Saturday, November 29, 2008

Indoor Holiday Bazaar and Market at GY!



Grace Yoga, Foushee is proud to present our first Holiday Bazaar and Market Saturday, December 6th, from 2-6pm. We will feature local artists and vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your Holiday shopping list. Browse PS, It's Leather specialty leather goods, 2-Dye-4 custom tie-dye apparel and wearable art, plants by Jay Miles, Yoga prints and watercolors by our own Daina Cockrell, and much more!

Also, $99 10-class packs ONLY available at the Bazaar!!! 20% off one GY Boutique item, and 30% Consignment Yoga Clothing.

Call me at 218-6761 if you have any questions!

Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

W W G D?

Happy Birthday, Gandiji!!

I Am No Longer At American Family

Friends,

As you read this, I am reeling from being let go from American Family Fitness.

If you are a member of American Family, please know that I did not want to leave. I am so sorry that I could not say good-bye personally.

Please contact me at iffet@comcast.net

Thank you for all your support and love.

Namaste',
Iffet

Monday, September 29, 2008

I'm on Facebook!

Check out Facebook! You can hook up with old friends, relatives and classmates. You can check out some great pictures of me and my family, too (when we become "friends")!

Facebook.com

Namaste',
Iffet

Hello!


Hi, everyone!

Just wanted to put up a post and let everyone know that I'm here! I'm busy and happy, and anxiously following the upcoming elections. If you haven't registered to vote, please do so soon. Every vote counts in this election, and one way to "be the change you wish to see in the world" is by making your voice heard.

Here's a link to Rock The VOTE!

Namaste',
Iffet

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Couples' Yoga Workshop!!!


Please join me at Grace Yoga for a very special Couples' Yoga Workshop on Saturday, September 27th at 6pm.

Candlelight and soft music will set an intimate mood for this two-hour Couples Yoga Workshop at the gorgeous Grace Yoga Foushee Studio.

I will lead couples through a relaxing flow of breathing, gentle stretching, and assisted Yoga poses. Couples begin class with rhythmic Pranayama breathing, seated back to back. Throughout the class, couples assist their partners with stretching and standing poses. Class closes with partners sharing a gentle neck, face, and head massage, just before a restful Savasana.

Bring a special someone for an evening of sharing and connecting through Yoga. Class is open to all, and no prior Yoga experience is necessary.

A great date night!


Please go to mygraceyoga.com to register. Space is limited to only 20 couples!!

Cost is $45 per couple (mat rental extra).

Wonderful-smelling massage lotions will be provided!

Namaste',
Iffet

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Free Yoga Class for Hope and Rememberance on Sept. 11



Please join me at Grace Yoga, Foushee, for a very special class for Hope and Remembrance on Thursday, September 11th at 7pm.

I will conduct an 80 minute, mixed-level Vinyasa. Our goal will be to dedicate our love and our work towards those who need it, whether they be survivors or the 9/11 attacks, or others in our lives hit by trauma in this physical life.

I will accept donations for a local firefighters' charity.

Please go to mygraceyoga.com to register for class.

Be well.

Namaste',
Iffet

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Jewelry By Heart 2 Heart Trunk Show


Friends,

Please come down to Grace Yoga Foushee Friday, September 5th from 6-9pm for a very special Trunk Show by jeweler/designer/artist, Linda Kay Allard of Jewelry by Heart 2 Heart. We will show Linda's spiritually inspired pieces, most of which are presented in pure, .999 Silver. Also, you can purchase the Grace Yoga Signature Double Tag Pendant (shown above), and all new Grace Yoga Signature Bracelet!

From the artist:

"As an artist, silversmith and designer, I create spiritual jewelry from precious metals and gemstones. I have several diplomas from the Gemological Institute of America and I am working towards my graduate gemology diploma, but my first love is spirituality and it is the meaning behind each stone and symbol that draws me to create. With each piece, my goal is to craft a work of art that helps the wearer to focus his or her intentions and thoughts on spirituality.

I spent several years in my youth as a fine jewelry buyer in department stores but it was only after my husband was diagnosed with cancer several years ago that I began creating my own pieces as I turned to the spiritual world for emotional healing. As I combined my love of jewelry with my search for peace, I incorporated designs from eastern and western religious traditions to help to connect people to their feelings and their beliefs. In doing so, I discovered that the simple act of working with these pieces is enough to engender my own sense of peace and well-being.

I truly hope that wearing these pieces will do the same for you."

Friday, August 22, 2008

Online Registration for Grace Yoga is Up and Running!


