THOMASTON YOGA STUDIO

Prema Patti Kristiansen, owner of the newly opened Thomaston Yoga Studio, is a registered yoga teacher, RYT500, with the national organization Yoga Alliance and has been teaching in Midcoast Maine since 1998.

In the fall of 2001 while studying at Satchidananda Ashram Patti was honored with meeting Sri Swami Satchidananda, and received her Sanskrit name, Prema which translates as 'divine love.' It is truly divine love that guides her in the path of yoga.

Prema encourages students to honor the body's wisdom in each moment. With a background in the allied health field of Occupational Therapy, Prema brings her unique knowledge of the body systems enriching her students experience of the body mind connection.

Prema's teaching is an integration of Vinyasa yoga in the tradition of TVK Desikachar & Restorative yoga originating from the BKS Iyengar tradition. Prema has lead workshops through University, hospital & professional organizations training teachers, therapists, & care providers in using the benefits of yoga across the lifespan.

By Village Soup

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MORE ABOUT YOGA AND CANCER

Holyoke Medical Center will present a yoga program for individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment as well as an exercise management series for women at its Auxiliary Conference Center.

'Yoga During Cancer Treatment,' a six session class, begins on Jan. 7 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Additional classes will be held on Jan. 21, Feb. 4, 18, March 4 and 25.

The class, which is free for cancer patients, will be taught by Patty Zubini Weiss, R.N., certified yoga instructor.

It is made possible through a grant from Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

'Sole 2 Soul,' an 11 week series on Mondays, begins ON Jan. 11 and continues through March 29 at 6 p.m.

There will be no classes on Jan. 18 and Feb. 15.

Presented by certified fitness trainer Trish Kuntz, the exercise program will integrate physical fitness, spiritual fitness and emotional fitness into positive energy designed to help participants achieve strength and self balance.

The program can be tailored to meet everyone's goals.

Cost is $55 per person.

Participants should wear sneakers, loose fitting clothes and bring a mat (or towel), free weights and water bottle to the classes. Preregistration is required and space is limited.

For further information on either program, or to register, call Holyoke Medical Center's health promotion line at (413) 534 2789. The center is located at 575 Beech St.

By Mass Live

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A YOGA GURU?

Trendiness has been making people awesome for centuries. It has provided a quick and easy way to determine if a stranger is 'cool,' without even having to talk to them.

For instance, in grade school one might have noted whether a classmate owned a mini backpack, listened to Will Smith or wore platform Sketchers and high-heeled Jellies.

Current 'trendy kids' can be spotted in flannel shirts and sometimes riding bikes.

But recently, a new trend has surfaced. Strangely enough, it involves health rather than possessions. It values exercise over Uggs.

More and more people are becoming yoga enthusiasts. Around Marquette, Bikram seems to be the Michael Buble of all yogas.

The first hot yoga series developed was Bikram, which requires the room remain at least 105 degrees, with 45 percent humidity. Classes are 90 minutes long and include the same 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Postures remain at a beginner’s level and are executed the same way every time so yogis can perfect them to gain maximum benefits.

The extreme temperatures help warm up participants' bodies immediately upon entrance. The heat also induces consistent sweating for detoxification and to decrease the risk of injury.

Instructors provide constant guidance, which helps ensure that beginners and experts alike are able to attempt all postures and improve their practice. Instructors also explain to students the health benefits associated with each posture.

By Kaleigh Ward

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LAVENDER YOGA

It's just another day in gym class, and 50 calm and focused sixth graders are breathing deeply in and out. They sit cross legged on colorful yoga mats, eyes closed and hands resting on their knees as soothing music plays in the background.

"Inhale slowly ... and exhale, and feel your body fill with all that wonderful air," says their physical education teacher, Rochelle Gladu Patten. "We know that yoga is a practice that brings your body and mind and heart all together," she tells them. "And that's what yoga means, to connect."

Every Tuesday and Thursday, students at Susan B. Anthony Middle School in Minneapolis spend 20 minutes practicing yoga poses in Patten's class. It's just one of many Minnesota schools embracing yoga as word spreads about its benefits for students.

By SARAH MORAN

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NAUGHTY YOGA

Speaking with Choudhury, founder of the hot and sweaty Bikram Yoga empire, including more than 350 affiliated studios around the world, is an entertaining and slightly dizzying experience.

The 63 year old charmer easily hops from topic to topic. And he's especially effusive about the benefits of his trademarked Bikram Yoga, a 90 minute class distinguished from other yoga styles by a series of 26 postures practiced in a set order, in a hot room of about 37 degrees C.

"I offer longest life, not life in a wheelchair," he said. "Life. Quality life. The best life possible [that] any human being can offer you. That, I do my job."

It's a job he's been doing for more than five decades.

Choudhury first began his yoga journey when he was three years old. Two years later, he said, he met his guru, Bishnu Ghosh and began doing yoga for "at least" four to six hours daily at Ghosh's College of Physical Education in Calcutta, winning the National India Yoga Championship when he was 13.

By Chantal Eustace

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STAGING ASANAS

Her colleague of several decades, actor and theatre group Ekjute's manager Hanif Patni blames the constant spotlight as the reason why Nadira Babbar prefers to keep a grave face in public.

Actor Hanif Patni was stumped by Nadira Babbar's request to perform complicated yoga postures on stage.

He agrees that it is one of those intimate moments within the group when she breaks into a smile and asks others to join in. Patni says, "She is quite different when she is not in public. She heads the theatre group, so often she prefers to keep a serious face."

But directing comedies is what brings Nadira into herelement, vouches Hanif, talking about their play Yamraj Ji Kuch Kariye that marks Nadira's return to Comedy of Errors' after more than a decade. Patni says, "It's been 12 years since we last did Dario Fo's Trumpet And Raspberries." The rehearsals of Yamraj provided the entire team with ample opportunities to crack up on the stage.

For one, Patni confesses he has a rather stiff body and was stumped when Nadira asked him to fulfill the role of a hermit who is a scholar of yoga sciences. He laughs as he admits, "I have absolutely no knowledge about yoga. Finally I had to invent some random yoga postures and pass them off on stage as authentic." With a pause he adds, "Luckily, the audience wasn't discerning and I didn't get caught. I was often left quite numb in my legs after particular scenes."

By Sujata Chakrabarti

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NEW YOGA SPACE

Get out the mats and take a deep breath. The Yoga Loft has moved into Imago Gallery's old space, a considerably more spacious venue, after the art gallery moved next to Market Street's 2nd Story Theatre. The studio moved just a few doors down in the Cutler Mills complex and opened its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

According to owner Jane Bergmarck, the space is a nice change compared to her smaller, darker studio. Upon walking in, patrons are greeted with a reception desk which opens up to the studio complete with high ceilings and polished wooden floors. A metal Sanskrit symbol meaning 'Om' hangs in the entranceway.

'When people came in on Tuesday night, they gasped. People were just in awe,' said Ms. Bergmarck. 'They were beside themselves.'

To get the area in shape for yoga, the owner said the floors had to be sanded down and heaters installed. But other than some minor renovations, she said moving was a snap. She was even able to transport some of her signature installations, including two wooden doors handcrafted by a local artist.

'I couldn't be more excited,' she said.

By Abigail Crocker

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YOGA AND FITNESS

Yoga is a great way to achieve a healthy diet, daily physical activity and good mental fitness, which can certainly lead to better overall health.

However, the Nov. 23 column 'The yogic immunity boost' suggests that yoga is a 'viable alternative to ... vaccinations.' This claim is irresponsible at best and dangerous at worst.

There are no scientific studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of yoga in preventing illness beyond the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the placebo effect; vaccines are unquestionably the best way to prevent communicable diseases.

Smallpox, which is estimated to have killed over 300 million people in the 20th century alone, was completely eliminated in 1977. This was not achieved through everyone 'eradicating toxicity' through 'a series of forceful exhalations' but through a miracle of modern Western medicine and science: vaccines. Many other diseases are becoming increasingly uncommon because of vaccination programs. Those who are not vaccinated are protected by 'herd immunity'; since those around them are vaccinated, their risk of exposure is greatly reduced.

Few people will deny that our society needs to start living a healthier lifestyle, and doing so will take large steps toward reducing the occurrence of preventable ailments such as diabetes and obesity. But adhering to the delusion that a yoga regimen will prevent the spread of communicable diseases like H1N1 influenza is the kind of thinking that has led to recent outbreaks of whooping cough in Australia and mumps in Great Britain.

By David Towey

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A YOGA RECORD?

sychiatrist Dr Vinod Kulkarni of Hubli performed Sheershasana for 35 minutes on Saturday in a bid to enter the `Guinness Book of World Records'.

Kulkarni performed the asana (posture) at Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple between 8.50 pm and 9.25 pm in the presence of juries and devotees who had thronged the temple.

Kulkarni said he had contacted the Guinness book authorities and found out from them that nobody had performed Sheershasana for 25 minutes. 'I have been practising various asanas for the past one year. I was attracted to yogasana after attending Baba Ramdev's sessions at Hubli last year. Since I can perform Sheershasana for more than 25 minutes without any problem, I thought I should try entering the `Guinness Book of World Records',' Dr Kulkarni told TOI. He said he would send the CD of his performance along with attestation by the juries to the Guinness book authorities.

