Recession relief -- many are stretching for it

Check out this article, I thought it was cool. Those of us who are devoted to our practice know the benefits which while one can describe them, can sound a bit "ethereal." Like saying "you'll feel great, really relaxed, you'll notice your day starts to flow better...." to someone who thinks yoga is just stretching and toning your derriere, they give you a look! Hmmmm...

(CNN) -- As recession-rattled Americans look to stretch their dollars, it looks like yoga is a little luxury they're holding on to -- or adding to -- their schedules in the hopes of shedding some stress.

For many, the ancient practice of Yoga offers a sense of control, in uncertain economic times. "I've definitely been feeling more stress over the last five or six months that wasn't there previously," Washington yoga instructor Kyra Sudofsky said of her students. "And I do think that a lot of it has to do with the economy."

Sudofsky says evening classes that normally host 18 to 28 students are now packed with more than 30 people, many of them looking for an inexpensive way to release anxiety in a rocky economy.

"I have students coming up to me before and after class talking about friends being laid off from work, or they've lost their jobs themselves and they're looking for an outlet," Sudofsky said. "So yoga is filling in the gap and just a great thing for them to do when they're going through this stressful period in their lives."

Sudofsky says she tailors her class routines to the amount of tension she feels in the room when students hit the mats.

"We're trying to get students to learn how they can control their stress levels and how they can control their thoughts," she said. "If I'm sensing extra stress in the room that evening, I'll actually keep them in a relaxation pose for a longer period of time before we start our more physical poses."

Experts vouch for the therapeutic value of physical activities like yoga in terms of stress relief.

"Whether it's going to a yoga class, a Pilates class or just a very inexpensive walk around the block in the neighborhood, in the park with your kids, if you get moving, you're going to feel better," said Dr. Katherine Nordal of the American Psychological Association.

Don't Miss

• For stress reduction, just say ommm

And students say they reap those benefits at a relatively low cost.

"Looking at a movie or even a couple of drinks after work," said yoga student Natanya Alon, who practices at Sudofsky's Inspired Yoga, "I feel like it's an inexpensive way to deal with stress."

Sudofsky's classes range from $8 to $15 per class, and her Washington studio recently offered a "bailout special." Fliers for the unlimited discount pass say "it'll make you feel like 700 billion bucks," a play on the recent government package offered to the nation's struggling financial firms.

In other areas of the country, instructors are making an effort to reach out to recession-stressed Americans by increasing the number of "pay-what-you-can" classes and even free sessions to make potential students feel welcome.

"A lot of studios across the country -- East Coast to West Coast -- are promoting these classes, so people also start to see this as another effort for stress management," said Terri Kennedy, chairwoman of the board of directors of the Yoga Alliance, an international group that provides support services and yoga teacher certification.

Kennedy says the link between stressful times and increased interest in yoga is nothing new. She opened her own studio in New York's Harlem after the September 11 terrorist attacks, she says, "for that very reason."

She adds that she and the instructors she speaks with have noticed more calls from curious students who are "not your average yogi," including more executive and business types who are looking for answers to questions like, "How do I start meditating?"

Students also enjoy being part of a community,and having a place to share their anxieties.

"Recently, I left a job that was more or less killing me," yoga enthusiast Lydia Charles said. "And my family was like, 'In this economy?' And I was like, 'No, you don't understand.' And one of the first places I announced that was yoga class."

And for many, the ancient practice offers a sense of control, in uncertain economic times.

"It's something that they can cultivate a little bit more of in their lives," yoga enthusiast Carolyn Manning said, "when so much of their life feels out of control."

LOOK OUT FOR:
Found on Karuna Yoga's website:
Kirtan
with Krishna Das
Krishna Das is the most widely known kirtan wallah in the west today. Kirtan is a form of devotional which involves repeatedly chanting the names of God, using simple mantras and melodies shaped in India thousands of years ago. All are welcome.

Location and date TBA
$25 in advance/$30 at the door

He is amazing if you have never been to kirtan (group chanting of spiritual songs, in a call and response style) CHECK HIM OUT. You'll float out along the street afterwards on a spiritual high. Om Shanti.

