal spirituality rooted in my Roman Catholic identity. I've always taken it beyond the Mass and carried it with me and shared with others."
Nancy DiMaggio, Westford MA: Quote from the article: "Aspire higher!"
Her comment:
"(aka you can do better) ... At the end of the day, it is easy to pop a piece of chocolate into my mouth and feel happy for a moment... However, if I actively engage in a magic routine, the single moment turns to many moments and generally sets me up for a date with meditation which stirs the bliss!"
Rebecca Daniels, Turners Falls MA Quote from the article: "The bliss of Consciousness is the best intoxicant there is! But it makes you healthier, expands your senses and increases your intelligence. The stated goal of yoga is for you to live in a steady state of inner bliss, called svaroopa."
Her comment:
"I really like being reminded of why our style of yoga is called svaroopa, and that our goal is always to live in that steady state of inner bliss. Simple and direct."
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Announcements and Reminders | |
- No class Saturday October 14. We are going to a birthday party in New Hampshire for Nancy's grand nephew.
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Half-day workshop and Free Satsang with Swami Samvidaananda coming up Saturday, October 21st. Sign up soon. More information below.
Paj (Robert Page) is on the mend (knee #2)
Several students have inquired about Paj, who had his second knee replaced recently. The other knee was replaced early in the summer. Paj regularly attends Tuesday and Thursday morning classes.
He is doing fine. He's thankful for everyone's concern and gives his best to all. His wife, Barbara wrote us saying: "Paj is doing great! He is truly inspirational." That's for sure.
He continues to do well. We hope to see him soon again. If you wish to send him a note, email us and we can forward it to him.
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October Fundraiser: UNICEF Earthquake Relief for Libya, Morocco, Afghanistan | |
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We are raising money this month for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF brings emergency supplies to reach those in need with lifesaving assistance, including safe water, shelter, medical care and nutrution. In any disaster, children are always among the most vulnerable. UNICEF provides child protection services, including family tracing to reunite children who have become separated from their parents and caregivers, and psychosocial support..
We have set up a special UNICEF fundraiser on the UNICEF site as well as on Facebook. Please help out! Make a difference with any amount you donate. Thank you!
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Ongoing: W. Brookfield Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry | |
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We continue collecting donations of money, food and other items weekly for the West Brookfield Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry. Top priority includes non-perishable food such as regular sized (not large) canned proteins (meats or beans), dried beans, grains, peanut butter or other nut butters, powdered milk and cheese that does not have to be refrigerated, cookies, crackers, coffee, condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.), canned or packaged soups. Organic is appreciated by many. Also, toilet paper and paper towels. You can also bring cleaning supplies, hand cleaners, and can openers. There is a box in our mudroom where you can drop off your contributions. Thank you in advance!
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Class schedule: Onsite and Online | |
All classes are offered onsite and online. You can enroll for the Experienced class (Friday mornings) if you know the basic poses and need little assistance. Otherwise, join the Continuing (all levels) classes. | |
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Mondays
5:30 to 7 pm Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
Tuesdays
9:00 to 10:30 am Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga *
Wednesdays
5:00 to 6:30 pm Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
Thursdays
9 to 10:30 am Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga *
6:30 to 8:30 pm Svaroopa® Yoga+Meditation
Fridays
10:00 to 11:30 am Experienced Svaroopa® Yoga
Saturdays
10:00 to 11:30 am Continuing Svaroopa® Yoga
* To attend Tuesday or Thursday mornings via Zoom, we prefer that you have experience with Svaroopa® yoga. If you are new, we suggest the Monday or Saturday class or start with a private session with the instructor, Phil.
To ensure a space in the studio or to obtain Zoom join information, please contact us.
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Class Fees
For in-studio and online class fees, visit our website. Pay by cash, check, Venmo (@PhilMilgrom-TCP), Zelle (philmilgrom@comcast.net) or PayPal (paypal.me/TheCenteredPlace).
