Beautiful Thoughts Shared

Sometimes we need to look to those we love and admire in order to realize what we value about life. We can take time to note what we like about others, and then turn the mirror to reflect the Light of those same words and feelings toward ourselves. It can be quite a revelation to see ourselves in this nourishing Light. When we can put the energy that we’ve been devoting to a phantom sense of achievement into the truly satisfying aspects of our lives, we can restore the balance between our inner and outer worlds and experience true joyful Peace. 
We would Love for you to share your thoughts with us! 
S.W.
 

The Use of Positive Affirmations!

"The use of Positive Affirmations takes time, as you are creating new neural pathways in your brain. Come to this practice with gentle and loving energy."

At Simply Yoga we use Affirmations, Meditation & Practice to guide us each and everyday towards Peace, Lovingkindness & Compassion ! 

"1. I am a Channel of Peace and Well-being – my need for Peace is abundantly met.
2. I accept, appreciate and love myself. Unconditionally.
3. I feel Grateful for all of the Abundance that flows into my Life.
4. I experience a sense of Peace and Love with every Breath I take.
5. I radiate Peace and Love to others, helping them to be in a state of Peace and Love..
6. I am an Island of Calm, in a Sea of Uncertainty.
7. All is well. Right here. Right now.
8. I can release my past and live with Calm and Serenity.
9. I am aware of all the Beauty that is around Me.
10. I let go of Fear and Embrace Love.
11. I connect with the comforting Silence of my Soul."

Praises to our teacher, Christina Hessing!

I always enjoy whatever class I take at Simply Yoga, and I am grateful for that. But every so often there is a teacher and class that not only make my body happy, but my spirit and soul, as well. After a very stressful and challenging week-end, I came to Christina’s Tuesday 8/23/16 Yin Class to find a sweet and quiet spot for me.
The music was wonderful…a soundtrack to accompany my busy mind until it was busy no longer. A quiet, candle-lit room to soothe my eyes that had seen Hospital glare and a few tears over the past 3 days. A beautiful, caring voice that “allowed the inhalation to find you”…what a poetic and compassionate way to coach one’s breath!

I felt wonderful connection with teacher and fellow students, and by the end of the stretching, easing, holding and breathing, I was renewed and enriched.

I don’t know how you attract these inspired and wonderful teachers, Mindy, but I thank the gods and energy that brings them to Simply Yoga.

Once again my heart overflows and my gratitude exceeds all bounds.

Thank you for your friendship and the beautiful sacred space that is Simply Yoga.

Namaste

Sheri W.

Reflections of a Recent Teacher Training Graduate

Now that I've had several months to reflect on my experience of the Teacher Training program at the Simply Yoga School of Hatha Yoga, I feel better able to put into words the effect that this experience has had on me, both as a practitioner of yoga, and as a person.  First, the personal aspect of the training program:  I believe that, for me, the overall top quality that I took away from the 6-month program was a sense of quiet confidence in my knowledge and ability to learn and grow as a yoga teacher.  I had recently retired from a successful 35-year career as a managing litigation attorney in a state Attorney General's office, and I did not lack confidence in my abilities to speak in front of an audience, to learn new and complex concepts, or to interact with students and peers.  (I had also taught as an adjunct professor for 6 years at 2 law schools).  But those work-honed skills were from another life, and I found myself with an immense dearth of confidence in my ability to learn and more importantly, to retain and to eventually teach, the asanas, the sequencing, and the principles of yogic history and philosophy which are at the heart of the science and art of yoga, and are so thoroughly covered in the TT program at SY. 

 Much of the material that was introduced in the first couple of months was vaguely familiar to me from my 9-year practice of various styles of yoga, but, and it's a big BUT, the depth of knowledge of the two lead instructors was awe-inspiring, and more than a little scary to me. 

Let me emphasize that the emotional turmoil I felt at this time was in no way due to any interaction with any of the teachers, or with anything that happened at the school - it was entirely on me, from that little negative voice in my head that just got louder and louder. 

"How am I ever going to live up to their level of knowledge and grace?  What am I doing here anyway?  What made me think that I could be a yoga teacher?" These and similar questions dogged me for the first two months, sapping my energy and confidence. 

