tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7483694785040837612024-03-12T17:33:48.887-07:00Finding the Flow in France Yoga and TerroirWhat happens when a California yoga teacher with a very cool dog, a background in sustainable development and agriculture - and French tradition merge?
A little bit of je ne sais quoi and a whole lot of amour.Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-63452746017435050902013-06-26T09:26:00.000-07:002013-06-27T04:01:44.928-07:00The Glorification of BUSY<b>(en francais ci-dessous)</b><br />
I am too busy doing, being, sharing, collaborating, planning, partnering, teaching, practicing, and living to keep up with this blog thing. This year has been tremendously abundant and I've had nary a moment to keep track by way of blogging. Eventually (really, I mean it this time) all of the events and images of 2013, plus the big happenings in 2014 and beyond will finally be here ~ amandadatesyoga.com<br />
(new name, new logo, new design, same old me).<br />
<br />
In the meantime, to stay in touch about summer and rentree classes and workshops in Paris, the Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir™ tour schedule, all the fermette news that's fit to document, and visiting teachers I'm hosting, find me on: Facebook, Twitter (@Amanda Dates ~ occasionally), Instagram (yogaterroirfr ~ more than sporadically), or sign up for my good, old fashioned email list ~ amanda@dogayoga.net.<br />
<br />
2013 has been a year of manifesting lots of good things into the here and now.<br />
Beyond grateful for this life!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgLrG8553wo/UcsVz75vGkI/AAAAAAAAAAc/sf1ZnYyI488/s1600/MatemweSplit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgLrG8553wo/UcsVz75vGkI/AAAAAAAAAAc/sf1ZnYyI488/s320/MatemweSplit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Je suis trop occupé à faire, à être, à partager, à collaborer , à planifier, à construire des partenariats, à enseigner, à pratiquer et à vivre pour continuer à animer ce blog. Cette année a été extrêmement abondante et je n'ai pas eu de temps à suivre tout cela par le biais de mon blog. Bientôt, tous les événements et les images de 2013, ainsi que les grands événements en 2014 et au-delà seront ici ~ <a href="http://amandadatesyoga.com/">amandadatesyoga.com</a> (nouveau nom, nouveau logo, nouveau dessin, toujours moi).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />2013 a été une année pour manifester beaucoup de bonnes choses dans l'actuel.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Je suis au-dela de reconnaissante pour cette vie !</span><br />
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</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">En parallèle, pour rester en contact à propos des cours et ateliers à Paris, les retraites Retour à la Source : Yoga & Terroir ™, toutes les nouvelles de la fermette, vous pouvez me retrouver sur : Facebook, Twitter (@AmandaDates ~ occasionnellement), Instagram (yogaterroirfr ~ assez sporadique), ou envoyez-moi un mail pour être abonné à ma liste de courriel ~ amanda (at) <a href="http://dogayoga.net/">dogayoga.net</a>.</span></div>
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Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05248753409218594660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-2001261225206750512013-01-28T08:12:00.001-07:002013-01-28T08:18:19.734-07:002013 Mantra<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phlb/3963169590/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2534/3963169590_6d0e673139_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phlb/3963169590/">Refinement</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phlb/">PHLB - Luc B</a></span></div>
<b><i>Refinement through simplicity. </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
My teaching theme for the year.<br />
My practice theme for the year.<br />
My raison d'etre for the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
"Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify, simplify! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail."</div>
<div class="p1">
<i>Henry David Thoreau</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-89803176726016279192013-01-07T06:11:00.001-07:002013-01-08T05:48:28.849-07:00Nouvel An Rentree<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khouri/5468379212/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5297/5468379212_e78e648f0a_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khouri/5468379212/">roots</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/khouri/">Michael Cory</a></span></div>
(la traduction en français à suivre)<br />
<br />
I hope you all had a little quiet time to celebrate, reflect, and hibernate over the holiday season.<br />
<br />
