Category: <span>Yoga Therapy</span>

Published October 6, 2009 by

A Case Study – Yoga Therapy & Astrology

chakraman2CASE STUDY

A typical yoga therapy session:

Female, 49 yrs. 5’5″, 180, thining dyed hair, round.  Although I do not have a birth-chart  to refer to, the fact that she is 49  is enough to remind me  which cycles usually dominate our life experiences during the years around 50.

Chiron’s cycle is approximately 50 years.  The wounded healer,  heals.

(Do a search for Chiron over there on the right side of this blog for more posts on Chiron.)

She arrived before me for our session and was eager and willing to fill out intake forms.

We spoke about the program and this session in particular. We agreed to follow the yamas & niyamas for our work together.

She describes herself as exhausted, and can feel some obstruction in the heart & throat area. She recently suffered from pneumonia and continues to be concerned about her health. She felt it was a wake-up call of some sort and wanted to pay closer attention.

She is frustrated with her current career. Although she loves being a teacher, she feels stuck in her current position. It feels like a long, hard struggle and she’s out of energy.

We discussed different yoga practices that can be of benefit to her if she chooses to commit to a ‘practice’ at all.

For the experiential part of our 1st session we spent time doing a seated body scan thru the kosha’s. Periodically, I would ask her to write/draw/record her awarenesses on some paper.

By the time we finished with the kosha’s she had experienced quite an ‘energetic’ shift inside and was quite amazed at what she had discovered. Most notable was that the entire left side of her body was numb when compared to the right. The imbalance was enlightening in and of itself to her in that moment.

We completed our session with savasana, pranayama and meditation.

During meditation, we explored Anjali Mudra in some detail paying attention to the sensations in each fingertip, it’s proximity to the heart chakra, its guiding the energy upward, etc.

I guided her back to the previously blocked throat area and encouraged her to chant om for a short while, and I noticed that each om sounded stronger than the one before it.

She felt like there was more work to be done, and seemed quite at peace and possibly enthusiastic about what might come next.

She left feeling well-balanced, energetic, and relaxed.

I could have taken an entirely different tactic with this women, and spent our time together working more on asana’s and that would have been okay, too. However, in my mind, asana’s and Chiron just don’t go together very well unless you have a committed client who will be returning often. At this point in time she was unable to commit to more than one session at a time. (I usually encourage everyone to commit to 6 sessions, however that can be a financial/economic burden in 2009.)

Chiron and Neptune are closely aligned these days (2009- 2011), so for those clients around 49 yrs of age, their particular crisis in this moment requires spiritual (neptune), healing (chiron).  As yoga therapists we must utilize our skills to activate and integrate the vijnanamayakosha & anandamayakoshas, as well as practices for the physical body.  We can only teach/share what we have learned for ourselves so please do not neglect these more subtle areas in your own training.  Learning a symbolic language such as astrology can help you develop buddhi, and increase your ability to trust the intuitive mind as much as the logical mind.  Yes?   Understanding health is only as good as  your understanding of how ‘all is one’.   Chiron and Neptune traveling together will bring up various types of health crisis for everyone until we get it, that our belief system is as important as vitamins, exercise, or anything else we do for health purposes.

Much of what happens during yoga therapy sessions happens on the subtle & causal layers of the body.  For many, yoga therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and gentle way to address deep-seated obstacles that prevent us from being fully human.

Om shanti.

Astrology Yoga Therapy

chiron the wounded healer

Published August 28, 2009 by

The Journey by Mary Oliver

the tortoise

One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice–

though the whole house

began to tremble

and you felt the old tug

at your ankles.

“Mend my life!”

each voice cried.

But you didn’t stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried

with its stiff fingers

at the very foundations,

though their melancholy

was terrible.

It was already late

enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own,

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only thing you could do–

determined to save

the only life you could save.

