Anusara Yoga Practice with Christina Sell January 2nd- 4th, 2009

For those who cannot commit to a full Teacher Training Program we have opened up small sections of the weekend. Here's how you can be part of it:

January Workshop with Christina Sell!

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi is pleased to present:
Opening To Grace- Anusara Yoga® for all levels with Christina Sell
January 2-4, 2009
Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means “flowing with Grace,” “going with the flow,” “following your heart.”

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga is a powerful hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment™. Currently, Anusara Yoga is one of the most popular and fastest growing yoga styles in the world with over 1200 affiliated teachers and 100,000 students world-wide.

Anusara Yoga's remarkable popularity is due in large part to its uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a "celebration of the heart," that looks for the good in all people and all things. Consequently, students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. This life-affirming vision sets the basis for a yoga system in which the harmony and joy of a tightly knit community is exulted. Not only is Anusara Yoga an elegant system of alignment principles and non-dual philosophy, but it is also a wonderful community of highly trained teachers and fun-loving students. This community feels like it has the tightness of a family, yet the looseness of a merry band of bohemian artists.
Join us this weekend and find out how Anusara Yoga can help you take your practice to a new level!

Fri., Jan. 2 6:00-8:00 Flowing with Grace, Flowing with the Breath Asana Flow

Sat., Jan. 3 9:00-12:30 The Divine Pulsation:Primary Flows of Energy All-levels Asana

Sun., Jan.4 9:00-12:30 Spiral into the Flow: Inner and Outer Spiral Unveiled All-Levels Asana
$125 for the whole weekend,
individual sessions $50.
For Information and Registration please contact Michelle Acebo at 361-883-1052.
Christina Sell is a certified Anusara Yoga instructor and author of the book Yoga From the Inside Out. Her classes are fun, inspring and dedicated to helping students of all abilities enter the Flow of Grace through yoga. For more information about her and her work please visit http://www.christinasell.com/

Yoga Alliance Teacher Training Program begins January 2nd

It’s time to take your practice to the next level with Christina Sell!

Don't wish you did, Just do it before it's too late

For Information and Registration please contact: Michelle Acebo, R.Y.T. 200 and Registered Jivamukti Teacher 300 hour level
(361)883-1052 or via e-mail at yogastudioofcc@yahoo.com

This 200 hour training meets all of the requirements outlined by Yoga Alliance for becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 hour level,(R.Y.T. 200), additionally; this program fulfills the Immersion completion requirement and the level 1 and Level 2 Teacher Training requirements for Anusara Yoga and Anusara Yoga Teacher Certification requirements. Please visit www.anusara.com for more information regarding the complete requirements to become a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher.

This is an intensive Teacher Training Program that takes place for one weekend a month for ten months. Each session builds upon the next. Students will not be allowed to register once the program begins. This is a program not to be missed

Jivamukti Yoga Focus of the Month~January 09

Focus of the month, January 2009
Laughter as a Yogic Practice

Happiness is the goal of yoga - the goal of life"All the way to heaven has got to be heaven." - St. Catherine of Siena
We can become stuck in negative habits that distance us from joy, which is our true nature. Yoga practices can help us overcome these habits by making us aware of them. When you practice asana, you may feel resistance to joy. Your tendencies toward anger, greed, jealousy and sadness may be expressed as pain and tightness in the body, and as confusion, doubt or worry in the mind. Our bodies act as storehouses for our past experiences (karmas). Memories, which trigger emotions, exist not only in compartmentalized files in the brain but are stored throughout the body in the internal organs, in the blood, in the muscles and bones, in all of the cells and tissues. As neuroscientist Candace Pert says, "The body does not exist merely to carry the head around." The mind and body are not just connected - they are actually made of the same stuff, but just appear in different densities. Consciousness, or the knowing principle, infuses the whole body and mind.
Asana practice addresses not only outer muscles and joints but also organs, deep tissues, glands, blood and fluids, helping to release toxins from them. Healthy individuals can experience a wide array of emotions and not be adversely affected because they are able to process these emotions. But when we become overloaded, and are unable to digest our sensory experiences, these feelings become toxic and become trapped in our physical tissues. Emotions can be stored deep in our organs. Unexpressed feelings and negative emotions that have been long suppressed can short-circuit the entire body-mind system, resulting in debilitating dis-ease. Fear and anxiety can seep into the large intestine. Anger can become lodged in the liver. Greed takes root in the heart.
Laughter is an ancient yogic healing technique that can rid you of deeply held negative emotions. It has profound therapeutic value in restoring well-being and health, leading to happiness. Laughter induces relaxation, and because of its ability to free the body and mind of pent-up emotions that are obstacles to self-reflection, it is a potent prerequisite to meditation. It is good when laughter is spontaneous, but when emotions have been buried for so long that they have become deep-seated tensions, the conscious practice of laughing can be very healing.
The asana called hasahasana (laugh-asana)* can help to induce laughter. Lie on your back and lift both arms and legs up toward the ceiling. Flexing hands and feet, bend the right knee as you bend the right elbow, then switch sides, going back and forth until laughter overwhelms you ... and keep laughing. As you continue to laugh, you may even feel like rolling around on the floor. Feel free to do this. If you have trouble getting the laughs going, try shouting "Ha! Ha!" or "Yahoo!" or "Ooowee!" out loud, or just allow yourself to speak nonsensical, gibberish words to spark the laughter. Let your whole body shake with laughter for no reason at all, and go beyond reason, beyond thinking. Being in a room with other people involved in the same practice will help you, beacause laughter tends to be help you, be contagious.
Continue this practice for five to ten minutes, then sit up and assume a meditation seat, keeping perfectly still. Whatever feelings arise now, let them come and let them go. You may find that tears begin to flow, and even flood your whole system. Let go of the tears. Allow this cleansing to occur by witnessing without judgment or apology. Sit with this for five to ten minutes. Then relax in shavasana and practice systematic, conscious guided relaxation of each body part, starting with the toes, moving upward through the whole body to the head. Then begin to go deeper: start with the internal organs and move upward following the chakra model - relax the organs of elimination, the organs of sexuality, the organs of digestion, the organs of blood circulation, the organs of respiration, the organs of sense and, finally, the organs of thinking.
After doing laughter meditation for a month, you will feel revived, refreshed, unburdened and deeply cleansed, with a renewed sense of balance, leading to equanimity of mind and enlightenment.

- Sharon Gannon, January 2009
*See The Art of Yoga, by Sharon Gannon and David Life, Page 64.

Buy two monthly unlimited packages and get one free!!!

December-January 2009 Special. Purchase two months of unlimited yoga ($160) and get one month free!! This is an $80 value. There are no hidden fees or catches*. Simply get three months of unlimited yoga for the price of two. What an awesome way to bring in the new year. You can honor your New Year's resolutions easily. Don't miss this amazing package deal. It is not likely to be offered again!!

* Please be aware that our children's yoga program, Yoginos is a totally separate program and is not included in this or any of our other packages. Let us know if you have any questions. Gift certificates available. What could be better than the gift of yoga???

Half Price all Clothing~ Two Days Only!

Hurry over to The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi Monday, December 15-Tuesday, December 16th to take advantage of our lowest prices of the year! All Clothing will be 50 % off! Yes, all clothing, and gift items on sale. Even our $10 re-sale rack will be $5 per item!!