Friends,

Joining us at Grace Yoga has now been made easier!

You can go to mygraceyoga.com to view schedules for group classes, workshops, and to purchase class packs, memberships and private sessions.

Payment is secure and your information is confidential.

You may even get special pricing just for signing up online!

As always, be well, and keep practicing!

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Foushee Street Fair Sunday, August 24

Please join us at Grace Yoga for the Foushee Street Fair on Sunday, August 24th from 4-8PM. You can take Gentle Yoga with Arlene at 4, then browse the surrounding businesses, grab something to eat and enjoy live music!

We'll have a table set up with schedules and information about upcoming events and classes. Also, come and meet Grace Yoga's incredible faculty, and ask those burning Asana (posture) questions you've been dying to ask but couldn't (because you were on your head!).

We'd love to see all of our friends, new and old there!

Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Mixed-Level Flow Podcast







Check out this 60-minute flow class. It was recorded at a 5:45am class, we began standing at the top of the mat.
Namaste',
Iffet

Monday, August 4, 2008

Backbends and Inversions Workshop at Grace Yoga



I will present a special workshop on Backbends and Inversions on Saturday, August 23rd at 2:30pm at Grace Yoga Studio, 209 North Foushee, between Broad and Grace Streets.

Cost $25 in-advance (up until August 20) and $30 at the door.


Click here for registration information.

“Bending back and opening the chest [also] unlocks the spirit within. Practicing these postures takes you along previously untraveled paths, challenging you to overcome fear and frustration, teaching you to move with ease and grace and to live with an open heart and a passion for life and love”
(J Chapmen, Yoga for Inner Strength, p164).

The backward bending asanas energize, refresh and invigorate the body- opening the chest, encouraging inhalation, an action associated with embracing life.

Bending backwards turns the body out to face the world, often from a different perspective.

Backbends can move blocked energy through all the chakras, or energy centers.

Often after backbends one feels invigorated, empowered and free and as though boundaries have been expanded.

The concept behind inversion poses is expressed in yoga texts as viparita karani. Viparita karani is translated as meaning 'opposite process'. This simply means facilitating a different perspective. From the purely physical point of view, this different perspective in inversion poses is literal - in terms of looking at the world from a different physical viewpoint - as well as involving the body being supported in a different way.

There is a theoretical concept in yoga about why inversion postures help. Ayurveda considers that many of the body's impurities are in the lower abdomen. When we raise our feet above the head, gravity is assisting us to move these impurities towards what the Ayurvedic system calls agni, or 'fire'. Agni particularly relates to our 'digestive fire', and is thus located above our lower abdomen.

So, by being upside down, and by using the deep and slow breathing typical of yoga, we help 'burn off' the impurities that were previously stuck.

Improved circulation is a more readily apparent and less 'esoteric' benefit of inversion yoga poses.

Please join me at this very special location for this very special workshop. I'd love to see you there!

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Listen to my Gentle Yoga PODCAST!!!!



Please enjoy this 60-minute Gentle Yoga class recorded on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Take my class with you to the beach, or on vacation, or just listen in your own home.

Let me know if you like it!

Namaste',
Iffet

Friday, August 1, 2008

AMAZING!!





Here are some pictures from Grace Yoga's opening last night!

We had about 60 people! Folks had to go up to the balcony!!!

Namaste',
Iffet

Thursday, July 31, 2008

GRACE YOGA DEBUT TONITE!!!!


Friends,

Please join me this evening at GRACE YOGA, 209 North Foushee, between Grace and Broad for a special FREE class, given by GRACE YOGA'S founder, Arlene Bjork!!!!!

CALL-245-9222 for information, or click here!

Look forward to seeing you TONIGHT!!!!!!!

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Preparing to Launch Grace Yoga!


Well, Grace Yoga Foushee Studio opens this Friday, and we're putting the finishing touches on our new home. There are many "unknowns", especially starting a business in this shaky economy. But our vision is clear and service is our mission, so we go forward with eyes and hearts open.

So please join all of us at Grace Yoga Foushee for a sneak-peek this Thursday, July 31 at 6:30pm. Arlene is preparing a special Vinyasa for all of our friends, new and old, and it promises to be a Satsang - or Divine Association, bringing together many through love and devotion.

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, July 20, 2008

FREE YOGA CLASS with ARLENE BJORK!!


Please join all of us at Grace Yoga to bless our new space with sweat!

Thursday, July 31, 6:30pm, Mixed-Level Vinyasa practice.

Grace Yoga
209 North Foushee, between Grace and Broad.

Please call 804.245.9222 or go to a Grace Yoga for more information.