The doctor was listening to Vishnu Sahasranama hymns while he was performing his feat. Dr Vijay Desai, psychiatrist Dr Anand Pandurangi, Anupama Pandurangi, former jail superintendents Kambale and S F Patil and others witnessed the event.

By Dr Vinod Kulkarni

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TOWARDS YOGA

The Yoga Roundup is the first recipient of Travel Pendleton's new event grant.

The $5,000 grant, the maximum anyone can receive for the grant, comes from the Tourism Promotion Assessment Commission, which goes by the name Travel Pendleton. The TPAC receives its funding from Pendleton lodging taxes.

Wife and husband Tania and Cedric Wildbill created The Yoga Roundup, a new Oregon limited liability company. Tania Wildbill and James Dewar had formed the Pendleton Yoga Round Up, which in April drew almost 3,000 participants to the Red Lion in Pendleton. Tania Wildbill said she will dissolve the partnership with Dewar. Next year's Yoga Roundup is scheduled for Aug. 20/22 at the Pendleton Convention Center.

'Thanks to the Travel Pendleton grant, we can continue our work on the 2010 Yoga Roundup,' Tania Wildbill said in a written statement. 'It's our intention to bring participants to Pendleton from all over the country to enjoy several days of yoga, dance and great music, for a no charge weekend to let go and destress amidst our chaotic lives.'

Cedric Bill said the yoga round up is an opportunity to share the rich culture and history of the city of Pendleton and the Umatilla Indian Reservation with participants from across the United States.

TPAC Chairwoman Heather Sandford said the commission believes the Yoga Roundup has 'great potential for years to come and we are happy to help Tania and Cedric to build on the success of last year's event.'

By The East Oregonian

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YOGA AND DIET

If I were to take yoga classes, I'd want the instructor to be someone like Ashley Turner. The yoga expert and leader of the new DVD Element: Yoga for Weight Loss (Anchor Bay, $14.98) isn't just a fitness trainer but a mind body expert with a degree in psychology. She tells you at the beginning of the workout that she believes that yoga itself isn't the only key to weight loss, but that cardio, diet and mindset are all part of it. Turner encourages you throughout the routine to think about your body’s movement and your weight loss goals.

The vinyasa flow yoga workout is a good one, though the poses and overall routine are not much different from other weight loss yoga DVDs we've tried. This one is suitable for beginners, but if you're a yoga novice, you'll probably find yourself, as I did, concentrating far too much on when to breathe rather than the yoga flow.

The 50 minute workout is filmed in a lush garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making for a peaceful setting for a calming routine.

By Stephanie Allmon

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IS YOGA A SPORT?

It could go a little like this, we're guessing:

'Om, chanti, om, in your face! Namaste, om, chanti.'

Traditionally, as in for thousands of years, yoga has been used for finding harmony and peace within one's self. That you streamlined your legs, abs and arms in the process was seen as a joyful perk along the way to enlightenment.

But now, one of yoga's bold-= faced names, Bikram Choudhury, he of the Bikram style of yoga which employs 26 asanas (poses) in a heated room, and his wife, Rajashree, are setting into momentum the world of competitive yoga, reports the New York Times.

With yoga gaining in popularity so rapidly, maybe creating a space for it competition wise, was just a matter a time, though one has to wonder how the news will be received by the thousands upon thousands of yogis and yoginis who are attracted to yoga for its non-competitive (i.e. zen like) nature.

The Choudhurys have high hopes for this direction: they hope yoga will one day be at the Olympics.

The yoga community will have to think about this one. Is this what we mean by pretzal logic?

By Jac Chebatoris

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YOGA AND BABIES

Maya sits cross legged and takes a long, deep breath. Her arms are outstretched, her pudgy palms facing upward. Her eyelids flutter for a moment and then they're smooth again. Maya isn't your typical yogi. For one thing, she's 3 foot 6, about the same height as the rest of the kids in her kindergarten class.

Maya is one of an increasing number of children, some as young as 9 months old, who are doing yoga. Maya, 5, is enrolled in a weekly extracurricular yoga class for kindergarten students at Kuper Academy in Kirkland, just West of Montreal.

Her teacher, Aline Reizian, and Reizian's business partner, Stephanie Sohan, have found ways to make yoga feel more like fun than exercise. Their students meow when they do the cat posture and sing Twinkle, twinkle, little star.... when they get into star position. No wonder youngsters are eager to roll out their yoga mats when Reizian and Sohan turn up at kindergartens and daycare centres.

Teaching yoga to little kids wasn't Sohan's idea. Two years ago, the director of a preschool where Sohan was teaching fitness asked whether she could teach yoga. 'I thought, 'What the heck am I going to do?'' Sohan recalled.

By Monique Polak

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SITTING YOGA

Have you ever tried Yoga? There's a reason the ancient practice has gained popularity over the years.

It simply makes you feel better by relieving stress, pain and increases your flexibility.

If you don't have time for a Yoga class, there's a practical way to insert it into your day.

Judi Barr is a therapeutic Yoga instructor with Heartlight Yoga Center. She's also the Yoga instructor for the Cleveland Clinic Lifestyle 180 program.

She shows us simple poses you can do right at your work desk that will clear your mind, ease your stress, improve your mood and chances are no one will even notice you're doing Yoga.

By WKYC

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YOGA AND AGE

Some of the health conscious senior citizens of the city got a new lease of life when they took matters of health in their hands and started yoga classes.

Celebrating the two years of their yoga centre Star Yoga Point, many of the members are already heading towards a healthy and long life.

The classes that began on October 2007 in the Imliban Park and ever since then over a 100 members have been attending the classes daily from 6 to 7 in the morning.

'Morning yoga classes in the park have really made me active. The greenery in the park and along with the yoga practices has made me more energetic. I have not missed a single class,' said Kamal Uddin a 72 year old member of the yoga centre.

The yoga instructor Ibrahim Jeelani has developed a package especially keeping in mind the health problems faced by the senior citizens. 'I make them do pranayamas, dhanurasana, kapal bharati, mandukasana that helps to keep diabetes, high blood pressure, spondylitis, arthritis in check,' said Ibrahim Jeelani.

Jeelani who is also a qualified dietician recommends a low protein diet along with plenty of green vegetables to improve health conditions.

'Post retirement I had become very slow and dull. I used to get tired very easily. But after I started yoga I have got my old energy back. I am feeling a lot younger,' said 62 year old Dr. Iftikar Jahan.

The yoga centre also has appointed doctors for free monthly consultations and has invited many health experts to deliver lectures to its members.

By Express Buzz

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A YOGA VACATION

Chi Life is offering the gift of health during this holiday season and beyond. We offer stress reduction and fitness classes for better health and the art of ageless living to the Denver Metro area. This is a free class that combines Hatha Yoga and traditional Tai Chi together called Yochi. You will leave this class feeling rejuvenated and stress free with a clear and open mind so you can better handle the stress of everyday living.

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

SEX AND YOGA

Once it became public knowledge that yoga had taken over my life, people started asking if I'd learned any new sexual positions, largely because they wanted to make fun of me. Someone asked if I was now more 'bendy.' Another said, 'so, are you like having that Tantric sex stuff for 12 straight hours at a time, you know, like Sting and Trudy?'

Well, I'd definitely grown more agile and more flexible. I wasn't flopping around like a decked marlin in bed, and didn't find myself wheezing for breath when I was done. But it's not like my wife and I continually writhed in sweet Kama Sutra sexual congress, tenderly moving our outstretched hands in a circle while facing each other in half moon pose. Allow me to quote Sting from a revealing interview he did with a British tabloid: 'Yes, you can have sex for six hours, but it includes dinner, a movie and maybe a lot of begging! Tantra is a well documented science, it's not just about sex. It's a devotional exercise to express adoration. Sex is a sacred act and incredible fun.'

What he said. Let me add that I actually hadn't studied Tantra, at all, so I definitely wasn't having rock star intercourse. Plus, if Sting, a physically impeccable world famous billionaire musician who owns most of Scotland, has to beg his wife for sex, where did that leave guys like me? By the time Regina and I got done with dinner and a movie, all we cared about was rushing home so we didn't have to pay the babysitter an extra ten bucks, which didn't really put us in the mood to make the sexy time.

By Neal Pollack

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TEACHING YOGA

People who know a little about yoga may think of it as a series of body poses. Downward facing dog, mountain pose, warrior. But for Bend resident Amanda Stuermer, yoga is about much more. Yoga is not only a way of staying physically fit, it is a way of life that inspires her to give back to the community.

She says yoga is a way of going inside. 'When you connect with yourself, you start wanting to connect with others,' she said.

After more than 20 years of yoga practice, Stuermer has started two community service projects this year. She is teaching yoga and creative writing to high school girls, and she is raising money to help build a school and birthing center in Uganda.

Stuermer was inspired by the national movement called Off the Mat, Into the World, which encourages yoga practitioners to do good in the world. She started asking herself, 'How do you live your yoga?'

'I knew I needed to be of service,' she said.

By Alandra Johnson

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THAT YOGA MOVIE

Enlighten Up!

CRITICAL CONSENSUS

Enlighten Up! is a funny, warmhearted documentary that's uneven in spots, but thought provoking nonetheless.

