Well, here is the 5th and final video of this series. This one is of a little different genre – it is another way of looking at what we do (though we never play this type of music in class!) – we hope you like it.
Once again our sincere gratitude to all who helped in this project. We see this 5-part series not as an endpoint but rather as platform from which to go further and deeper.
Looking forward to sharing more in the future with you.
Namaskar and welcome to one of our gentle yoga classes. Basically, any class on our schedulenot named as Strength & Fitness or Absolutely Abs comes within the domain of “gentle yoga”. These classes are for everyone. Do join us – look forward to having you there!
This is the second video of our 5-part informational series on Renaissance Yoga. It is possible that we will make more testimonial videos in the future. This piece stands as our initial one.
Those who have taken our classes are most welcome (and encouraged) to offer further thoughts on their experiences below. And of course, new people are free to comment as well.
Our deepest gratitude to those who participated in this video and so candidly shared their reflections.
Yoga is appropriate for everyone – bar none. All should have access to the practice and get the benefits. As far as possible, social or economic conditions should not inhibit one from participating.
If because of financial pressure you feel you are unable to attend, then please contact me and we will figure out a way to make it work.
Remember, money is not an indicator of one’s inherent worth; a person’s value is directly related who they are. We all have our unique existential gifts and offerings. We have our inherent quality.
Well, while the big snow storm – approx 28 inches – forced us to cancel classes, this fellow made it out in the aftermath of the storm to do a pose or two.
This is actually the road but I was not too worried about cars coming from either direction. My car was basically immobile and so were most vehicles on this day.
As you can see I was going nowhere fast. My car is at the end of the driveway with the front end facing the “road”. I would have needed a snowmobile or reindeer to get anywhere.
Amidst all this purity and serenity you would have thought a sublime yoga teacher like myself would have achieved perfect peace, i.e. the grand samadhi.
But it was not meant to be…
After hanging around outside for 20 min or so, I went back in only to realize an hour later that I could not find my keys – i.e. a key ring that has keys to all the major and minor halls, studios, and community centers in the area. I was at a loss as to whether I brought them out with me or not. I searched my messy room – nope not there.
The panic began to mount…
I put all my clothes back on and ran back out into the snow. One neighbor had already “gotten out” with his 4×4 and if my keys were out there they had to be found before the snow got disturbed.
I went to my handstand spot. I did not see anything. I got down on my hands and knees and started to scrounge around – even dig. I was losing hope wondering how I would ever find them – as I got up off my knees I saw the tip of a metal piece out of the corner of my eye. I stuck my hand down and alas my whole key chain was there! Never happier…
Skipped all the way back into the house and vowed never again to do handstands with unzipped pockets, especially when mother earth is blanketed with snow ensuring not a sound could be heard!
Here is an unscripted podcast focusing on yoga for back care for you to follow at home. This is a gentle sequence that anyone can do. All that is needed is a yoga mat and a yoga block.
This podcast was made in concert with a yoga for back care seminar I led at Anne Arundel Community College on Nov 19, 2009.
Folders containing handouts and a cd of this podcast are available for $5.00.
I hope this to be the first of many podcasts for your home practice library.
Your suggestions and comments are highly valued. Please do share any and all feedback. Thank you.
Often we think of yoga as being the practice of asanas or physical postures, in which case one may think that progress only pertains to our physical sphere.
However, this aspect of yoga is a stepping stone that facilitates our growth and development – in all realms of life, not just by becoming more bendy and flexible.
The totality of yoga is concerned with the overall flourishing of one’s human personality. As much as anything else, our progress on the path of yoga is measured by how far we represent these following qualities.
Here below are the yogi’s list of the ten qualities of a dharmika (a follower of human dharma or expression of one’s true or highest nature.)
1. Dhriti (patience)
2. Ks’ama (forgiveness)
3. Dhamah (self-control)
4. Asteya (non-stealing)
5. Shaoca (purity & cleanliness)
6. Indriyanigraha
(control over motor and sensory organs)
7. Dhii (benevolent intellect)
8. Vidya’ (spiritual knowledge)
9. Satyam’ (love of truth)
10. Akrodha (non-anger)
With continued effort and practice, all the above manifest with greater clarity within each and every practitioner. Our asanas, our meditation, our relaxation and more help bring us forward on the path.
Note: As I mentioned on another list-serve, just because my name is #9 does not mean that I am that. I think that name was given to me because I was so terribly deficient in that attribute
Wishing everyone well on the path to becoming a great dharmika!
One member of our yoga community - Carolyn Rodis – does yoga in essentially two places. When she is in So Co she is a regular on Wed and Sat at Galesville Hall. That’s about ten months of the year.
When not in So Co she lives at her other residence. Now take a look at her veranda and see her view when she does her yoga outside!!!
YES, we will all be going there soon for a yoga workshop!!! It will be the longest workshop in yoga history!!!!!
You have probably heard about Blue Zones, i.e. places where people live longer with an enhanced quality of life. Sociologists and wellness professionals study such places and regularly report on them.
Recently one such blue zone article was written about a town in MN that was adopting 4 practices toincrease longevity and vitality:
1) Eat more fruits and vegetables
2) When possible, walk instead of drive
3) Be productive and socially active in the later years of life
4) Seek inner fulfillment
I do not think they intended their list to be exhaustive – just a good way to begin.
What practices and ideas would you add? What do think think contributes to a longer, healthier, happier life?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing some as well.
Are you slipping off your mat – do your hands and feet become sweat factories (not an uncommon phenomenon in our Strength & Fitness classes) – is it hard to hold certain poses because you can’t grip your mat?
What recourse do you take?
a) Rub your hands on your pants or shirt every two minutes?
b) Rub your hands on your neighbor’s pants when they are working too hard to care?
c) Use non-slip hand and feet add-ons like Yoga Paws or Yoga Toes etc?
d) One person uses a special teri-cloth towel the size of a yoga mat that has a non-slip bottom so it perfectly covers and adheres to the mat.
e) I have seen some use chalk (like rock climbers do), though afterwards the mat is a bit messy(!)
f) Ignore it and pretend it is not happening – i.e. the ancient mind-over-matter approach.
Tell us your tricks of the trade, tales, or struggles – whichever is most relevant…
Well, while the big snow storm – approx 28 inches – forced us to cancel classes, this fellow made it out in the aftermath of the storm to do a pose or two.
As you can see I was going nowhere fast. My car is at the end of the driveway with the front end facing the “road”. I would have needed a snowmobile or reindeer to get anywhere.
Here is an unscripted podcast focusing on yoga for back care for you to follow at home. This is a gentle sequence that anyone can do. All that is needed is a yoga mat and a yoga block. 
