Yoga – Page 9 – TIME & SPACE CONSULTING

Published August 22, 2008 by ifc

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.

Asbury Park Astrology Feng Shui Holistic Health My photos self-promotion The Jersey Shore Yoga Yoga Therapy

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

Published August 19, 2008 by ifc

A Maverick in the Sky…………………..

moons nodes As I write this, Chiron is in active conjunction with the North Node at 18+ degrees of Aquarius. As many of you know, I have been actively watching Chiron’s travels for a while. For me, this conjunction with Rahu (the vedic term for: North Node of the Moon) is a good opportunity to sweep and de-clutter the path in preparation for the ‘new earth’. Wherever Chiron goes, healing occurs………………………or not.

The north node is a place and not an object in the sky. It is a symbolic moment in time/space that has no physical substance to it like the moon or mars. Think of it as a line bi-secting the earth & moon ecliptics.

Many astrologers have decided that the nodal fields of activity are our relationships with other people, present day company and also past company as in both childhood and past lives. Karmic experiences are highly likely for those with a belief system that supports this notion. (In India where Vedic Astrology began, karma and past-lives are an integral part of their belief system. Hindu’s Buddhists, and the followers of Guru’s all share a deep respect for the laws of karma and extend this respect to their honoring of all beings.)

Nodal contacts can bring new people into our lives for new relationships and/or create so much separation between us in existing relationships that we finally (?)break apart. Because the north node always occurs with a south node it can be a little confusing to know which has more ‘juice’ at any moment. A gifted astrologer can really help here, seek one out. The rule of thumb is that the NN will lead you towards future karma or dharma, whilst the SN reflects to you more of your past karma. Since Now is the only moment that really counts the challenge is to balance the two energies and find common ground. When a planet highlights a node, as is the case today, it makes it easier to find the particular relationships in your life which are operating on a karmic level, and which aren’t. (ie. the grocery clerk who winked today, or a phone call from an old friend) Look around.

Aquarian energy will be the common denominator for awhile. (The NN will remains in Aquarius for about 18 months and then it moves on to Capricorn. It is about halfway into it’s cycle. ) Also note that the nodes revolve around planet earth in the opposite direction from the planets/asteroids. Think of this conjunction like you would preview a ‘movie trailer’ with a release date of 2009 – 2010. (More on this to come.))

Some keywords for Aquarius are: friendship, terrorists, eccentrics, genius, intuitive, future-oriented, difficulty with intimacy, objectivity, out-of-the-box, humanitarian. One might wonder why the word terrorists is on that list and that’s a good question. I will leave it for another day and I encourage you to meditate on it for the greater good of all beings. Om shanti.

The 19th degree of the Sabian Symbols (always round up) says:

A forest fire is being subdued by the use of water, chemicals and sheer muscular energy.

The keynote reads: the skill and courage necessary to bring under control the destructive potential fo carelessness of karmic “visitations”.

Oh! I left a word off the keyword list above………Aquarius is also the sign of aliens and extra-terrestrials. Hmmm.

Time for bed.

Links tomorrow if I have the time.

May all beings be peaceful.

Astrology consciousness Karma Planets and their Cycles Time Management Yoga

Aquarius chiron Feng Shui jyotish ketu rahu vedic astrology

Published July 28, 2008 by ifc

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

Astrology Planets and their Cycles Yoga Yoga Therapy

alternative healing chiron dane rudyhar healing sabian symbol wounded healer

Published July 18, 2008 by ifc

….this made me cry………….

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.1402507&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26]

….try to watch the whole thing if you can………..i’ll post it over there on the right with my others asap. …..”14 months in the making, 42 countries, and a cast of thousands”!!

For More Information on the creator of this wonderful clip: Go here.

dance Miscellaneous

Published July 14, 2008 by ifc

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 June 16, 2008 by ifc

It’s About Time, Part Two

PART ONE HERE.

clockandhourglass BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS

After studying the nature of (astrological) cycles for so many years I learned rather profoundly that it can be hard to recognize the difference between beginnings and endings. They frequently, if not always, happen at the exact same time. It is a matter of perspective. The key is to honor both equally as a significant time, showing no preference. There is an ancient teaching that goes something like, “as the beginning, so is the end”. Time constantly varies according to the way we perceive it in the moment and also according to a divine plan of which we may be quite unaware of.