2012 was a year of extremes; highs and lows in so many forms. For me it was a year of karmic cleansing, sands shifting, and illusions burning. 2013, by all astrological and Vedic reports, is supposed to be a year of calmer waters; less movement under the feet and more ability to feel grounded, stable, and strong. <br />
<br />
A year for taking root.<br />
A year for diving deep.<br />
A year on which to build and grow and explore. <br />
A year conducive for healing, forgiveness, and peace. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
<i>S'enraciner et atteindre le ciel.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
Sounds good to me. On y va, we start now...<br />
<br />
<b>2013 FIRST TRIMESTER SCHEDULE</b><br />
<br />
<b>New Class ~</b><br />
<br />
We have received lots of requests to add another evening class at Paris Yoga.<br />
So, beginning this week at 19h and every Thursday evening, I will be teaching a Hatha Flow level I/II class (very similar to Wednesday 12h30) at Paris Yoga. (This class will not be appropriate for complete beginners.) I'm delighted to offer this as it will complement the Tuesday 19h30 class nicely. Tuesday class will continue to be a more mellow Hatha Flow, perfect for people newer to yoga and those of you more experienced yogis who want to BALANCE your week with both a mellow and dynamic class. Consider that in a slower class you can pay close attention and refine your practice by correcting poor habits that are forming (happens to the best of us). A balanced practice is the most effective practice.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Pre-Natal Yoga Announcement ~</b><br />
<br />
After several wonderful years of teaching pre-natal yoga, I am taking at least a one-year break from both group classes and private sessions. I'll miss the radiant mamas and their brilliant energy, but have chosen to hone my 2013 focus almost entirely on my seasonal Vinyasa Flow method through public classes, workshops, retreats, and intermediate immersions/trainings.<br />
<a href="http://www.yogabijaparis.com/">Sharon Bales</a>, certified pre-natal yoga instructor and founder of Yoga for Fertility/Yoga for Life and Whole Woman Workshops, has agreed to take over the pre-natal program at Paris Yoga. You'll be in good hands. If you or any of your newly pregnant friends are looking for weekly pre-natal classes, the program begins 15 Jan and is a 12-week session. <br />
Pre-registration is required. Contact Joelle at contact@parisyoga.com. <br />
<br />
<b>IMPORTANT ! Brief Absence 13 Jan - 21 Jan ~</b><br />
<br />
As most of you know, my dear Mom passed on this summer after a brief bout with cancer. I need to return to New York 13 Jan - 21 Jan to lend a hand as my family continues to help my Dad move into the next phase of his life. During this time, I will have replacements for ALL of my classes at Paris Yoga, YogaYoga Paris, Centre de Yoga du Marais, and Big Apple Yoga. Private sessions are cancelled. Merci beaucoup for your understanding and patience. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Public Class Schedule ~</b><br />
<br />
Tuesday, 19h30 - Hatha Flow All Levels - <a href="http://www.parisyoga.com/">Paris Yoga</a><br />
Wednesday, 12h30 - Hatha Flow Level I/II - Paris Yoga *<br />
Wednesday, 19h - Vinyasa Flow Level I/II - <a href="http://www.yogayogaparis.com/">YogaYoga Paris</a> * (reservations recommended)<br />
Thursday, 19h - Hatha Flow Level I/II - Paris Yoga *<br />
Friday, 12h30 - Bhakti Flow All Levels - <a href="http://www.bigappleyogafrance.com/">Big Apple Yoga France</a><br />
Friday, 18h30 - Slow Flow All Levels - <a href="http://www.yogamarais.com/">Centre de Yoga du Marais</a><br />
Saturday, 12h - Bhakti Flow Levels I/II - Centre de Yoga du Marais * (reservations recommended)<br />
<br />
*not appropriate for complete beginners<br />
<br />
<b>Workshop Schedule ~</b><br />
<br />
Seasonal workshops will continue to be offered at Paris Yoga and YogaYoga Paris:<br />
<br />
<i>A New Perspective for a New Year</i> - Sunday, 27 Jan, 10h30 - 12h30, Paris Yoga *<br />
<i>Winter Restorative</i> - Wednesday, 6 Feb, 19h - 21h, YogaYoga Paris<br />
<i>Bowing Forward, Honoring Self </i>- Sunday, 17 Feb, 10h30 - 12h30, Paris Yoga<br />
<i>Vernal Equinox Flow</i> - Wednesday, 27 Mar, 19h - 21h, YogaYoga Paris *<br />
<i>Spring Wings</i> - Sunday, 31 Mar, 10h30 - 12h30, Paris Yoga<br />
<br />
*not appropriate for complete beginners<br />
<br />
<b>RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR WORKSHOPS.</b><br />
Either contact me or the studios directly. <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Retreats ~</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoingBackToTheSourceYogascubaTerroirZanzibar?fref=ts">Going Back to the Source: Yoga/SCUBA & Terroir Zanzibar! </a><br />
I will be on retreat in Zanzibar from 2 Mar - 16 Mar. <br />
We are taking yogis, ocean lovers, and adventure seekers to one of the most beautiful islands on earth for a complete yoga, terroir, and PADI certification experience.<br />