We carry the finest brands of fitness clothing. This is the perfect spot to shop for the sports enthusiast. We even carry cute tennis skirts! Many of the styles we carry are multifunctional and can take you throughout the day in style!

If you are hard to shop for or have someone that is hard to shop for gift certificates make a wonderful choice. Come by and browse our ever growing selection of cool clothes and gift ideas.

February Immersion Workshop with Christina Sell

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi is pleased to present:

Living the Yoga Tradition:
A weekend of study and practice with Craig Williams and Christina Sell
February 20-22, 2009

The emergence of yoga in the West is a relatively recent phenomenon. Various schools or branches of yoga abound each touting a unique method, viewpoint or goal. Far from being a relaxation technique or exercise fad, the original yoga tradition developed out of a larger multi-dimensional Indic heritage: the Vedic Tradition. Unfortunately in the West few yoga teachers or practitioners are aware of the Vedic roots of the yoga tradition or the dharmic cultural milieu from which yoga blossomed. This weekend will explore the Vedic tradition through scriptural study, asana practice, mantra practice, meditation and contemplation. The workshop will be taught progressively and will be highly experiential. Students are encouraged to participate in all sessions.
Please join us for an inspiring weekend of study, practice, and good company!

Friday, February 20 6:00-8:00 Introduction to Scriptural Study

Talk with Craig Williams
Pranayama and Meditation Led by Christina Sell

Saturday, February 21 9:00-12:30 Vedic Wisdom and The Upanishads

Talk with Craig Williams
Drawing Nearer to the Self Asana Class with Christina Sell

Saturday, February 21 2:00-6:00 Bringing The Bhagavad Gita Alive

Talk with Craig Williams
Devotion, Knowledge and Action Asana Class with Christina Sell

Sunday, February 22 9:00-12:30 The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Talk with Craig Williams
The Splendor of the Self Asana Class with Christina Sell

Sunday, February 22 2:00-6:00 Vedanta- Experiencing Oneness

Talk with Craig Williams
The Yogic Heart Asana Class with Christina Sell

$200.00 before January 20; $225 after January 20
Individual Sessions are $50 each.
For Information and Registration please contact
Michelle Acebo at 361-883-1052.

Craig Williams (Shambhu-Das ) is a Clinical Herbalist and Acupuncturist in private practice specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and Yoga. He holds a Master’ Degree in Oriental Medicine and is a Professional Member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Professional member of the National Ayurvedic Mecical Association (NAMA). Craig is the recipient of the prestigious “Veda Kovid” title awarded by David Frawley and the American Institute of Vedic Studies which recognizes extensive training in the Vedic Sciences of Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra and Vedanta. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies with a focus on Hindu Studies and has studied Mantra Therapy with Ashley Thomas- Farrand. For information about Craig Williams, visit http://www.ayurvedaaustin.com/.

Christina Sell has been practicing yoga since 1991. She is a certified Anusara Yoga® instructor and author of the book Yoga From the Inside Out: Making Peace with your Body Through Yoga. Christina has been training yoga teachers for over 5 years and is known for her clarity, insight and passion. Dedicated to the practices and principles of Anusara Yoga she serves on the Anusara Yoga® Teacher Assessment committee, the Anusara Yoga® Ethics Committee and the Anusara Yoga® Teacher Training Curriculum Development committee. For more information about her or her work, please visit http://www.christinasell.com/.

Workshop with Christina Sell January 2-4th

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi is pleased to present:

Opening To Grace- Anusara Yoga® for all levels with Christina Sell
January 2-4, 2009
Anusara (a-nu-sar-a), means “flowing with Grace,” “going with the flow,” “following your heart.”

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga is a powerful hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment™. Currently, Anusara Yoga is one of the most popular and fastest growing yoga styles in the world with over 1200 affiliated teachers and 100,000 students world-wide.

Anusara Yoga's remarkable popularity is due in large part to its uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a "celebration of the heart," that looks for the good in all people and all things. Consequently, students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. This life-affirming vision sets the basis for a yoga system in which the harmony and joy of a tightly knit community is exulted. Not only is Anusara Yoga an elegant system of alignment principles and non-dual philosophy, but it is also a wonderful community of highly trained teachers and fun-loving students. This community feels like it has the tightness of a family, yet the looseness of a merry band of bohemian artists.
Join us this weekend and find out how Anusara Yoga can help you take your practice to a new level!

Fri., Jan. 2 6:00-8:00 Flowing with Grace, Flowing with the Breath Asana Flow

Sat., Jan. 3 9:00-12:30 The Divine Pulsation:Primary Flows of Energy All-levels Asana

Sun., Jan.4 9:00-12:30 Spiral into the Flow: Inner and Outer Spiral Unveiled All-Levels Asana

$125 for the whole weekend,
Individual sessions $50.

For Information and Registration please contact Michelle Acebo at 361-883-1052.

We realize that not everyone can commit to a Teacher Training Program or needs a Yoga Alliance 200 hour certification. We would like to offer this incredible experience to all those who may be interested in Anusara Yoga and to those who would like the opportunity to experience a Christina Sell class!

Christina Sell is a certified Anusara Yoga instructor and author of the book Yoga From the Inside Out. Her classes are fun, inspiring and dedicated to helping students of all abilities enter the Flow of Grace through yoga.

For more information about her and her work please visit www.christinasell.com

Teacher Training Program with Christina Sell Starts in January!

Anusara Yoga Immersion
and Teacher Development Program
at THE YOGA STUDIO OF CORPUS CHRISTI

January 2009-December 2009

For Information and Registration please contact:
Michelle Acebo at 361-883-1052


PHASE ONE of this unique program is a 108-hour Anusara Yoga Immersion. The Anusara Yoga Immersion program is for dedicated students who wish to begin a structured exploration of Anusara Yoga to enhance their own practice and experience, as well as students and teachers who may wish to enter the Anusara Yoga Certification Process. The Immersion is a comprehensive study designed by John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga. The curriculum looks at the essence of Anusara philosophy, alignment principles and practice. The in-depth program invites you to expand your mind and heart, while providing a rich and transformative experience. The focus of Phase One is highly experiential and focuses on self-development, practice and personal inquiry as the foundation of good teaching.
PHILOSOPHY: (30 HOURS): History of yoga, The Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Introduction Tantric Philosophy, Tattvas, and Anusara Yoga Philosophy and vision.
UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES OF ALIGNMENT (48 HOURS): Opening to Grace, Muscular Energy, Expanding Spiral Contracting Spiral, the Seven Energy Loops and General principles of the Major categories of postures.
PRANAYANA: (10 HOURS): Ujayi Pranayama, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Viloma Pranayama
MEDITATION/CONTEMPALATION AND JOURNALING (10 HOURS): Open, closed and focus techniques.
ANATOMY (10 HOURS): Anatomy of respiration, Introduction to the skeletal system, general overview of the structure and function of the spine, pelvis and hips, esoteric anatomy.
*IMMERSION DATES *
JANUARY 2-4, 2009 *

