Namaskar,

A special thanks to those of you who have been forwarding this newsletter to your friends who practice Yoga.

Also, thank you for your positive feedback about our last issue.

Yoga in Practice

Meditation and the Monkey Mind?

Some find the term, "monkey mind", upsetting, derogatory, and insulting. This is a shame, as the point is lost, the ego is involved, and a natural human defense goes up. After all, we are supposed to be the "king of the primates," aren't we?

The first time I heard the expression, "monkey mind," in regard to meditation, I thought of Swayambhunath Stupa, in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sometimes, this is named, the "monkey temple," and it made me laugh inside, as monkeys need supervision in human settings. The picture of unsupervised monkeys got into my head, and I was suppressing laughter during a serious conversation.

Monkeys can be nuisances, when allowed to roam without some guidance, and it is the same with the untrained mind that runs from topic to topic, without getting much accomplished. So please don't waste time being offended by the term, and try to look at the comical side.

When you allow yourself to enjoy life, and try not to take anything too seriously, you can see that monkeys don't have it so bad after all. Very often, the human mind spends too much time defending, worrying, posturing, influencing, fearing, and feeling embarrassed, to enjoy life to its fullest potential.

In fact, you are not your mind. You are responsible for your actions, but many things happen in the thought process before you do take action. For example: when you think, images and options are created. As a result of those images, you get a physical feeling somewhere around your heart.

Whether the feeling is, good or bad, you process it into action, or treat it as a fleeting thought that passes and may be forgotten. So if you have a fleeting evil thought and it passes - should you waste time feeling guilty about it? The natural safeguard for ethical behavior is your heart or "gut feeling." This is the best indicator of wrong or right.

Mankind has the ability to influence the universe, and create different realities, but separating what is sacred, from what is evil, has been a dilemma for thousands of years. The disconnection from your inner self, nature, and God, has led to excessive confusion.

Thank God for meditation, it allows you to harness the power of the mind, settle down, and focus, on one subject at a time. If you take the time for a daily meditation practice, your decision-making process will be much more controlled and clear. The end result will be to look at the monkey with much more respect, appreciation, and a bit of humor.

Cultivate a Positive Mind-Set Through Meditation

You have the ability to create your own mind-set. Whether your attitude is positive or negative, is up to you. The ability to change your environment, circle of friends, and attitude, is within your control.

Just like a computer absorbs raw data, so does your mind. Within your mind a culture, within itself, has grown. Many people feel like they have no control of their own mind, because this culture has become negative. The negativity is a result of past experiences, being in a negative environment, or being under the influence of unconstructive ideas.

Similar to a computer virus, you have to identify it quickly, to avoid letting it spread within your mind. You can also pass this virus of negative thinking to people around you. As a result you are spreading negative energy around, like "weeds in a field."

Much like a farmer, you cultivate too. The energy in your mind is the crop, and it is up to you, whether it is weeds or wheat. If you have a farm and let a field take care of itself; you will be lucky to have any kind of a crop, from it. This is the same with the energy within your mind.

You have to option to pick quality seeds: Information, in the form of books, eBooks, DVD's, CD's, lectures, courses, workshops, and seminars. This is learning, for the sake of self-improvement, and it results in a positive mind-set.

However, your work is not finished, because you must still reinforce the lessons, and keep everything in a focused order. This might be compared to fertilizing, watering, and "weeding the mind." You have to work at it continually or the weeds will grow back. This, my friend, is meditation, and one of the reasons why we meditate, in the first place.

Meditation is controlled focus on an object, thought, or task without judgment. This process makes it possible to look at all situations objectively. You can find solutions, turn negative situations into positive learning experiences, and create your own positive mindset. As a result of this you will make new friends, reach goals, handle problems easily, and develop an indomitable spirit.

Remember the last time you made an accomplishment. That feeling, and that ability, are within all of us. It is a formula for success, but you have to take action. Action is something that the vast majority of people will never take. Learn to separate yourself from "the pack," through education, meditation, and action.

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We invite you to take a tour of the New Forum at: www.yoga-teacher-training.org/forum

 

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Question of the Month

Q: I have a student who has forgiveness issues; she is not speaking to her family and can't concentrate on meditation. Do you have any ideas?

A: When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware that a client has issues that cause anxiety, depression, and a negative outlook on life. This often causes difficulty for the student when trying to practice a stage-by-stage relaxation, and especially during meditation sessions.

When I mention letting go of a situation and forgiving others, very often I hear, "What's in it for me?" or "Why should I?" To be quite frank, you should sincerely forgive for your own health. The purpose is to let go of a heavy burden, that you have placed upon yourself. This is a form of self-imprisonment, where you become bitter, and this problem has established control over your life.

Releasing a grudge is like a prisoner having a sentence overturned, but it is much easier for you, since you are your own prison keeper. This is, in fact, an internal conflict, and you can take control at anytime you wish.