 I was overwhelmed.  I decided to drop out.  Then, due to the persistence of Mindy and the two lead teachers, I was guided back, gently and slowly.  I didn't have to take the program for credit, they said, just come and listen and watch.  I didn't have to participate.  I could be there, like taking an audit in a college class.  What a gift!

The little negative voice in my head shut down, because there was nothing for it to criticize.  I came back gradually, and the teachers could not have been more helpful, discreet, and accommodating.  It took me longer to finish the program, but finish it, I did, and proudly.  

On a purely personal note, my friends and family have noticed that I am so calm and relaxed, or 'serene' as my sister said.  I have found that I am really ready to share some of the wonderful spirit and the gifts of practice that I have learned in the TT program.  The confidence instilled in me is reinforced each time I "take" a yoga class at the local gym, the YMCA, and even at private studios here in Maryland where I live in the summer.  Nothing and no one can prepare you better to be a teacher, in my opinion, than the program at SY.

On the topic of improvement/growth in my personal practice, both have been tremendously improved by the TT program.  I took advantage of the included studio classes at SY, and tried different styles of yoga and new teachers at every opportunity.  Even though I came to the program with a solid 9-year background of practice in styles including Kundalini, vinyasa, restorative, yin, and hatha, I was astounded to have my eyes opened so wide to the unique gifts offered by each individual teacher at SY,  only because I was able to watch, listen, participate, and learn in the studio classes.  I think that this 'bonus' feature of the SY program is arguably its most important.  You can learn so very much by having that 'teacher training eye' in class, and you are learning by example every single day.  If you are a teacher trainee student, or considering becoming one, I urge you to take as many classes as you can stuff into your schedule during the training time.  I found that these classes were an invaluable part of the learning that I experienced during the program.

Maybe I will have the pleasure of meeting you one day at Simply Yoga.  I hope so, and I hope that you will be pleased with your growth at the end of the TT program.  It is an experience like no other, and so very worth every bit of effort you put into it!

Marianne Dise

25 Points Of Buddhist Philosophy

1. The man who moved the mountain was the one who began by carrying away the smallest stones.
2. Don’t be afraid that you do not know something. Be afraid of not learning about it.
3. Always look on the bright side of things. If you can’t comprehend this, polish that which has become dull until it begins to shine.
4. Even if you stumble and fall down, it doesn’t mean you’ve chosen the wrong path.
5. A strong man overcomes an obstacle, a wise man goes the whole way.
6. The temptation to give up is strongest just before victory.
7. The goal in life is to die young…but to do so as late as possible.
8. Don’t speak if it doesn’t improve upon silence.
9. Someone who points out your flaws to you is not necessarily your enemy. Someone who speaks of your virtues is not necessarily your friend.
10. A thousand-mile journey begins with just one step.
11. Don’t be afraid to go slowly. Be afraid of stopping.
12. A person who is capable of blushing cannot have a bad heart.
13. Even the happiness of a fool is a stupid kind of happiness.
14. A hut full of laughter is richer than a palace full of sadness.
15. Whatever happens always, happens on time.
16. A good teacher opens the door for you, but you must enter the room by yourself.
17. A mountain never yields to the wind- no matter how strong it is.
18. Your home is where your thoughts find peace.
19. There’s no such thing as a friend who doesn’t have any flaws. But if you try to look for all their flaws, you will remain with no friends.
20. Unhappiness enters through a door that has been left open.
21. No one returns from a long journey the same person they were before.
22. It’s better to be a person for a day than to be a shadow for a 1,000 days.
23. If you’ve made a mistake, it’s better just to laugh at it.
24. Live calmly. The time will come when the flowers bloom by themselves.
25. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Shared by SW

Authentic Success

"Authentic success is having time enough to pursue personal pursuits that bring you pleasure, time enough to make the loving gestures for your family you long to do, time enough to care for your home, tend your garden, nurture your soul. Authentic success is never having to tell yourself, or those you love, “maybe next year.” Authentic success is knowing that if today were your last day on earth, you could leave without regret. Authentic success is feeling focused and serene when you work, not fragmented. It’s knowing that you’ve done the best you possibly can, no matter what the circumstances you faced; it’s knowing in your soul that the best you can do is all you can do, and that the best you can do is always enough. 