FEBRUARY 20-22, 2009 *

MARCH 20-22, 2009 *

APRIL 10-12, 2009 *
MAY 15-17, 2009 *

AUGUST 21-23, 2009

PHASE TWO of the program is Teacher Development: The Art and Skill of Teaching Yoga. These 92-hours are aimed at developing the teaching skills required to effectively and safely introduce people to the practices and principles of Anusara Yoga. For both new and seasoned teachers, this program is highly experiential and will focus on hand-on teaching practice with feedback and peer support.
ANATOMY- (10 Hours): Anatomy of the Lower and Upper Extremities, continued work on the spine, pelvis and hips.
TEACHING METHODOLOGIES- (25 HOURS): Sequencing, developing heart-based themes, modifications, observation, adjustments, language skills, demonstration skills, use of props, class composition, special populations, progressive teaching methodology.
PRACTICUM (20 HOURS): ***THESE HOURS MUST BE COMPLETED OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.***
YOGA THERAPY (25 HOURS): Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy including mantra, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana as well as therapeutic applications of Universal Principles of Alignment.
BUSINESS AND ETHICS- (12 HOURS)
*TEACHER TRAINING DATES*
SEPTEMBER 18-20,2009 *

OCTOBER 16-18, 2009 *

NOVEMBER 13-15, 2009 *

DECEMBER 4-6
Primary Faculty

Jivamukti Yoga~ December 2008 Focus of the Month

Jivamukti Yoga Focus of the Month ~ December 2008

Yoga Nidra and Shavasana "Yoga Nidra is a state of complete bodily relaxation, in which the mind rests in a suspended state - awake, yet calm, and free of all distraction. The body, senses and material mind are magnetized." - Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati

Through deep relaxation, a state of Yoga Nidra arises, which can lead to kaivalyam, or samadhi, in which the sense of individualization merges with absolute, transcendental joy. The practice of shavasana (corpse pose)can facilitate the arising of this state. But for success in shavasana, you have to understand, as Shri Brahmananda suggests, "how to use fixation, suggestion and sensation, and how to use the proper pause for time." The following is a guided relaxation to be used in the practice of shavasana; it is meant to be spoken out loud by a teacher to students after they have assumed a lying-down position: "You are about to embark upon a wonderful adventure, a journey into the experience of deep relaxation. To relax means to become receptive; receptive to your own inner happiness and peace, your true nature, that which is boundless, limitless joy, that which is the very core of every being. To relax allows you to let go of everything that may be holding you back from the experience of the truth of your very being. "Start by taking your consciousness to your feet. Silently suggest: Toes, relax. Feet, relax. Ankles, relax. Let go. Calves and shins, relax. Let go. Knees, relax. Thighs, relax. Release the large muscles of the thighs. Allow them to let go of their grip on the thighbones. Relax. Let go. Allow the bones of the legs to rest in the softened tissues of the relaxed muscles. Relax hips and buttocks. Release all clenching, all gripping there. Release all tension from the pelvic area. Let go. Let go. Lower back, relax. Middle back, relax. Upper back, relax. Allow the muscles of the back to spread and melt into the floor, spreading warmth outward from the spine. Release into the floor. Let go. Allow the floor to lift up under you, to support you. Trust it beneath your body. Melt into it. Release into the floor, into the earth. Drop all your tension, anxieties, restlessness, and resistance into the floor, into the earth. Relax your abdomen and chest. Release. Soften. Soften. Fingers and hands, relax. Let go of all gripping and clenching there. No need now to hold on to anything. Everything is yours. Let go. Let go of it all, and receive everything. Relax your wrists, forearms, elbows, upper arms. Let the muscles melt away from the bones. Let the bones rest in the soft tissue of the relaxed muscles. Relax your shoulders. Allow the shoulder blades to drop into the floor. Release and soften all neck and throat muscles, allowing them to relax. Relax your face, the mask of your personality. Release your jaw. Relax your tongue. Allow your tongue to float inside your mouth. Lips, cheeks, let go. Nose, eyes, inside the nose, and behind the eyes, let go. Let go. Let go. Eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, relax. Release all tension between the eyebrows. Allow the forehead to broaden. Relax the scalp and the back of the head. Let your hair grow. The more you can melt heavily into the floor, into the earth, the lighter you will begin to feel. Allow yourself to feel light. "Go now, deep inside. Relax the internal organs, the organs of elimination. Relax the organs of sexuality. Relax the organs of digestion. Relax the organs of blood circulation. Relax the organs of respiration. Release the sense of feeling and of thinking. Allow the frontal part of your brain to slip back into the skull. Let go. Let go. "Your whole body now, inside and outside, is relaxing deeply. Great healing and rebalancing is taking place now. Don't interfere. Allow a complete letting go into inner wisdom, and peace. Let your body relax, and take your consciousness to the site of your spiritual heart, the lotus of the heart at the center of your chest. Enter into this lotus. Feel yourself inside the lotus of the heart, which is the source of all creative things. The source of love itself; unconditional, boundless, limitless joy - bliss, ananda. Feel the petals of the lotus surrounding you with their soft fragrance. Allow yourself to become this lotus of the heart, to become the source of all creative things, to become love itself; beyond name and form, beyond pleasure and pain, beyond night, and beyond day. Become boundless, limitless joy. Fall into love itself. This is who you are. Become who you are. Relax all resistance to who you are. Relax all resistance to boundless, limitless joy. You ... you ... you are love itself, happiness itself. Shantih, shantih, shantih. - Sharon Gannon, December 2008

(For further reference: Fundamentals of Yoga, by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, and The Jivamukti Relaxation and Meditation CD.)

Doug Swenson's Workshop a huge success!

The Doug Swenson Workshop was a very educational and a fun experience for all who attended. Everyone seemed to enjoy Doug's easy going and approachable attitude.

As you can see there were many smiles throughout the weekend. Thank you to those of you who supported the workshop. There will be many more pictures to come.

Thanksgiving Week Schedule

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. --John Fitzgerald Kennedy

All of us at The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday! Here is the Schedule for the week of November 24th-November 29th, 2009.
Monday 11/24 Normal Class Schedule
Tuesday 11/25th Normal Class Schedule
Wednesday 11/26th One class 9a.m.- 10:30 Hatha Flow with Elizabeth Hofman
Thursday 11/27th Closed in observance of Thanksgiving. Enjoy your Tofu Turkey!!
Friday 11/28th One class, Restorative Yoga with Michelle at 12:00. Come in and find some relaxing and peaceful moments stepping away from the hectic holiday schedule. Enjoy a few hours of 50% off any and all clothing merchandise (includes re-sale items!). Studio open 11-2 only.
Saturday 11/29th Classes resume as normal. One level 2-3 Hatha Flow class with Armando 9:30-11:00.

Let's Go To India!!

Pilgrimage to the Origins of the Gange

Presentation

For the Hindu, a pilgrimage to the Himalayan mountain town Gangotri and the origins of the Gange represents a meeting with the Mother Goddess, there where all things began. In the Indian tradition, the Gange is seen as having a feminine, maternal nature and believed to be the sacred river of Paradise capable of purifying one of sins. According to the millennial vision of Yoga, the Gange also flows symbolically together with two other rivers, the Jamuna and the Saraswati, inside of the human body by way of an intricate system of invisible canals called Nadi that carry Prana, “life force” or “cosmic energy”, throughout the body. For the passionate of India and it’s philosophies, the Himalaya and the origins of the Gange make up part of that magical, almost dreamlike, world that surrounds the life and teachings of numerous Indian masters and that has been reinforced over the decades by literature half imaginative half truthful.

