Awakening Ganesha

November 1 , 2006                       Monthly  Newsletter                                        Volume 24                

Namaste,

        We are off to Nepal! Over the last 18 months we have been working with the Vedic Science Research Academy in Kathmandu, Nepal, to bring 75 Nepalese students to 7 Centers for the 30-day yoga teacher training program over the next 3 years. The Academy has a goal of training teachers in the multi-discipline of yoga, astrology and sanskrit and sending a teacher to each of the 75 provinces in Nepal in order to preserve the Vedic teachings. So ... Ruth, Gary and Sydney are going to Nepal next month to meet with the American Consulate so that these students can be granted visas. Our goal is to qualify four (4) students for the January, 2007 teacher training program, and to pave the way for future Nepalese students.

This is a cross-cutural project requiring additonal finances to make it possible for the students to come here. Nepal is a relatively poor country torn apart in the past few years by civil war. If you feel like assisting in this project, any financial support would be greatly appreciated. Please call Sydney at 928-203-4400 or email the Center at yoga@7centers.com.                                    

New class offering:  Rachel Jackson (April 2006 graduate) will be teaching a Yin Yoga class on Thursdays at 5:30pm.  Yin Meridian Meditation Yoga is a practice that weaves together the wisdon of hatha hoga, traditional Chinese medicine, Taoist practices and contemporary body work through which the practitioner is viewed as a universe unto itself; where all answers are to be found as movement goes to the deeper layers of consciousness.  Yin Yoga includes long, luxurious asana sequences and emphasizes the connective tissues of the hips, thighs, pelvis, and lower spine. This class is very relaxing and meditative.  Rachel studied Yin Meridian Meditation for 3 years in Rhode Island with Tonya Zaloumis and now brings it to 7 Centers. 

The Adventures of Lionheart,  Temple Cat

Lion's message for you:

In my unique and varied role at the Center, I often find myself role-modeling desirable feline qualities to humans. I've noted that many people consider the lion to be a power animal or spirit guide. Though I am naturally suited to carry lion energy, a little extra research doesn't hurt, and I recently came across this affirmation of leonine qualities: "My  being exudes dignity, dignity and nobility. It's not so much my roar that everyone fears - my mere presence demands respect and deference. I don't qualify this with false humility, self-degradation, or apology, nor, in spite of what you have heard do I feel any sense of pride whatsoever in who I am. I don't need to. I am just very clear. If you need to roar to clear the way for your own self-acceptance, then please do so. Once you 've done this, listen closely to your heart. It sings of your purpose, even though your purpose may change and shift with time and age. That's where you'll find the courage to be who you are.  Not in the mind, not in the world around you, but in the center of your body and being. Life will enfold and suppport you, as long as you honor and follow your heart. There truly is no other way. 

Although you may be tempted and swayed by externals, especially others' opinions and judgments about you, sit quietly in the savannah of your personal sanctuary and simply listen. Listen with all of you. Tune into the knowingness that resides in your bones and in your soul to help you go forward in life. Once you hear the call, move ahead without second thoughts or doubts of any kind.

    Know that you are protected, that absolutely nothing can harm you as long as you're listening and operating from that most precious of founts, your heart of hearts."

    Even I couldn't have said it better!

-excerpted from Power Animals, Steven D. Farmer, Ph.D

                    The Ayurvedic Corner

             Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic Foods

                         Part 3 - Onions and Garlic

"Why oh why don’t we cook with onions or garlic during our 30 day teacher trainings?" This is a very common question amongst students at the Center. It’s true -the many medicinal benefits of both are well documented and scientifically proven. Used as medicine for a specific illness or purpose can prove highly beneficial. The problem arises when they are used daily to merely spice up a meal. You see, the ayurvedic stumbling block occurs when you realize that both ingredients are, unfortunately, rajasic. At the Center, we are trying to maintain a sattvic atmosphere; trying to maintain a state of lightness, contemplation and peacefulness.  These two devils will ignite agitation, even aggression. They excite and over stimulate, disrupting the delicate balance between right and left brain activity. Not helpful when one is trying to meditate on the divine or engage in other spiritual work. In the world outside the center, however, you might be an athlete about to run a marathon, or a soldier about to fight a war (literally or figuratively) in which case such rajasic foods can provide a much needed boost.

Onions are pungent and hot; bad news for pitta-challenged individuals. At the same time, they seem to have a cooling affect on the digestion, making them difficult to digest and assimilate; bad news for vata-challanged individuals. Garlic is hot, hot, hot; so of course it aggravates pitta.