Mary Oliver

Pulitzer Prize for poetry

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mary oliver Poetry

Published June 13, 2009 by

Musings

Recently, I have had many good reasons to delve further into how & why we heal. Because, some of us actually do heal from our physical/mental/emotional/spiritual challenges. And some of us don’t.
It’s a fine line that divides those that do from those that don’t, and it takes a  subtle, intuitive eye to discern. Microscopes are useless if you’re looking for the big picture.
I’ve learned from a 40+ years of raja yoga practices that we are, indeed, more than just our bodies. We are more than our minds and our emotions, too. This is a concept not easily grasped by many. And yet, there are certainly changes to see. Look around. Beginings and Endings are what help us be ‘in time’.
When I began to learn about symbolic languages, brand new neural pathways formed in my brain. Modern day brain science has validated for me, everything that I knew intuitively growing up. And, I am not alone. Many, many, many people, everywhere are waking up to the same realizations about who we are, and who we are not, every day.
The Alphabet vs The Goddess, by Leonard Shlain is a wonderful book that really makes a bold statement about how language has shaped us as a culture, and as individuals. A fascinating read.
Many of my early astrology teachers required us to memorize the meanings of the houses/signs/planets by using KeyWords. Once you had established a growing vocabularly it becomes easy to create interpretations. Whether they are accurate, useful, or necessary is a discussion left for another time. It was clearly understood by many, that you cannot understand and learn astrology from just reading books about astrology; most especially if you were planning on consulting with clients as a practice.
Gotta run.
Om peace.Man's First Breath

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Published March 21, 2009 by

Case Study

A typical yoga therapy session:

Female, 49 yrs. 5’5″, 180, thining dyed hair, round. Although I do not have a birth-chart to refer to, the fact that she is 49 is enough to remind me which cycles usually dominate our life experiences during the years around 50.

Chiron’s cycle is approximately 50 years. The wounded healer, heals.

She arrived before me for our session and was eager and willing to fill out intake forms.

We spoke about the program and this session in particular. We agreed to follow the yamas & niyamas for our work together.  We did this by practicing co-listening techniques in order to develop a clear channel for communication.

She describes herself as exhausted, and can feel some obstruction in the heart & throat area. She recently suffered from pneumonia and continues to be concerned about her health. She felt it was a wake-up call of some sort and wanted to pay closer attention.

She is frustrated with her current career. Although she loves being a teacher, she feels stuck in her current position. It feels like a long, hard struggle and she’s out of energy.

We discussed different yoga practices that can be of benefit to her if she chooses to commit to a ‘practice’ at all.

For the experiential part of our 1st session we spent time doing a seated body scan thru the kosha’s. Periodically, I would ask her to write/draw/record her awarenesses on some paper.

By the time we finished with the kosha’s she had experienced quite an ‘energetic’ shift inside and was quite amazed at what she had discovered. Most notable was that the entire left side of her body was numb when compared to the right. The imbalance was enlightening in and of itself to her in that moment.

We completed our session with savasana, pranayama and meditation.

During meditation, we explored Anjali Mudra in some detail paying attention to the sensations in each fingertip, it’s proximity to the heart chakra, its guiding the energy upward, etc.

I guided her back to the previously blocked throat area and encouraged her to chant om for a short while, and I noticed that each om sounded stronger than the one before it.

She felt like there was more work to be done, and seemed quite at peace and possibly enthusiastic about what might come next.

She left feeling well-balanced, energetic, and relaxed.

I could have taken an entirely different tactic with this women, and spent our time together working more on asana’s and that would have been okay, too. However, in my mind, asana’s and Chiron just don’t go together very well unless you have a committed client who will be returning often. At this point in time she was unable to commit to more than one session at a time. (I usually encourage everyone to commit to 6 sessions, however that can be a financial/economic burden in 2009.) Chiron and Neptune are closely aligned these days, so for those clients around 49 yrs of age, their particular crisis in this moment requires a spiritual (neptune), healing (chiron) flavor to it. Much of what happens during guided healing/therapy sessions happens on the subtle & causal layers of the body. To some it’s very, very, “woo-woo”. To others, it’s safe, non-invasive, and easy to participate.