From Hell to Paradise and back
One who departs in the late Spring with Gangotri as their destination, leaves behind the suffocating heat of the Indian flatlands where the Monsoon rains are anxiously awaited. On the way, one usually stops at the densely populated mountain village of Uttarkashi. As the overcrowded and swaying buses struggle along the steep climb and around endless turnabouts towards Gangotri, the pilgrims aboard repeatedly sing devotional chants, off-key and in a sort of collective delirium, with increasing volume as they get closer and closer to Gangotri. Upon arriving, one hears a persistent roar that vibrates in the fresh crisp mountain air and notices how even the forest trees seem to bow towards the foaming and rumbling Garurikund waterfall that drops off into the depths of the Himalaya valley.

Somewhere between Nature and mythology
At dawn, pilgrims and hiking enthusiasts alike begin along the easy, wide mountain trail that hugs the Bhaagirathi Torrent, the principal source of the Gange that was named after a wise man who is believed to have once meditated, prayed and lived in poverty along it’s shores for thousands of years so as to redeem his ancestors who had been incinerated by the glare of ascetic divinity Kapil. Legend has it that the god Brahma, struck by the perseverance of Bhaagirathi, thereby consented that the purifying waters of the Gange descend upon the Earth and cleanse the souls of the sage and his ancestors. The legend goes on to say that, in order to avoid that the world be destroyed by the destructive force of the powerful billows of the Gange, the god Shiva dammed them with his thick head of hair thus reducing their deletory power. Eighteen kilometers of trail, at times level and at others slightly climbing, penetrate a narrow, suggestive valley offering many an occasion of crossing characteristic and sometimes even extraordinary personages; those devoted to the divinity Shiva, distinguished by the three white lines painted on their foreheads, while those inspired by the divinity Vishnu with a sort of “U” or “V” drawn just above their nose.

The “Gange Maa” Cult
Chirabasa is the ideal location where to catch one’s breath. Proceeding along the trail, after many hours of hiking, the grayish glacier Gangotri suddenly appears, almost as if a mirage. Inside of a kind of ice-cave called Gaumukh, or “Cow’s Mouth”, the dark capricious waters of the Gange Ma, the “Mother Gange”, are born. At a higher altitude, another trail snakes over the glacier’s moraine leading to Tapovan, a small plain at the base of the pointed mountain Shivling that pops out of the ethereal mist that continually surrounds Gangotri. The sacred mountain of Shivling is worshipped by the Hindu who consider it a phallic symbol representing Shiva. In India, the god Shiva is adored both in it’s anthromorpomorphic aspect as in the form of linga, a stone carved into a phallic symbol and placed on a circular base thereby graphically reproducing the symbolic union between the male and female genital organs.

(Article written by Andrea Alborno and published by the Yoga Journal; translated in English by Kathleen DerDerian)
Pilgrimage to the Origins of the Gange

Itinerary

Departure from Italy is scheduled for Monday, the 25th of May, 2008 with return on the 7th of June. Roundtrip airfare was deliberately excluded from the trip cost in order to enable participants to lengthen their stay in Indian if desired. For who plans on traveling independently to India, the meeting is planned in Delhi on May 27th. It is possible to request that Hari-Om take care of the flight arrangements upon payment of the communicated cost. Since ticket prices tend to increase the closer one books to the departure date, we advise the interested participants to book their flights as soon as possible.

The trip itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: Departure from Italy.

Day 2: Arrival in Delhi. Visit to the Hare Krishna temple. Overnight stay in Delhi.*

Day 3: Bus transfer from Delhi to Rishikesh. Evening and overnight stay in Rishikesh.*

Day 4: Visits to the temples and Ashram of Rishikesh. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.*

Day 5: Bus transfer from Rishikesh to Utterkashi. Day in Uttekashi with visit to the famous temple Vishwanath. Overnight stay in Uttrekashi.

Day 6: Bus trasfer from Utterkashi to Gangotri. Visit to the Gangotri Temple with evening prayer
dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. Overnight stay at Gangotri.

Day 7: After breakfast, visit to the Gangotri Temple. Hike from Gangotri along the Bhagirathi
River to Bhojwasa (4-5 hours). Reservation at Guest House. Afternoon free to explore the
area and to enjoy a suggestive sunset among the Himalayan mountain tops.

Day 8: Hike towards Gomukh and the origins of the Gange (3-4 hours). Return to Bhojwasa in the
evening.

Day 9: Hike to Tapowan and the origins of the Gange (2-3 hours). Return to Bhojwasa in the
evening.

Day 10: Hike from Bhojwasa to Gangotri (2-3 hours). Bus transfer to Utterkashi. Overnight stay.

Day 11: After breakfast, bus transfer to Haridwar. Participation in devotional rituals on the shore
the Gange. Overnight stay in Haridwar.

Day 12: Bus transfer to Delhi. Visit of the Delhi markets. Dinner and overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 13: Return to Italy/USA



THE ITINERARY MAY BE MODIFIED AS THE RESULT OF
UNFAVORABLE WEATHER CONDITIONS OR OTHER UNFORSEEN FACTORS.


Pilgrimage to the Origins of the Gange

Trip Cost
The total trip cost comes to $780 and includes the following:
> Tour guide;
> All noted bus transfers in rented tourist coaches (not on public transportation);
> Hotel accommodation, with breakfast included, in double rooms except for the nights in Bhojwasa where only dormitory accomodation is available.**

**Considering that the trip takes place during the Pilgrimage season, interested participants should keep in mind the available sleeping accommodations will be modest.

Additional expenses that are excluded from the total trip cost:
> Overnight accommodations on the days starred with an asterisk (*);
> Roundtrip airfare to and from India.***

***Roundtrip airfare from Italy usually costs around 700 euros. Hari-Om is willing to make flight reservations upon request.
***Roundtrip airfare from USA usually costs about $1,800.00 US dollars. Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi is willing to make flight arrangements upon request and payment.

********Payment of $780.oo U.S. Dollars must be made to The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi before February 28th, 2009******************* This is non-refundable and you are responsible for your own flight and flight arrangements. Be sure you arrive in New Delhi by very early morning on May 27th in order to be on the tour bus with the group. (I had to change my flight once because I booked the arrival time too late about 11 a.m. This is why I am getting there a day ahead and it will afford me a chance to rest before our journey). Just a little F.Y.I.

TRIP GUIDES
Marco Mandrino was born and raised in northern Italy where he runs his own yoga insitute “Hari-Om” located in Alessandria in the state of Piemonte. Yoga “Master” and trained in Ayurveda and aroma-therapy, Marco is the principal instructor of numerous teacher-training courses of Tantra Yoga; is a regular contributor of articles for various Yoga magazines; has published his own works on Yoga; and attempts to encourage personal growth in others by way of his yoga seminars and retreats organized in Italy, the United States and Australia. Marco’s personal sadhana includes pilgrimages to sacred sights belonging to different spiritual traditions throughout the world. Marco has his point of reference in the Tantric tradition and thereby promotes an integral approach to Yoga combining Hatha, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga in his practice and teaching during his retreats and travels.