SYNOPSIS

Kate Churchill is a filmmaker and a dedicated yoga practitioner who insists that yoga can transform anyone. She decides to prove it. Her plan: select a subject, immerse him in yoga and follow him until he finds a yoga practice that transforms him. Her subject: Nick Rosen a skeptical, 29 year old journalist living in New York City.


Intrigued by the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of a 5.7 billion dollar "spiritual" industry, Nick signs on to investigate yoga for 6 months. Before he can say OM, he finds himself twisted up like a pretzel, surrounded by celebrity yogis, true believers, kooks, entrepreneurs and a gentle teacher from Brazil who leads his class with his feet behind his head.

By My Fox

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YOGA IS A DEPRESSION CURE

There are innumerous benefits of Yoga. It is one of the most popular forms of exercise practiced all around the globe. Yoga exercises benefit your life not only physically, but mentally and spiritually too. The benefits of yoga enrich your life in many ways. Yoga training is a great way to stay fit and live a balanced life. Not only this, but yoga can also cure emotional disorders like Depression.

Depression is the most unpleasant experience one can go through. This may vary from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. It is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modern life add mental stress that leads to this disorder. It can also be a result of the monotony and drudgery of a daily routine, without any meaningful variation in urban life.

It is a little difficult to diagnose depression clinically. However, there are certain symptoms to suggest that the person is going through depression, like-feelings of acute sense of loss and inexplicable sadness, loss of energy and loss of interest. The patient feels tired and lacks interest in everything and usually wakes up frequently and is unable to return to sleep.

Among the available natural cures for depression, Yoga exercises are the best. These exercises not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It changes the levels of hormones in blood and helps in elevating beta-endorphins; a chemical that affects the mood. Exercises can also improve the function of the autonomic nervous system.

Divine Wellness is an interactive health portal that provides a great deal of information on yoga for depression. Regular practice of yoga helps in curing conditions like high or low blood pressure, hypertension, joints pain, acme, allergies, and bronchitis, amongst others.

Written and Published by Divine Wellness - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE!

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IS YOGA TAXING? YES!

Is yoga karmic or commercial?

Missouri insists that it's the latter and therefore should be taxed.

The state Department of Revenue on Sunday began enforcing collection of a 4 percent tax on yoga and Pilates classes, upsetting instructors and studios who contend their practices transcend mere recreation.

And yoga practitioners aren't taking the change lying down, or even in the corpse pose.

'This are a couple people up in a room somewhere far away from yoga classes making arbitrary decisions so the state can make more money,' said Debbie Borel, studio director at The Yoga Barn in south Kansas City. 'It's inappropriate.'

State officials said the classes, which are rooted in Eastern religions but abound in fitness centers and commercial studios, are subject to a sales tax on places of 'amusement, entertainment or recreation.'

'It was not because of the state's revenue situation,' said Ted Farnen, a Revenue Department spokesman. 'It was based on the fact that we wanted to apply this tax in a fair and even way.'

Revenue officials argue that a 2008 state Supreme Court ruling upholds the tax's applicability to services provided at fitness facilities.

By JASON NOBLE

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YOGA AND THE ARMY

Up with the sun to sit cross-legged, finishing the day with curry and naan, the 250 odd US soldiers in India for a fortnight long joint exercise got more than what they expected, but they weren't complaining.

Apart from the mechanized exercise, the men from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division of the US Army, took off their running shoes and traded their standard physical training for yoga.

They rose with the sun, sat on a mat in the grass, cross legged, eyes closed, fist closed and controlling their breathing. A qualified instructor was deputed from the Indian side to teach them yoga.

"It was a different experience for them. Besides swapping soldiers, sharing equipment and trading war stories we also gave a taste of Indian culture. The US troops were given yoga classes twice or thrice a week," said a senior Indian Army official.

BY Times of India

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YOGA AND CHILDREN

Janet Williams had barely started studying yoga when her instructor pegged her as a future teacher of the centuries old posture and breathing exercises.

Children try yoga moves featured in a new book "What I see, I can Be" at a parenting and family literacy centre at Northern Heights public school in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

That was in 1988 when the Sault Ste. Marie native was a second-year English major at University of Western Ontario.

"When I was doing the yoga I felt, 'This is amazing.' When I left, I felt so good," said Williams.

"I was so calm and so relaxed."

Her teacher's prediction was accurate. Williams started teaching yoga in 1996 and has studied the art not only in Canada, but also in Australia, England and Spain.

Earlier this decade, friend and former schoolmate Gratia Giovanatti suggested that with Williams' educational background, she's also a York University faculty of education graduate, she pen her own yoga book.

It took eight long years, but her first work is now published.

"What I See, I Can Be: A Guided Yoga Flow for Children" was released Sept. 1 through her own publishing effort, Light Connections Press.

The book and accompanying CD of "soothing" music encourages teachers, parents and youth group leaders with no yoga experience to lead youngsters aged three to nine in 13 different moves.

"We have to model (physical activity) to our children," she said.

"If we do not show how important exercise is, how important to move your body is, how are children ever going to know that's an important thing?"

Children, said Williams, benefit from strengthening, stretching and concentrating during traditional exercises with kid-friendly names such as dog, tree and cat.

"The kids love it. They want to move their bodies. They're designed to move their bodies," she said.

"Children cannot grow into healthy adults if they haven't moved during their childhood."

Williams hopes her work can be used by elementary school teachers during mandated 20 minute daily physical activity in their classrooms.

By Brian Kelly

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Techno Hot Power Yoga Classes

I took a two hour Hot Power Yoga class at Samadhi Yoga Studios in South Windsor on Friday. The class was taught by my new friend Alysse, and two live DJ's (my husband, DJ Originate, and Yoga instructor Nick Ricciardi) accompanied the class. It was quite an experience!

I had never been to this studio, or even to a Hot Power Yoga class before, so I was excited and nervous about the class. Especially since I hadn't stepped into an actual yoga class in over a month! As soon as I walked into the studio I could hear the boom of the bass from the music. As a big fan of Drum & Bass, Dubstep, and Electronic Music, I couldn't wait to get into the class!

I laid down my mat in the middle of the room. There were about 16 people in the class, and we were all different ages. I was glad to see such a diverse group of people. But then again, Yogis are pretty much always open for new things!

After setting the initial intention for the class, Alysse began leading us through Sun Salutations and the pulse of the music became louder. I do have to say that I LOVED having techno music blasting during the class! I am not sure if it is just because I am used to being driven by music because I am a dancer, or because it was helping me get through the millions of Chaturangas I struggled through (something Bikram students like myself are NOT used to!!!), but it was great! It was also comforting to occasionally look up at the two DJ's and see that they were both totally into the music and the energy of the room as well.

The two hour class flew by, and was full of flowing postures, balancing postures, and many breathing exercises. It was actually the toughest class I have ever taken - even more so than any Bikram class, if you can believe that! I definitely need more Hot Power Yoga classes in the future, at least to build my arms strength. My arms are STILL sore from all the Chaturangas, and it is 4 days later!

At the end of class, when we came back from Savasana, we sat up and faced Alysse and the two DJ's beside her, who were all seated in cross legged positions with their palms up in front of us like they were thanking us for the class and the energy we had shared with them.

I didn't get to talk to any of the class members about their experience, but I did talk with my husband after. It was great to see him looking so happy after class. He has NEVER been to a Yoga class before, so I was eager to hear what he thought about the class. From the look on his face, I could tell that he may have gotten some of the benefits of doing Yoga just by being in that hot room with all of us practicing in front of him.

He told me that he felt he was feeding off our energy during the class. His song selections were chosen based on what postures we were doing. He said that when we began flowing, he would pump the bass up a bit more, and when we were still, he changed to play more smooth songs. Nate used to DJ our dance rehearsals sometimes and has become really aware of how to play off his audience, so I was really excited to hear how that translated into DJ'ing for a Yoga class.

Nate and I spoke to Alysse and Nick after class and we all agreed that perhaps a 'TechnoYoga' class would be a good idea to add to the class schedule at the studio. Though the mixture of Yoga and Electronic music is not something you'd think that would blend together that well, it surely was an experience we'd like to explore again!

Written and Published by Yoga Maendy - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE!

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA CHI GUNG

INDOOROOPILLY breast cancer survivor Sarah Varghese knows all too well about the long recovery process after diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Yoga Chi Gung, a style of yoga, helped her with that recovery.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, the mother of three underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Despite being tired from the treatments, Mrs Varghese decided to start practising yoga to help address both her physical and psychological needs.

'The fatigue lasts for many months after the treatments finish and I did not feel right for at least a year after the chemotherapy and radium,' she said.

'I found that yoga was of great benefit in managing the fatigue and anxiety associated with the cancer diagnosis and treatment.'

Now a yoga teacher herself, Mrs Varghese wants to share her knowledge and techniques with other women who may be in similar situations.

She teachers classes at her home every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

She is also a yoga teacher with the Kim Walters Choices program.

For more information phone 3870 5535.

By Westside News

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A TEACHERS CHOICE

MADONNA was left fuming after a famous yoga guru refused to give her private lessons, insisting the singer would have to take a class like everyone else.