FEBUARY YOGA WORKSHOP/EVENTS: Greenfield, Shelburne Falls & Environs

SHELBURNE FALLS YOGA
Self Care Series: Arms & Hands Repetitive Stress/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Kalavati
Saturday, February 7, 2009, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Do you spend hours working at the keyboard? Are you starting to have pain in your arms, wrist and hands?
Come learn techniques that can help get at the underlying causes. Attend this experiential workshop to learn:

* Simple yoga based exercises for the shoulder, arms and hands
* Self massage techniques and shiatsu points
* Mindfulness & relaxation techniques

These techniques will give you control, they can be done anytime and are non-invasive and gentle.
This multi-pronged approach will work on postural, muscle tension issues, and teach you to be aware of problems as soon as they arise and how to respond.
Kalavati has been a yoga teacher for 15 years and is a licensed massage therapist. She has taught yoga and stress management at colleges, health clubs and yoga studios. She has suffered from these issues herself, and so brings her knowledge and passion to helping others cope and find solutions.
You will receive a handout detailing the techniques, as well as a discount coupon for massage therapy. Register early as this workshop is expected to fill!

Cost: $22. Pre-registration is required. Go to Embark-lovethelifeyoulive.com to use Paypal.

To wear: comfortable cotton clothing; all the movements we will do can be done sitting.
Questions: email Kalavati at yoginikalavati@gmail.com or leave clear message at 413.337.5529.


GREEN RIVER YOGA

Experience the Joy: Kirtan with Rick Roberts
Third Saturdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm (Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 21, etc.)
By donation and open to all

Experience the Joy! Join us every 3rd Saturday for an evening of devotional chanting and meditation with live accompaniment on harmonium and drum. Chanting practice opens the heart, clears the mind and relaxes the body. When we chant in joyful communion with others, our boundaries soften allowing us to touch the joy, inner peace and bliss residing inside us all.

Chanting is said to be the easy path, the escalator next to the Yogic stairway to Heaven.

It requires no expertise, no membership, and no special equipment, just a willingness to open your heart and sing.

For more information, or to be added to the mailing list for this event, contact Rick Roberts (413-367-9777 or Rick@PioneerValleyYoga.com).

Thai Yoga Massage Healing with Norman Lerchen
Fridays 5:30 - 7:30 pm (Jan 30 - Feb 27)
$75 (only $60 if preregistered by Jan 23)

Join us for this five-week series combining flowing sequences of postures with the healing practice of Thai Yoga Massage.
We will begin each class with a fluid vinyasa flow that warms, balances, strengthens, and awakens us. This will move us into the practice of Thai Yoga Massage partner sequences, gentle work that creates spaciousness and mobility in our joints, and wakes up the lines of energy.

During the class, we will cultivate sensitivity through energetic touch and compassionate presence through observing, giving, and receiving this wonderful gift from Thailand!

For more information or to pre-register, contact Norman (413-367-7530).


Restorative Yoga with Lindel Hart
Last Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm (Jan 28, Feb 25, Mar 25, etc.)
$14 drop in

Join us for this special monthly offering for some of the most relaxing, supported poses yoga has to offer.
Relax deeply, release tension, and restore balance to body, mind and spirit. No prior yoga experience required.
For more information, contact Lindel Hart (413-768-9291 or info@hartyoga.com).

Body-Guided Movement for Women
with Charlene Barnett & Heidi von Weiss

Saturdays 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, Feb 7 - Mar 14 << style="font-weight: bold;">Partner Yoga with Libby Volckening & Jenny Chapin
Saturday, February 14, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
$60 per couple (only $50 if pre-registered)

Communicate, cooperate, and connect through partner yoga: a transformative practice for couples!
Together we will learn partnered postures and provide skillful, hands-on support in ways that will deepen trust and understanding.
Join us for this fun and intimate workshop! All levels welcome.
Pre-registration requested. Cost is $60 per couple (or $50 if pre-registered).

For more information or to pre-register, contact Libby (413-834-4524 or yogalibre@yahoo.com) or Jenny Chapin (413-522-3816 or jgchapin@crocker.com).