Yoga, meditation, and relaxation sessions, are therapeutic practices, similar to a life preserver for the mind and body. On the other hand, holding a grudge causes negative energy and a multitude of physical and mental ailments. So, why not just let go of this self-imposed burden? Forgiveness is a way of refusing to carry extra problems around.

Some people like to carry around a "badge of courage" wherever they go. The badge of courage becomes their self-image and the whole world around them can see it "written all over their faces." We all know somebody who walks around, day after day, with a scowl on his, or her, face. This person may have forgotten who hurt them in the first place. Each conflicting situation compounds, upon the last, to create a life of misery and poor health.

Now, I am not asking you to forgive or apologize, if you don't mean it, but do you see any common ground, between yourself and the other party? Do you think there might be room to negotiate or, at least, talk? Do you see the other viewpoint? Would you be willing to listen?

Starting any negotiations allows both parties to hear each other out peacefully. This should be a common agreement before you meet. This requires that you listen to grievances, "on the other side of the fence," completely. You will have to listen with empathy. This is a skill very few people have mastered.

Then you present your side of the issue, without malice. Very often, a perceived "big problem" is diffused when both parties realize a small misunderstanding created the two opposing viewpoints. It takes courage to sincerely give an apology, and it takes courage to sincerely accept one. How you handle conflict and forgiveness is a true measure of your character.

Each month, we will post one "question of the month." If your question is drawn, we will post it in this space. To submit a question, contact me at: aurayoga@aol.com

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Have you visited our new & updated site and improved FAQ's section?

Yoga Teacher Training Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/Yoga-questions.htm

We've added many questions and answers that we frequently come across. Recently, we've started to break them down into categories, so they will be easier for you to find.

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Special of the Month

Now you can help your friends, students, family, or yourself to understand simple ways to take control of body weight. Yoga teachers are often asked about dieting tips and this is another public demand where Yoga teachers are in a position to help.

If you have been to our site lately, you may have noticed. I wrote another eBook titled: 14 Days to Change Your Life . It is about holistic weight control, positive thinking, exercise, and realistic lifestyle dieting.

Weight control and weight loss have become major issues. There were 2,615,000 searches for "weight loss" and "lose weight" in May 2005. That's just one month, and it indicates a public outcry for help.

There are some combination saving options, where you can save, when you get two books as a "bundle," and a Free bonus report " Defeating Obesity. " There is also an option to get the Complete Holistic Weight Control E-Course with a Diploma. You will receive a diploma for "Holistic Weight Control," upon successful completion of this course.

Finally, we will start moving forward with E-Courses that address the diversified needs of Yoga teachers, and their clients. The fact is, many of you help clients with stress management, weight control, depression, and many different ailments. I will be developing courses to fill those needs and to build upon your teaching knowledge. My staff has enabled me to, have more time to, write and I will be partnering, with other authors, in the future.

You can get more information about this online, or order at:

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/holistic-weight-control.htm

Telephone order with Master Card or Visa at: 508-222-0092

The office is open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays (Eastern Time)

Fax a Master Card or Visa in at: 401-633-6081

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Yoga Teachers Wanted 

New Yoga Job Opportunities

Costa Rica
Description of Job/Opportunity: Samasati Nature Retreat , a yoga center and resort located in Costa Rica on the Caribbean side, is looking to fill up two paid positions:1. Yoga teacher/massage therapist. The person needs to be certified in both yoga and massage.2. Chef or cook, also certified or with experience. Six months commitment minimum. Please email your resumes, questions or availability to : samasati@earthlink.net or call 800 563 9643. Our web site is : http://www.samasati.com

Miami
Looking for certified a Yoga teacher. Send a resume and references. Contact: Jennie at Within Wellness Center, 7800 SW 57 th Avenue, Suite 325, Miami, FL 33143

Yoga Teachers Wanted / Invitation

Some of the Yoga teacher opportunities below may already be filled.

We have a new yoga studio in Berlin, Maryland, on the coast, 2-1/2 hours from Washington DC. We need yoga teachers to teach in our beautiful studio. If you are in the neighborhood, on vacation, or would just like to visit the studio you can contact Sherry A. Maykrantz at Stillwaters Studio, Berlin, Maryland - smaykrantz@comcast.net  

Yoga instructors wanted to work in Beijing, China, in our new Hot Yoga studio. Please send professional profile and desired compensation to alfie@gini.com or call Alfie at 650-210-8663

Jakarta yoga teachers needed
Power Yoga Teachers Needed; especially with certificate in Baron Baptiste, Jivamukti or Ana Forrest. Please send email to hotyogajakarta@yahoo.com

Yoga Teaching Opportunities at studio in Anaheim Hills, CA teaching Core Sequencing and Advanced Beginner on Tuesday and Thursday nights (6-7:30pm). If interested please call The Place of Balance (www.placeofbalance.com) at (714)777-1953.

Massage Therapists and Yoga instructors needed.
Send resumes to: P.O. Box 467, Mountain Home, AR 72654.