Namaste',
Iffet

Know anyone that works downtown?

If you work or live Downtown, or if you've got friends that work or live Downtown, please let them know that I will be offering a noontime Express Lunch Yoga, with boxed lunch included!

Class will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. Class is 45-minutes, but it'll be packed with heart-opening, life-affirming, and energizing postures to help you "OM" your way through your week!

Go to Grace Yoga for schedules, price list and special events!

We open on August 1st!!!

Namaste',
Iffet

Grace Yoga
209 North Foushee
Richmond, VA
804.245.9222

GRACE YOGA Grand Opening!!

I am excited to announce the opening of an exciting and wonderful new studio in Downtown Richmond!
Grace Yoga, founded by Arlene Bjork, E-RYT, 500, will be opening its doors on August 1! Arlene has found a lovely building at 209 North Foushee, between Broad and Grace Streets. I am honored to have the opportunity to teach at Grace Yoga and share the gift of Yoga.
For more information and schedules, click here.
Thanks for all your support and love!
Namaste',
Iffet

Monday, June 9, 2008

Send me Your E-Mail Addresses!

I am putting together an e-mail notification list for happenings and my upcoming newsletter!

Please fill out the SUBSCRIBE! form to the left and I'll put you on my list.

Also, feel free to forward my Blog address to anyone in your circle that you think would like to get Yoga news and information from me.

Thanks for all your support and love.

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Another Quote

Sivananda's Message of the Day for Sunday, June 8, 2008


Always do good to others. Be selfless. Mentally remove everything and be free. This is divine life. This is the direct way to Moksha or salvation.

-- Sri Swami Sivananda

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Quote of this day...wow.

Sivananda's Message of the Day for Wednesday, June 4, 2008


Spiritualize all your activities.

-- Sri Swami Sivananda

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Why 108 Sun Salutations???

This is from FitSugar.com...

"The 108 salutation practice is named Mala, representing the 108 mala beads (prayer beads). There are many reasons for the Hindu and Buddhist belief in the sacredness of the number 108.

* There were initially 54 sounds in the Sanskrit alphabet: 2 X 54 = 108
* There are 108 Upanishads, which are part of the oldest scriptural texts of Hinduism. They primarily focus on philosophy, meditation, and the nature of God.
* There are 108 names for Hindu deities.
* The distance between the earth and sun is 108 times the diameter of the sun, therefore, the number 108 is taken to represent the "distance" from the devotee to the divine.
* Some say there are 108 feelings: 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future."

Come and join me on June 14 at 7am for a very special 108 Sun Salutation Mala at the new American Family Fitness Short Pump, 11760 West Broad Street, behind Macy's at Short Pump Town Center. Call 364-1200 for more information.

Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Renew Your Friendship - With Your Breath!

How many times have we gotten an e-mail or voicemail from an old friend? Sometimes, we forget to call back. We feel bad. Time passes and we keep forgetting to get back to our old friend. And then, we reconnect - and it's like a day never passed since you spoke to her. She's still the same - in your life, part of your heart.

I think this is similar to the relationship we have with our breath. Sometimes, we don't hear it. We are too busy or stressed to feel the sensations of our breath. We forget to relax and breathe deeply. But then, like we're sitting down to answer an old voice mail, we tune in, we dial her up, and just like our dear old friend, our Breath is there for us. It sustains us from the moment of our birth to the moment of our death.

Sit down. Slow down. Call your friend. Send her an e-mail. Dial in and renew your relationship - with your BREATH!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Taking Classes


Hello, All!

I've been off from J Sarge for a few weeks, so I've decided to take some classes. I'm learning some good stuff and just enjoying being with my breath. I've really missed taking classes.

But now, here's the part where I tell you what you should do!

Be open to new experience, and a big part of that is taking Yoga classes with other instructors. We all like what we know, and we know what we like, but that leads to attachment, and that's something that Yoga teaches us to look away from. If you're so attached to a teacher, then what happens when she has a sub? Is your practice shot for that day, or that week? That's your Yoga time - time for you to be in the present and experience what the Now has to offer. As an instructor, all I ask of my participants is that they breathe and feel and be present, and you can apply that to any situation - or class.

Be well and keep practicing!!!

Namaste',
Iffet

PS "Ashram Sunset" was painted by me last year.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Check out Swami Ji

I found this in my in-box the other day and floated over to read some of Swami Ji's diary. It's absolutely compelling and lovely. This guy is love.

Click on the title of this post to read his diary.