Discounts are available for retired seniors. Scholarships are available for students with financial need.
Gift certificates are available. Give a loved one the gift of all gifts.
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” I just had to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the profound experience I had while participating in your yoga class on Monday evening. I’m glad that my daughter invited me to come with her. You’ll be pleased to know that thanks to your giftedness and expertise, the frozen shoulder pain in my right shoulder is gone. I could hardly raise my arm before coming to your class. What was especially healing and comforting for me was the way that you ministered to each one of the students, helping each one to experience optimum benefit from this yoga. step by step. …”
~ Deena L., Reflexologist and Reiki Master; Ohio
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Masks Are Optional and Available at the Studio
COVID is still around. Masks are welcomed. We will wear ours. Class sizes will continue to be limited to assure social distancing in the studio. We also have plenty of air circulation and air filters.
If you feel ill, have a cough or runny nose, or might have been exposed to someone who tested positive, please do not come to the studio, even if you tested negative. Feel free to join classes via Zoom until you are symptom free.
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Scent Free Studio
Help us accommodate those who are chemically sensitive to fragrances and other scented products Thank you!
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We wish the following students and friends a very happy birthday. Those whose names are in bold are students who are currently attending classes. Wish we could embolden the rest of you!
"There are two great days in a person's life: the day we are born and the day we discover why." ~ William Barclay
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Here is a list of this month's birthdays:
Megan McDonough and Vivian Cole (1st), Trish Long & Tiffany Giza Nichols (3rd), Kate Harper and Cynthia Skowyra (5th), Brenda Chartier, Rhonda Collette and Linda Labaire (9th), Fiona Andrewes (10th), Robin Tobin (11th), Tony Fernandes (12th), Shanoah Whitman and Chris Regan (16th), Lyn Homuth & JoAnn Feldman (20th), Peggy Sullivan (24th), Linda Rodriguez (25th), Wes Wiedemann (26th), Sharon Johnson & Linda Wrobel (29th)
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Swami Samvidaananda at The Centered Place
Saturday, October 21
Half-Day Workshop, 9 to 1:00 pm
Free Meditation Satsang, 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Take both for a full-day experience
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Half-Day Workshop Description
If you attended Swami's half-day workshop last October here, you already know two words to describe your experience: Blissful and Restorative!
Anyone can attend this program; it’s all user-friendly while being deeply effective and profoundly nourishing. The program includes three hours of gentle yoga poses plus an hour that includes a discourse, chanting and meditation. Swami includes meditation instruction along with personal attention for your yoga poses for maximum benefit.
Free Meditation Satsang Description
Experience deep meditation that is made easily accessible. The satsang program includes a discourse as well as group chanting and meditation. If you are new to this, Swami Samvidaananda makes it easy for you. Allow her to show you the truth of the highest teachings, as she guides you to the experience of your own Divine Essence.
Swami Samvidaananda
Swami Samvidaananda is a monk in the ancient Saraswati order. She shares her incredible knowledge in a personal way through her humour as well as her caring presence. Her programs are always wonderfully deep, supportive and life changing.
Swami's name, Samvidaananda, means "the bliss of the mystical heart of Consciousness." Swami Nirmalananda gave her this name because she puts her heart into everything she does. Teaching yoga and meditation is a joy for her as well as a calling.
"Swami Samvidaananda teaches with such Grace and ease. It's easy to follow her, and I have such deep experiences." ~ Kelly S.
"Swami Samvidaananda is a wonderful teacher who teaches with clarity. Grace permeated the program, and her discourse was engaging and inspirational. I felt uplifted and deeply established in Self at the end of the program." ~ Nansi C.
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Freebies and Other Offerings from Swami Nirmalananda and the Ashram | |
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Free audio recordings of Swami Nirmalananda discourses are available online. Listen from home or during your travels. Listen
from your cell phone or PC at https://svaroopa.org/audio-recording
You can also join Swami Nirmalananda online in meditation every morning, by subscription.