The pop superstar recently parted ways with her longterm fitness trainer Tracy Anderson, revealing she wants to "try a new method of working out."
But Madonna's plan to hire Bikram Yoga inventor Bikram Choudhury went awry when the Indian multi millionaire turned down her request, accusing her of being too temperamental.

He says, "Madonna came to me and asked for private lessons. I would have none of that. If you want to learn from me, then you have to come to my classes. You have to leave your ego behind. If you disagree with her (Madonna), you're immediately blacklisted."

Choudhury insisted none of his other celebrity clients, including George Clooney, Jessica Simpson, and Jim Carrey, have objected to his methods.

He adds, "They do 90 minutes of yoga whenever they're near a Bikram school, even when they are overseas."

By Contact Music

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

Yoga with Live DJ's and BPA-Free Water Bottles

I am really excited about tomorrow because I am taking a 2 hour long hot Power Yoga class at Samadhi Yoga Studios in South Windsor from 6 to 8pm. I am especially excited because my man Nathan (aka DJ Originate) and his friend Nick Ricciardi will be spinning live sets during the class! It should be a really fun time. I met the instructor, Alysse Melville, last night because she and Nick came over our apartment to practice, and she is awesome!

I am pretty sure the class is still open, so if you are in the area, you should come and join!

Also, if you have been following me on Facebook or Twitter, you have been reading about BPA, one of the harsh chemicals found in certain #3 and #7 plastics, and now in some canned goods. BPA has been linked to causing cancer and other problems, and Connecticut has been the first state to actually ban the chemical from being used in products. The ban won't go into effect until 2011, but in the meantime, it is best advised to look for BPA free products.

At YogaDirect.com, we carry a set of 5 BPA Free, re-usable water bottles called Water Week. When we first had them in stock, they sold out like hot cakes! But I am happy to announce that they will be back in stock again by tomorrow (10/30/09). I am definitely getting my own this time! There's 5 in the pack, and they suggest you fill them all up at the beginning of the week, and take one to work with you every day to promote staying hydrated! They are also really bright and cheerful looking :) And for only $21.99 for all 5 bottles, it's a steal! Check 'em out:

Written and published by Yoga Maendy - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE

YOGA COMPETITION

NYMag.com sent a fearless reporter into the heart of yoga cutthroatism at the seventh annual Yoga Asana Competition in New York City. More than a few of The Frisky ladies are yoga devotees. Speaking for myself, I can't do anything like what these people are doing here or, like, I can do it, but not as good as they do it. Either way, I sure can't put my feet behind my head that is, not yet. Probably, if I could, I'd get more dates. Anyway, I dig yoga, but Amelia and I agree this looks an awful lot like a bodybuilding competition or a beauty pageant, only more pretzel-ific.

By The Frisky

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

My Achilles Heel is a Group of Cysts in My Ankle...

On Mondays I take a 3 hour modern dance class at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT. I am a 2006 alumni of the dance department there, and they always bring in such great guest teachers, so I am happy to be able to continue my dance education there. However, dancing these days has been a bit of a struggle for me since I had my ankle injury back in early June. I have been able to get it back to a place where I can safely dance on it, but lately it has been starting to act up again.

It is not even really an injury, per se. After an MRI, the doctor was able to tell that I didn't tear a tendon like he had originally thought. Instead, he found a group of cysts that were wedged above my calcaneous (heel bone) that were preventing me from pointing my left foot. My doctor believes that in June when I did a 'tombe', pas de bourree'', a very simple ballet combination, I must have popped one of the cysts, which sent synovial fluid all over my ankle, causing my muscles to swell and a whole lot of pain. I was put in an orthopedic boot for about 3 weeks, and after that, my doctor told me my ballet days were over.

Pretty devastated by my doctor's 'death sentence,' I asked him if Yoga would still be ok. He advised I only do gentle forms of Yoga. He also told me that if I were to have the cysts removed, they would grow back. He also told me the MRI showed I had a small piece of bone just hanging out in my heel, which is most likely the reason why the cysts formed - to cushion this bone piece. The doctor told me if they removed the bone piece, it may cause other problems in my ankle and foot and the best thing to do is just leave it all in there and kiss dancing goodbye.

This was not acceptable to me. I have always danced, even before I knew what dancing was, I was a bouncing, grooving kid! It was something that just came naturally, and it is not something I can just stop. Mind you, this doctor is not a sports medicine doctor, and I think I definitely should get a second opinion, but money is tight right now, so I just have to wait.

In the meantime I listened to my doctor's advice for a while and only did gentle yoga. Over time, my ankle started to feel much better and I started attending Bikram Yoga classes again. The heated room and the stretching felt like it was helping my ankle even more, and that is why I started dance classes again. Unfortunately, as the doctor warned, the dancing has put my ankle under stress and my recovery has been pushed back a bit.

I had spoken to my Monday night dance instructor about my injury and she told me to take it easy. However, I was still planning on performing in the informal dance concert in December, which would mark the end of the classes for the year. I was especially excited to be performing in one particular guest artist's piece. The guest artist's name is Matt Westerby, and his style of modern dance is very familiar to my body and I picked up all the moves immediately, as if I had performed the piece before. I practiced the piece at home as well, because I didn't want to fall behind or not be warmed up enough because of my ankle.

The great disappointment came this past Monday when I showed up to class. My teacher pulled me aside and told me that instead of performing Matt Westerby's piece in the concert, I would be understudying instead. I almost died. Even though I understand she was pulling me out for the safety of my injured ankle, I was just so upset that I wasn't able to do anything about it. I flopped through that class, not really absorbing any more of the choreography because I knew it would be all for nothing.

Toward the end of class I ended up sitting down. I sat out partly because my ankle was in a lot of pain because of the strenuous choreography, and also because I felt like crying. Knowing in my heart that I cannot dance is killing me. I feel like someone is keeping my from breathing.

If any of you can offer me any advice, or if yourself or someone you know has a similar problem, I would love to hear from you. I am planning on taking a real break from dance classes and just focusing on Yoga until I feel much better, but I am worried that because I have cysts in my ankle that won't go away, I will never be fully healed enough to dance again. That just breaks my heart.

Written and published by Yoga Maendy - Please visit their wonderful website - CLICK HERE

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA FOR ALL

As she stands on her tiptoes, stretching her arms and legs and lengthening her entire body, 9 year old Samantha Carlson takes a deep breath and smiles. 'Stretch out high,' her teacher sings in a melodic voice that fills the room.

'Reach for the sky!' they say together.

After finishing the series of poses known as the sun salutation, the two circle the room, dancing, laughing, leaping in the air.

As she slows down and focuses on her breath again, Samantha asks: 'Could we do that again?'

For an hour each week, the fourth grader at Adams Elementary works one on one with Amy Iverson, a registered yoga teacher and owner of Spokane Youth Yoga.

Iverson, who has a master's degree in education, is also a licensed practitioner of 'Yoga for the Special Child.'

Her specialty is known as yoga therapy for children, the adaptation of yoga practices including breathing, stretching and chanting to help improve strength and flexibility, encourage social stimulation and promote overall physical and emotional health among young people.

For the past few years, Iverson has been using yoga therapy to help children with autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and other special needs. Her clients include toddlers, teens and pre teens as well as young adults.

By Virginia De Leon

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

Ever dream of visiting the Amazon Rainforest, or enjoying a Yoga Retreat Vacation?

Surrounded by endless miles of lush rainforest in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Jangala Retreat welcomes visitors to a virtual wonder world situated in the Earth's most biologically diverse environment. As a tropical getaway vacation where jungle exploration meets Yoga and Holistic Health, our all inclusive rainforest retreat features five secluded bungalows and a picturesque yoga pavilion set on the banks of the mighty Amazon River.

At Jangala Retreat, visitors will regain a balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual sides of themselves with yoga techniques, massage therapies, acupuncture, reflexology, spa treatments, and activities that release tension from the body, mind and spirit.

We welcome Yoga Instructors, Meditation Facilitators, Shamanic Healers, and Holistic Practitioners who wish to bring their classes or groups on a healing adventure of a lifetime.

Written and published by Jangala Retreat - Please visit their website HERE!

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

AWARENESS YOGA

Yoga is an ancient science that, according to records, dates back to around 1800 B.C.

Yoga means "to yoke." We are "yoking" our mind with our body with our soul. We are already a complete person, though sometimes we try to think our way through life, ignore our true feelings, or "whip" our bodies into shape.

The goal of yoga is to awaken our awareness to the thoughts, emotions and physical discomforts so that we can heal them. We can transform and heal our limitations and penetrate our psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual blocks so that we may live in health, happiness and peace. The goal is to move energy stuck in the body as tension, and allow for the letting go of suppressed emotions.

Yoga therapy sessions combine breathing, movement, postures, deep relaxation and meditations for mental clarity and control. Especially important is learning how to channel energy (direct it), rather than suppressing it or expressing it in harmful directions, which may lead to a host of medical and psychiatric illnesses such as depression, fatigue, addictions, anxiety, hypertension, insomnia, cardiovascular disease and more.

The ongoing experience is the continual awakening of our whole Self.

When the soul is the center of our attention, and we are creating from that center, then yoga psychology says we are experiencing the Self: We are aligned with our core reality and our central purpose.