All public classes will have amazing replacements during that time and private sessions will be cancelled.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yogateau.com/blog/2012/12/14/luxury-yoga-retreat-at-les-pres-deugenie.html">Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir at Les Pres d'Eugenie!</a><br />
31 May - 2 June, 2013<br />
I am delighted to have been asked to partner with Compagnie des Spas to offer my Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir retreat experience at one of their most elegant locations in the southwest of France ~<a href="http://www.michelguerard.com/"> Les Pres d'Eugenie</a>. This extraordinary venue is run by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Gu%C3%A9rard">Michel Guerard</a>, 3 star Michelin chef committed to a cuisine d'un terroir authentique! Our first retreat weekend at Les Pres d'Eugenie will be a the end of May. The press conference to announce the Compagnie des Spas bien-etre partnerships was 13 Dec at the <a href="http://www.leroyalmonceau.com/">Hotel Royal Monceau</a> and will be featured in publications in February and March. Formal invitations and more details to follow. We can take 10 lucky yogis, so if this sounds deliciously tempting to you, let me know and I'll make sure you're on the invitation list!<br />
<br />
<b>*Class Cards ~</b><br />
<br />
2013 class cards for classes at Centre de Yoga du Marais will be available for purchase this Friday, 5 Jan and Saturday, 6 Jan. Class card options for the first trimester of 2013:<br />
<br />
- 6-class card valid for 6 weeks after purchase = €102<br />
- Full trimester class card valid until 6 April (28 classes) = €364<br />
- Drop-in Class = €20 (Drop-in class is €15 for full-time students and the unemployed)<br />
<br />
If you are a regular student at Centre de Yoga du Marais and have a class card with me, you can bring a guest and their first class is gratuit!<br />
<br />
*(Remember class cards purchased directly from me are only valid at Centre de Yoga du Marais. All of my classes at other studios are handled through the individual studios' payment system.)<br />
<br />
Enfin, I just want to offer a heartfelt thank you for your commitment to your practice and your presence in my life. I feel extremely grateful to be on this joy-filled, bumpy, scary, and hilarious yoga/life journey with you. <br />
<br />
Let's offer up our intentions together for a year of forgiveness, health, clarity, tolerance, stability, growth, contentment, and peace. Way beyond the physical pose ~ past the struggle and the fear, past the ego and judgement ~ lies a place. This is a quiet, spacious, clear space called Atma. As our Atma begins to shine bright, we radiate onto others, making our personal lives, communities, and the world better places to be. <br />
<br />
Here's to cultivating the truest meaning of yoga in 2013!Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-24442802996832854202012-12-08T01:54:00.001-07:002012-12-08T01:56:42.848-07:00Pre-Holiday Hibernation Atelier<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantasticsunshine/6333605796/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6333605796_dbcbf5f7af_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantasticsunshine/6333605796/">Hibernation (Color)</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantasticsunshine/">Nicole Webb</a></span></div>
Over-committed? Frazzled? Short-fused? Chronically tired?<br />
<br />
Then come hibernate for two hours...<br />
<br />
<b>Pre-Holiday Atelier w/Amanda</b><br />
<b>Sunday 9 December, 10h30 - 12h30</b><br />
<b>Paris Yoga, 9 rue Magellan</b><br />
<b>Metro ~ George V</b><br />
<br />
The end of the year can be a source of great fun coupled with anxiety and exhaustion.<br />
End-of-year deadlines, over-consumption, over-spending, family obligations, colder weather, and travel challenges can lead to stress and illness. This workshop will focus on those (semi-restorative/mega-yin) poses and breathing techniques that can keep the nervous system regulated (keep your cool), boost the immune system (stay healthy), and encourage us to make sustainable choices in the flurry of this busy time (consume less, enjoy more). <br />
<br />
<b>Reservations required. Contact Joelle for registration ~ contact(at)parisyoga.com</b><br />
Atelier avec Amanda<br />
Ressourcez vous avant les fêtes<br />
Dimanche 4 décembre 2011 10h30 à 12h30<br />
40 €<br />
Cet atelier vous prépare pour la période de fin d'année qui peut-être à la fois joyeuse et remplie de stress. L'atelier sera focalisé sur les postures et les respirations qui équilibrent le système nerveux, vitalisent le système immunitaire et nous aident à faire des bons choix. Accessible à tous niveaux, à part grands débutants. Venir avec l'estomac léger et apporter une bouteille d'eau.Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-16387455984967047872012-11-26T09:23:00.001-07:002012-11-30T01:53:24.489-07:00New Class at Big Apple!<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/msr/448820990/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/249/448820990_099a4aa69f_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/msr/448820990/">apples</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/msr/">msr</a></span></div>