Swami Ji’s Diary – Daily Satsang

Are you curious how a Swami’s life looks like? Are you interested in what he thinks and feels when he is not in public? Swami Balendu, who lived in a sealed cave for three years and 108 days, wants to share his daily thoughts with you in his diary. We have a great worldwide response as the daily entries give answers to many people’s everyday problems. If you have any comments you are welcome to sign our guestbook.

Happy reading! Let me know what you think.

Namaste',
Iffet

Monday, April 28, 2008

Good Quote

If you are good, the whole world will be good for you.

-- Sri Swami Sivananda


Be well!

Namaste',
Iffet

* The Daily Quote can always be seen on the Sivananda "Om" page:
http://www.sivananda.org

* More of Swami Sivanada's Spiritual Quotes available at
http://www.sivananda.org/publications/quotes/random_quote.html

* Sanskrit->English dictionary available at
http://www.sivananda.org/teachings/glossary/glossary.html

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

J Sarge Banquet Tomorrow!

Meet me and your classmates at Richmond's famous India K'Raja India Restaurant!

Check the restaurant out online at indiakraja.com

We'll be there at 12:30.

Post here if you need directions or want to communicate with me.

Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Family Zumba GOLD PARTY this Saturday!!!!


Please join me and Nicki Lee at American Family Short Pump this Saturday, 4/5/08 at 4pm for a Family Zumba Gold PARTY!!! We'll have balloons, prizes, and, of course, the greatest dance-cardio workout, ZUMBA!!! The best part is, you can bring your kids! Participants ages 9 and up are welcome.

Please call 364-1200 for more information.

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Focus on the Back

Sorry, All! I've been delinquent in my posting. I'm still here - pluggin' along!

I've been focusing on back strength this week, and I'll continue next week. My brother did something to his back, and landed in the hospital! This has made me conscious of the importance of back strengthening exercises - yes, all those back bends, Cobras, etc. I've shied away from offering these poses because I didn't really know how to help people avoid compression. Now, I do! It's all about length throughout the spine and relaxation of the buttocks. If we squeeze the glutes when doing a back bend, we'll cause compression of the sacral and lumbar spine - and cause pain. Conversely, we need to keep the cervical spine long and just lift with our erector spinae - the muscles in the middle back along either side of the spine.

As I said, I've been focusing on this all week and I'm beginning to feel those muscles engaging and taking pressure off the low back. I hope my participants are feeling the same benefits!

Be well!

Namaste,
Iffet

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Free Zumba Class!!!!!

ZUMBACALIENTE

presents

A

FREE ZUMBA CLASS



Zumba is an exciting fitness class that combines aerobic interval training, a mixture of body sculpting movements and easy to follow Latin dance steps to tone and sculpt the body and spirit! Set to the beat of Latin and Intercontinental rhythms, Zumba fitness creates a party-like atmosphere and a “feel happy” workout. Zumba is for all fitness levels. No previous experience in dance is needed to have fun with Zumba. Come see how fun a workout can be!



FOR WHOM: Adults and teens accompanied by parents

Fun-spirited persons who want to try ZUMBA for the first time AND

persons who enjoy ZUMBA already



WHEN: Wednesday February 27, 2008

Class runs from 6:00 p. m. – 7:00 p. m.

Registration begins at 5:30 p. m.



WHERE: Henrico Volunteer Rescue Squad Building

2nd Floor (enter through the glass door on the side of the building)

5301 Huntsman Road

Sandston, Virginia 23150



DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Williamsburg Road and Laburnum Avenue, head East on Williamsburg road toward the airport. At the BURGER KING, turn RIGHT at the stop light and turn LEFT into the Rescue Squad Parking lot.



PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: Participants can only park on the side of the building. Do not park in reserved spaces or in front of the rescue squad building. We have to make sure the squad can get their equipment out if they receive a call for help.



● This class is open to the public; no memberships required.

● Participants should wear supportive smooth-bottom tennis shoes & bring water to drink

● Participants are required to register at the door & sign a waiver prior to staring the class.

● Instructors- two certified fitness instructors qualified to teach ZUMBA Fitness classes.



For more information, please email Zumbacaliente@yahoo.com

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

More on Intention - from Arlene Bjork of Grace Yoga

More on Intention

Many of you who take my classes hear me talk about intention. Intention is defined as "a determination to act in a certain way".

Intention paves the road for success in whatever we do.

Intention assures a determined end result versus a haphazard conclusion.

Set a clear, attainable, realistic intention.

Gather the right tools designed to get the job done. If your goal is meant for you, the tools you need are already inside of you. If you search deep down, I bet you would agree with me.