I also learned, also profoundly, that there are many cycles happening at the same time, some longer than others, some shorter. And so as you begin to identify the differences between varying lengths you also begin to integrate them into a balanced way to live. Also, you begin to see the relationships that one cycle has to another. This awareness allows you to prioritize your activities in ways that feel good. When time flows you can really appreciate the utter beauty and magnificence of the universe. There is order within chaos, and there is chaos within order. Ultimately there is choiceless awareness that feels like peaceful balance.

WHY WE START WITH THE LUNAR CYCLE

The lunar cycle is long enough for you to learn about yourself deeply, and also short enough for you to experience immediate feedback to your newfound knowledge.

Cycles come in varying lengths of time. Using the orbits of the known planets around our sun as a starting point, we begin our measurements with Earth which takes exactly 365 days, 6 hours and some 14 minutes to travel its elliptical path around the sun. The speed with which the Earth travels varies according to the distance away from the sun, speeding up as it gets closer and slowing down as it travels farther away. Each planet carries with it, its own anomaly or individual orbital characteristics that set it apart from the other planets. This dance of the earth around the sun we’ll call the Solar Cycle.

The Lunar Cycle, of course, represents the length of time it takes for the moon to orbit the earth or 29.531 days (the mean length of a lunar cycle). (Go here for a time lapse photo of the lunar cycle. http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap010218.html) Each planet cycles around the sun at its own pace in its own way.

Reconnecting with LUNAR rhythms can be an important first step in either gaining or relinquishing control in our lives and thereby reducing stress. Astrology can be an important tool in establishing this reconnection. Within the astrological body of knowledge is a clock that suggests universal time principles and also information that will help you to reconnect to the internal, intuitive clock that lies deep within.

Scientists, researchers, and astrologers have all documented the effects of the moon on life on earth. This fact is no longer disputed. All one needs to do is check the weather patterns or the records at the hospital or police station to see the effects of the full moon phase. Whether these effects are a result of gravity, electro-magnetic energy, or sunspot activity is not important for our purposes here. What is important is that we become more aware of the rhythm of the cycle that prompts our actions. Reconnection to the lunar cycle as a time-management tool will help to smooth out all of the stresses that our modern day world has created.

HOW TO USE THE LUNAR CYCLE

Even if you are new to this concept it is very easy to begin aligning yourself with lunar time. Depending on the cultural differences between different astrological systems the entire cycle (360 degrees of something) can be divided into as many pie-shaped phases as you like. For the purposes of this book I am going to use the Eight Phase division of the circle yielding time periods of 3.5 days for a 28 day lunar cycle. The Vedic astrologers using a different methodology refer to phases as nakshatras and recognize 27 of them

First check a newspaper and/or calendar to see when the next New Moon phase occurs, that’s a good time to investigate something new! Each phase lasts approximately 3 days, give or take about 10 hours. The phases that are most important at first are the new, full, and quarter points. The others will become more apparent to you after you have become familiar with the most dynamic ones. A good idea would be to mark your personal calendar or daytimer so that you are reminded what phase is current.

At first, just noticewhat is going on during each phase. You might want to make a few notes in a journal to refer back to later on. During these early stages while you are still learning the most important thing is to just become aware of what types of events are happening and how those events fit into the larger scheme of your life. One of the rewards of following the lunar cycle is the ability to discern the importance of any singular event. A seemingly insignificant event can take on added importance if it occurs during particular phases. After a couple of cycles, you might then attempt working with the phases and begin to plan your time accordingly. I often receive questions on the best time to begin new projects, and the answer to that is not a simple one.

THE BEST TIME TO BEGIN NEW PROJECTS

First you need to consider the nature of the project. Is it something that is done routinely? If so, are you very clear about the results you are looking for? If the answers to these questions were yes, then the full phase of the moon would work well. If, on the other hand, you are beginning something totally new and you’re not sure about outcome, then sometime between new and first quarter would be better. Please remember that there are other planets circling with energies that might hamper or help your plans. If you are working on something that is very important to you it would be best to consult the advice of an astrologer who can give you a bigger perspective on the timeliness of your choice. The lunar phase is best applied to things that are part of your daily life.

