All of these are part of our universe and part of yoga. The case can easily be made that yoga is nothing but a medium for bridging all that is beautiful of this world with that infinite glory of the universe.
A long-time practitioner of meditation, Sandi Miller’s art seeks to capture the essence of the universe. She has created a multitude of paintings that reflect the luminescence and vastness that we call outer space.
In her endeavour, she became the premier artist and pioneer of painting on plexiglass.
Since I met Sandi 5 years ago I have admired her work and as this particular piece is being featured in an upcoming opening (read below), I thought it apt to share it with all of you. See more of Sandi’s workhere…
Sandi Miller’s (Churchton, Md) recent piece “Moon Explodes” has been accepted into a show at the Cahoon Museum of American Art on Cape Cod in Cohuit, MA. The show opens Sept. 21.
Ahhh…summer: Sunshine, beaches, family outings & handstands!!
Here is Jean Rupard, one of our NECC faithful, airing it out under the sun!
You might think that Jean is flanked by curiosity seekers, but alas – no. Those are her grandchildren!! And it did not take long until gram’ got them into the act – is that a cool grandma or what!!
So here they are!! For the first 2 minutes, they all had their legs perfectly straight together, and then as a grand finale they decided to shake it out a little and do an inverted dance! That is what we see here.
The moral of the story: If you think you are going to have a relaxed day at the beach with grandma – think again!!
This poignant message from Chief Seattle of 150 years ago still provides reflection for us as a humanity. Imagine if we could have paid heed to his words back then. Today, we also have such an opportunity. It is never too late. When we rediscover our link with this earth / universe, then so many positive transformations will invariably unfold. In this regard, the great chief’s message parallels yogic principles of oneness and reverence for all forms of life and natural expression. May this be the meditation of today’s humanity…
The new labyrinth at St James Parish (Lothian) is now complete. It is an absolutely wonderful presentation that can serve as a place for walking meditation, contemplation or simply as a refuge from the rigors of life. Do be sure to take note of this great addition to our community.
It has to be mentioned that Patti Sachs spearheaded this project, funded by memorial contributions, from beginning to end (1 – 2 years). There is more to come also! Patti informs us that as soon as summer’s heat passes a garden will be planted around the labyrinth. Without her vision, diligence and perseverance, this entire project certainly would never have happened – nor come to fruition. And it is she who sent me the above photo with the note that “Everyone is welcome!!”.
Here elephants use their brawn and brains – and most importantly their feeling of collective welfare – to rescue their little toddler.
There is a great lesson in this for our present humanity. As strong and as smart as we may be, that strength & smartness should always be used for helping those in need – not any self-centered agenda.
As we develop as a humanity, slowly we are making our way in the right direction, with a few growing pains here and there.Yoga and meditation will certainly help illumine the proper pathway – enabling us to create a world-based human society upon on the pillars of peace, security and universal benevolence.
Yesterday was our Live Sitar and Yoga program – we had a full house (23 participants) – thanks to all who came!
Anthony Malatesta played the sitar beautifully and via those soothing & mystical sounds, we ventured into yoga’s more meditative side. Yes we did a range of physical poses, but more than that we explored sadhana practices like yoga nidra (deep relaxation), svarshastra (science of breath control), pranayama (specific breathing techniques), and more.
Sometimes all were lying down with their pillows and eye pillows gazing within, and other moments striking a pose of challenge. Mostly though it was about the meditative approach.
As a teacher, it was a sweet joy to be part of this collective as everyone delved deep into the introversial flow – i.e. exploring within.
Diane Burr of the Chesapeake Current was also on hand and she plans to do an article in the near future about the program. Please watch for it.
All in all, the program went well and everyone reached a state of peace and realization. All got what they wanted – except for one. A faithful & long-standing member of the Tuesday morning abs class asked if from now on the 20 min abs intensive could incorporate the relaxation elements of the yoga-sitar program – the answer was a firm “no”. We have our standards after all!!
The live sitar and yoga is a special gathering and we certainly hope you will consider coming out for the next one!!
After a recent yoga retreat in Boston, Monica Sizemore, 4th Chakra Photography, was head over heels, or make that heels over head. Retreats can do that!
Monica is a professional photographer and long time yoga practitioner. We first met 2 – 3 years ago in a Community Yoga class. In a very short time she agreed to do the cover shoot for our Yoga/Sitar CD as well as the shoot for the inside booklet.
Needless to say, she did beautiful work!
As you can see from both of these pictures, Monica has an excellent eye – as well as wonderful form.
This second shot here combines so many elements: light, stillness, action, and so much more!
The man’s seated posture is quite good – a nice straight back – and Monica’s wheel pose is very nicely done – on a bench no less. The main difference is that Monica does not smoke cigars.