When we are off center, i.e., focused on something outside ourselves as a source of fulfillment, an empty feeling is created, which our projected, commotional ego tries to fill. The actions that are created from this displaced center are like waves of emotions that come back to us. We call these commotions "behavioral health issues." We can be aware that we are off our true center when these manifest. We actually experience being "off balance."

Self improvement begins with insight into ourselves to realize the underlying imbalance. Yoga and meditation are examples of two methods that have been practiced for centuries and have a great deal of current and ongoing clinical data. Once we can realize that we are off our center, tools such as yoga and/or meditation can help re-establish the experience or our Self - our center.

By Rami Katz

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

Yoga Month 2009 Review

Thank you for participating in National Yoga Month September 2009.

Using Yoga to Relieve Stress

To combat stress, many people turn to meditation or other mental stress reduction tools. But stress also creates physical response in the body and, as such, can be managed with exercise, in particular, with yoga.

"Stress sends the entire physical system into overdrive," says Garrett Sarley, president and CEO of the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Mass. "The muscles tense, the heart beats faster, breathing patterns change, and if the cause of stress isn't discontinued, the body secretes more hormones that increase blood sugar levels, raising blood pressure. Yoga is one of the few stress relief tools that has a positive effect on all the body systems involved."

Recognizing the detrimental effects of stress, especially in the area of heart disease, the preventive and rehabilitative cardiac center at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles began offering yoga to their patients more than 10 years ago.

"Over the years, yoga has become one of our primary therapies for stress management," says C. Noel Bairey Merz, M.D., director of the preventive and rehabilitative cardiac center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

The ONE WEEK FREE YOGA offer is not available anymore. Please sign up for our Free eNewsletter to receive yoga health news and updates.

For further news and information, please visit Yoga Month...

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA TO REDUCE STRESS

The cobra, the lunge and the modified side plank are helping residents of southwest Iowa increase their energy while decreasing stress and tension throughout their bodies.

Iowa Western Community College offers two weekly fitness yoga classes, and a diverse group of people are assuming the poses.

The classes meet on the Clarinda campus from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

Instructor Sara Bridie has taught yoga since 2002 and offered classes in Des Moines and Iowa City before coming to Clarinda and Shenandoah. Her professional background in fitness includes a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science from Iowa State University.

'I have waited for years for yoga to come to Clarinda, Iowa. I always felt that it was the type of physical exercise that I needed. When Sara opened her Living Fit studio on the square in 2005, I joined for the yoga and have kept it up with her IWCC classes,' Rebecca Wiese said.

There are as many different styles of yoga classes as there are yoga instructors. Bridie offers an exercise science-based yoga class that links yoga poses together to provide participants a safe and effective strength and flexibility workout.

'I didn't really enjoy yoga until I started taking Sara's class. It moves more quickly than most yoga classes, which is what I like about the class,' Amanda Rosemeyer said.

By Kent Dinnebier

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

MORE LAUGHTER YOGA

'Join me: 'Ha, ha! Ho, ho! Ha, ha! Ho, ho!'" says certified laughter yoga instructor Mary Margaret Anderson Fay. About 30 women slap their knees and chime in for this laughing chant. "The whole theory is based on, when you laugh, you feel better," Anderson Fay explained at the beginning of a workshop for preschool staff at Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Hopkins.

A desire to feel better may be why laughter yoga has spread to more than 60 countries within 15 years without any advertising or marketing. It's not just about being silly, feeling happier, exercising and relaxing, research shows these methods lead to notable physical health improvements. In Anderson Fay's 25 years as a fitness and yoga instructor, she's never had such high demand for an off site class as she's experienced with laughter yoga.

Anderson Fay leads the group through a series of exercises that have the women mingling around the room, posing, acting, making eye contact and laughing. There's the "Check out my mullet and oh I'm wearing Zubaz too laugh," and another exercise is the "I'm having lunch with Joe Lieberman and am trying to get the spinach out of my teeth without him noticing laugh." At some point in each exercise, forced, fake laughter becomes genuine.

By SARAH MORAN

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

HULA HOOP YOGA

LIKE all twentysomethings, I tend to find myself lost on a Saturday afternoon. I usually roll out of bed sometime after lunch, groggy eyed and mildly hung over, but this Saturday was different. I was on a mission to do something useful with my day, not spend it on the couch watching reality TV and eating Kraft mac 'n' cheese. So I packed some money and my phone in my silver fanny pack and set out with a friend in search of adventure.

It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and in San Lorenzo Park the bums were napping peacefully under the trees. We crossed the little bridge and walked down a stretch of grass when up ahead we saw a group of people with not one, not two, but multiple hula hoops among them.

In the middle of the action was a young woman with an orange scarf tied in her brown hair and a twinkle in her eye. Her name is Beth Christopher, and she is proud to call herself an official Hula Hoop Yoga Instructor. Learning this, I was a little confused. What exactly is hula hoop yoga? Is it possible to reach nirvana with a hula hoop swinging around you? Is this some kind of joke?

I immediately learned that this eccentric activity mostly focuses on using the hoop for balance and to intensify stretching by holding it at certain angles around the body. The session began with a few basic stretches with the hoop as support. "Now take a deep breath from your nose and exhale with a loud sigh," Christopher whispered soothingly. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh," we all sighed.

By Rula al-Nasrawi

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

THE GROWTH OF YOGA

Even before the Beatles discovered, the spiritual high found in Yoga, this Indian art of living had already puckered the interest of the West, with many but especially the people in Hollywood taking a deep interest in this mystic art.

With celebrity stars such as Madonna, Sting, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston all practicing this import from the East, yoga today has involved into a large scale industry, while adding more and more of followers to its practices.

As the number of celebrities practicing yoga is growing each year, the Hindu stateman Rajan Zed had urged the yoga fascinated celebrities to also delve into the spiritual dimension of yoga.

He says, yoga is a mental and physical discipline that raises the human soul (jivatman), while making it possible for it to unite with the universal soul (parmatman).

The yoga practices such as "Naked Yoga" and "Doga Yoga" have lately been finding many followers in the USA. Yoga, which in its initial years in the West was largely seen as an exercise regime but this view has also seen a change.

It can be understood from the acceptance that "Naked Yoga," which sees the path to spiritual enlightenment in nudity as an act of surrender and the will to be open before the creator.

By One in India

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA IN THE SKY

It looks like Cirque du Soleil meets yoga, but it certainly doesn't require the acrobatic athleticism of a circus performer, or even that one be a seasoned yogi, to get the hang of it.

Aerial yoga, which uses soft fabric slings to suspend practitioners while they do yoga poses, joined a growing array of yoga forms offered in the Charleston area in September.

Jordan Anderson, a local yoga instructor based out of the Serenity Now Yoga studio, completed the first certification course over the summer and started teaching it on the front porch of Primetime Fitness on Sullivans Island.

'I'm a little bit of a yoga nerd,' admits the 10 year yoga practitioner, 'so anything that's different about yoga or helps me learn more about yoga intrigues me.'

She doesn't remember exactly how she first came across aerial yoga, developed in 2006 by yoga instructor and aerial acrobat Michelle Dortignac. But Anderson, a native New Yorker, took her first class two years ago and started experimenting with her home practice before taking the certification course this past summer.

Aerial yoga appealed to Anderson for several reasons, one being that it's suitable for yoga beginners and veterans.

By David Quick

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

ARRIVAL OF A NOTED YOGA TEACHER

The economy may be bad right now, but yoga, it appears, is thriving during the downturn.

More than 400 people have signed up for the New England Iyengar Yoga Conference at the Rhode Island Convention Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, even though fees for the event range from $175 for a full day pass to $375 for the entire weekend, and many are also booking hotel rooms in Providence and will have travel and meal expenses.

Patricia Walden, founder of the BKS Iyengar Yogamala center in Cambridge, Mass., who is a popular seller of yoga DVDs and one of the biggest draws of this weekend's conference, says that although it's not an issue for her as an established teacher, she's been wondering about the economic health of smaller yoga studios.

'But it hasn't affected [many classes] because people are going through a period of stress' right now that yoga helps its practitioners handle, Walden says.

'One of the greatest gifts' of a yoga practice is 'to learn to relax, to cope with stress,' she says. She says that she often notices how her students look as they enter her class, and then after 'savasana' - 'corpse pose' - at the end of their session. 'It's a mini transformation. 'With Iyengar, increasing as I teach workshops all over country, I find fuller and fuller workshops. The future of Iyengar is good, my yoga classes are larger than ever before, and other teachers are doing very well.'

By Pamela Reinsel Cotter

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

JEWISH YOGA

A generation ago there was no way a book like 'Yiddish Yoga' could have found a publisher, which is just one more reason to appreciate it now.

Subtitled 'Ruthie's Adventures in Love, Loss and the Lotus Position,' this charming little novel by Lisa Grunberger (published in October by Newmarket Press, hardcover, $15) takes an entertaining look at some big issues.

Those seeking a way of easing into some of the more serious aspects of the High Holy Day season could do far worse than absorbing the wisdom of Grandma Ruthie.

The book opens as Ruthie, a 72 year old New Yorker and recent widow, decides to cash in on a gift from her granddaughter, a year's worth of yoga lessons.

'I know you are strong, Bubby,' Stephanie writes,' but I think yoga will help you grieve. This is not a cult, I promise! I do it every day since Mark and I broke up, and have never felt better.'

