Awakening Ganesha

October 1, 2005                       Monthly  Newsletter                                             Volume 10  

Namaste, 

This month we are happy to offer our morning Hatha Yoga classes at a reduced fee of $5 per class to ALL Sedona residents. Classes are 8:30-9:30am Monday through Friday with Kevin; 10:30-12pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday with Ildiko; and 8:00am Saturday with Jeannie.  Students must show proof of residence to qualify for the discount. Note: Evening classes will remain 1 1/2 hours at the usual price of $10. 

              Chakra Yoga Intensive

November 11-18th

This is a 7-day practice with each day focusing on one of the 7 chakras. Based on wisdom teachings from India, the practice includes time among Sedona's red rock temples, as well drawing the yantras (diagrams) of the chakras. The totally new curriculum is designed by Shraddhasagar (Ruth), and she will be assisted by Anandasagar (Gary) and Kathleen Bryant. Credit hours toward a 500-hour teaching certificate are available.   Fee: $700 or early registration before October 1st of $650.  See our website or call Sydney for more information.

7 Centers Yoga Teacher Reunion!

This day of "homecoming" will be November 19th.  If you completed the 30-day, 200-hour intensive, you're invited! There's more information on our website. Please RSVP if you are interested so that we can finalize the event schedule.    

The Benefits of Hanging Out

by Lionheart, Temple Cat

Doing nothing that is particularly productive, like taking the time to hang out in a tree, is a spiritual practice that some find very difficult.

Why hang out? It is illogical, it is unreasonable, it is whimsical. And ....It can be enormously peaceful. One of the definitions of "peace" is inner contentment or serenity, to be in a state of tranquillity. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, visualize this scenario: "The handsome young orange cat (that's me) basked peacefully in the dappled morning sunlight after a dish of goat milk and a kitty treat." 

I’ve found that doing nothing makes my relations with other creatures (not counting the black tomcat with excess testosterone next door) become more harmonious. Doing nothing helps keep the muscles relaxed and supple, the nerves quiet. Then, when I need to spring (see aforementioned rude tom), I have a greater store of energy and more resilience.

From what I’ve observed, the more things one crowds into a period of time (in order to get more out of time), the shorter that time period of time seems. It’s when you hang out and do nothing that you experience the spaciousness and expansiveness of every moment.

Feel free to use these suggestions as a starting point for your own explorations, and let me know how it goes.

Sit quietly and observe an anthill.

Lie in the dirt on your back and watch the birds feed.

Follow the path of a caterpillar.

Watch a snail make a translucent trail.

Maybe you’ll discover something I can pass along to help the humans around here, who have just started another round of time-wrestling they call “teacher training.”

Ambaya's Corner....Practical Ayurveda

A favorite quote of mine from the guru who lead my heart down this remarkable path of Ayurveda and one that inspires me in the kitchen...

If you treat food as God, you choose the most nourishing food you can find - fresh fruits and vegetables, plump grains - and you cook it in a way that preserves the life force, you give it your total attention, you handle it with respect and love.

 Your shakti, your energy, enters the food as you work with it and you become the food while you cook.

 You reach Inside yourself to the place where you are God, the place of identification and then you cook from that place.

                                                             Baba Muktananda

Here is a recipe for Ghee, that wonderful food that represents the best of the gift of milk

Place one pound of unsalted butter in a heavy saucepan, preferrably of stainless steel or glass.  Melt the butter and continue cooking over moderate heat so that the butter just boils gently.  Foam will rise to the surface but this should not be skimmed off.  After 15 or 20 minutes the foam will have settled to the bottom, where it will begin to form a sticky "cake".  At this point, the ghee must be watched carefully to avoid burning,  It may be stirred occasionally with a clean, dry spoon, preferrably of stainless steel.  When the ghee begins to boil silently with only a trace of air bubbles on the surface, it is done.  Allow it to cool and then pour it carefully into clean containers (making sure that the sediment remains on the bottom of the saucepan).  Tip:  Try adding "mantra" to your ghee -- making it mindfully will enhance its value to you!

Namaste,

Ambaya

Vedic Astrology News....

Venus, the Planet of Devotion, Compassion, and Universal Love

When we think of the planet Venus, we think of love and romance.  Venus also rules the entire range of relationship energy and our ability to feel and project love. In addition, Venus signifies wealth, beauty, gems, creativity, art, music, dance, poetry, diplomacy, receptivity, vehicles, happiness, femininity, sexual pleasure, marriage and partnership, flowers, scents, and mantras. Venus rules the signs of Taurus and Libra. When Venus is out of balance, one can be overindulgent, too extravagant, and encounter troubles with relationships. Venus also rules addictions.

 Those who have a strong and well-placed Venus in their charts often work in the healing arts, or they may be artists, musicians, or involved in professions that require relationship skills and social graces.

 Venus moves into its own sign of Libra from September 6, 2005, to October 2, 2005. When Venus is in Libra, it is in its moolatrikona sign, which is a particularly strong and favorable placement.  This might be an excellent time to work with balance and fairness in all relationships and to connect to one’s spiritual path and humanitarian ideals.

 Venus in its highest expression involves compassion, devotion and universal love. Venus also relates to Bhakti Yoga or the yoga of devotional surrender. Venus emphasizes the use of art, music, mantra, devotional chanting and other creative means in approaching spirituality.

Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, is available for personal consultations either in person or by phone. You can contact her at (928) 639-0623 or dinfante@sedona.net.

7 Centers Yoga Arts

Upcoming Yoga Training and Special Workshops

Personal Retreats

Scheduled retreat:  October 11, 12. & 13

(Bring a group or come by yourself)

For those in the midst of transition who would like to get away for purposes of reflection, retreats offer an opportunity to go inside, reconnect and find serenity.  Or, if you simply want to deepen your personal practices or develop a program to take home with you, we are able to assist. We base our programs on needs and desires, for an experience that will satisfy those parts of you that need attention and nuturing.  Whether it be yoga, ayurveda, hiking, spiritual growth, chanting & meditation or spa-like services, we are able to personally design programs. We recommend at least 3 full days (travel days not included). We can include accommodations or help you find the right place to stay. Again, it's your choice.  See our website, www.7centers.com or if you would like to discuss the possibilities, call Sydney at 877-603-4400 or email her at yoga@7centers.com.

Teacher Training Alumni News

Rebekah Crisp (Winter '03), who continues to teach Hatha, Kundalini, and Chakra Yoga here at 7 Centers, is currently training with the 3HO Foundation in Espanola, NM. We're looking forward to welcoming her back from this adventure in her path as a teacher.

Kevin Afuso (Summer '05) has returned to the Center to assist with the current training. He brings valuable experience from Vipassana retreats to our kitchen and is also teaching morning public classes.

Sedona Community Bulletin Board

Wanted:  Quiet apartment or house in Sedona for writer/yoga teacher. Responsible, nonsmoking, no pets. Call Kathleen, 282-2685.