Make the investment to carry out the intention. Time, resources, education, courses, consultant, whatever it takes.

Make sure you have the proper materials. Capital, equipment, books, human resources, a supportive network of people; figure out what you need.

Finally, do you have the energy to carry out your intention to the very end?

Tools. Investment. Materials. Energy. TIME is the formula for 2008. Let me know if I can help. This has helped me so far, and this will help you if you practice.

With much love, Arlene

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Chakra Symbols and Chart

The following is a really nice chart of the seven Chakras and their corresponding symbols, colors, etc. It's from What's Your Sign.com...Enjoy!

Chakra Symbols

Chakra Diagram
The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel. Chakra symbols represent the circular centers of energy, and they correspond to the nerve plexuses and organs in the physical nervous system. By focusing on these energy centers, and understanding the function of each, we are able to balance our energies, augment areas in our lives, and even facilitate healing.

By referring to the chakra diagram on the left, and relating it to the table below, which describes the attributes for each energy center, you should get a clearer picture of what each chakra symbol represents and how each affects us differently.

The information given on this page is a basic summary. Chakra practitioners spend years learning about the healing arts relating to these intricate energy centers. If you wish to learn more about this unique realm of the human make-up, the author encourages you to begin an avid independent study.

Many individuals have chakra symbols embellished on clothing to keep the attributes in their mind as they aspire to better balance and higher energy. To assist in this achievement, please click here.


Questions? Comments? Ordering Information? Please click here.


Chakra Symbol Attributes:

Name Common Name Location Physical Governing Emotional Governing Sense Mantra Element Color Seat
Muladhara Root Chakra Base of spine, sacral plexus Organs of excretion, adrenals Survival, primal instinct Smell Lam Earth Red Primal life force
Swadhisthana Sacrum/Sacral Chakra Genitals, fluids Gonads, reproductive organs Self-acceptance, emotion, sexual energy Taste Vam Water Orange Creativity
Manipura Solar Plexus Chakra Navel Pancreas, abdominal organs Self-will, mental acuity, sense of identity Sight Ram Fire Yellow Subconscious emotion, ego, & will
Anahata Heart Chakra Heart area Thymus, lungs Compassion, love, healing Touch Yam Air Green Love
Vishudha Throat Chakra Laryngeal pluxus Thyroid Self-expression, speech Hearing Ham Ether Blue Creative expression, communication
Ajna Third Eye Chakra Between the eyebrows Pituitary gland Intuition, extra sensory perception Sixth sense, higher mind Aum Time Indigo Primordial power
Sahasrara Crown Chakra Top/crown of head, brain Pineal gland Divinity, peace, enlightenment Beyond sensory - Space Violet Liberation, All Power, eternal bliss

Swastika Discussion

We were talking about chakras the other day in class at J Sarge, and the symbol of the swastika came up and I promised to find some information about its ancient roots. So, please see the Wikipedia article above.
Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Who am I and Who Are You?

This is a cute and insightful poem by one of my Yoga students at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Their assignment was to do a creative presentation of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, or Ashtanga. The author is Ms. Julia Leuthardt.

Who Am I and Who Are You?

Patanjali's eyes are resting on mine
having a question obviously on his mind
what is it that he wants me to find?

who am I and who are you?

do you know the answer for sure?
the answer lies within yourself
hidden on a secret shelf

you have to see beyond nature
to understand your spiritual fracture
of your True Nature

climb up with me the eight limbs
and become one of the spiritual kings

restrain your relationship with other people – Yama
and concentrate on your inner drama
reaching towards Niyama

with Asana you find yourself seated
with Pranayama you breathe it

Pratyahara means to withdraw yourself from any senses
with Dharana you're fixing on lenses

Dhyana brings you deeper into meditation
of a higher concentration

the last limb is Samadhi
filling you with ecstasy

you have climbed the eight limbs with me
do you feel how pure you can be?

practice every day a bit
you will see how it fits
into your life
in which you have to struggle so much to survive.

February 12th, 2008 Julia Leuthardt

Friday, February 8, 2008

Be Where You Are

Do you find yourself fidgeting in class (especially during Savasana)?

Does a five-breath hold on Downward-Facing Dog mean shift the hands for one breath, move the feet for the second, bend the knees for the third, activate the Abs on the fourth, and watch the bead of sweat roll down your nose for the fifth?

Does Pigeon Pose translate into "Squirmy-Wormy" pose for you?