Michelle Acebo has been practicing yoga since 2001. She has completed two R.Y.T. 200 courses and a Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training @ 300 hours. Michelle has had the honor to study with numerous yoga masters of various traditions. She has studied, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Power Vinyasa, Vinyasa Krama, Anusara and was certified in Jivamukti Yoga with it's creators Sharon Gannon and David Life. She has served as a personal assistant to Sharon Gannon and David Life at the 2008 Southwest Yoga Conference in Austin, Texas. Michelle is one of only two teachers in Texas to be Jivamukti Yoga Certified. Michelle opened The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi in January of 2005. This was the first and largest yoga studio and boutique in South Texas. The studio has evolved to "the yoga hub" of South Texas which is dedicated to education, improving the understanding of what yoga is and making sure that yoga is available for all to study.

Here are Michelle's travel arrangements from the U.S. I suggest you book your flight as early as possible. This is a peak travel time for tourist and the flights will more than likely get very expensive. I used expedia.com to book this. Total for flight with insurance was $1593.40. This was the best price available. As you can see, I have to change planes often but it saved me a lot of money!

Traveling to Delhi
Sun 24-May-09
Corpus Christi (CRP)Depart 2:50 pm
to
Dallas (DFW)Arrive 4:10 pm
355 mi(571 km)Duration: 1hr 20mn
AA Flight: 3702 Operated by: AMERICAN EAGLE
3Economy/Coach Class

Dallas (DFW)Depart 5:30 pm
to
London (LHR)Arrive 8:35 am
"Flight arrives on Mon 25-May"
"The arrival date for this flight is one day after the departure date."

+1 day
4,747 mi(7,640 km)Duration: 9hr 5mn
BA Flight: 192
3Economy/Coach Class Boeing 777
Mon 25-May-09
London (LHR)Depart 9:55 am
to
Delhi (DEL)Arrive 11:00 pm
4,169 mi(6,709 km)Duration: 8hr 35mn
BA Flight: 143
3Economy/Coach Class Boeing 777
Total distance: 9,271 mi (14,920 km)
Total duration: 19hr 0mn (21hr 40mn with connections)

Traveling to Chicago
Sun 7-Jun-09
Delhi (DEL)Depart 8:15 am
to
London (LHR)Arrive 1:10 pm
4,169 mi(6,709 km)Duration: 9hr 25mn
BA Flight: 256
3Economy/Coach Class Boeing 777
London (LHR)Depart 3:35 pm
to
Chicago (ORD)Arrive 6:05 pm
3,953 mi(6,362 km)Duration: 8hr 30mn
BA Flight: 297
3Economy/Coach Class Boeing 777
Total distance: 8,122 mi (13,071 km)
Total duration: 17hr 55mn (20hr 20mn with connections)
Mon 8-Jun-09
Chicago (ORD)Depart 6:00 am
to
Dallas (DFW)Arrive 8:20 am
799 mi(1,286 km)Duration: 2hr 20mn
AA Flight: 2301

Dallas (DFW)Depart 9:05 am
to
Corpus Christi (CRP)Arrive 10:20 am
355 mi(571 km)Duration: 1hr 15mn
AA Flight: 3565 Operated by: AMERICAN EAGLE

Jivamukti Yoga~Focus of The Month~November 2008

Compassion, Diet, Strength and Happiness

Compassion is an essential ingredient in the practice of ahimsa (non-harming), the first of the five yamas (ethical restraints) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Through compassion, you begin to see yourself in other beings. This helps you refrain from causing harm to them. But developing compassion does something else that is of special interest to the yogi: It trains the mind to see past outer differences of form. The yogi begins to catch glimpses of the inner essence of other beings, which is happiness, and begins to see that every single creature desires happiness.
To develop compassion, examine the motives for your actions. Are they selfish or unselfish? Proclaiming that it is acceptable to eat meat because it makes you healthier, for example, is a himsic, or "harmful," attitude because the action of eating meat stems from a selfish motive - your concern for your own personal health or enjoyment. When you realize that cows and chickens want happiness just as you do, you see them as kindred souls: the distinction between you and other beings wears thin as awareness begins to dawn.
In truth, we all share consciousness, and harm inflicted upon one being, be it animal or human, is felt by all sooner or later. Some meat eaters like to argue that vegetables have feelings too, so what difference does it make if we eat chickens or carrots? The answer is simple: Patanjali gives ahimsa as a practice, meaning that you do your best to cause the least amount of harm. And it is clear that a vegetarian diet causes the least amount of harm to the planet and to all creatures.
Generally speaking, the "disease of disconnection" plagues the human condition. As a species, we are not at ease with ourselves - with our bodies, with our minds or with our feelings. We are not at ease with others - with other human beings as well as other animals. We can be nervous, competitive, fearful and worried; we crave respect and approval while simultaneously seeking dominance and power. We certainly aren't at ease with our environment, and are constantly altering it to suit our needs or wants with little regard for how our actions impact others or the earth. This dis-ease causes all sorts of problems. We are destroying ourselves, as well as other animal species and the planet, in a misguided quest to find happiness, or ease of being.
By enslaving and abusing other animals in order to feed and clothe ourselves, we deprive them of freedom and happiness. How can we hope to be free or happy when our own lives are rooted in depriving others of the very thing we say we value most in life - the freedom to pursue happiness? If you want to bring more peace and happiness into your own life, stop subjecting others to violence and unhappiness. We tell our children that "might does not make right," and yet we throw this high-minded idea out the window when it comes to the everyday reality of using might to humiliate, torture and kill the animals we raise for food.
Maitri-adishu balani PYS III.24:Through compassion, strength comes.
This sutra expresses a radical concept because it challenges the message of our enculturation, which is that strength comes from weakening another. The fork can be a powerful weapon of mass destruction or a tool to lead a movement of peaceful co-existence. Eating a compassionate, vegetarian diet will stop war and create peace in one's body, peace with animal nations and peace on earth.
Besides, it is very radical to be a vegetarian during these times! As Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), reminds us: "Never be afraid of seeming radical. All the best people in history have always been radical." The word radical, like the word radish, derives from rad, meaning "root." A radical is someone who attempts to dig to the root of a situation. Yogis have always been radical. Yogis search for root causes because they understand that effective change can occur only if you change a course of action from the causal point. Failure to understand this is why so many "liberating" revolutions of the past never elicited long-lasting, positive change. They dealt only with surface symptoms, not the root causes of social and cultural problems.
Yoga means "liberation." Slavery is contrary to liberation. We can never become free by taking away the freedom of others. Through the practice of yoga, we begin to recognize ourselves as not separate from the whole, and we realize that what we do to others, we ultimately do to ourselves.
Yoga is said to be the perfection of action by the removal of selfish motivation. The yogi uses the world we live in, and the way we interact with the world, as a vehicle for transformation. A vegan diet offers an informed, intelligent, conscious and yogic way to act perfectly each time we make a choice about how we consume the world, rather than focusing on how to consume the world.
As we become more Self-confident, we become less fearful. We become less self-absorbed, and our ability to feel life all around allows us to hear what life is trying to communicate to us through nature. Through the animals and trees, water and air, the message is simple yet profound: All of life is interconnected. What we do to others affects us all. When we begin to feel this, we can free ourselves from the false idea that the earth belongs to us, and instead use our lives to benefit others. In turn, we will become happy as we discover that the best way to uplift our own lives is to do all we can to uplift the lives of others.