Authentic success is knowing how simply abundant your life is exactly as it is today. Authentic success is being grateful for the many blessings bestowed on you and yours that you can share your portion with others. Authentic success is living each day with a heart overflowing. Authentic success is feeling good about who you are, appreciating where you’ve been, celebrating your achievements , and honoring the distance you’ve already come. 

Authentic success is reaching the point where being is as important as doing. It’s the steady pursuit of a dream. It’s realizing that no matter how much time it takes for a dream to come true in the physical world, no day is ever wasted. It’s valuing inner, as well as outer, labor- both your own and others’. It’s elevating labor to a craft and craft to an art by bestowing Love on every task you undertake." SW

CONFESSIONS OF A KUNDALINI CONVERT

After 30 years of classic Hatha Yoga instruction and study in NYC and at an ashram in Nassau, The Bahamas, I stumbled upon Kundalini at Simply Yoga. To be honest, I had NO idea what a Kundalini practice involved. What I saw was a 7AM class scheduled on Tuesday mornings at SY. I signed up because the early morning class suited my early morning energy. I sat on my mat, watched and listened as the instructor, Scott (spiritual name, Sat Atma) proceeded to conduct the Kundalini training. The terms and vocabulary were different from the Hatha language I knew. The emphasis on breathing and the geometry of the poses, the inclusion of music and chanting and the engagement of the bandhas, mudras and emphasis on bringing awareness to the internal activity intrigued and resonated with me. Even the suggestion ( not requirement) of wearing white and cotton and head wrap brought the practice to a new level for me.

Simply Yoga is a wonderful space for so many reasons, but the inclusion of Kundalini among the classes offered, with two excellent instructorsLisa Feldman (spiritual name Taran Inder) currently at 7:30am Mondays, and Scott Adelman on Thursdays at 6pm, both are certainly a huge part. I encourage anyone who is curious to join one of these classes. All level of competency is welcome and you will know soon whether this powerful and mystical practice is for you. I found that I became even stronger when doing my Hatha practice, and that there is no conflict in exposing one’s body, heart and mind to both disciplines. I know that has been working for me, and I’m in the second year of my Kundalini Yoga practice.

I look forward to seeing you in class….I’m almost always there!

Sheri Weiner (spiritual name Ram Deva)

Sunday Funday at Yoga Nidra→

"So I have this pal Julie Murphy from South Africa who used to be a corporate big wig but is now this great yoga teacher who runs around India for fun and is always talking about things like “alignment” as opposed to shoe sales. For some reason she still likes to hang out with me now and then despite the fact that I long ago replaced my downward dog with a sideways slug-on-the-couch variation. So here we are walking the other day and she tells me about this new practice she has launched called Yoga Nidra which Wikipedia likes to call “yogic sleep”—an hour of lying down on a yoga mat listening to woo-woo music and Julie telling you how to be happy."

Read more... http://bocamag.com/blog/2015/12/07/sunday-funday-at-yoga-nidra/
 

How Yoga Can Be Your Guide

It is when you are willing to listen to yourself and be fearless that figuring out your next step becomes easy. Beneath the fear and hesitation and uncertainty lies your inner knowing that always knows which step you need to take next. If you can allow the taking of your next step to be as easy as putting one foot in front of the next, you’ll notice that your next step is always the one that is right in front of you. All you have to do is put one foot forward and on the ground. SW

Where will your next step lead you? 
 

A Fan Letter

Every so often I take a class at SY that resonates or grabs me…and often for different reasons. Today, 10/24, I had the opportunity to take a Hatha class with Kat teaching. She was “subbing” for another wonderful teacher, Jill, and I knew with either of these accomplished guides, my journey would be lovely.
Both of these instructors have vocal power on their side; each has a very distinctive and commanding voice that bridges the direction-giving and soothing, encouraging aspects of a successful Yoga teacher.
Kat uses words in a way that conjures up  spiritual and ethereal sensibilities. When she speaks of “Taking Grace” during a Sun Salutation, I feel exactly what that means, and where it comes from. The language of Savasana, the releasing, and yet finding that goes along with this sacred asana was enhanced by her expression of “Sanctuary” and “coming home”. Sanctuary is a safe place, and a holy place. In both a religious and social way, it is a refuge, and often considered “holy”. Whether a Bird Sanctuary, or a SafeHouse for children, it IS a place where one is free from harm…the Ahimsa, of Sanskrit.
I enjoy so many of the offerings one finds at SY, and to continue to discover new points of awareness and appreciation just makes me happier that this is a Yoga Home that is also a Sanctuary. Sheri W.
 