I have noticed that we transpose our very natural and healthy desire to re-create past comfort or avoid past hurt onto our mat. We spend so much mental and physical energy to this end, that we totally miss being in the pose. Yoga tells us that only when we detach ourselves from past memories and impressions can we truly be present, aware and alive.

So, next time those hips raise up for Adho Muka Svanasana (Down Dog), stay put! Your instructor will indicate to move on soon enough! You may find something new and exciting - or maybe just realize how wonderful and fulfilling being here, now can be.

Namaste',
Iffet

Monday, February 4, 2008

Yoga and Osteoporosis

This is a very well-researched topic and the above link will get you to an extensive study.

In a nutshell, Yoga is GREAT for slowing down or even reversing osteoporosis!

A simple GOOGLE search of Yoga and Osteoporosis will reveal many facts from studies to stories.

Please leave a comment if this is helpful to you or a loved-one (which should also be YOU!)

Namaste',
Iffet

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Continuum at Yoga Source!

Continuum Weekends At Yoga Source
Feb.2-3, Mar.1-2, Mar.29-30, Apr. 19-20

Winter

Continuum is an invitation to play in the field of being human. We
experiment with breath, sound, and movements that mirror and engage our
living fluid nature. By learning to differentiate and sense into the many complex
layers of our own biology, we come into conscious relationship with all life. The
awakening of this consciousness infuses every part of our being -physical,
emotional, spiritual, and communal--with spontaneous grace and ease.
The benefits are that we become present, supple, balanced, strong,
joyful, relaxed, adaptable, and filled with the deep pleasure of breathing in
every moment. All of this gives rise to a profound sense of expansiveness,
belonging, and connection.
Continuum compliments: Yoga, Bodywork, Meditation, Athletics,
Music, Dance, Healing, Community, and Creativity in general.
Each class contains space for community exchange, discussion of
Continuum philosophy, demonstrations of open form explorations, and a
longer time of personal movement inquiry called a Dive.

Where: Yoga Source
3122 W. Cary Street #220 (in Cary Court Shopping Center)
When: February 2nd – 3rd, March 1st – 2nd, 29th -30th, April 19th-20th
Sat. 1 -4, Sun. 10-1
Fee: $25 per session or $40 per weekend
Students $20 per session or $30 per weekend

Info: Cory Blake 804-320-4736/returnman@aol.com
Continuummovement.com/Continuummontage.com


Cory Blake is an authorized Continuum Movement teacher who is a
guitarist, educator, and composer. He has performed in numerous
venues and taught on the faculties of both Virginia Commonwealth
University and the University of Richmond. A long time student of
meditation and human potential inquiries, Cory began studying
Continuum with Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper, the founders of
Continuum, in 1992. Cory believes that Continuum is one of the great
evolutionary shifts on the planet.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Meditation Class - a GREAT opportunity!

Feeling stressed out?

Take a time out . . . Explore Meditation as a tool for relaxation, healing, stress management, grounding, improved focus and concentration.

Join us for an afternoon at Nature's Touch Wellness Center

with Afi Farjadi RN, LMT, Reiki Master/Teacher



Date: Sunday Jan 27

Time: 4pm-5:30pm

cost: $15

No prior experience is necessary, come and feel the energy

Please RSVP with Afi

Nature's Touch Wellness Center
1403 Pemberton Road, Suite 104-
Richmond, Va 23238
804-212-8329

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

From Grace Yoga - Intention

Set the Tone for 2008 with Intention

Many of you who take my classes hear me talk about intention. Intention is defined as "a determination to act in a certain way".

The word "action" is within the definition. It is powerful to realize that intentions REQUIRE action.

Our yoga practice should involve the creation of intention because it helps us to direct our actions in a very specific way. If I intend to practice for the purpose of strengthening my mind, then my actions (postures) would more than likely be challenging ones.

Taking this notion to the yoga of living, I created a short list of intentions for 2008. One such intention dealt with my personal yoga practice. I have mentioned to several people that I needed my practice to take a giant step to a new level. I need to work harder and allow the "furnace" to burn hotter. Well, my actions so far have been to commit to my calendar more vigorous practice sessions more often per week. I have chosen more challenging teachers to teach me, and I have asked them to hold me accountable to this intention.

I tell you all of this because we all have work to do so we can be who we want to be. Grace Yoga was created with the intention to support and guide practitioners and teachers. If you have a goal, create an intention, write down your action plan, tell others about it, and make it real!

With much love, Arlene

About Grace Yoga


Arlene Bjork has practiced and taught Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga since 1997. She was inspired to begin her avid practice after she realized during her first yoga class that her back pain from scoliosis had completely disappeared.