- Adapted from Yoga and Vegetarianism, by Sharon Gannon, November 2008

Chakra and Tantra Yoga Workshop with Marco Mandrino, E-R.Y.T. 500

February 28-March 1, 2009

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi proudly announces a Chakra and Tantra Yoga Workshop with Marco Mandrino! Many of you have expressed interest in this subject so Marco has taken the time to come back to Corpus Christi from Italy.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:
This is a rare opportunity to be introduced to an in-depth Tantric perspective of the seven chakras in a format both theoretical and experiential. The two day workshop begins with an explanation of the concept of Sukshma Sharira (energetic subtle body), followed by an exploration of each chakra's meaning, position, element, symbolism (number of lotus petals, animal and Divine qualities), sense and action organ, imbalance diagnostics, rajasic, tamasic and sattvic aspects and practice suggestions to re balance and purify chakra energy. Participants will also learn a Kundalini Shakti awakening techniques.

Both Days will start with a component consisting of about 3 hours of Asana, pranyama and Dharana (concentration) techniques specific to each chakra. The practice is followed by theoretical component complemented by Kriya Yoga, Mantras or pranyama practice.

ABOUT MARCO MANDRINO:
Marco is registered as E-R.Y.T. 500, Experienced Yoga Teacher above 500 hours by Yoga Alliance. He studied and practiced different kinds of Yoga both in Tantric Tradition and others. He leads Yoga Teacher Training Programs, workshops and retreats for the development of the potential within and for personal growth through Yoga in Italy, Australia, India and The United States. Marco is also an Ayurvedic practitioner, classic and Ayurvedic Aromatherapy expert. He is author of several publications and collaborator of different Italian Yoga Magazines (similar to our Yoga Journal here). Through workshops and retreats he teaches an integral way to Yoga in Tantric Tradition with a consistent Hatha Yoga practice with Asana, Pranyama, Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation). He is a strong supporter of Ayurveda to purify and cleanse the body. He gives practical advice that allows you to bring Yoga into your daily life routine through Karma Yoga teaching, Jnana Yoga approach in the Advatita Vedanta Philosophy which will allow you to burn out the veils of ignorance, Bhakti Yoga practices to bring love, joy and light into the present moment.

Yoginos Classes for kids starts November 2008

Yogiños classes will engage and connect your minds, hearts and bodies as you become animals, plants, birds, reptiles, bugs, yogis, yoginis and so much more. Yoga helps participants of all ages with stretching, strengthening, integrating senses, focusing, digesting, breathing, relaxing and sleeping. Classes for younger yogis includes literacy games while classes for older youth address self-esteem, focus, as well as stretching and strengthening for sports such as baseball, volleyball, tennis, swimming and more.Classes contain many of the following aspects: yoga and kids' music, singing, basic Pranayama, theme classes, Spanish, Asanas, story telling, games, focusing and visualization activities, relaxation techniques, meditation, and lots of laughing and fun. Come prepared to play and be present! Help you and your child grow into your unlimited power through the gifts of yoga!

Yogiños classes are facilitated by Elizabeth Reese, Ph.D. Reese is a teacher with over 20 years of experiences leading learners of all ages in creative problem solving, self-reflection and empowerment through skiing, windsurfing, arts education, and art museum activities. She is the author of several articles and book chapters as well as co-author of the book, Experience Art: Teaching and Learning through Works of Art. She has practiced yoga for over 10 years including Hatha, Ashtanga, Anusara, power yoga, and most recently Jivamukti. Reese is working towards certifications through Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and RYT 200 in Anusara. She is the mother of 3 yogiños under the age of 10.

The schedule will be as follows:

Tues., 10:45-11:10, ages 18m-3 years

Tues., 11:20-11:50, ages 3-5 years

Thurs, 2:45-3:15 ages 4-6 years

Thursdays 3:30-4:15 ages 7-12

This is the perfect way to compliment your pre/post Natal classes and The Mommy and Baby Classes. Now, we have your entire family covered! Join us. The best way to keep these wonderful classes coming your way is by attending them.

Join us in India!

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi is busy planning a trip to India!

Dates for the trip will be 5/26/2009 thru 6/6/2009. I am currently looking into transportation options. Once the transportation is arranged I will have a basic idea of the cost. We will be meeting up with my Mentor/friend Marco Mandrino and his students from Italy. Marco travels to India often and is very familiar with the areas we will be visiting. This will be the perfect trip for someones first time in India. You can find out more about Marco by visiting www.hari-om.it

"About India . There will be 6 nights in hotels with bed and breakfast(5 nights in twin rooms and 1 on dormitory) plus all the transport on personal excursion bus plus organisation and escort service. There will be around 6 more nights to pay as the trip will be of 12 days and all lunch and dinner and the flight. From Italy the cost is around 700 euro (950$).
Just some important advise. Gomukh and Gangotri are really high mountain ( Himalayas ) so people who come must to be in a good health condition. Second and maybe most important the accommodation in India in general but up there in particular are really basic, never really clean and you have always many people around. So people who want to come must to be ready for sure for an amazing, deep and mystic experience but also for a not easy condition and environment. In this you must to be really have a clear understanding. To have an idea about the place you can give a look on Internet using as keywords “Gangotri”."

I hope this answers some of your questions for now. Marco will be back in Corpus Christi the last weekend in February for a workshop. It will be a two day workshop on opening the chakras. Each day is about 8 hours with 30 min for lunch and maybe small little breaks in between. He is awesome. It would be a great time to meet him and have an idea of what things will be like for us in India. Let me know if you want more details as they come. Please contact me via comments on the blog or at our e-mail address yogastudioofcc@yahoo.com .

Infant Massage Workshop

Thank you to all the parents and parents to be who joined us for the Infant Massage Workshop. Stacy Wooster, R.M.T. and RYT 200 did a fabulous job of presenting us with information on the benefits of infant massage, the studies on infant massage therapy, the homeopathic uses, and the techniques used for infant massaging.

Please watch the live TV interview and please leave comments http://www.kiiitv.com/news/local/30463659.html

The concepts of infant massage will be integrated into our Mommy and Me classes starting October 21st with Jennie Woelpern, RYT 200 Tuesdays October 21st.

Here are some pictures for all to enjoy!

Baby Massage Workshop October 5th

Baby Massage Workshop, Sunday October 5 from 2-3:15pm. Stacy Wooster, R.M.T. and R.Y.T, 200 will be holding this Baby Massage Workshop at the Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi. This will tie into our Baby and Momma yoga classes that Jennie Woelpern, R.Y.T. 200 and Pre and Post Natal Certified Instructor will be teaching starting October 21st, 2008.
Space is limited for the workshop. Only two more spaces available as of September 29th.

Due to popular request there will be another Baby Massage Workshop scheduled November 15th, 2008. Contact Maria at The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi to register early!

Be sure to schedule your massage with Stacy for this weekend, October 5-6th, 2008. There are only two more spaces for these as well. As a special treat Stacy will be teaching our Friday Restorative Yoga class with some Yoga Nidra. It would be silly to miss this experience. Be sure to register early (either by phone or on line). This class is on a first come, first serve basis. Your pre-registration saves your spot!