Yoga Yoga Therapy

chakra healing transformation transitions

Published October 23, 2008 by

…………more on stress-management

I began facilitating stress management classes around 1989,  but here’s a tidbit of information Ilearned in a recent YTT class on stress-management.

When they did all those studies to determine what is known as the fight or flight reaction they used men. After observation those were the words that were chosen (Fight/flight) to represent  the surges of adrenalin and cortisol as witnessed in a male human body. Fight. Flight. Sounds simple enough , and it’s quite true. Remember, that primal brain is still operational, despite modern evolution.

The tidbit though is about how a woman’s body responds to those same adrenal gland secretions.  Recently they duplicated the same studies and discovered that neither fight or flight were the most common responses for the females.  At All!  What had been observed  was that female bodies tended  more to Freeze during stressful conditions.  Think ‘deer in the headlights’ kind of reaction.

When I took a little survey among  my students, men & women, I discovered that The Freeze feels much more resonate with them than fighting or fleeing….not always, but most of the time.  Nearly all seemed to breathe a sigh of relief by just hearing that alternative F-word. (freeze)

Whatever. Stress is stressful. There’s no doubt about it. Yoga helps. Find a teacher that you resonate with. Go often. Relieve your stress. It’s good for everyone. Yoga Nidra tonite.

Come, The Door is Round and Open. (rumi)

Here’s some information on my studio.

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Published October 23, 2008 by

Here are some pictures……………..

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Main ST.

Published August 22, 2008 by

Located at the Jersey Shore

One of the precepts of yoga (fromthe yamas & niyamas) is svadhyaya, a Sanskrit word loosely translated as self-study. Swami Kripalu, the wise sage from India that inspired the creation of Kripalu Center in MA,  says that “self observation without judgment” is the highest form of yoga we can practice. The Sanctuary is a place to practice.

Since 2002, The Sanctuary has been a host to yoga classes, astrology workshops, feng shui trainings, meditation circles and many other types of spiritual/metaphysical studies. The intent is to provide  a safe and sacred space where self discovery is encouraged, deep transformation is possible, and healing can occur.

Directions to The Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is located at 560 Main St. Suite 2C in Loch Arbor, NJ which is just north of Asbury Park, NJ. It is easily reached from the NJ Garden State Parkway and other major roads as well as walking distance from the NJ Transit train station . See Map

Also within walking distance is the Atlantic Ocean, Deal Lake, the rejuvenated city of Asbury Park, shopping & restaurants.

Our telephone number is (732) 531-9013.

Miscellaneous

The Sanctuary is on the second floor of a small office building. There is no elevator. Ample, well-lit parking off the street is located at the back of the building. Inside, there are approximately 500 square feet of empty, carpeted space suitable for yoga practice. Some yoga props and supplies are available.

The building is mostly leased by professionals such as: accountants, therapists, property managers, insurance agents, etc. It is very quiet most of the time and there is not a lot of ‘thru’ traffic. Western exposure provides ample daylight, and the landlord provides heat, a/c, and electric.

The Sanctuary is available to guest teachers, facilitators, and healers. For more information click on Questions? above.  It’ll provide you with a contact form.

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co-operative guest teach lease new jersey share space for rent studio yoga classes

Published July 28, 2008 by

It’s time to look at Chiron again……

chiron2

Our ephemeris tells us that she’s currently orbiting the sector of the zodiac labeled: 20 degrees of Aquarius.

On Aug. 3, 2008, two days after the August 1 Solar Eclipse at 9 Leo, Chiron retrogrades back to the 19th degree of Aquarius.  (Chiron figures into this Eclipse in a pretty big way….as does Neptune and the North Node.)

Let’s look at the Sabian Symbol for these specific degrees and get a *sense* of the meaning.   (Saturn currently moving through Virgo encourages us to be more *discriminating*.  Details & small print require increased attention.)

The following references are taken directly from Dane Rudyhar’s brilliant book AN ASTROLOGICAL MANDALA: The Cycle of Transformations and its 360 symbolic phases.