New! Swami has a new book titled Yoga: Embodied Spirituality, subtitled Navigating the Inner Quest for Wholeness. We have several signed copies for sale in the studio. The book is also available in Kindle or as a paperback at https://svaroopa.org/books
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Wisdom to Live By: Connection | |
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This month's teaching article is titled Just Do It. The theme for all the teaching articles this year is Being a Yogi in the World.
“Just do it! It’s a perfect slogan… Bring your spirituality into the world. Bring your light into the world. Give it your best. Make a difference.”
She explains that in times of increasing darkness, as in our modern times, yogis were urged by their teachers to get out into the world and make a difference. That's what we are called to do today. We must shine our light and make a difference.
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Thanks to Kathy Bassford for sending us the Hellen Keller quote, above. | | |
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Enjoy the time of your Life!
Now is it - every Now.
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"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go. Courage is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow." ~ Alice M. Swaim | |
Two Short Videos of the Month | |
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Laugh Along
[25 seconds]
Join this child and several golden retriever pupplies for a golden yoga belly laugh. Go ahead! Get on the floor and roll around in laughter! You are strengthening your abs and clearing your lungs, all at the same time! Feel better now?
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Ocean Breath - Breathe along
[1 minute]
Nancy made this video at Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk, Maine. Listen to the sound of the ocean. It's the Ocean Breath - the Ujjayi sound. Repeat and follow along, making the sound your Self with your own Ocean Breath duet. Feel better now?
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Firemen Don't Take Brakes
A fire started on some grassland near a farm in Indiana. The fire department from the nearby town was called to put the fire out.
The fire proved to be more than the small town fire department could handle, so someone suggested that a rural volunteer fire department be called.
Though there was doubt that they would be of any assistance, the call was made.
The volunteer fire department arrived in a dilapidated old fire truck. They drove straight towards the fire and stopped in the middle of the flames. The volunteer firemen jumped off the truck and frantically started spraying water in all directions. Soon they had snuffed out the center of the fire, breaking the blaze into two easily controllable parts.
The farmer was so impressed with the volunteer fire department's work and so grateful that his farm had been spared, that he presented the volunteer fire department with a check for $1000.
A local news reporter asked the volunteer fire captain what the department planned to do with the funds.
"That should be obvious," he responded, "the first thing we're gonna do is get the brakes fixed on that stupid fire truck."
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Email Takes Your Addresses Literally
Mr. Johnson, a businessman from Wisconsin, went on a business trip to Louisiana. He immediately sent an e-mail back home to his wife, Jennifer (JenJohnson).
Unfortunately, he forgot his wife's exact e-mail address and the e-mail ended up going to a Mrs. Joan Johnson (JJohnson) of New Jersey, the wife of a preacher who had just passed away. The preacher's wife took one look at the e-mail and promptly fainted.
When she was finally revived by her daughter, she nervously pointed to the message, which read: "Arrived safely, but it sure is hot down here."
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My little brother just asked, "Why are people so nice to the people who are about to die?"
And I told him that we want to make their last few moments on earth happy.
And he said, "Everyone dies a little everyday and sometimes we don't know when a person is gonna die, so why isn't everyone always nice, because we never know what's gonna happen to someone."
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The Centered Place
YOGA FOR EVERY BODY
www.thecenteredplace.com
286 Bridge Street
Warren, Massachusetts
01083-1210
(413) 436-7374
info@thecenteredplace.com
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A little boy asked his older sister, "Why are people so nice to the people who are about to die?"
And she told him that we want to make their last few moments on earth happy.
And he said, "Everyone dies a little everyday and sometimes we don't know when a person is gonna die, so why isn't everyone always nice, because we never know what's gonna happen to someone."
Be nice to everyone. You never know when their time will come.
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Enjoy yourSelf!
Much love and light,
Phil and Nancy
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