Yoga & Writing: A Caribbean Retreat for Women:
with Jeanie Erlbaum and Genie Zeiger
February 27 - March 6, 2009, $1365/person "Spanish Fort" shared occupancy
$1545/person shared occupancy, $1945/person single occupancy

Join us in March in beautiful Jamaica and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our tropical surroundings, explore sandy beaches, and a countryside brimming with historical sites.
The goal of our workshop will be to dive deep into yoga and writing, stretching both our bodies and souls -- which are often in need of such tending, especially in March!
We will stay at Bromely, built on the foundation of a Spanish stone fort dating from the 16th century and perched high in the rolling, green hills of St. Ann, above the North Coast resort town of Ocho Rios. Our retreat experience will include: seven nights accommodations; tours of some of the island's highlights; lots of beach time; and delicious, home cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients and featuring authentic Caribbean recipes.

Space is limited to 10 participants. For more information or to pre-register, contact Jeanie (413-773-9744 or je88@comcast.net) or Genie (413-625-6113 or geniez@crocker.com).

Bikram Wkshop Jan 24

This wasn't there when I last checked so here it is, for hot yoga fans!:

Seminar with Diane Ducharme!
Bikram Yoga Northampton
Saturday January 24, 2009, 11:00am to 3:30pm

Diane Ducharme,
New England's most experienced Bikram Yoga instructor,
certified by Bikram to lead workshops,
will lead a seminar and posture clinic.

Don't miss it!
Reserve now. $50.00 includes class following the seminar.

FEBUARY WORKSHOPS-Northampton, Easthampton, Amherst and Environs

NORTHAMPTON

KARUNA CENTER for YOGA & HEALING ARTS

Tui Na I and II
with Chris Belskis
Tui Na is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. Tui Na uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians and blood through the vessels as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tui Na seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tui Na is also effectively used to increase the circulation of blood and remove ÒknotsÓ and minor adhesions in the muscles and connective tissues of the body.
Tui Na methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi, and stretching techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligament relationships. In summary, Tui Na rectifies anatomical anomalies, alters the inner energy state of the biological system and adjusts the bio-information of the body. For soft tissue injuries, Tui Na relaxes muscles and tendons and promotes smooth passage of the channels. It also promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis.

Chris Belskis, LMT, ABT
Chris Belskis is a practitioner of East Asian healing arts, integrating Shiatsu, Sotai, Tui Na and Traditional Chinese Medicine into his work. Chris studied and taught Shiatsu at the Boston Shiatsu School from 1996 until the school closed in 2003. He holds AOBTA certification in Zen Shiatsu and Sotai. He is a licensed massage therapist specializing in Chinese Tui Na massage and myofascial work. Mr. Belskis is also a faculty member at the New England School of Acupuncture where he teaches various Asian bodywork courses as well as eastern nutrition.

This workshop is open to all bodywork therapists who have experience with five element theory. Workshop partipants must complete level one in order to attend levels two and three.

Tui Na Level I: Sunday February 8th 8:30-5:30 pm $100
Tui Na Level II: Sunday March 8th 8:30-5:30 pm $100

Yoga Workshop
with Senior Iyengar Teachers Christian Pisano and June Whittaker
We welcome two Senior Iyengar teachers to Karuna to guide us through in depth yoga asanas as we explore the question 'who am I?'. This urges us to explore the texture of the body-mind organism. It is said that this texture and that of the universe are woven by Consciousness. This exploration of our own nature is highly intimate, nearer to us, it is said, than our jugular vein or next breath. Out of respect for this intimacy, all desire to achieve whatever goal we may have must be put aside. All of us are seeking this intimacy because our deepest desire is, quite simply, that of tranquility.

Christian Pisano has been practicing Iyengar Yoga for many years. More than 20 years ago he lived in Pune for several years in order to be close to and learn directly from his guru, Yogacharya Shri B.K.S. Iyengar. He holds an Advanced Teacher's Certificate. He continues to study with the Iyengars annually in Pune and with his wife, June Whittaker, herself a Senior level 3 Certified Teacher, they jointly direct the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Nice, France.