It's a testament to author/illustrator Grunberger that she has managed to make Ruthie a character without making her a caricature. Grunberger plays it straight in the titles of the vignettes that comprise the book; the vignettes are pure 'Shtetl meets Ashram.'

Ruthie writes with asperity about the poses, the vocabulary and the outward appearance of her classmates, but she is equally candid about pointing out her own foibles.

By Amy Waldman

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

A YOGA INSTRUCTOR'S PLAN

A second yoga studio will open in Canton because interest is high and space is limited.

The town Planning Board recently approved the proposal of yoga teacher Rebecca Y. Rivers to build a studio on a 1.5 acre piece of her family's 107 acre property at 605 Miner Street Road, about three miles from the village of Canton.

Ms. Rivers said she intends to keep open her relationship with the Yoga Loft, which is at 1071/2 Main St. above the Blackbird Cafe.

"It's been a great place to teach," she said. "I have loved working at the Yoga Loft."

Yoga Loft board President Shelby L. Connelly said Ms. Rivers's decision to build is a victory for all.

"We think it's a great thing," she said. "By her having to expand, it means we are expanding. We have morning, midday and evening classes, even classes on Friday night and Saturdays."

Ms. Rivers said she expects the interest in alternative health care and wellness to continue to expand.

"It's a national trend. I don't think people are going to go back," she said. "My client load has grown pretty steadily."

The yoga studio is in keeping with the type of development the community wants, Planning Board Chairman Michael K. Morgan said.

"It's a perfect fit," he said. "We're a nice little college town."

By MARTHA ELLEN

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

A NEW YOGA STUDIO

Ekam Yoga Center hosted a grand opening celebration with a Mind/Body Health Expo event held Sept. 26, while promoting National Yoga Month. The studio officially opened Feb. 14 and is the first Yoga and Ayurveda Green studio in the area.

Area residents were able to participate in a variety of free classes, beginning with a Zumba class that started off the day's festivities, followed a Global Mini Mala that included 108 minutes of flowing yoga poses. There were also available yoga, belly dancing and partner yoga classes; a Sadhana & Stress free workshop, aimed at health and stress free awareness; and free health screenings provided by H E B. Additionally, attendees enjoyed a Greening Your Home Seminar, green business exhibits and arts and crafts selections from Ten Thousand Villages Festival sale and a Fitness Fashion show.

'This event was our way of sharing the studio with the community. Our core values at Ekam Yoga Center include community, mind/body wellness and Green Living as a tripod foundation for all of our classes and programs,' said Maggie Grueskin of Ekam Yoga Center. 'I was personally passionate about this event because yoga has brought so much joy and freedom in my heart and I wanted to share this bliss with our community. Next year we hope to do an even bigger event and have sponsors.'

The event was part of the National Yoga Month campaign that was designed to educate and inspire people, creating awareness of the positive impact of yoga on health. In 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month, one of a select number of national health observances. According to Yoga Alliance's 'Top 10 Reasons to Try Yoga,' Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body.

Proceeds benefit the Yoga Health Foundation's Health Education Programs in Schools and Autism Speaks.

The Ekam Yoga Center is located at 7036 B FM 1960 East in the Atascocita Plaza.

For more information, call Maggie Grueskin and Evelyn Allen at 281 358 9642 or visit www.ekamyoga.com.

By The Tribune

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

MORE LAUGHTER YOGA

There are a lot of strange forms of yoga and meditation, but laughter yoga seemed to slip by without us noticing. Now people across the Twin Cities, and the entire globe, are gathering just to laugh together. Sound a little strange? It might actually have health benefits whether the laughter is legitimate or not.

The Pioneer Press has a report on these laughter yoga groups that meet regularly to do breathing exercises and laugh to their heart's content. Check out a list of groups here. Instructors, medical professionals, and participants say this form of yoga helps to relieve stress and anxiety and could strengthen the immune system.

Laughter yoga was developed in the '90s by a doctor in India who wanted to see if laughing, even if it was forced, creates the same release of endorphins associated with legitimate forms of laughter.

We have to admit we were a tad skeptical. So how do we see what these folks are up to? YouTube it of course. If we saw these groups out in public practicing their yoga, we might be concerned about their sanity. But if it makes people feel better, then what the heck. Laugh away.

By Emily Kaiser

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA FOR SURFERS

Do you know the fastest and easiest way to catch more waves? Right now? During your very next session? Well, it could be to paddle harder, drop in later, take off deeper, keep your head up…look down the line, And well, yes, all those tips are great and they will help you catch more waves.

But, the fastest and easiest way to catch more waves during your very next session, is to listen to mom. She was right! You need to sit up straight. On your board. What? That's it? Yep, you see, when you slouch on your board while waiting between sets, you're preventing yourself from surfing as well as you could. Know why? For starters, you're straining your back and neck, leading to early fatigue and a general sense of lethargy. Go ahead, try it right now. Slouch. Let your shoulders slump forward, round your back, and jut out your chin. How do you feel? Probably not stoked for surfing.

Okay, now sit up straight and draw your shoulders back so they're lined up over your hips, not your thighs. Lengthen your spine by reaching your ribcage up and away from your hip bones. Don't arch your back, just keep it nice and straight.

Now squeeze your shoulder blades together drop your shoulders away from your ears. Stop jutting out your chin and instead imagine the top of your head reaching toward the sky. Now breathe slowly, deeply, easily. No forcing or straining. Really expand your abdomen and chest as you inhale, and then let go of all the air as you exhale.

There, don't you feel better already?

When you slump and slouch, you can't fill your lungs with energy producing oxygen. And when you don't have enough energy, you can't catch as many waves. But when you sit up straight on your board between sets, you'll reduce fatigue, prevent aches and pains in your back and neck, increase your flow of oxygen and energy, and increase your feelings of confidence and competence.

Bonus: when you sit taller, you'll be able to see the sets coming in even better. Try it out and let me know how it goes, okay?

And check out this clip from Yoga for Surfers III, where surf heroes Tom Carroll, Brian Conley and Garrett McNamara demonstrate their perfect posture.

www.yogaforsurfers.com

By Global Surf News

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

VISITING A YOGA SHALA

PJ Heffernan owns a Waukesha based yoga studio called PJ's Yoga Shala, but don't confuse his practice with a traditional business.

"I always felt very uncomfortable with the business of yoga. Yoga is not a business," says Heffernan. "It is not a religion. It is not an occupation. It is a cultural art form."

Heffernan's classes have suggested rates, but students pay what they can afford. Heffernan calls it a "karma system" of payment in which he trusts people to pay a fair amount. Most of his students, he says, pay the suggested rate, but he will make adjustments. Most importantly, Heffernan wants yoga to be accessible to anyone, not just the wealthy.

"Everyone needs this authentic yoga," he says.

To make yoga even more available to the masses, Heffernan offers a free yoga class every Sunday afternoon at 1:15 p.m. at Invivo, 2060 N. Humboldt Blvd.

Heffernan teaches a style of yoga called Ashtanga, and his practice is the only Ashtanga school in the Midwest.

Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs," incorporates a sequential order of poses and combines breathing, postures and gazing points to help practitioners reach his or her "fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness."

Classes at PJ's Yoga Shala range from beginner to advanced.

"I even started a class I call Hips and Spine which is as basic as it gets. You don't even have to be able to stand up for that one," says Heffernan.

At the age of 15, Heffernan started taking yoga seriously, and by the time he was in college, he took eight yoga classes a week.

"That's when I realized I could really take control of my body," he says.

Heffernan studied yoga in Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Yoga Center and in Chicago with a teacher named Gabriel Halpern. However, by 2005, he was teaching so much that he began to feel removed from the practice.

"I felt a little lost and craved a challenge, so I sought out the one person in the country who I thought had the most inspiring physical asana practice I had ever seen," says Heffernan. "That man was Richard Freeman."

By Molly Snyder Edler

THE LATEST YOGA SHALA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

SOME YOGA QUESTIONS

Ashley Phoenix, owner of Yoga on 6th in Denver, thinks you should try yoga. She thinks it could transform your life, as it did hers. When her studio hosts influential yoga teacher, Baron Baptiste, at the Infinity Park Event Center on Saturday, the day long power immersion workshop could prove to be a good introduction to the mental and physical discipline. Phoenix, who has owned and taught classes at her studio for eight years, talked with the Camera last week.

1. How did you get into yoga?

Honestly it was by chance. I was an avid long distance runner and it just wasn't working for me anymore. My sister in law introduced it to me while I was visiting Denver. I went back to Miami and practiced there for a while. Then, while I was traveling through Santa Fe, I stopped to take a rest and someone asked if I had ever thought about teaching. I hadn't, but it was great time to make a change in my life.

2. What made you want to open a yoga studio?

My thing is that if I can turn more people on to yoga, then I can share what I've found. It's very rewarding to be able to share yoga with other people, you get back to basics of what is really important, which is just being a good human being and connecting with other people.

3. Baron Baptiste has led a yoga practice in Denver only once in the last decade. How does it feel to be hosting him at the Infinity Park Event Center?

I'm very excited. To actually have him here is a huge honor. I would love to make a huge impact on the Denver Community. Baptiste's yoga really is accessible for all levels. For people who have never done yoga before, this will be a tremendous introduction. I think a lot of people are intimidated by doing yoga for the first time.

