Namaskar,

A special thank you for your positive feedback about our last issue.

Feedback from August Issue

In Reference to: Meditation and the Monkey Mind

Whilst traveling in Thailand, I came to understand, how the monkey, on a 'basic dualistic nature', exists. Whilst on the ground, the monkey adopts the social etiquette of the nearest troop of people, thus its behavioral patterns arise in co-existence with whomever are lucky enough to share space with them.

When I made it to one particular beach, where the monkeys lived, I saw climbers armed with catapults and stones to drive the monkeys from the cliff face they wished to scale. Whilst walking along the coast at low tide, I walked past the local troop, so disenchanted with human encounters that as I came into proximity with them, they took fright and became hostile, driving me back into the sea across broken coral leaving me with bloodied feet. I caught my breath, waited for the troop to calm down, and continue their route along the coastline.

The tree is the heart of the monkey, and whilst in it they are good and their wistful nature becomes apparent. With archetypal fashion they can be seen calm and still, together arm in arm. Their sinewy limbs breathing strongly, and gentle rounded eyes winking through the shadows.

Peace,
Adam.

In Reference to the August FAQ

Whilst on a discovery of yoga... our paths may lead us astray from our original troop...

To the girl whom has resent for her family... I would liken this problem to the leaving of one tree and migrating to another... the limbs of yoga reach deep into the hearts of all world religions and cultures... in embracing deeper roots through the process of practice and devotion... we need to clip back some of the weaker branches to enable others to shape, and form our life.

Just as the monkey is capable of destruction and discourse...
So too are the faces we know if they are always showing us the same reflection...

An alter or a space for the ones we love can help to recognise the divine within them, beyond that of their roles in our life... yet they do not learn what we learn, and may not be able to be what we want them to be.

The monkey in the heart, is still...monkey see monkey do.
Shiva in natraj is still... a dancer emotes and celebrates through the emotion.

Peace,
Adam.

top

Yoga in Practice

What is Chair Yoga?

Chair Yoga is a gentle form of Yoga. With so many types of Yoga available, here is one that most of us can practice. Inversions and complicated maneuvers are not necessary in a Chair Yoga class. All it takes is the motivation to get started. Most Chair Yoga classes don't use a Yoga mat, but the main prop used is a chair. This helps with balancing poses, and most common Yoga postures can be modified for the chair.

We have one particular Chair Yoga class, in Pawtucket, RI, that uses both chairs and Yoga mats. Within this type of Yoga class, you can cover standing, seated, supine, and prone postures. Most of our classes use the chair only, due to the difficulty of getting up, or down, on the floor.

Chair Yoga sessions are most commonly seen in senior centers, assisted living complexes, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and physical rehabilitation units. Clients can learn any number of Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and stage-by-stage relaxation, with the aid of a chair.

Standing postures, such as Triangle and Warrior variations, can be practiced seated, or standing, with the aid of a chair. You can practice Sun Salutations or Vinyasa, (flowing postures), from seated or standing positions.

Contrary to popular opinion, Chair Yoga is not for seniors only. Most of us take our good health for granted. The physically handicapped have no age boundaries, and they are very enthusiastic students.

Due to trauma, or a debilitating disease, at any time, any one of us could become physically handicapped. Most of us drive cars every day, and there is always a risk of an auto accident.

Some younger family members of seniors, and the physically handicapped, get involved in classes and private sessions. When family members participate in a class, or private session, it is always a good quality time for everyone.

Chair Yoga teachers must continually educate themselves, be knowledgeable of body mechanics, use of props, and a variety of ailments. This field requires teachers with compassion and the patience to help those who are doing their personal best.

It is also a field with growth opportunities; as the population is aging, there are not enough Chair Yoga teachers to go around. Some estimates indicate there are 1.5 million, or more, Yoga practitioners, over the age of 55, within the United States. Therefore, the demand far outweighs the supply of Yoga teachers for this particular field.

Yoga can Prevent the Root Cause of Failure

Within the Yoga class we learn, but life is where we put yogic principles into practice. It is always a wise practice, to learn from the mistakes of others, but it is also wise to learn from our own mistakes.

Failure, stress, and depression, all have one common link. That is the link within your own mind. You cannot afford to cultivate a negative mindset, even for a moment.

Blaming, comparing, and contending are tasks that occupy the negative mind-set most of the time. Powerful emotions like fear, jealousy, envy, and greed, put us into a negative thinking "tail spin." Worse yet, this can occur quite suddenly and without just cause.

The result being, that we hurt others around us, without thinking about the end result. All of a sudden, we forget to assess the situation, and react, without considering the consequences. So what is the solution?

All of us are "wired" differently, as far as emotions are concerned, but we all have them. For some of us, emotional outbursts are routine, while others show no reaction to stressful conditions. How do you learn to control your emotions?