Anyone who knows me knows I love: yoga (life fully dedicated), teaching yoga (reminding students of their inherent awesomeness), apples (precisely those from upstate NY and Normandy), autumn (my very favorite season), Paris (the beautiful seductress), New York City (& hate, but mostly love, especially in autumn), and ambitious, (com)passionate people living their dharma (pour example ~ <a href="http://bigappleyogafrance.com/?page_id=211">Janelle Watters Oliel</a>). <br />
<br />
That's why when the gleeful, enthusiastic, (oh my goodness, you like her immediately) Janelle asked me earlier this autumn to join her in her dream of bringing a little taste of NYC spirit to Paris in the form of a beautiful brick and mortar lieu s'appelle <a href="http://bigappleyogafrance.com/">BIG APPLE YOGA</a>, how could I refuse? <br />
<br />
When your initial lunch meeting consists of words and proclamations/exclamations like: "non-dogmatic", "inclusive", "yoga for all", "classes for cancer survivors", and "oh my god, you went to NYU too?", you know you're in the right place. <br />
<br />
My inaugural Big Apple Yoga class is this Friday, 30 November, at 12h30 - 13h45. It will be Bhakti Flow, level I/II. So treat yourself to a long lunch break every Friday and feel revitalized for the entire weekend! <br />
<br />
Oh, and this week there will be chocolate (I love that too, but not as much as apples).<br />
<br />
Big Apple Yoga<br />
20 rue Dussoubs<br />
75002<br />
Metro(s) - Etienne Marcel and Reaumur Sebastopol<br />
<br />Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-43478439542332829952012-11-26T08:17:00.001-07:002013-01-07T10:32:07.365-07:00Deep Core Atelier - mercredi!<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rolsen/3443452617/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3306/3443452617_d85d09587d_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rolsen/3443452617/">Apple Core</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rolsen/">robertolsenart</a></span></div>
The "Core". Yoga teachers toss that word around all the time, but what does it mean, where is it, and how does it work? And, how does having a weak core translate into a sloppy yoga practice and injuries on and off the mat? (Hint: It has so very little to do with having 6-pack abs.)<br />
<br />
This Wednesday at 19h - 21h at YogaYoga Paris, we will learn how to access the innate intelligence that lies in the mysterious core in order to stay strong, balanced, and healthy during the colder, darker months. Fortify from the inside out so that your postures have more integrity, your transitions are smooth, and your winter is a whole lot more tolerable!<br />
<br />
This workshop is not for complete beginners. Bring water and a sense of humor!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yogayogaparis.fr/">YogaYoga Paris</a><br />
6 passage de la Vierge (off of rue Cler)<br />
Metro - Ecole Militaire<br />
Reservations required - amanda@dogayoga.netAmanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-44077989253162999912012-11-16T05:48:00.001-07:002012-11-16T05:54:56.660-07:00Free the Hips - dimanche! <div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30655562@N03/3725856418/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2615/3725856418_8209439724_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30655562@N03/3725856418/">laugh</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30655562@N03/">trintrinkurbstompa</a></span></div>
Reminding everyone of the cold weather version of the Free-the-Hips workshop this Sunday, 18 November at Paris Yoga, 10h30 - 12h30. <br />
<br />
Oh, there will be asana and pranayama and sweat and a big collective sigh of relief. <br />
<br />
To prepare, I highly recommend laughing wholly and heartily until tears stream down your face and your knees get weak, at least twice in the next few days. There is no better relief for the too-serious uptightedness that happens to all of us this time of year (which inevitably collects in the hips), than a little comedy relief. <br />
<br />
I, for one, laughed myself silly this morning and my pigeon pose has never felt better. Oh, and I'm a lot nicer too.<br />
<br />
If you need a head-start, give this a read...<a href="http://deadspin.com/5959212/the-haters-guide-to-the-williams+sonoma-catalog">The Haters Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog.</a> For the French who don't know what a "Williams-Sonoma" is, that's okay. You'll get it.<br />
(Not for the faint-hearted or overly sensitive ;-) <br />
<br />
A dimanche!<br />