Friday, February 27th, 2009 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm $50
Saturday, February 28th, 2009 10 am - 1 pm $60
Saturday, February 28th, 2009 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm $50
Sunday, March 1st, 2009 9 am - 12 pm $60
Full weekend $180

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
with Edwin Bryant
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is the classical ancient Indian treatise on the practice of Yoga. This workshop will consist of a close reading of Patanjali's original text, focusing on the opening section of the work, wherein Yoga is defined and the state of samadhi, liberation, described, as well as on the eight limbs of yoga covered in the heart of the text, which outline the step by step methods for attaining this enlightened state.

Dates TBA (It's listed after above workshop and before one in April so...I'll update it as soon as they post it)
$80

YOGA SANCTUARY

8 Month Anusara Teacher Training with Sara Rose

Do you long to share with others the magic and beauty that Anusara has awakened in your own life and practice? Over the course of eight months we will join together for a transformative journey into the heart of the teacher. Each student will be supported to find their unique voice while learning concrete skills through which to communicate the essence of Anusara Yoga. This is a sacred path, full of joy, challenge and endless opportunity for expansion. You will learn to share your love of Anusara Yoga and to imprint your classes with the dignity and beauty that lie within each of us. This course is designed both for brand new teachers as well as those wishing to deepen and expand their teaching skills.
•100 classroom hours plus additional homework hours•
Please note: this is an eight month training for all applicants EXCEPT those who have been accepted for Level 2 only.

Level 2 • 2009
February 21, 22 • March 21, 22 • April 24, 25, 26 (with special guest teachers, Douglas Brooks and Darren Rhodes) • May 23

Hours:
9:30am - 5pm on Saturdays (with 1.5 hour lunch break)
9:30am - 5pm on Sundays (with 1.5 hour lunch break)

Cost:
Full 8 month Anusara teacher training: $1990, due by August 30, 2008
Early Registration: $1940, paid in full by July 1, 2008
Level 2 Only*: $995, due in full by February 1, 2009, or Early: $970 due in full by December 20, 2008
Payment Plan: $500 deposit due with application; plus 8 monthly payments of $197.00 (which includes a $10.75/month processing fee).
Personal checks, Mastercard or Visa are all accepted.
*please note this is an 8 month training for all applicants EXCEPT those who have completed a level 1 Anusara Yoga YTT already and have been accepted for level 2 only.

Level 2 (February - May 2009)
Level 2 will take students to a deeper level of confidence and ease in their teaching skills. This module is designed both for Level 1 graduates or any teacher who has completed some Anusara Teacher Training and who is looking to polish, deepen & expand their skills in a supportive and fun environment... (see site link for further details)

SERIES CLASSES

Prenatal Yoga with Tara Starling
Mondays, 6 - 7:30pm
Cost: $96 for 7 week session ($15 drop-in if space permits)
Session 1: January 12 - February 23 • Session 2: March 30 - May 11

Postnatal Yoga (with Infant) with Sarah McAnulty
Mondays, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $66 for 6 week session. ($12 drop-in if space permits)
January 12 - February 16

Teen's Girl's Yoga with Lizzy Tyler
Mondays, 7:15 - 8:30pm
Cost: $72 for 6 week session
Session 1: January 19 - February 23 • Session 2: TBA

Beginner's Series with Libby Dembe
Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11am
Cost: $70 for 5 week session
January 13 - February 10

Kid's Yoga (ages 4-8) with Bessie Jones
Wednesdays, 4 - 5pm
Cost: $120 for 10 week session
January 14 - March 18

Little Tots Yoga! Parent and Toddler Yoga with Sara Rose
for children ages 20 months - 4 years with caregiver
Fridays, 10:45 - 11:30am
Cost: $75 for 5 week session for one adult with one child, add $6 for second child from same family.
•Please inquire if you would like to bring an infant sibling to class at no charge•
Session 1: January 16 - February 13Ý • Session 2: February 27 - March 27

SHIVA SHAKTI POWER VINYASA YOGA
NO NEW EVENTS THIS MONTH (as of 1/15/09)


MAMA NIRVANA'S NEW YOGA

Winter Special: 24 classes for $240!

Use until May 31, 2009. Family and household members can share (age 14 and up.) Good for use at EITHER of our studios.

Note: This is a NO EXTENSIONS card. The expiration date cannot be changed.