Sanskrit: The Language of Yoga by Yogi Bodhi Bliss!

The deep, rich philosophy behind our Yoga practice holds at its heart center Sanskrit, the powerful, energetic, vibrational language by which that philosophy lives, breathes, and flows. Pronouncing Sanskrit correctly can be quite challenging, but it is of utmost importance. Sanskrit, which means “refined,” is purely phonetic, and thus sound is its most significant element. The Sanskrit alphabet consists of fifty letters and the addition of vowels and consonants with diacritical marks or symbols placed over them to distinguish their rich, diverse sounds. Equally important is that most Sanskrit “words” are not words in the true sense of the English language. In fact, much of the Sanskrit we use in our Yoga practice translates to multi-word terms or meaningful phrases for which there is no equivalent in English. This post will focus on one of the most widely used and meaningful phrases in our Yoga practice, Namastē. Namastē or namaskāra is a common greeting in India. Upon meeting, the hands come together in prayer-like devotion at the heart’s center, a gesture known as anjali mudra, and the sound namastē is exchanged and accompanied by a slight bow. Similar to the English “hello,” namastē is used when acknowledging a person whom you wish to engage in conversation, either in person or when answering the telephone. Namastē is not a word in the English sense of the term, but rather a meaningful phrase with deep, spiritual roots. In Yoga, when namastē is uttered at the end of practice, it is taken to mean “the light in me honors the light in you,” or “the life force, the self, the divinity, or the God in me is the same in all, we are all one.” In Sanskrit, namastē derives from namaskāra which originates from namaha, meaning “paying obeisance.” The belief that within each human being there resides a divine spirit or supreme God pervades the philosophy of Yoga. It is the belief in soul (ātmā) that forms the foundation on which is built the long-standing meaning of namastē, which holds that when two souls meet, each soul is compelled to acknowledge or pay obeisance to the other.  The significance of namastē is not lost on its companion namaskāra, and in fact gives greater meaning to Surya Namaskara, the sequence of poses (asanas) most commonly referred to as Sun Salutation. When the true meaning of namaskāra is applied to the sequence, one no longer merely “salutes” or “greets” the Sun, but rather humbly and honorably acknowledges the soul that brings forth the light of the Sun, as in “the light in me honors the light in you, Sun, for we are one light, the same.” Namastē

The Present Moment

From Sheri Weiner:
In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to experience it. When we are fully present, our minds do not wander. We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

How do you experience The Present Moment?
 

Musings of a Yoga Teacher

 

 by Yoga Bodhi Bliss 

Leading a yoga class Monday night, I had the students performing standing side-moon pose (parsva chandrasana). I invited, “On your next inhalation elevate your arms slightly higher, and on your exhalation lengthen from your waist and release into a deeper side bend.” One student in particular held my gaze. He took a breath and raised his arms strong and deliberate, and as he exhaled he extended through his torso and relaxed deeply into the pose with purpose, his face radiating triumph. I was touched by his proud, pleased expression and smiling eyes. It was the look of achievement. While it was apparent to me that he could have accomplished this all along, on his own and without my instruction, I was immediately struck by the realization that a teacher wields enormous power over her/his willing students. Teachers have the power to lead willing students toward accomplishments they would otherwise not undertake by their own volition. A teacher’s power is natural and great.

I love the notion that everyone is our teacher and that we learn when our hearts and minds are open to receive the knowledge being presented (gifted) to us. Why is everyone our teacher? Because we are perpetual students by nature, driven by curiosity and an innate need to understand the world and our place in it. We are students and we are also teachers, driven by our need to create, collaborate and contribute.

In my role as his yoga teacher Monday night he, my student, followed my direction and, without hesitation, took a breath and moved mindfully in the direction I asked him to, accomplishing something new to him, something he would not have done on his own. I was part of his success, both as his teacher and as his student. In that brief, fleeting moment he didn’t question me or himself, and neither did I.

What if we realized that we were our own best teacher? What if during each and every moment of the day we lead ourselves, our practice, in a deeper, more thoughtful and faithful direction? What if I taught myself, as my student, that I could accomplish anything and everything I wanted to do? And what if I listened?