<a href="http://www.parisyoga.com/">Paris Yoga</a><br />
9 rue Magellan<br />
Metro - George V<br />
reservations suggested - info@parisyoga.netAmanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-76269471957961967282012-09-20T04:06:00.001-07:002012-09-23T00:07:29.518-07:00Autumn Equinox Workshop, dimanche a Paris Yoga<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7436271@N08/423631247/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/152/423631247_ec08932cf0_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7436271@N08/423631247/">Summer in a Jar</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7436271@N08/">bemusedbonnie</a></span></div>
Having grown up on a farm in upstate New York, autumn is in my DNA as the season of labor-intensive harvest, hearty bounty, and careful preparation for winter. After a decade + hiatus in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the summer-fall-winter seasonal changes require little more than stocking another sweater in your yoga bag for when the SF fog rolls in on your bike ride between work and class; as opposed to stocking the root cellar for vegetable sustenance in the middle of February when everything green is under a foot of snow ~ I'll admit I got soft.<br />
<br />
Moving back to a four season climate that more resembles a NY winter than a CA one and year one in France being the coldest winter in 20 years, I had to tap into my (thin-skinned) reserves, restock on wool sweaters and coats, and prepare to freeze my ass off. Since no matter where I am, I teach a seasonal practice, I actually enjoyed the dramatic harshness of distinct seasonal change. It all felt very natural (and cold); memories and connection. Each year for the last four, little by little, when the chilly winds, long shadows, and burnt amber light of autumn appear, my memory becomes more distinct and sweet recollections of childhood come to mind.<br />
<br />
Over the course of hundreds of years, my Northern clime ancestors (mostly the women) learned a thing or two about how to avoid scurvy and other ghastly winter diseases ~ preserve, preserve, preserve. So in the fall, I remember participating in the annual canning and freezing fest at Daterra Farms: jams, jellies, compotes, sauces, pickles, breads, soups...and the smells, oh la la. All so that in the deep, dark of February, a simple visit to the cave or freezer would result in un petit goût d'été. You felt like you were eating the sunshine that brought it to life in the first place. Canned August peaches poured out of their Mason jars over vanilla ice cream in February is ALL prana, baby.<br />
<br />
So, this Sunday at Paris Yoga, we're going to celebrate the transition from summer to autumn by stocking away some of that yoga peach compote into our Divine root cellar, to pull out in the bleakest part of winter when our practice is lacking in vitality and our bodies feel heavy, weak, cold, and depressed. (How's that for an over-the-top yoga metaphor?)<br />
<br />
Our autumn practice conditions us, prepares us, preserves us to be able to handle a harsh winter without succumbing to every last cold, flu, or crankiness in the air. It also brings a bit of levity when the heaviness of winter makes us take ourselves too seriously ;-)<br />
<br />
This will be a core awakening, strength building, humor required workshop. It is not for absolute beginners. Bring water.<br />
<br />
See you dimanche ~<br />
Autumn Equinox Workshop<br />
10h30 - 12h30<br />
<a href="http://www.parisyoga.com/">Paris Yoga</a>, 9 rue Magellan<br />
Metro - George VAmanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-81006840914769459802012-09-20T02:42:00.003-07:002012-09-20T04:18:13.433-07:00Yoga Gratuit & La Fete du Jardins Partages a ParisThis Saturday, 22 September (the equinox), is the Paris-wide, (portes ouvertes) celebration of le jardin partager and urban agriculture and their vital contribution to this ultra-urban existence.<br />
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So, if you think Paris urban terroir is all cobblestone, concrete, bridges, Haussmann, and overly ornate parks ~ think again. There are reclaimed parking lots, railway beds, and other derelict spaces that for years have been thriving as community gardens, mini-farms, and vibrant gathering places for the young/old, rich/poor, artists/suits, yuppies/bohos, natives/immigrants... They have been cobbled together with few resources; donations, sweat, and unbridled creativity. They shine with eye popping colors, awe with Burning Man-scale sculptures, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1322011056160.2041333.1407354168&type=1">buzz with high-frequency vibrations</a>. We share seeds, tips, produce, stories, ideas, labor, meals, music, heartbreak, and laughter. These little pockets of love tucked in hidden corners all over (mostly northern) Paris are how many of us non-urbanites survive the less-than-forgiving intensity of our dear city of light and <i>get back to the source.</i><br />