You don't have to. They will be under your control, if you learn to look at every tough situation as a learning process. In fact, none of us has control over the universe. We impact it in a small way through our actions, but we cannot control natural disasters or "Acts of God."

You have to learn to accept, "the glass as half full," all of the time. If you fall down, you must pick yourself up and move forward. Don't trouble yourself over past mistakes. Learn from them and put them behind you.

Find solutions and opportunities within your problems. Don't be afraid to take a calculated risk or make a mistake. Try new things, learn to meditate, and ask for help when you need it.

One last point to mention, about asking for help; it is much easier to ask for help, when you have been helpful, in the past. Helping people will make you feel better about yourself, but it will also form strong relationships. Everyone appreciates a "helping hand," and when you need help, it won't be hard to find.

Alliances and "positive-thinking" groups get more done than a "lone wolf." Remember the saying, "The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts." If you are immersed in collective thought, you may not have to find all the answers, solutions, and opportunities, alone. As a group you will find them together

---

top

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

 

---

top

Question of the Month

Q: What is Vinyasa and can it really keep me in shape?

A. Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word, which refers to breath and movement. For example, each Yoga posture is matched by one breath. This is what you do when you perform Sun or Moon salutations, and these are also a form of Vinyasa Yoga.

So, any sequences of postures that are synchronized, with your breath, are generally classified as Vinyasa. There are many forms of Vinyasa, and even the gentle ones are vigorous. The postures are not held in a fixed position for long, and classes flow with rhythm, similar to music.

The energy used in flowing from one movement, to the next, continues throughout a typical Vinyasa Yoga class. This type of Yoga class will challenge aerobic endurance, enhance flexibility, and build overall strength.

There are many variations of Vinyasa Yoga classes. Some are related to, or offshoots of, Ashtanga Yoga - some originate from other styles, some are very gentle, and others are variations of extended Sun or Moon sequences.

The variety of Vinyasa classes is further expanded when you consider different sequences, pace of the class, and the temperature of the room.

What about heated Yoga classes; is this hot Yoga? The temperature can vary depending upon the policy of the Yoga studio.

At our wellness center in North Providence, RI, the temperature can be near 80 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months. During the summer months, we keep the temperature in the 70's. That is a far cry from 105-degree hot Yoga or Bikram classes.

Most of the heat generated in a typical Vinyasa class is internal body heat. As a result of all this internal heat, you will most likely sweat. Therefore, bring a towel and a bottle of good quality water.

When used for personal health maintenance, Vinyasa Yoga is the ultimate cross training system, with low impact movement, aerobic, and muscle toning benefits. Your body will go through an incredible transformation, but it does require determination. This explains why Vinyasa Yoga attracts so many Type A personalities.

Even if you don't have a Type A personality, confidence in yourself will rub off. As a "by product" of Vinyasa practice, your self-esteem will be improved. You will manage stress and develop a much calmer personality.

Now, where do you start? Find a local school with at least two levels of Vinyasa practice. If you have been on the couch for a while, it will be best to take some gentle Yoga classes first.

However, if you are very active, you may want to jump right in. You should have an honest talk with your Yoga teacher, before starting Vinyasa practice. It's always best to be honest with yourself, about your level of fitness. Have fun, but do not push yourself, when you are in unfamiliar territory.

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

---

top

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.

---

top

Specials of the Month

The following offers are good only while supplies last.

Announcing our Easy Payment Plan for the Scratch and Dent Sale:

You can purchase this course in six easy monthly installments of $75 USD. We will ship your modules on the first, third, and fifth month.

Overseas orders can get pricing by sending an Email with the destination country. Rates for shipping do vary depending on the destination.

Telephone a Master Card or Visa in 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

---

Kids Yoga Teacher Certification Courses : We have an additional Free bonus, on top of the other bonuses, but we only have only 10 copies of the "Affirmations for Children and Teens CD."

Use bonus code: AFF-CD

---

Lastly, Camp-in-a-Box : We have an additional Free bonus! We have 10 copies of Shiva Rea's Solar Flow Yoga DVD with over 2 hours of practice. This DVD contains over 14 Vinyasa selections.

Use bonus code: SF-DVD

---

top

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

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

Growing yoga center in Edison, N.J. is looking for experienced, energetic, grounded, dependable, adult and children certified yoga teachers. We are also interested in working with certified on call massage therapists. Please send resume to info@mysacredyoga.com or call 908 222 3534 Ask for Evelyn. Contact: Evelyn P. Lisojo, Email: info@mysacredyoga.com Website: www.mysacredyoga.com

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 : www.samasati.com

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.

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

top

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

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

---

top

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

---

Copyright 2005 by Aura Wellness Center
All rights reserved.