But it's not about the advanced pose, it's about practicing being present with yourself. And maybe just learning to let go a little. I feel like everyone just tries to hold on. As we all know, change is inevitable and yoga helps us learn to flow with it.

4. What is it about your studio that you like most?

I really like the fact that it is community oriented. People there really have an invested interest in each other. I love that. I feel like many corporate studios are too big to care. You just get a lot more personal at Yoga on 6th.

We really want it to be a good experience. We really ask for feedback, so we can make it better for each person. It's a dialogue. We want to know how they're doing. People bring their personal stuff into yoga. People share a lot of themselves in there. And we encourage that, without judgment. We don't care if you can get in the headstand or not.

5. What have you found in yoga that you love?

For me, it's probably inner peace. And acceptance, it's total self acceptance.

By James Collector

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

FREE YOGA LESSONS

THE evening silence of the spacious, brightly lit hall at Pasir Ris Elias Community Club is punctuated only by the sound of whirring fans and the voice of Mr C.V. Jagadish.

The chief executive of chipmaker Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company turns yoga instructor twice a week, leading night classes of about 60 adults, many of whom are in their 40s and 50s.

Speaking into a microphone, he tells his students to perform the stretching exercises carefully.

'Lift your toes above your head, see if your toes can touch the floor,' he says, as seven other instructors provide help and demonstrate the moves.

All the instructors have gone through a year long training programme established in Singapore in 1997 by engineer and yoga enthusiast Atul Deshpande.

It is based on a model developed in Mumbai, India, about 50 years ago, under which future instructors are recruited through lessons that are provided to the community.

Indeed, when Mr Jagadish took up yoga in 1998 and was being trained as an instructor, Mr Atul and other volunteers were working hard to expand the programme to more locations in Singapore.

It was then that Mr Jagadish made a business proposal to Mr Atul, saying he could help turn the programme into a multi million dollar business.

He was astounded when Mr Atul told him that the central philosophy of the programme was to teach yoga to Singaporeans for free.

'It felt like someone slapped me on the face,' said Mr Jagadish. 'This was an opportunity to share with society, yet here I was just thinking about making money.'

By Cai Haoxiang

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

National Yoga Awareness Month September 2009

In observation of National Yoga Month September 2009, the Yoga Health Foundation calls for individuals, families, communities and businesses to join in a national mind body fitness movement focusing on prevention and creating a healthy lifestyle.

The Yoga Health Foundation, a nonprofit 501 c(3) organization based in Los Angeles, CA, was founded by Johannes R. Fisslinger as a mind body fitness movement to inspire families and communities throughout the nation to live a healthier lifestyle. In 2008, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion deemed September (followed by Breast Cancer Awareness in October) to be National Yoga Awareness Month and listed it as an official health observance.

National Yoga Month is a campaign to educate and inspire youth and adults to take responsibility for their health by focusing on prevention and living a healthy lifestyle. Yoga Month provides the perfect opportunity to create positive lifestyle changes for yourself and your family.

Yoga is a scientific system of physical and mental practices including various postures (exercises) that involve deep breathing, body movement, meditation and relaxation. The scientifically proven benefits of yoga are numerous, including increased flexibility, reduction of stress, strengthened immune system, enhanced respiration, improved brain function, reduction of inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and other chronic conditions, and a decrease in hypertension.

Based on a survey conducted by Yoga Journal, over 15 Million people from all walks of life are practicing yoga in the US; another 15 to 25 million have expressed an interest in trying yoga. There is a yoga style that is appropriate for everyone, including children, teens, special needs individuals, business professionals, pregnant women, politicians, celebrities and seniors.

National Yoga Month is partnering with other yoga health organizations such as YogaFit, Lucy, Jade Yoga, Shakti Mat and Yoga Alliance to inspire the nation and bring about change in health care. Prevention and healthy lifestyle choices are the key to a successful health care reform and individual health.

Yoga studios, teachers, organizations an businesses are encouraged to join National Yoga Month by creating or participating in a Yoga Month event in their city.

To learn more about the health benefits of yoga and to redeem the Yoga Month Card for One Week Free Yoga to be redeemed at participating yoga studios across the Nation visit the National Yoga Month website.

Contact:
Yoga Health Foundation

Phone 310 928 6638
Website www.yogamonth.org

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA IN THE LIBRARY

The Lake Wales Public Library is hosting a Saturday afternoon "Kids' Yoga" class this month.

Certified yoga instructor Kelley Bogle will teach this the class for children ages 5 to 12. Classes will be held each Saturday this month, from 2 to 2:45 p.m., in the library's meeting room.

Bogle has taught yoga for more than 10 years and is the Lake Wales Public Library's Monday evening "Relaxation Yoga" class instructor for adults.

Class size for "Kids' Yoga" will be limited. There is a charge of $5 per class. To pre register for one or all the classes, call the library at 863 678 4004, ext. 0. For details, call Bogle at 863 521 0074.

By News Chief

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

STRANGE YOGA.... OR NOT?

Weirdo Hippie Yoga Farmer is the latest viral video from everythingisterrible.com. Farmer Yogi Ogi Dogi gets much respect for possibly being the most limber agriculturalist in North America, but some of those hugs are suspect.

Honestly, I bet this video is kind of cute without the hilarious editing. A friend who taught kids yoga would mention things like having the kids slay dragons, so it all makes sense now.

Rasta Rooster...I have no words for.

By Maya Henderson

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND OVER EATING

What does yoga have to do with binge eating? Apparently quite a bit. In a study conducted at the University of the Rockies, a graduate university specializing in master's and doctorate degrees in psychology, binge eaters who participated in a 10 week yoga therapy program had their binge eating episodes drop from about five to less than two per week. The program combined an hour of yoga with a half hour group discussion each week.

According to lead researcher Deborah Patz Clarke, yoga addresses the mind body disconnect that's so prevalent in our society, particularly among binge eaters. People with eating disorders escape life's turbulence by over or under eating to numb disturbing emotions. They substitute their relationship with food for real connections or feelings in their lives. Yoga helps them learn to be in the moment and to handle things they used to avoid with food.

"Yoga also raises awareness of and responsiveness to the body, which makes it an ideal modality for helping treat psychological disorders that take the body hostage, such as eating disorders or substance addictions," Clarke said. "By reconnecting with their body, people find that the desire to abuse their body significantly decreases."

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

OFFERING YOGA CLASSES

Riverview Health Promotion is offering three different yoga classes beginning the week of Aug. 24. The classes will be held in Riverview Hospital's lower level conference center and will be led by Heidi Dix, YogaFit certified instructor.

Gentle Yoga is designed for those who enjoy yoga at a slower pace. The class focuses on warming up the body, connecting with the breath, releasing muscle tension, and increasing strength and flexibility with a gentle, flowing yoga practice. It will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 25 to Oct. 14, and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 27 to Oct. 15. The cost is $40 or $32 for those 60 years and older.

Chair Yoga is a gentle, restorative yoga designed for almost anyone. It is practiced while seated in a chair or standing with a chair for support. Chair Yoga increases flexibility, strength, balance and circulation, while encouraging proper breathing and posture. It will meet from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 25 to Oct. 13 (except Sept. 15). The cost is $35 or $28 for those 60 years and older.

By WRT

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND OLD AGE

When a man of 91 walks as if he is barely 60, talks as if he is a 45 year old CEO of a recession proof company and smiles with the innocence of a 10 year old, there ends all debate, if there's still any, about the wonders that regular practice of yoga can do to your mind and body. But then, the man in question is no ordinary practitioner, he is the lord of yoga.

Perhaps more people in the West are familiar with the name of BKS Iyengar than in India, though with the winds of change blowing, from the West, unfortunately, the importance of yoga and Iyengar's stature in the field are being acknowledged back home as well.

"When I became a teacher in 1936, one was thought to be half insane to take up yoga. We did not have more than 10 teachers in the whole of India. Until 1954, we were struggling. I was teaching in schools and colleges of Pune. They would make me wait for hours. At times they would just send me back after the wait. I took all those humiliations but never gave up," said Iyengar, who was in Chennai on Sunday afternoon to give away certificates to students of the prestigious Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram who had completed their teacher's training.

In 1954, salvation arrived in the form of a student called Yehudi Menuhin, the violinist and conductor, who was in India to perform at the invitation of Jawaharlal Nehru. "He had a nervous attack and could not hold the violin. Yoga cured him and he gave successful performances. He invited me to teach in Switzerland, which turned out to be the gateway of yoga to the West. People never thought someone of Menuhin's calibre could be interested in yoga," reminisced Iyengar.

By Bishwanath Ghosh

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA AND FITNESS

Former WWE diva Trish Stratus recently appeared on BiteTV's "The Surf" show in Canada to talk about her post WWE adventures and upcoming line of fitness/yoga DVDs.

Trish was a fitness model before WWE signed her to a contract in the late '90s. A decade later, she's free to produce her own line of products without WWE calling the shots. Well, she put it a bit differently.

"Since my background came from the fitness industry, people said, 'When are you going to do a video?' It just wasn't the right time or...my soul was owned by WWE or whatever," Trish said wryly. "So, there was not an opportune time to these videos."