20 deg. AQ. – A LARGE WHITE DOVE BEARING A MESSAGE.

The Keynote says: The answer of spiritual agencies to thorough, sustained and victorious individual efforts.

19 deg. AQ. – A FOREST FIRE IS BEING SUBDUED BY THE USE OF WATER, CHEMICALS AND SHEER MUSCULAR ENERGY.

The Keynote says:  “The skill and courage necessary to bring under control the destructive potential of carelessness of karmic ‘visitations’.

She moves to the 18th degree on Aug 22 where we find:

A MAN’S SECRET MOTIVES ARE BEING PUBLICLY UNMASKED.

The Keynote:  The difficulty for the modern individual to keep secret his private past or his deeper motives.

On November 15 she goes stationary direct in the 22nd degree of Aquarius. A RUG IS PLACED ON THE FLOOR OF A NURSERY TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY IN COMFORT AND WARMTH.  The Keynote is: The warmth of understanding which comes to those who, early in life, are open to new possibilities.

Chiron is a major player these days and usually overlooked by many astrologers.  Her upcoming conjunction with Neptune has great potential for healing the wounds that bind us thru spiritual & alternative practices.  I’ve written some on Chiron in these posts for you to read.  I hope to write more soon.

Stumbling Thru Aquarius…….

Introducing Chiron…………

Chiron, Chiros, Kairos

 

For some excellent writing on Chiron go here.

Ah yes……..the time’s they are a changin……………..

Save

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alternative healing chiron dane rudyhar healing sabian symbol wounded healer

Published July 14, 2008 by

Last Days: Pluto in Sagittarius

This morning I turned on CNN to see what ‘news’ was being reported thru this media/channel and I was immediately dis-appointed again to discover that the bloggers and the internet had these headlines day’s ago.  The ‘story’ they are telling was seeded long ago and today’s headlines are no surprise.  Nor should they be!  (Uh, oh…..there’s one of Those Words…..”should”.)

Sagittarius rules publishing/media/journalism as well as all the other ways & means that information reaches The Public.  Ethics, morality, judicial conduct, lawsuits, our relationship with ‘aliens’ (foreign/legal/illegal/et’s/etc., etc.), how we understand foreign languages and our ability (or inability) to understand the ‘truth’ of what is spoken/written etc………………..these are all other topics that are assigned to the Sag agenda.

When Pluto was making it’s first entrance into this sign (1995ish), after many tumultuous years in Scorpio, the headlines of the day were all about OJ Simpson.  This celebrity event brought together all the issues of both Scorpio & Sag and gave us a preview of what was in store for the Pluto in Sag years to come.  (Oh!  Did I mention scandals around athletes up above?  Sag also rules those who compete in sport…………..  This year’s Olympics will be held during the death throes of Pluto in Sag……pun intended.)

The headlines of today are showing us what we have learned (or not-learned) regarding all of the Sagittarian themes.  We’ve only got a few more months to get it right.  Otherwise we’ll have to get our selves reborn into the next cycle of Pluto in Sagittarius which will occur………….when, it’s gotta be at least 240+ years from now.  Quick, anyone got an ephemeris?

Pluto stuck a toe into Capricorn earlier this year, and by October,2009 it’s manifestations will become visible to the masses.   Immediately we began to see the ‘foundations’ of our society show signs of crumbling. Bridges came down.  Foundations are a Capricornian word.  Foundations are very important for stability & structure…….think big here, for now.  (Pluto in Sag taught us how to ‘think big’, too.)

Pluto will re-enter Capricorn around the end of November, 08  and stay there until 2024. (Time for a long, deep breath.) Saturn is the ruling planet for Capricorn so you might want to check this site and others to learn better how to navigate (a sag word) these changing times to come. (Capricorn is a ‘cardinal’ sign.  All cardinal signs bring Change.)