BRING YOUR PAYPAL RECEIPT to the studio to redeem for your 24 class card.

Register online via PayPal for this workshop:
Winter Special Class Card: $ 240
Use until May 31st, 2009

Making Positive Changes Smooth and Easy

Do you think that changing a habit is hard? Have you tried to make positive changes in the past, only to be discouraged? This session will show you how to use the power of your mind to create the life you want.

It's an expanding community of individuals who want to go beyond yoga poses to total personal transformation. We meet monthly re-define yoga practice, learn fresh new techniques, and explore the deepest teachings of the Masters.

Yoga is a scientific system for creating happiness, inner peace, health, and joy in the midst of daily life. Through lecture, meditations and question/answer, you will come away with ancient and new ideas, perspectives and insights that you will be able to put into use right away.

Questions will be welcome. Bring a notebook/journal. This is an ALL LEVELS group.

3-Hour Master Session:
Sunday February 1st, 1-4pm. Easthampton Studio
$40.

Register online via PayPal for this workshop:
Making Positive Changes Smooth and Easy: $ 40

One-On-One Sessions with Ruth Anne

A limited number of private session time slots are available with Ruth Anne. You can use a private session to focus on a specific area in your life, like your work, a relationship, your health, or your spiritual life.

Ruth Anne will provide you with a personal yoga prescription (a short daily practice) based on your needs.

In addition, Ruth Anne will help you gain clarity about your situation, resolve past painful issues, heal emotional/psychic wounds, and come up with a simple, concrete course of action that will help you move forward into more joy.

Email mailto:info@mamanirvana.com for more information or to book an appointment.

BIKRAM YOGA NORTHAMPTON 241 King Street . Suite 118 . Northampton MA 01060 . 413.586.0014

No special events/workshop listed for FEB 2009. (as of 1/15/09)

AMHERST

YOGA CENTER AMHERST
17 kellogg ave | amherst, ma 01002 | 413.256.0604

NEW! YOGA THERAPEUTICS STUDY PROGRAM February 2009 – June 2010 Patty Townsend Karen Miscall-Bannon Marcia Monroe Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen • For the Spine and Sacroiliac Joint February 1 & March 22 with Patty • For the Hips and Knees May 24, 2009 with Karen • Therapeutics for Scoliosis | Cultivating Ease and Comfort July 11– 12, 2009 / October 25, 2009 • Embryological Development & Yoga Therapeutics 1 Sept. 2009 with Bonnie • Embryological Development & Yoga Therapeutics 2 June 2010 with Bonnie	click here for detailed information!
Join us for these educational, inspirational and fully practical workshops! Each weekend is designed to deepen personal experience and provide tools for working therapeutically with your students. The path of continuing to become a yoga teacher is endless and the rewards are huge! Increasing self-knowledge is the ground for seeing clearly as a teacher. A deep inner-vision develops love and compassion and increases our useful in the community and the world.
Expand Awareness and Deepen your Practice Yoga Nidra: The Art of Blissful Relaxation A Special Class with Patty Townsend Sunday, February 15, 2009 3:30 – 5 pm Early registration — $25 (By February 1st) Full rate — $30 (Early registration is advised)

....for further details see site link above.

MAMA NIRVANA YOGA- AMHERST STUDIO:
South Towne Commons
479 West Street (rte 116)
Suite 80
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 256-5444
Learn to Live Like the Masters

Mastery Session: Sunday January 18th, 1-4pm in Easthampton. I am excited to be teaching these "Mastery" sessions-open to all!

It's an expanding community of individuals who want to go beyond yoga poses to total personal transformation. We meet monthly re-define yoga practice, learn fresh new techniques, and explore the deepest teachings of the Masters.

Yoga is a scientific system for creating happiness, inner peace, health, and joy in the midst of daily life. Through lecture, meditations and question/answer, you will come away with ancient and new ideas, perspectives and insights that you will be able to put into use right away.
The topic for January is "Making Positive Change Smooth and Easy." Use the power of your mind to create your life.
Questions will be welcome. Bring a notebook/journal. This is an ALL LEVELS group.