Before her full-time Yoga teaching career, Arlene served the corporate world managing Human Resources in the retail and manufacturing fields, She later constructed curriculum for and taught technology, math and journalism at a private secondary school.



A Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500hr level based in Richmond, VA, Arlene's method builds strength, creates heat, cultivates the breath and calms the mind. All levels of practitioners, from the beginner to the advanced, can find pleasure and challenge under Arlene's creative guidance. Arlene has practiced with a number of very gifted yoga masters, but even better, she teaches awesome learners who come back for more!



Grace Yoga was founded to deliver world-class quality instruction to practitioners and teachers whom are willing to embrace and pass on the tradition of this life-changing practice.




I look forward to seeing you soon,


Arlene Bjork
Grace Yoga
www.mygraceyoga.com

YOGA DAY, January 26, 2008!!!

Yoga Day 2008 - Mark Your Calendar for January 26! Participate! (by Jay Miles, RYT 200)

On Saturday, January 26, 2008, we are going to hold a Yoga Celebration at the American Family Fitness Southside Location (Midlothian Turnpike). The workshops/class will be held from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. We want to celebrate the yoga community that exists within Amfam. This schedule will be as follows:

1:30pm - 2pm - Welcome and open forum for students and teachers
2pm to 2:45pm - "Techniques" style session led by Ann Marie Lewis, assisted by teachers whom will adjust students as they practice.
3pm to 3:45pm - Vinyasa Flow Class led by Arlene Bjork
3:45 pm to 4:30pm - Restorative poses and relaxation guided by Jay Miles

Bring a can of food to donate to the Central Virginia Food Bank, or an item of gently used clothing for the Daily Planet.

You can participate in all or part of this experience. Just be there! Make your presence known. If you are not a member of American Family Fitness, come to the celebration anyway (you will need to pay a guest fee of $15). Yoga teachers, please inform your students. Those of you who teach at other American Family locations, inform everyone. In the words of Arlene, we want "standing room only"! We will also use this opportunity to donate to several charities, so let's make it happen. More info will be available on the Grace Yoga website. Click on this link for the event poster http://cobbesto.ehost.com/mygraceyoga/amfamposter.pdf

Monday, January 21, 2008

Martin Luther King, Jr

Martin Luther King, Jr is celebrated today, and in a quick search of his speeches we can find a lot of Yoga...

Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and
violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge,
aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Stockholm, Sweden, December 11, 1964.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies
hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction
of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of
annihilation.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963.

Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values
and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false
and the false with the true.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963.

I am aware that there are many who wince at a distinction between property and persons--who hold both sacrosanct. My
views are not so rigid. A life is sacred. Property is intended to serve life, and no matter how much we surround it with rights and
respect, it has no personal being. It is part of the earth man walks on; it is not man.

Martin Luther King, Jr., The Trumpet of Conscience, 1967.

We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.

Man is man because he is free to operate within the framework of his destiny. He is free to deliberate, to make decisions, and to
choose between alternatives. He is distinguished from animals by his freedom to do evil or to do good and to walk the high road
of beauty or tread the low road of ugly degeneracy.

Martin Luther King, Jr., The Measures of Man, 1959.

Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

This quote is just beautiful...

Write the words "Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realise, be good, do good, be kind, be compassionate. 
Inquire who am I? Know the Self, and be free. Adapt, adjust, accommodate" on the tablet of your heart. You will hear the music of the Soul and be drowned in the ocean of Bliss and Peace.

-- Sri Swami Sivananda

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Plans for this week.

Yesterday I took a Body Pump class at the Gym, and while I regretted it briefly while I was teaching Zumba later in the day, I feel pretty good today, and so I will plan on taking another class Wednesday. It's those darn squats and lunges that KILL me! I feel like I can do upper-body and back all day long (not really...!) but by quads get super-tight and they just feel like a big ball of fire after just a few squats! I'll keep working to build stamina.

Our power comes from working to attain a goal, the sweet nectar of our work, not the goal itself. (loosely paraphrased from Arlene B ).

How is everyone out there? Drop me a post just to say hi!!

Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Almost Three Pounds GONE!

OK, 2.8 pounds in one week! I'm keeping mostly to the Special K plan, but for the most part I think I just ate so much junk over the Holidays that I made myself not want junk anymore!

Teaching Zumba and Yoga really help curb the desire to eat yucky stuff.

I really enjoyed meeting all my new students at J Sarge yesterday! Hope they're ready for a wonderful learning experience this semester. I sure am!

Remember to keep your heart open to what's possible. Dogma and negative thought are everywhere, but your open and compassionate heart is your closest ally against these influences.

