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.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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"
* 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
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
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
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!
Open your heart to what is possible.
Namaste'
Iffet
PS My Google Calendar is almost done, so check back to find me!
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