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

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"

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

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

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!