Namaste',
Iffet

Monday, January 7, 2008

The Meaning of Namaste'

This is from Wikipedia...

"Namaste is one of the few Sanskrit words commonly recognized by Non-Hindi speakers. In the West, it is often used to indicate South Asian culture in general. "Namaste" is particularly associated with aspects of South Asian culture such as vegetarianism, yoga, ayurvedic healing, and Hinduism.

In recent times, and more globally, the term "namaste" has come to be especially associated with yoga and spiritual meditation all over the world. In this context, it has been viewed in terms of a multitude of very complicated and poetic meanings which tie in with the spiritual origins of the word. Some examples:

* "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." -- attributed to author Deepak Chopra[citation needed]
* "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace, When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."[3][4]
* "I salute the God within you."
* "I recognize that we are all equal."[5]
* "The entire universe resides within you."[5]
* "The divine peace in me greets the divine peace in you."[5]
* "Your spirit and my spirit are ONE." -- attributed to Lilias Folan's shared teachings from her journeys to India.[citation needed]
* "That which is of the Divine in me greets that which is of the Divine in you."[6]
* "The Divinity within me perceives and adores the Divinity within you".[7]"

Check out the entire article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste

Heading Steadfast Into the Week!

This week I will begin teaching Yoga at J Sargent Reynolds Community College. I'm really looking forward to meeting college students and sharing the gifts of Yoga with them. It's been a while since I've been in the academic world! I'm doing two sections, both are filled to capacity at 25 participants. Hope they're not looking for an "easy A"! :-) We'll be discussing the history of Yoga, Yoga philosophy, the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga), Body Alignment for a safe and productive physical practice, as well as breathing and meditation, and probably a whole lot more. I'd like to dive into the Gita as well.

Also, I'm teaching Zumba Basic at Northside on Mondays at 5:30pm. This is my first basic class (I'm used to doing Zumba GOLD for Active Older Adults, de-conditioned and beginning participants.) This will be a physical challenge for me, but I'm up for it! Got some new tunes and a great attitude, so join me if you can!

Be well, breathe and enjoy your day!
Namaste',
Iffet

Saturday, January 5, 2008

The Grace Yoga Mind/Body Professional Provider Database

The Grace Yoga Mind/Body Professional Provider Database is an international registry meant to recognize and promote teachers with training that meets:

* Yoga Alliance Standards at the 200 or 500 hour level (RYT, ERYT)
* British Wheel of Yoga Standards
* Pilates Method Alliance Standards

Teachers without these criteria but are certified through regional, national or international accredited programs (such as ACE, AFAA, AFPA, etc.) can also register for the database.


Registration for the database is free to teachers. From time to time, Grace Yoga is approached from organizations and private individuals who seek to work with or employ qualified Yoga and Pilates instructors.

This database is secure and the names will never be sold to a mailing list. Once an interested party contacts Grace Yoga, we will contact providers who may be interested in job leads.

Teacher trainees who successfully complete coursework from a Grace Yoga RYT or Grace Yoga Continuing Education Program will automatically be added to the database.

To register, simply go to the Grace Yoga website http://mygraceyoga.com and follow the link "Register for the NEW Mind/Body Provider Database"

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Bhagavad Gita ONLINE!

I found a great site to read the Glorious Bhagavad Gita with commentary. Please check out "The Diving Song of God" at bhagavad-gita.us
This is the defining book of Yoga and yogic thought.
I will be assigning this site to my students when I begin teaching at J Sargeant Reynolds next week. I am teaching a course in Yoga - both the philosophy and physical aspects of the practice. I'm really looking forward to getting into academia (again)!
Namaste',
Iffet

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Special K!

OK, I've over-done over-doing it, and I've got some pounds to shed. Has anyone done the Special K diet thing? I love cereal, and I especially like the protein waters and bars that they do. They're great before teaching or working out!
Please send positive thoughts out to all who are embarking on a "resolution", or just trying to change something in their lives.
Namaste',
Iffet

Check out my calendar!

Scroll all the way down and you can see where I'm teaching Zumba or Yoga.
Call the American Family location to double-check.

American Family West End - 364-1200
American Family Northside - 261-1000

(If I'm not teaching, please be open to practice with another instructor - it's important to keep your heart open to new ideas and who knows, you just might learn something new!)

Namaste',
Iffet

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy New Year!

To all my friends and family, all the best for a peaceful New Year.
Open your heart to what is possible.
Namaste'
Iffet
PS My Google Calendar is almost done, so check back to find me!