3-Hour Master Session:
Sunday Janaury 18th, 1-4pm. Easthampton Studio
$40.
Register online via PayPal for this workshop:
Sunday master Session: $ 40
January 18, 1-4pm

Janga yoga: Yogis of the world.

Janga yoga: Yogis of the world.
Originally uploaded by Eric Lon

Another beach yogi!

Tropical Yoga

Yoga
Originally uploaded by Alexandrehuang

Given our horridly cold weather the last few days,
4-9 degrees each morn where I am,
thought I share a photo of truly hot yoga.
On a beach somewhere far far away. Namaste.

Featured Dharma Talk: Mindfulness of the Body

Here is a Dharma talk available from Dharmaseed.org, which has free to download audio talks on spirituality from a Buddhist perscpective. But they are helpful to anyone-you can search by topic or teacher. I highly recommend Joseph Goldstein & Myoshin Kelley talks and there are many to choose from. Here is one that may be useful for Yogi's given by Mark Coleman; he is a teacher out in California and leads nature retreats to reconnect us to the earth and all beings. His website is http://awakeinthewild.com/home.php and he is the author of the book of the same name. Check it out. 2008-11-16 Mindfulness of the Body 53:37

Mark Coleman

Sorry for Technical Difficulties

Hello there, just an apology-the site was down for a few days! Very technical glitch with Blogger where this site is hosted-which Ben at GoDaddy helped me to figure out-Bless Him. He went way beyond "just doin' my job." And now hopefully we are set. If you had subscribed and dropped off, please do resubscribe, and spread the word about Yogapioneer.

OVER 50 YOGA

Thank you Jean for sharing your knowledge with Yogapioneer readers.

Jean Erlbaum has been teaching yoga in Greenfield since 1972. She is the co-director of Green River Yoga in Greenfield, Ma. and is 63 years young. She currently offers an OVER 50 YOGA class at Green River Yoga, Thursdays at 10 -11:30 am. She can be reached at 413-773-9744 or je88@comcast.net.

Yoga certainly has benefits for people of all ages. For those of us over 50, our bodies may be asking loud and clear that we get some of those
benefits soon! When we think about yoga, we usually think of strengthening
bones and muscles, slowing breath and mind, relaxing the digestive,
cardiovascular and nervous systems. I think the most important benefit as
we grow older is maintaining (or regaining) flexibility in the joints and
especially the spine. Flexibility can prevent falls, decrease chronic pain, lower
tension and stress, improve circulation, energy level and posture.

One of the modalities I have studied is called
Somatics. Its originator, Thomas Hanna, suggests that if we do not keep
moving as we age, we develop what he calls "sensory motor amnesia:" we
literally forget how to move our bodies in efficient and comfortable ways.
In a yoga class, we can remember in very pleasurable ways how to release
tension from achy backs and joints, to increase range of motion and our
sense of well-being.

Many people come to me asking if it is too late for them to try yoga. They
are afraid "they can't do it," that "everyone else in the class will be in
great shape," that "they can't get down onto a mat or get back up once they
are down there." There are simple solutions to all these problems! It may
be best to start with a class that is advertised for beginners or as gentle
yoga. If you are afraid you can't keep up or everyone in the class will be
younger than you, you can look for classes advertised for seniors. (There
are several at our local yoga center and senior centers.) You can call in
advance to ask about your particular concerns and make sure the class is
right for you. Most yoga teachers welcome beginners of all ages, sizes and
skill levels. A trained teacher can offer individualized help and
modifications of poses.

For those of you who would rather do yoga at home,
there are many books, videos and dvd's available, some at our local
libraries. One of my favorite books for those of us over 50 is Peggy
Cappy's Yoga For All of Us. She offers practical and fun modifications of
most traditional yoga poses. For those of you who can't or don't want to
get on or off a mat, there are even chair yoga classes at local senior
centers and the Greenfield YMCA. Most yoga poses can be done from a chair,
including from your own wheelchair! There are no excuses: it really is
possible for all of us to maintain or even increase our flexibility. Once we
learn some simple moves in a class or from a book, we can incorporate them
into our daily lives - in taking that extra stretch to reach for a jar or
bending over to tie our shoes. One of my favorite quotes, which I read more
as I get older, is from Thomas Hanna's book Somatics. He says "as we grow
older, our bodies - and our lives - should continue to improve, right up to
the very end. I believe that all of us, in our hearts, feel that this is
how life really should be." Yoga and the flexibility it can bring can make
that a living reality for all of us.

