. August 2004 Yoga - Art - _Expression
. Heart Practice Yoga Newsletter
In this issue
.
A Time to Reflect

"From August 9 to September 2 most of us will be bombarded with the maddening effects of Mercury in retrograde. Mercury is a planet which governs all transportation and communication issues. Mercury is not an emotional planet, but rather a highly objective, truth-seeking one. It rules intelligence, education and truth. When it is in retrograde, some of its power is held back.

You miss appointments, your computer equipment crashes, checks get lost, you find the car you just purchased during Mercury retrograde is a lemon. There will be countless delays, cancellations and postponements--but know these will benefit you in the long run. Don't fight them, although your frustration level and feeling of restlessness will be hard to cope with at times." -Susan Miller

For those interested in astrology, this retrograde may seem like something to dread. It tests our yogic abilities to stay present for what comes up in every moment and to maintain awareness without judgment.

We are often warned about starting new projects or signing contracts during a retrograde because the strategy or direction may change. However, I look forward to retrogrades as a time to stop doing, and instead resting in a good book, getting thoughts down for a project by reading and researching, spending time reconnecting with old friends and re-evaluating progress in a life lived so far. Chris Wight says it's a great time to catch up with yourself. Just remember to back up your computer, drive carefully and arrive extra early at the airport.

 

How it affects your sign...




Quick Links...
Greetings,

This monthly newsletter is created to provide you with resources to nourish your practice and inspire your spirit. Please send an e-mail if there is anything you would like to see featured for our yoga community. - Namaste, Monica Paredes

Explore, Expand and Discover
My heart still fondly remembers Italy. If you are experiencing wanderlust even after returning from a great vacation, here are some creative ways to expand your horizons at home. Try these on for transformation:

Pulitzer Prize winner and former Baltimore Sun contributor, Alice Steinbach wrote "Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent woman." She sends postcards to herself as reminders of where she has been, inside and out. Read anything by Peter Mayle. His newest book "A Good Year" is yet another tale about the good life in Provence.

Learn How to Take Better Vacation Pictures, a photo workshop by Lanny Nagler. Improve your technical knowledge as well as composition and lighting skills for landscapes, cityscapes, close-ups and portraits. Capture photos that really tell a story.

Take a cooking class on Italian, French or Indian cuisine. Better yet, take a wine or cheese tasting course that covers various regions. Then invite friends over and serve the meal or beverage with music, clothing, and decorations from that country. Also, check out your local museum. During the summer they have free admission hours, and sometimes there are artist talks and special events. Combine the two and take your watercolors and markers with you to the lake or park and create something. Then learn to write the titles or captions to your pieces in a foreign language.

 

See how Lanny Nagler tells a story... »

 

August Schedule
After a busy July, I find myself cutting back my class offerings to continue focusing on my publishing company and a few other projects. From August 10 - 19, I will be out of town. The rest of the time, I will be finalizing plans for Desiree's workshop coming up in September.

For August, the only ongoing classes will be at Racquetball & Fitness's 281 Club on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 - 10 a.m. I am also planning another evening practice for experienced students. Also, there are one or two time slots left for private instruction.

Send an e-mail and let me know if you'd like to be part of our ongoing yoga discussion group, via Blogger. Feel free to ask questions and share information, and get access to current events.

 

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The Art of the Yamas and Niyamas
"I have received the cards and they are breathtaking! I am a Hatha Yoga teacher and they will serve as great inspiration for future classes. I simply love them." - Jamie: Ontario, Canada

"I just wanted to tell you again how wonderful your cards are. I have used all of them in class and each week I have one I focus on in my own practice. Thank you for this gift, it is a sweet reminder of how sacred this practice of yoga is." - Erika: Richmond, VA

Be inspired. These practice cards introduce new and lifelong yogis to the creative side of yoga through the doorway of the yamas and niyamas. Establish themes for your classes with readings and sample postures, then display the art on its stand to brighten your space.

One set includes 10 practice cards and a plastic display stand. $14.95 plus tax. Wholesale inquiries are welcome. You can also view all 10 images at thirdeyestudio.net.

 

To order and see a sample... »

 

Don't Miss Desirée Rumbaugh in San Antonio!
Renowned Anusara teacher Desirée Rumbaugh will be leading a special week-end workshop entitled "Endless Possibilities." This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most celebrated and respected teachers worldwide. Suitable for all levels of students. Her events fill up quickly, so please reserve your space early.

Desirée has agreed to do a special Master Class for Racquetball & Fitness on Friday, September 17 from 4:45 - 6 p.m. Cost is $5 for members and $15 for non- members. Call R & F directly for this class only at 210- 490-9161. Space is limited to only 40 participants so sign up soon.

Fri., Sept. 17: 7-9 p.m. Opening to Grace: Hip Openers $35

Sat., Sept. 18: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Flowing with Grace, The Energy That Transforms: Backbends & Arm Balances $45

Sat., Sept. 18: 2-4 p.m. Patience & Flexibility: Forward Bends & Inversions $35

Sun., Sept. 19: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Healing the Body & Opening the Heart: Yoga Therapeutics $45

Cost: Entire Workshop - $145 if paid by 9/1; $160 after. Segments are listed above. For out-of- towners coming for the weekend, we can try and find hosts for you to stay with if you sign up early.

"Desirée Rumbaugh is a true treasure of a yoga instructor. The combination of an exceptionally beautiful yoga practice, highly creative instructions, and vibrantly charismatic personality make Desirée one of the top yoga instructors in the U.S." -John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga

 

To reserve your space... »

 

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