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Given that I dedicated 15 years of my professional life to all things SUSTAINABLE, URBAN, AND AGRICULTURE, my participation is pretty natural. It is an honor to have become the unofficial yoga teacher of the les jardins partages dans le 18eme!<br />
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I have been asked by my beautiful friend, <a href="http://www.acteursduparisdurable.fr/actus/cyril-michel-et-les-jardins-du-ruisseau">Cyril</a>, to contribute to the weekends' festivities by offering a *free* all levels yoga class en plein air in<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/414493111921589/"> Jardin du Ruisseau for their "Happy Culture" fete at 16h, THIS SATURDAY</a>.<br />
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Jardin du Ruisseau is located at </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">Rue du ruisseau - Entrée sur le pont enjambant la voie ferrée à coté du n°110 </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">750018 Paris. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">Metro 12 - Jules Joffrin. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Join us and discover a </span><a href="http://frenchiesinparis.over-blog.com/article-jardin-du-ruisseau-57720386.html" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Paris beyond the cliches ;-)</a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 15px;">Tapis is required! None are available. </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05248753409218594660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-66374111129821222782012-09-02T07:29:00.001-07:002012-09-03T01:01:33.127-07:00Belle Rentree a Tous!<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunauto/5100611496/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4145/5100611496_b4baf6b7a5_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunauto/5100611496/">Autumn in Paris</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunauto/">brunotto [Still very busy...]</a></span></div>
I'm here. I'm alive. I'm breathing long and full and embracing each inhale and each exhale as the blessings they are, while letting illusion fall away like autumn leaves. <br />
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I dedicate this rentree to my <a href="http://dogayoga.blogspot.fr/2012/08/hommage-ma-mere.html">Mom</a>, the greatest woman who walked the earth.<br />
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I hope your summer provided open space, delicious tastes; a little bit of sun time and a whole lot of fun time!<br />
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Ready, Get Set, Go...<br />
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RENTREE SCHEDULE BEGINS Friday, 31 AUGUST, 18H30 SLOW FLOW AT CENTRE DE YOGA DU MARAIS under the BLUE MOON!<br />
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<b>Public Classes ~</b></div>
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Tuesday, 19h30, All Levels Flow, Paris Yoga<br />
Wednesday, 12h30, All Levels Flow, Paris Yoga<br />
Wednesday, 19h, All Levels Flow, YogaYogaParis (New Class!)<br />
Friday, 18h30, Slow Flow, Centre de Yoga du Marais<br />
Saturday, 12h, Bhakti Flow, Centre de Yoga du Marais (Note the new, earlier time!)<br />
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<b>Pre-Registered Classes ~</b><br />
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Tuesday, 18h30, Pre-Natal Yoga, Paris Yoga <br />
The pre-natal session will run from 25 September - 11 December.<br />
Contact andy.king@chameleonfitness.net for registration.<br />
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<b>Workshops ~</b><br />
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I will be offering monthly workshops at both Paris Yoga and YogaYogaParis; all theme-based working with seasonal changes and other good ideas that come to mind ;-) <br />
Join us one Sunday and/or Wednesday/month to get curious, get sweaty, and go deep.<br />
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<b><i>Autumn Equinox Workshop</i></b><br />
Saturday 23, September 10h30 - 12h30<br />
Paris Yoga<br />
Reservations required. Contact info@parisyoga.com<br />
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All other workshop dates and times to be announced.<br />
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<b>Private Classes ~</b><br />
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I am making changes to my private client teaching schedule this year. I am no longer teaching in-home private sessions. I will be teaching all on-going private and semi-private sessions in either Paris Yoga, YogaYogaParis, or Centre de Yoga du Marais. My private teaching schedule is filling up. <br />
Here are the available time slots for on-going (multiple) private sessions:<br />