HOT YOGA Teacher Position Open
SPACE Taipei seeks HOT YOGA teacher for staff position. In the heart of Taipei, SPACE is a contemporary, ultra modern yoga center infused with great respect for and practice of the ancient traditions of Yoga and Meditation.

We are seeking a committed, compassionate, patient, open-minded adventurous soul to teach HOT and FLOW Yoga at SPACE. A one year commitment to living, teaching and thriving in Taipei is requested. Applicants will have a strong sense of Bhakti and be dedicated to co-creating and supporting a thriving Yoga community in Taiwan.

Requirements: Certified or Registered Yoga teacher with 2+ years of teaching experience in HOT, MOKSHA or BIKRAM styles of Yoga. Each teacher will teach 15 - 90 minute classes per week. Classes will be taught in English . Applicants with fluency in Mandarin Chinese will be given special consideration.

Teachers are rewarded with an exciting sense of opening up many new students to the benefits of Yoga in a multi cultural environment. Competitive monthly salary, healthcare benefits, housing allowance, Mandarin chinese lessons and opportunity to expand your teaching presence in Asia are offered.

For more information, please contact Ateeka at
moka@aloha.net
www.withinspace.com

Germany / Deutchland
The Yoga Loft, in Cologne (Köln) Germany is expanding the ashtanga class schedule & therefore searching for a regular, weekly ashtanga vinyasa teacher, and also someone available to sub classes. We offer classes in German & English but prefer if you can teach in German :) Get in touch with us at info@theyogaloft.de   www.theyogaloft.de
namaste.

Are you thinking about visiting China?
A start-up yoga school in Nanjing, China, needs one or two yoga teachers to work as Yoga trainers. If you are interested, please contact us chyuanyoga@yahoo.com or milleyxuan@yahoo.com
Thank You, Milley

Instructors needed for brand new upscale Health Spa with state-of-the-art heated studio, due to open in May/June 2005 in Temecula, CA. offering classes in Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais More info - contact Michele at Ajna Health Spa, web: www.ajnahealthspa.com, email: info@ajnahealthspa.com phone: 760-802-5785 fax: 760-480-6345

I am looking for a Yoga instructor for our amazing resort in Chiang Mai Thailand. Construction of the new Yoga rice barn within the rice paddies of the resort make a beautiful location for relaxation and meditation. It will be part of the spa where we also offer thai massage, ayurvedic treatments and focus on wellness. If interested please contact Kelly - kelly.shaw@fourseasons.com

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Yoga Teaching Position Wanted 

My name is Mandy Eubanks and I am going to be relocating from Tulsa to Austin, TX in September.  I am looking for teaching opportunities or even to do office or retail work in a studio.  I have gone through two teacher trainings, which include the Living Yoga Program in Austin and one with Victor Dubin of the OM room in Santa Cruz.

I have also studied with Baron Baptiste, Manju Jois, Anna Forrest, Beryl Bender Birch, Richard Freeman, Sharon Gannon and David Life, and Govindas throught\ the Living Yoga Dallas program.  I have been teaching as well as working at the desk at the Yoga Room in Tulsa for the last year.  I have also taught at St. Johns health club as well as Advanced Dance and Motion. Contact me via Email at MisMandy9@aol.com

Finished a diploma in yoga course from Lonawala, India, in which I have training in various Asanas, pranayama, and meditation.

Work experience in health club as a instructor in which I taught yoga for controlling body fat . I have additional work experience in teaching yoga and also various games, as a director of sports with college-level students.

Contact: VEENA TRIPATHI 109A SOUTH THIRD STREET PHILLIPSBURG N.J 08865 USA  Tel: 908-764-3962 or Email: veena_tripathi2001@yahoo.com

Experienced Yoga Teacher trained in India seeks Yoga teacher position in Boston, MA area. Contact: Dharmendra Singh majdha39@yahoo.co.in

Experienced Trainer with Masters Degree in Physical Education seeks employment in UK or Canada. mann_shine123@yahoo.com

If you own an Ashram or Yoga studio, and are looking for teachers, feel free to contact me with Yoga opportunities. We reach thousands of Yoga teachers worldwide and will publish "Yoga teacher wanted" ads for free around the middle of the following month. Contact Paul: aurayoga@aol.com

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Reciprocal Link Program

Reciprocal Link Program for Healers and Yoga Enthusiasts

Are you a certified or practicing healer, from one, or more, of the many healing modalities? If you have a website, you can exchange a reciprocal link with us. With more links to similar and like-minded websites, you will enhance your search engine ranking.

This, in turn, will bring more visitors to all of our sites - which is, what we all want. A links page, for healers, that brings in more traffic from the internet, will be another added improvement for all of us.

If you are interested in exchanging links, please send your website address, and contact information, to Jade Burnside at the following Email address:

resources@yoga-teacher-training.org

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Copyright 2005 by Aura Wellness Center
All rights reserved.