So what’s an onion and garlic lover to do? Well, remember that Ayurveda stresses moderation. Try limiting your use of these guys to a few times a week; or just use less than your recipe normally calls for. A nice flavor substitution for both is hing (asafetida) because of its similar sulfur content. Hing is also great for digestion, relieving both gas and bloating. If you must use garlic and onion, try substituting some of their milder siblings like leeks or shallots. Cooking these critters nice and good also mellows out their properties.  

Normally, I like to end each article with a recipe. This time I’d like to invite you, the reader, to share your ayurvedic recipes for publication into future newsletters. For you creative cooks who love a challenge, this is a wonderful invitation to create variations and alternatives to your onion and garlic-laden dishes; or perhaps you just have an ayurvedic recipe that works well that you’d like to share.

Until next time,   Kevin

 Kevin Afuso is the Chef for the Ayurvedic Kitchen at 7 Centers. He both educates and nutures the teachers and students with conscious food during yoga trainings.

  Vedic Astrology News

Rahu and Ketu Change Signs in November

Rahu (north node of the Moon) and Ketu (south node of the Moon) will change signs on November 8, 2006. As they are the nodes of the Moon, this means they are involved during the time of eclipses. They are also called shadow planets (chaya grahas) and they are important indicators of karmic influence. They always move backward through the signs, and take 18 months to transit a sign. Previously, Rahu has been transiting Pisces and Ketu transiting Virgo since February 2005. Now on November 8, 2006, Rahu will move through the sign of Aquarius, and Ketu goes through the sign of Leo for the next 18 months – until May 5, 2008.

     Rahu is a planet of innovation, change, unexpected events, technology, inventiveness, unconventionality, foreign things, urgency, compulsion, and restlessness. Rahu is also the co-ruler of the sign of Aquarius, the sign it will enter on November 8th, so this is a more comfortable placement for Rahu. The sign of Aquarius rules humanitarian concerns, community, progressive or futuristic philosophies, scientific and technological things, abstract thinking, metaphysics, and alternative therapies. With Rahu in Aquarius we may encounter some unusual breakthroughs in science, technology, alternative healing, and focus more on humanitarian endeavors in the world, sensing we are one global community.

     Ketu is a planet of spirituality, moksha or enlightenment, introspection, being in silence, meditation, pilgrimage, renunciation, detachment, loss, and dissatisfaction with the material world. The sign of Leo (ruled by the Sun), which Ketu is about to enter, is a sign of power, fame, loyalty, generosity, courage, ambition, confidence, wealth, and leadership ability.  In some ways Ketu and the sign of Leo are at odds. Ketu in Leo may be dissatisfied with the outer or more materialistic elements in life and want to retreat or disconnect in some form, or feel a loss of self-esteem or confidence. One may also feel dissatisfied with those in power or authority. On a higher level though, we could focus at this time on a deeper connection to our soul and increase our spiritual practices and listen to our own “inner authority.” The more positive outcome could be trusting and expressing one’s innate “soul power” in a helpful and generous manner in the outer world. 

Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

              7 Centers Yoga Arts

Upcoming Teacher Trainings

       and Special Workshops            

Teacher Training Alumni News 

Congratulations to the October 2006 teacher training graduates:

Lauren Elizabeth Feece - Chicago, Il

Wende Claire Mueller - Las Cruces, NM

Mattie Eisenberg - Richmond, VA

Tasha Sullivan Friar - Winnemucca, NV

Sherry Garrett - Uvalde, TX

Lesley Orson - Scotland, G.B.

Megan Saari - Plymouth, MN

Jennifer Evans - Soon-to-be Phoenix, AZ

Marina Smerling - El Cerrito, CA

Mary-Margaret Hockings - Whitianga, New Zealand

It was a great month of caring and sharing!

           *         *     *     *     *     *

BIG NEWS PHOENIX RESIDENTS!!! - Ana Camacho-Hansen (July 2003) and Dennis Richards (January 2006) are opening EMBODY YOGA this month. The studio is located at 44th and Thomas in Phoenix. Learn more about EMBODY YOGA by going to www.EmbodyYoga.com or call 480-290-8353 to find out more details. Jennifer Evans, who is graduating in this month's class, will be moving to Phoenix to teach with Ana and Dennis. This is great news for 7 Centers graduates who want to re-connect with Rama-trained teachers. Good Luck! 

Openings for 2007 Ayurvedic Cooking Apprenticeships

This is a free work/study program available only to Graduates of the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program. Apprentice with Kevin and learn how to make Ayurvedic meals according to the Doshas, develop the skills of shopping and budgeting, take Ayurvedic principles classes including hikes in the afternoon and yoga classes (optional) in the evening. Can be applied towards an Ayurvedic Cooking specialization in the IYC 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Certificate worth 100 hours credit. You pay for housing and transportation.  Call Sydney for more information.

January 6 – February 6  

March 31 – May 1

June 16 – July 17        

September 29 – October 30