Please do share with us your yoga pics from your travels!!
Yoga is all about broadening our horizons – physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally, intellectually, morally & spiritually – as we seek out our true place in this cosmos. This short video by the American Museum of Natural History offers an interesting perspective.
Here is how they describe their video:
The Known Universe takes viewers from the Himalayas through our atmosphere and the inky black of space to the afterglow of the Big Bang. Every star, planet, and quasar seen in the film is possible because of the world’s most complete four-dimensional map of the universe, the Digital Universe Atlas that is maintained and updated by astrophysicists at the American Museum of Natural History. The new film, created by the Museum, is part of an exhibition, Visions of the Cosmos: From the Milky Ocean to an Evolving Universe, at the Rubin Museum of Art in Manhattan through May 2010.
Here is Cheryl Kerwin, vacationing with her granddaughter, Phoenix, on Jekyll Island GA practicing yoga together.
If you look carefully you will notice that Phoenix is also doing the yoga pose, ardha urdhva hastasana. Check out the shadow under her right foot! She is trying her best!
Actually Phoenix has great interest in yoga – she practices poses regularly and has even come to observe class, silently practicing in her chair while the class is in action.
One other news of note, Cheryl is not just a grandma, she recently became a great-grandmother when another of her granddaughters had her baby, Kylee Ann, born June 25th. Cheryl was present for the birth in Clearwater – both mother and baby are doing fine.
Thanks Cheryl for thinking of us while you were away on vacation!
Compassion is compassion is compassion – it transcends faith and practice. Here the Dalai Lama discusses our relation with animals, as well as our relation with other humans, in a most poignant yet humorous tone.
The above footage took place on Oct 19, 2007. (Washington Humane Society)
The word solstice comes from the Latin sol meaning “sun” and the Latin root sistere meaning “to stand still.”
Why solstice?? Because the sun stands still in declination; that is, the apparent movement of the Sun’s path north or south comes to a stop before reversing direction.
Normally we use the terms summer and winter solstice; but that is not entirely correct since when the northern hemisphere is undergoing summer solstice then the southern hemisphere is undergoing winter solstice, and vice versa. For that reason, some simply use the terms June solstice and December solstice.
The solstice days are also the longest and shortest days of the year.
In some areas, the solstice marks the start of a new season, either summer or winter. This is true in most temperate zones. However in tropical areas like India that have six or more seasons a year – not just four – then the solstice often falls in the middle of a particular season.
Wherever you are – happy solstice day to you – may it be the start of bright new beginnings!!
As Sara (Mon Nite NECC) continues her vacation travels and does yoga at all the hot spots – shown here in Albuquerque, N.M. – a grand question comes to mind.
Who is in greater bliss – Sara or the resident feline?
What is your opinion…
More of Sara’s vacation pics are available here and soon we will create a gallery for the many photos she continues to send us.
When you are on your summer holiday, please send us pics of what’s going on and if you are able to strike a yoga pose or two, even better!
One of our yoginis, Sara Rivers Cofield (Mon nite NECC) sends us these pics from her cross-country cruise which she recently embarked on.
The Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park. The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.
By looking at the picture, you may think you are seeing a Grecian goddess doing a yoga pose – and you are!!!
Here is a shoulder-stand for the ages. The Greeks of old would be hard pressed to keep up.
(All kidding aside, I had no idea such a structure was in Nashville Tennessee! As a 12 yr old I walked up to the Acropolis and saw the Parthenon – it was quite a sight – now I feel even more surprised to know there is an exact replica just a few states away!)
If you look carefully in this next picture you will see a 3-pointed downward dog going on!
Pretty neat to see in front of this awesome architecture!
So when you take your vacation this summer, send us the pics and let us know what’s happening – and yes, include a yoga pose or two!
Space…cosmology…art…aesthetics…
Ahhh…summer: Sunshine, beaches, family outings & handstands!!
The new labyrinth at St James Parish (Lothian) is now complete. It is an absolutely wonderful presentation that can serve as a place for walking meditation, contemplation or simply as a refuge from the rigors of life. Do be sure to take note of this great addition to our community.
This second shot here combines so many elements: light, stillness, action, and so much more!
Here is Cheryl Kerwin, vacationing with her granddaughter, Phoenix, on Jekyll Island GA practicing yoga together.
A sublime shot indeed – part of me feels like it was taken by ‘ol Ansel himself shooting Georgia O’Keefe.
As Sara (Mon Nite NECC) continues her vacation travels and does yoga at all the hot spots – shown here in Albuquerque, N.M. – a grand question comes to mind.
One of our yoginis, Sara Rivers Cofield (Mon nite NECC) sends us these pics from her cross-country cruise which she recently embarked on.