Jivamukti Yoga ~ Focus of The Month~ October '08

Halloween and All Saints' Day
During the equinoxes, the fabric of space and time becomes thinner and the atmosphere becomes more porous. And, of course, Halloween (also known as All Hallows' Eve) and All Saints' Day occur at the time of the time of the fall equinox, when the boundaries between dimensions are more transparent and disembodied spirits can move more freely between the world of gross and subtle forms. We know that many disembodied souls exist in other dimensions only looking for an opportunity to find a body to possess.
It is a great privilege to have a body because it is easier to work out karma when you have one. With only an astral, or etheric, body, it is much more difficult to resolve your karmas. All disembodied spirits know that life in a physical body is precious, something to value, unlike some of us who take our lives for granted, neglecting or not appreciating the body. In some traditions, these disembodied souls are referred to as "hungry ghosts." They are hungry for a body and want the experience of life, which offers the means to resolve their karmas, so they can be at peace.
On All Hallows' Eve, these hungry ghosts can be seen in the world of the living, as they are able, on that night, to pierce through the boundaries that normally separate the dimensions. They can make mischief as only hungry spirits looking for bodies to possess can. They want to feel what living beings feel, and they can be demanding about it, saying, "I want this, I need this, give me this."
In the past, people anticipated the arrival of these ravenous ghosts by preparing food offerings for them. They wanted the food to be so delectable that the ghosts would be completely sated and forget about trying to possess their bodies, so they made sure their offerings were very tasty, that they would be a treat for the spirits. This tradition is still practiced in many parts of the world. In India and Ireland, for instance, people leave food on their doorsteps for spirits at certain times of the year. In India and parts of Indonesia, people also hang scary, demon-faced masks above their front doors to scare away unwanted guests. It is best to choose a mask that is scarier than the demons, so that it scares them away and they leave you alone.
When you know the origin of this particular holiday (holy-day), you can see how it evolved into what it is today. For example, when delectable offerings were left on the doorstep of every home in every village, some people who might have been hungrier than they were afraid ventured out to steal their neighbor's food. To ensure that they weren't caught or recognized, they might have thrown a cloak over themselves or masqueraded as a demon or ghost. If someone happened to hear a noise and peered out a window, that person would think he or she had seen a hungry ghost taking the delicious food that had been left for just that purpose.
Nowadays, the tradition on Halloween night has become one of going out dressed in costume rather than staying home and praying to the saints for protection. There are basically two camps of masquerade: the demons and the saints. You see lots of vampires, ghosts and headless corpses, as well as fairies, nuns and winged superheroes. Millions of kids dress up and go door-to-door asking for candy, or treats.
In the old days, no sane individual would have gone outside on that night. People would probably have spent all of Halloween night locked up inside their houses praying to the saints, gods and goddesses, or their ancestors to protect them from possession by hungry spirits. If someone survived the night of being harassed by the hungry ghosts, and in the morning still retained the familiar form of his or her own body, it was because he or she had had the protection and help of holy beings-saints, angels and ancestors. That person would then spend the whole rest of this next day in gratitude, thanking those saints for protection the night before. This is why the day after All Hallows' Eve is set aside for remembrance of the saints and is called All Saints' Day.-Sharon Gannon, October 2008

Jennie's Back!

Jennie will be back teaching Gentle/Pre-natal Yoga on Monday's 1:30-2:45. We will also introduce our new Mommy and baby class Tuesdays 1:30-2:30. We will be watching the attendance of this new class because we would love to have it on Thursdays too (same time, same place)!

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi would like to thank everyone for their support. Over the past 3 1/2 years we have developed a family feel in the studio and are always excited about welcoming new faces to the studio (as practitioners and teachers). It is very exciting to be able to share yoga with someone and to watch them go through the process of self discovery. This is the reason the studio exists. With our library, workshops, teacher training, and availability to talk with your teachers on a personal level we are promoting your personal growth. My friend Pamela Walsh from my Teacher Training at Yoga Yoga and Immersion with Christina Sell had such a beautiful blog the other day which summed up the studio's intent perfectly. I would like to share it with you and you should take a look at her site (http://potentialwithin.wordpress.com/). My past training experiences have been amazing and I have met the most wonderful people. I am grateful for yoga and believe yoga has changed us all and for the better. Here is that quote:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

May many miracles come your way. Don't be afraid to go out and let your light shine. While you are at it help someone else discover theirs. Serve the greater good!

Much Love To You All!
Michelle

Pre-Natal massages at the studio for a limited time

Stacy Wooster, R.M.T. and R.Y.T. 200 will be in town September 7-September 11th. She specializes in Pre and Post-Natal yoga and Pre-natal massages. We will be offering pre and post natal, Swedish, Deep tissue and myofascial release massages on an appointment only basis. Massages will run $65/hour or $90 one and one half hours. You are guaranteed to feel fabulous. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to experience one of Austin's finest!

Be sure to sign up for the infant massage workshop soon. Space is limited and this is a popular workshop. Also, look for information on the Yoga Nidra class soon. Stacy will be teaching these as well.

Welcome Abigail! Our newest member of the Studio Family

Jennie and Ryan announce Abigail's arrival.

Abigail Rose has arrived...
Our beautiful Abigail Rose arrived September 5th, 6:44am 6lbs. 11oz, 19" long and most important in perfect health. She gave her mom a quick labor & delivery, even though it was quick still not easy, but I did it all natural. I feel it is the number one accomplishment in my life that I have ever done!! It is hard to describe in words how it feels to give birth, it is very powerful and amazing! I still can't believe I did it!!So here is my birth story:I went to bed at 9:30pm on Thursday 4th, woke up at 10:30pm with bad hip pain and light crampy back pain. I thought oh great another night of no sleep, but then I realized that I was contracting pretty regular, so I started to time them and they were about 10 minutes apart. Still not convinced I was in labor I called Stacy (my good friend in Austin, who is also my doula) and she said sure does sound like it, I am leaving now. She lives in Austin so she had about a 3 1/2 hour trip to make. Now it is about 11:30pm. Then I had to call Ryan, because he was away at a hotel for work. He didn't first believe me. After convincing him this is the real deal, he called work and they released him to be sent home, but he was still about 3 hours away. The contractions were coming quicker and I was having lots of back pain, at this time it is about 12:30am. I called my friend Tiffany to come over and sit with me until Ryan and Stacy got her, I didn't want to be alone at home. When she got to my house a little while later, my contractions were then about 4-5 minutes apart and very regular and I was feeling the pain. I was so worried that Ryan and Stacy were not going to make it in time before I had to go the hospital, it was getting to the point that I was going to ask Tiffany to take me, but I kept waiting it out, and using yoga breathing and poses to get through the contractions. Finally Ryan arrives about 3:30am, and I said we need to go now, but he was like no I think we should wait and make sure, I was like I am sure! So he went and got his stop watch and my contractions were 3 minutes apart, so he said yes we better go. Stacy was still in route at this time. So we left for the hospital, got checked in at 4:10am, Stacy arrived just as I was getting in the labor room. Nurse Mary (she was the best nurse, well actually all the nurses were very wonderful while we were there) checked me and I was 8cm dilated, I said thank God! So then I knew it shouldn't be too long and thought at this time I think I will be able to do this. I really got in a zone, I just kept a gaze or shutting my eyes and meditating, relax, relax, relax. I had one hand in Ryan's and one in Stacy's hand. Ryan was keeping a cold wet rag on my head and telling me to relax, and Stacy was doing the breathing and it helped me concentrate on my breathing, she also used some oils/herbs for relaxation and energy. I really didn't even notice the nurses or the doctor in the room. About an hour of being there it was time to push and I was so thankful! When I started the pushing process, I was in a zone, didn't even know what was going on around me. I just focused on my breathing and mediating internally. Ryan and Stacy did a wonderful job doing the counting. Too me it was like a game/a goal. So about an hour after pushing, Abigail arrived. I was very lucky and didn't tear or need an episiotomy. I know it was the yoga that got me through the labor and delivery and also my wonderful husband and friend Stacy. I did though break a blood vessel in vagina and am also sore and bruised, but that is to be expected. So like I said even though it was a fast labor & delivery, I wouldn't call it easy. But it is all well worth it to finally have our wonderful perfect daughter in the world. She is the most amazing thing on earth to me. I can't believe the feelings I have for her. I can see in Ryan's eyes too, that he feels the same way for Abigail too.So now we are home, we were released Saturday afternoon. Since we have been home, I have finally been able to get a few hours of sleep, but no complaints at all. Ryan has been super dad and super husband!! He has so far changed all her diapers, burbs her and gets her to me for her feedings. Since right now it is a little hard for me to get around, but I should be back on my feet in know time at all.Our first night home went very well, Molly is like mother hen watching Abigail. She has this look in her face that she wants to help. Junior hasn't adjusted yet, he is distant, but hopefully he will come around. Our first morning home, well up early, but when you have a new baby, you really don't operate on a normal schedule/time. We gave Abigail her first bath, Ryan has done two loads of laundry and already been to the grocery store in back. So now we have the day to enjoy our family time together.Posted are a couple pictures taken right after she was born, we have tons of cute pictures of her, but right now being a new mommy, all my priorities, responsibilities, worries, and concerns have changed and all focus in on Abigail; Ryan and I's number one and most important person. As I have more time, I will get more pictures for you all to see and enjoy.Also I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped us, been here for support, and giving us gifts. You area all very important and very dear to me!!
Posted by A Journey For Life at 6:49 AM 1 comments
Saturday, September 6, 2008