COMING TO COMPLETION

Not everything can become completed in a 28-day lunar cycle. Some things take a little more time! The symbolism of the phases still works. During the new phase, a project might spontaneously take a new turn. The quarter phases will continue to bring change, crisis, and challenge. The full moon brings clear perspective to everything and always signals a good time for negotiation and discussion. And, of course, no matter what we are working on one needs downtime to rejuvenate. Balsamic phases are an important part of every cycle.

INTERSECTING CYCLES

The lunar cycle is visible. You can look into the night sky at any given time and see ‘what time it is”. The visible reflection of the moon is like a giant clock in the sky.

This visible cycle is what I call ‘generic’ time. When the moon is full in the sky, it is a full phase for everyone.

However, there is another cycle that is occurring at the same time and that cycle is happening on a more internal or personal level. Each of us, individually, have our own personal clock or cycles that are apparent only to ourselves. Sometimes our personal cycles coincide and complement the outer, external, generic cycle. And sometimes our personal clock conflicts with the generic, visible cycle creating a challenge for us to integrate our personal life into the whole of the population.

Here’s where Yoga enters the picture.

Stay tuned for more excepts from: A Teacher’s Manual.

Om shanti, peace to all beings.

Astrology lunar phases Planets and their Cycles Time Management Yoga

cycles lunar cycle time management

Published June 14, 2008 by ifc

Is it time to dance, yet?

Find Center…………………….Stay There……………………….Keep Moving

Yoga

ecstatic dancing yogadance

Published June 13, 2008 by ifc

The Balsamic Phase of the Moon

The moon returns to darkness once again. Perhaps you can see the slightest sliver of light remaining. Sigh. We’re tired. Something inside is calling for rest, retreat, and rejuvenation. The balsamic phase is the time when we need to honor that feeling, and honor ourselves for all the work and effort we have expended during the previous cycles. This phase of the moon beckons us to turn our attention inward, to the deepest parts of ourselves. It is the time to connect with spirit and the divine energy that lies within. And, if we are not in touch with those aspects of ourselves then perhaps this is the time to search for it.

Many of the eastern philosophies speak of the light that resides within. God is to be found on the inside, deep within oneself. Our disconnection from that source of light within may indeed be part of the problem that permeates society today. Many times when I tell my clients and students to use this balsamic time for meditation, contemplation, soul-searching or prayer they look at me like I’m crazy. “I don’t have time for that” is a common response. There’s “too much to do, too much work, too many responsibilities”.

“But, I wish I could”, is a communal sad song. Well, this is the time to take the time for inward-oriented activities. And, the amazing, magical result of pursuing this inward journey at this particular time is the reduction of stress and the feeling & experience of having more time throughout the rest of the cycle.

The Balsamic Phase of the Moon is when our system is crying for psychic detoxification. It’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on all events and activities of the recent past. A ‘letting go’ time, when we acknowledge ourselves for doing the best we could. Or, if we weren’t able to do our best, we acknowledge ourselves for trying and then let it go.

What does it mean to let go of something? One hears this expression a lot these days. On one level I think it means to not worry or be concerned with outcome. Replace the energy spent on mental/emotional anguish and instead practice cultivating the energy of faith, trust and stillness. The Bhagava Gita gives very explicit instructions for how to do this and the balsamic phase is the time to practice more intently.

During the balsamic period the veil between the conscious and the unconscious is thin. Therefore, it is also a good time to pay more attention to our dreams. Dreams come from the Vijananamaya Kosha, one of our subtle bodies according to Yogic Philosophy. Our higher mind usually has some very important information and dreams are a way of communicating with ourselves. Sometimes they may even take on a prophetic tone. Our need to daydream, fantasize or simply escape our everyday realities is a natural tendency that requires attention just like any other health routine me might employ. We all need time to be alone and connect with ourselves. Long walks or drives, frequent naps, listening to music, connecting with nature, journaling, painting, dancing, practicing yoga, tai chi, chi gong, reading, or just sitting staring out a window are all befitting activities for these days.