Drug-Free Remedies for Chronic Pain

Two wonderful informative article have come to my attention. And so I will start a new section, which will grow over time on Yoga for 50's and Older. For now, they will be added to the front page. Tomorrow I will post a lovely short article OVER 50 YOGA submitted by Jean Erlbaum, who has been teaching yoga in Greenfield, MA since 1972. She is the co-director of Green River Yoga in Greenfield and is 63 years young!
Today check out- AARP magazine's Jan/Feb 2009 issue has an article Drug-Free Remedies for Chronic Pain, that is definitely worth sharing! Here is a reprint of one part of the article, that lists Alternative Treatments that Work on Pain. To read full article click Drug-Free Remedies for Chronic Pain. Click on image to make larger.

As a firm believer in the gentlest most holistic approach to health maintenance I was very happy to see under Mind-Body Medicine, that meditation and relaxation techniques were included. Also under Energy Healing, acupressure along with acupuncture were recommended. As I a licensed massage therapist specializing in shiatsu (which is another name for acupressure) it's gratifying to see these modalities listed, here and based on research done in the west. Of course these modalities like shiatsu, acupuncture and oh how could I forget yoga is listed under Movement Based Therapies; they are thousands of years old, and have survived this long in societies because they work. Here in the U.S. and Europe finally some respect is being accorded to them only because western science is beginning to show the benefits. So even if the medical establishment doesn't fully understand the philosophy of healing behind say acupuncture they are beginning to give it limited acceptance. Listen, the best thing is to explore with awareness, give time to evaluate if any alternative treatment is working-as they tend to work more slowly than modern drug based medicine. And if you have a health condition of course find a doctor with whom you can discuss your interests and options for your care. All the best. Kalavati: Embark-lovethelifeyoulive.com.

ONGOING YOGA CLASS SCHEDULES by Area

ONGOING CLASSES
Disclaimer: It's suggested that you always check directly with the studio for any changes that may have occurred, and for details on their policies & prices. Yoga Pioneer is not responsible for any changes or errors.

NORTHAMPTON

SHIVA SHAKTI POWER YOGA VINYASA



KARUNA CENTER FOR YOGA & HEALING ARTS



BIKRAM YOGA NORTHAMPTON

Their site lists the teacher for each class in a separate PDF file, if you want that information.

HADLEY

IN SPIRIT COMMON



SINDHU YOGA

HADLEY YOGA STUDIO

Learning Patience...

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
Of course I already feel "behind" in what I "need" to get done. Such is life. Well I wanted to add lovely quotes and even a chanting of peace or joy mantra to this blog. Well instead LIFE HAPPENED. I made a phone call, foolishly i now think. I wanted tech help, you know you've forgotten password and other technical minutiae. You have not been to the site in years perhaps. Well I called for help and instead ended up in a horrible conversation where I lost my patience and the tech guy lost his. It became a downhill slide, sarcasm, tone of irritation, shortness of words...till finally all out verbal combat. By the end almost in tears, I decided to complain. Yet I wondered as a yogi/Dharma practicioner-"what was my motivation?" Was it anger, revenge...which I've been taught are poisons and no good can come of such actions. And I do believe that. But I complained anyway, I was hurt, but also angry. Can someone who is an "expert" in something be kind to someone who is a "novice" or confused or simply, slow and tired? As I write this I now see that this young man too may have been tired, or depressed or simply sleep deprived the day after New Years Eve celebrations. So such is life.
I began to reflect that the quality of patience was needed by both of us. And so I felt moved to share this talk on the quality of patience. It is found at Dharmaseed.org, where many audio talks are free for the download. They come from the Theravadin (earliest Buddhist tradition.) But I think this talk and others are accessible to anyone, you don't have to label yourself a Buddhist. Or anything else for that matter. It is given by one of my teachers Myoshin Kelley, she is very down to earth and open. Give it a listen and share any response. Thanks.

2007-08-16 Learning patience through impatience 56:37

Om shanti.