Be sure to look for more information at http://ajourney4life.blogspot.com/

Much Love and Happiness to the Woelpern family.

Free Yoga Classes, Sept. 1st (Labor Day)

In honor of Yoga Month http://www.yogamonth.org/The Corpus Christi Yoga Studio http://yogastudioofcc.blogspot.com/will be offering FREE yoga classes on Monday, September 1st. Gentle Yoga will be offered at 12:00pm with Michelle and Hatha Yoga with Renee will be offered at 6:30pm. So please spread the news and come support Yoga Month.

If you should have any questions, please free to contact Michelle Acebo at Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi 513 Clifford StreetCorpus Christi, TX 78404Phone: 361-883-1052 or email us at:
yogastudioofcc@yahoo.com

Jivamukti Yoga ~ Focus of The Month~ September '08

Nadi Shodhana

Nadi shodhana pranayama is a hatha yoga practice that purifies the nadis (energy channels in the subtle body) through alternate-nostril breathing. Shodhana means "to purify." The practice balances the flow of vital energy, or prana, through the ida (the left, or moon) and pingala (the right, or sun) nadis, as well as the flow of breath through the right and left nostrils.

This pranayama practice begins and ends by breathing through the left nostril. Some pranayama practices can create heat in the body, but concluding the practice by exhaling through the left nostril neutralizes any excess heat that may have accumulated. We can also investigate this practice on another level by taking a deeper look at why one should begin and end nadi shodhana with the left nostril. In pranayama practices, the left nostril provides access to the ida nadi, the right to the pingala. One purpose of nadi shodhana is to restore balance to the flow of prana through these nadis. Once balance is restored, the practitioner may have the means to practice hatha yoga, which focuses on resolving one's past karmas with others as well as one's own perception of his or her ego-bound self.

The aim of all yoga practice is enlightenment. What is realized in the enlightened state is the Oneness of being. The biggest obstacle to that realization lies in misperception of oneself and others. So the practices must address this misperception of self and others if they are to aid in giving rise to enlightenment.

One of the primary aims of hatha yoga practices is to facilitate the movement of prana into the sushumna nadi (the central energy channel in the subtle body), which would cause consciousness, or kundalini, to rise, ascend, expand or evolve toward the realization of the Oneness of being. In order to do this, balance must first be brought to the ida and pingala nadis.
Everything we do creates karmas. The body we have now is made up of all of our past unresolved karmas. The Sanskrit word karma is derived from the root kr, which means "to act." Karma means "action." An action can be a thought, a word or a physical function (like breathing).
Through avidya, "mis-knowing," we mistakenly view others not as who they really are, and we also mistakenly perceive ourselves as separate and disconnected from others. Avidya is really a case of mistaken identity. We can be unkind to someone only when we are deluded through avidya and perceive him or her as not part of ourselves. When we are unkind to others, energy that could be moving into the sushumna nadi, and bringing about enlightenment, is instead drawn into the pingala nadi, or sun (surya) channel. When we are unkind to ourselves, energy is drawn away from the sushumna, away from enlightenment, and into the ida, or moon (chandra) channel. Nadi shodhana resolves this energy imbalance. How we treat others determines how others treat us; how others treat us determines how we see ourselves; how we see ourselves determines who we are.

Nadi shodhana, a practice of balancing the sun and moon, is a metaphoric way of describing the transformation of our perception of self and other. Through yoga practices, we discover who we are. So we begin our pranayama practice with who we think we are, by inhaling through the left nostril, and we conclude by exhaling through the left, where we began, but hopefully with the perception of ourselves somewhat transformed. Through abhyasa and vairagya (consistent and detached practice), we begin to melt away the avidya that keeps us separate from others, from nature, from God, separate from the realization of the Oneness of being, and the truth about ourselves and the reality in which we live, and share, with others.

For best results, nadi shodhana should be done before asana practice, or after shavasana, and before meditation, but never in the middle of a sequenced practice of asana. Use Vishnu mudra to facilitate the passage of air through the nostrils: Bend the first two fingers of the right hand into the palm, using the thumb to control the passage of breath through the right nostril and the ring (or third) finger to control the passage of breath through the left nostril. At the beginning, it is important to equalize your ability to inhale and exhale, using a ratio of 1:1, without retention. Exhale through both nostrils. Block the right nostril and inhale slowly through the left. Block the left nostril and exhale slowly through the right. Slowly inhale through the right, block the right nostril and exhale slowly through the left. That is one round. Practice five to ten rounds every day for at least one month. This is a safe practice level for beginners if all other prerequisites have been met, including the adherence to a vegetarian diet and mastery of asana (the ability to sit comfortably).

The next step would be to add retention using the ratio of 1:1:1:1. Exhale through both nostrils, block the right nostril and inhale through the left, block the left nostril, retain, exhale through the right, block the right nostril, retain, inhale through the right, block the right nostril, retain, exhale through the left, block the left nostril, retain. This is one round of samavritti (equal breathing) nadi shodhana pranayama.

--Sharon Gannon, September 2008 NOTE: For further reference, see the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter 2, Verses 1 to 20, by Swami Muktibodhananda of the Bihar School