The clip of Trish's "WWE owned my soul" line is at the 3:30 mark in the "After Show" video below. The second video below is the full 40-minute episode of Stratus on "The Surf" with clips of her sky diving and doing a Jeff Hardy Swanton Bomb, as she described it.

By PWTorch

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

EXPLORING YOGA

Inspired to make a documentary about yoga, filmmaker Kate Churchill came up with a shrewd idea for Enlighten Up! Rather than focus on her own experience with the discipline, which she has practiced to great physical and spiritual benefit for many years, she enlisted a yoga novice to devote himself to it and report on its effects.

So she recruited Nick Rosen, 29, a physically fit, intellectually skeptical journalist from New York, to plunge into the world of yoga in search of a style that suited him. Approaching the subject through Rosen is a doubly smart strategy: it allows the uninitiated viewer to explore yoga through a surrogate, and it marginalizes Churchill's blatant agenda and rather grating personality.

Yoga appeals to Rosen as a superb workout more than as a route to enlightenment, and he tours the various studios and methods of the international yoga scene (from New York to Los Angeles and Hawaii before an extended, and fascinating, trip to India) with both an open mind and a dubious eye for its more metaphysical trappings. This clearly frustrates a filmmaker eager to acclaim the 'transformative' aspects of the discipline.

As the title indicates, Enlighten Up! explores its subject with a light touch and welcome sense of humor. That it ends with a lack of resolution about yoga's ultimate goal suggests that Rosen wasn't the only one to gain some self knowledge along the way.

By Nathan Lee

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA EXCHANGE

Chi feeling totally out of whack but you don't have the cash to get that thing realigned at a fancy yoga retreat? (Clearly we have no idea what Chi actually is and have confused it with your spine.) Well today's your lucky day because a few yogi friendly meccas are making spiritual vacays a little more accessible. Enlightenment and free exercise awaits, after the jump!

Instead of charging a few thousand dollars a week, the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA charges just $300-$900 a month for room, board and classes in exchange for a few hours of work a day. And by 'work' we don't mean super manly labor like chopping down trees and building sweat lodges, it's generally more along the lines of helping prepare lunch, cleaning rooms or washing dishes. Sort of like what you already have to do at home anyway.

By Lily Quateman

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA FOR BODY AND MIND

Stretching, bending, balancing and breathing are some movements in yoga. But yoga is not merely about working out, it will get your mind off deadlines, broken hearts and other problems for awhile.

Yusni Irena, the owner of yoga studio Jakartadoyoga in Central Jakarta, said that besides to help calm the pressure, yoga is also a perfect exercise for those who wanted to fix their body postures.

"Many join yoga because of the trend, some just know that they need it because they have certain illnesses that forbid them doing other exercise, or just want to improve their posture," she said.

"And those who join yoga to fix their bodies the result can be felt after 10 classes, around three to four weeks. Another advantage of doing yoga is that you will be able to scan your own body."

Led by five certified instructors, two year old Jakartadoyoga offers you 20 yoga classes from Monday to Saturday, covering Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar yoga which uses equipment in its practice, Vinyasa yoga, prenatal (with partner) and a new class for teenager.

Each class runs for 75 minutes and you need to pay for Rp 115,000 if you wish to join a single class.

By Novia D. Rulistia

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA WITH A PARTNER

A new style of yoga will be offered by Angelina Calafiore and Tony Graeber at the Incline Village Recreation Center.

Partnered Yoga is fast becoming a popular style of yoga. This new program kicks off with a free class from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Friday, July 31, at the Recreation Center and is then followed by a four week session that begins on Friday, Aug. 7.

For information call (775) 832 1310 or visit inclinerecreation.com.

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

ONE WEEK OF FREE YOGA DURING NATIONAL YOGA MONTH SEPTEMBER

Throughout the month of September, people across the country will have access to an entire week of free yoga classes by visiting www.yogamonth.org The offer is part of the National Yoga Month campaign which is designed to educate, inspire and generate awareness of the positive impact of yoga on health.

During National Yoga Month, one of a select few national health observances, millions will come together for free events and activities. Festivities will take place across the U.S., with hundreds of studios, teachers, individuals and organizers taking part in their own hometowns. The events are all designed to educate people about the mind and body benefits of yoga practice.

'We are all looking for ways to take an active role in managing our health. There are readily available solutions that don't necessarily require insurance or even a doctor,' said Johannes Fisslinger, co founder of National Yoga Month. 'Preventative wellness can be accessed by simply unrolling a yoga mat!'

As part of its mission to provide actionable guidance and tools, National Yoga Month is providing people with an opportunity to try yoga for free. Whether you are attempting it for the very first time or are an experienced yogi looking to deepen your practice, participating is simple:

1. Visit www.yogamonth.org
2. Pick a participating yoga studio
3. Print your Yoga Month Card (One Week Free Yoga)
4. Visit the studio and enjoy!
5. Invite your friends to participate by visiting http://www.yogamonth.org/fwfiles/2009_inviteyourfriends.php

About National Yoga Month

In 2008, the Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month, one of a select number of national health observances. That same year, thousands of yoga and health enthusiasts participated in a 10 City Yoga Health Festival Tour featuring yoga classes, lectures, music, entertainment, exhibits. Since then, the initiative has taken root as a global awareness campaign, educating, inspiring and motivating people to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

FREE YOGA CLASSES

Relaxation comes for some just by striking a pose and breathing deeply. If you've never struck a pose of Downward Facing Dog or the Warrior, you don't know how rejuvenating yoga can be. Give it a try, free of charge at Quarry Ponds where Hatha yoga classes take place every Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

By Susan Belknap

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR YOGA

HAZEL, ACTOR

Tell us about your diet

I wake up everyday at 8.30 a.m. and start my day with yoga. For breakfast, I prefer toast with jam and peanut butter. Lunch is brown rice with vegetables, tofu and salad. In the evening, I eat fruits. Dinner is early, at 7 p.m., and is just a sandwich.

What's your exercise routine?
I do yoga thrice a week, cardio and tread mill twice a week.

What's your favourite food?
Baked beans.
Is there anything you binge on?
Ice creams and chocolates.

What would you do if you had to put on or lose weight in a hurry?
I would avoid chocolates and ice creams and exercise daily to lose weight. No gaining weight.

How many times have you failed to stick to a diet?
I don't diet.

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM FIND PEACE IN RETREAT

YOGA FOR MOTHERS AND BABIES

Emily Siemers of Edmond heard her baby laugh for the first time as she sang a silly song to her in her mommy/baby yoga class. She started taking baby Dylan to classes when she was 6 weeks old.

Dylan, now 6 months, never stops laughing, Siemers said. She's a happy baby, as are most of the babies in Karen Prior's Mamaste classes.

"Mamaste: The mama in me salutes the mama in you." It's a play on Namaste, a Sanskrit phrase that, in yoga, means "the light within me honors the light within you."

Prior, an Oklahoma yoga instructor, coined the term as a name for the mommy/baby yoga program she designed. It's a way for new mothers to exercise with their babies while socializing with other new mothers. It's also a great way to get back into shape after childbirth, Siemers said.

"We believe that babies have an intense need to be with their mothers," Prior said. "With Mamaste, Mom can take care of herself and bond with her baby at the same time."

By Times Record News

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

A YOGA REVOLUTION

In the 60s and 70s, when yoga was practised only by a small section of people, even in India, T.K.V. Desikachar quit his job as an engineer and embarked on a journey in yoga.

In 1976 he founded Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) which 'revolutionised the yoga practice in the country,' said Kausthub Desikachar, co founder of Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation, narrating how the KYM was founded. He was speaking at a meeting in honour of Mr. Desikachar here on Tuesday, on the occasion of KYM moving to its new premises. During the event, a photographic exhibition on Mr. Desikachar titled 'Portraits of a Grand Master' was inaugurated by cinematographer Madhu Ambat. The photographs in the exhibition were by Mr. Kausthub, son of Mr. Desikachar. The photographs spoke about the person behind the institution, Mr. Kausthub said, adding that each photograph expressed different facets of Mr. Desikachar's personality.

Mr. Desikachar was 'someone who is the great torch bearer of the timeless legacy of the great Yogacharya Krishnamacharya,' said N. Murali, Managing Director, The Hindu, who was the guest of honour. Mr. Desikachar had learnt yoga from his guru and father Yogacharya Krishnamacharya.

By The Hindu

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA

YOGA ON THE BEACH

Everyday we hear about new workouts that promise great results. But there are also workouts that have been helping people improve their health for years. The ancient form of yoga dates back over 5,000 years, and has so many different forms of the practice to choose from. On this Fit at Five we take a look at one class that gives a jump start to your day, both physically and mentally. Kelly LaBrecque has more.

For Celina McMichael teaching yoga outside seemed like a natural thing to do. The class is a blend of traditional Ashtanga with a Vinyasa flow. It is a more vigorous practice, and known as a 'power' yoga.

People start a yoga practice for many different reasons. The initial draw to power yoga is the physical, but people quickly find that the benefits are so much more. The members in this class are able to start their day knowing that they just had a great workout. They are also happier, calm, and centered.

By Kelly LaBrecque

THE LATEST YOGA NEWS, FROM IT IS YOGA