In psychological terms this lunar phase is when we are more connected to the collective unconscious. This is a term used most frequently within the Jungian tradition of psychology. Freudians might refer to it as the unconscious or supra-conscious mind. People have created different words for the same concepts for eons. The point is that there is a part of our mind that works from a different operating system than the rest of our mind. And this ‘hidden file’ is very busy connecting to the ethereal WWW all the time.

So, perhaps the most important thing to really understand is that if you do not honor this time, if you continue your daily life and your routine without including “downtime’, then you will not feel energized and refreshed when the next cycle begins. At first the effects of this may not be apparent. However, over time, if you continue to ignore your inner world and focus only on the external the stresses will accumulate and can create obstacles, dis-ease, and crisis in your life.

Without adequate time for pause and reflection, the body/mind/spirit will rebel and hopefully send you some clear signals that things are out of balance. When that happens our lives begin to spin seemingly out of control. We find ourselves in dysfunction, dis-ease, and disarray. And as a result something may happen by which we are then forced (by some external factor?) to give up our routine. Either we land in a hospital, or we are down-sized, laid-off or fired. Either way, we are now forced to use our time to reflect because now we have no other choice. Fate or Free Will……..make your choice.

It’s so much easier to voluntarily step back from our routines then to have them forcibly removed from us. This is the gift of the Balsamic Phase of the Moon. Two days out of every 28 day cycle can go really far in preventing & healing accumulated stress.

Astrology Holistic Health lunar phases Meditation philosophy Planets and their Cycles Time Management Yoga

balsamic Jungian psychology

Published May 9, 2008 by ifc

Yoga & Birth

It’s been nearly a week since I made my last post, and what a week it’s been!

Just as the moon slipped into the balsamic phase and Saturn made it’s station, my daughter gave birth to her daughter. I was so grateful to be a witness to this miracle of birth……what a moment. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.

I’ve been facilitating pre-natal yoga for about 5 years, however this was my first opportunity to witness the techniques in action. Personally, I didn’t begin my yoga practice until after my children were born, so I don’t have any first-hand info to share. However, my daughter practiced yoga thruout her pregnancy and her experience of childbirth was 180 degrees different from my own. (No doubt modern-medicine had an impact as well as the presence of an enlightened doula/midwife)

Watching my daughter I was amazed at her composure & her acceptance during the powerful contractions of late labor. She appeared to be under control and quite present thruout those slow minutes of ‘discomfort’. I, however, found myself tense, tight, and frightened for her. Clearly, her long-standing yoga practice supported her, while my even longer yoga practice kinda went by the wayside during this highly emotional time!

Afterward, I spoke with her well experienced doula and asked her if she saw a difference between mothers who practiced yoga and those who don’t.
” Absolutely!!”, she replied. Their labors were shorter, the delivery’s were easier, and they were more composed. The doctor agreed.

I am thrilled to have been present for the miracle that is my 1st GrandDaughter. I am so proud of my daughter, that she could be so willing to trust the process and be present for this event. Yoga teaches us to be more present in our bodies and to be fully connected to the Now, regardless of what is happening. Suffering, negativity, and pain are all minimized when we can Be Here Now. At the miraculous moments of birth, the ‘now’ is the place to be.

Perhaps when I return home to my students I’ll initiate a workshop, Yoga for Grand Mothers!

Happy Mother’s Day.

Om shanti, shanti, shantihi.

journal entry Yoga

doula midwife pregnancy prenatal yoga

Published April 30, 2008 by ifc

Sore Feet

I get a lot of students asking me for yoga techniques to help with sore feet. It seems to be quite a common complaint.

My first suggestion is to tell them to begin to pay more attention to the shoes that they wear and to try going without shoes for longer periods of time. There’s really no reason to wear shoes at all when one is home, is there?

Then I show them various massage & acupressure points to help relieve some of their pain. The fun really starts when we stand up and begin to really notice just how we stand. Where (on our feet) do we carry our weight? Are we balanced on our feet? Do they turn in? or out? Then, we walk around the room and pay even closer attention. What part of our foot touches the ground first when we walk? What part comes next? And so goes the inquiry………

Yesterday, I stumbled upon an article on the Internet and had a good giggle while reading it. It seems I am not alone in my conclusions about shoes. Click on this picture to read more.

Yoga Yoga Therapy

acupressure feet massage pain shoes

Category: <span>Yoga</span>