Capricorn is the leader, of the family, of the town, of the country.  Whomever holds  authority over others is the human representative of capricorn energy.  For the past 2000 years or so, this person has frequently been of the male gender, with some notable exceptions.  Capricorn is the ‘father’ role, and these days we see people of both genders assume that role.   There is much to come with Pluto in Capricorn!

I’ve been around for nearly six decades and I’ve experienced Pluto changing signs 4 times. This will be my 5th (the number of transitions) time.   Her orbit is widely elliptical and therefore each passing thru a sign covers a different length of time.  (Check with your favorite astrologer for more).  In my experience I have noticed that the time’s during the Entering and Leaving of Pluto are the most difficult.  During the twenty degrees or more of substantive time within the sign, life may be intense however most of us can hold on and maintain our daily life.  However, these enterings and leavings can be hard, just like beginnings and endings.  (Go here)

So, during these days of tumult, uncertainty, and yes, let’s call it Fear………..remember to make your yoga practice a priority.  Use this time everyday to learn how to move strong sensations & feelings through your body.  Use the breath to help you.  It will.  Take time to calm your mind thru meditation, prayer, art, music, or other solitary pursuits.  Find a class or a teacher to support you when your private practice falters.   The ancient masters lived thru much of the same tumult as we did and were able to survive and thrive despite the challenges.  Evidence is everywhere.

Be still, now.

Pause,

Take a breath.

Notice what’s :  in your body.     mind.       emotions.

Take another breath.

Let it be.

Om shanti.

Ancient Wisdom Astrology Blogging Yoga Yoga Therapy

ethics scandals six of pentacles tarot

Published July 10, 2008 by

Super-Balsamic & The 12-House Blues

It’s been a while since I posted here.  A long while.

As I’ve written in many different posts ( here, here & here) the balsamic phase of a cycle is a time when we turn away from worldly concerns ( 1st chakra ‘stuff’) and redirect our energy inward ( or upward) towards the spiritual/cosmic/ethereal,  either voluntarily…….or not.

I have found that it’s best to just go with the flow of this time period rather than try to force anything .   Regardless of the local weather, you’re traveling thru some dense fog and smokey waters.  Meditation/Prayer is the best activity to engage in.  If you can find an ashram or retreat center near by, go.

I live at the sea.  It helps.

The Lunar Balsamic phase lasts 3.5 days.  That’s a pretty easy time frame to work with for pulling out of the rat race.  However, the days of the week may prevent some challenges if you’re on some one else’s schedule and not your own.

Every planet in the solar system goes through a balsamic phase at some point-in-time.  The solar balsamic phase occurs for the 6-week period every year before your birthday. ( The Solar Return occurs when the sun reaches the exact place it was in at the moment of your birth.

The Balsamic phase for Mars lasts approximately 16 weeks.  Jupiter’s balsamic phase lasts about 18 months and Saturn’s balsamic phase is approximately 3.5 years! Few of us live long enough to experience a balsamic phase for the outer planets…..except perhaps Uranus.

In addition, any planet transiting thru the 12th House would also initiate the same kind of energy as a balsamic phase.

All that said, I am currently experiencing a 12th house Sun transit, a balsamic Mars, Jupiter, AND Saturn………………all at the same time.  It’s a miracle I can function!  For those of you versed in Vedic Astrology I have  just completed the Sade Sati which is a 3 year period of Saturn aspecting the Moon, also similar to the balsamic phase.  Whew.  It’s exhausting for no apparent reason.   What keeps me positive is the absolute knowledge that when this period is over I will be poised for a creative cycle beyond that which I have experienced for quite some time.

Teaching yoga is a gift.  Spiritual practice and practices are highly recommended during balsamic periods.   Yoga helps to create a global awareness of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.  For me, yoga helps me to be in the world and in-spirit at the same time.

Today is a First Quarter Phase in my lunar cycle, a time for action, ergo this post.

For the past few months I have been busy working on a private blog which I hope to publish soon, perhaps as an E-Book.

The subject is Astrology for Yoga Teachers/Therapists. If you’re interested  in being contacted upon publication please send an email to: asanctuary@optonline.net.

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