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- Tuesdays, 15h30 - 16h30, YogaYogaParis<br />
- Wednesdays, 11h15 - 12h15, Paris Yoga<br />
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"One-off" sessions are possible at other times. <br />
Contact me if you'd like to know more about how private sessions work. <br />
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<b>Retreats ~</b><br />
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Who thinks <b><i>Yoga & Terroir and Scuba in Zanzibar</i></b>, during the spring 2013 holidays sounds like a good idea? It is manifesting, oh yes it is.<br />
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Hmm... 10 - 14 days of yoga, diving, eating, relaxing, soaking in the magical Indian Ocean and the vibrant Zanzibari culture AND you leave with a PADI certification. <br />
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Yeah, sounds pretty good. <br />
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My good friend and colleague, Pierre-Francois, documentary filmmaker/photographer/advanced dive instructor, and I have been talking about this for years. We're in the early stages of bringing this long-held vision into reality. <br />
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Contact me if you are interested. <br />
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Due to the events of the summer, I am NOT returning to California this year for my annual Yoga & Terroir autumn retreat and workshop. <br />
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<b>Special Events ~</b><br />
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<a href="http://dogayoga.blogspot.fr/2012/08/yoganesh-2012_5354.html">YOganesha! 2012</a><br />
Join us at our urban garden, EcoBOX, on Sunday, 2 September at 11 am for a free yoga class to celebrate all things Ganesha and rentree!<br />
Details are in the blog post. MATS REQUIRED. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/414493111921589/">"Happy Culture" at the Jardins du Ruisseau</a><br />
I am delighted to have been asked to offer a yoga class (gratuit) for this awesome event celebrating urban agriculture, communal gardens, and biodiversity, occurring right here in Paris, on Saturday, 22 September at 15h.<br />
The event takes place as Jardins du Ruisseau at 110 rue du Ruisseau, 18eme. Metro: Jules Joffrin.<br />
Details are on the Facebook page. <br />
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<a href="http://www.yogafestival.fr/">Yoga Festival Paris 2012</a><br />
On 19, 20, and 21 October, Paris will host its first *non-commercial* yoga festival, showcasing the cross-section of yoga now being offered in our beautiful city and the dynamic people who have fostered its growth. The event is sponsored by the independent journal, Sante Yoga, and is being held at the beautifully renovated CentQuatre in the 19eme. Ann Moradian and I will be participating in the event, eager to talk about our offerings, inspirations, and collaborations. More details to come!<br />
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<b>Class Cards ~</b><br />
Class cards purchased from me work at Centre de Yoga du Marais ONLY. YogaYoga Paris and Paris Yoga handle the class card system on behalf of my classes, at those centres.<br />
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As the high sun of summer begins to fall into the long shadows of autumn; as the leaves and the flowers begin to wilt and drop - fear not, dread not. This is just a change; a good and necessary change. So, let's flow with it, not resist it, and trust that all is well.<br />
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<br />Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-13434357119421020072012-08-30T05:27:00.001-07:002012-08-30T08:11:21.901-07:00YOganesh! 2012<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iaiaba/2428594476/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2157/2428594476_ccb5cf6b62_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iaiaba/2428594476/">Ganesha _ OM _ Posição yoga</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/iaiaba/">iaiá bá</a></span></div>
Once again this year, we are celebrating rentree and <a href="http://www.templeganesh.fr/fetegan.htm">Fete de Ganesha</a> with a free yoga class in <a href="http://www.dixhuitinfo.com/environnement/article/les-jardins-d-ecobox-cultivent-un">EcoBOX</a> in the 18eme, this Sunday at 11 am!<br />
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(Check out my post from a few years back when I experienced Fete de Ganesha for the first time - <a href="http://dogayoga.blogspot.fr/2009/08/ganesha-festival-paris.html">Ganesha Festival Paris</a>)<br />
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What do EcoBOX and the Ganesha Festival have in common besides both being in my 'hood? They are both colorful, cacophonous, smell great, and produce delicious things that have been manifested and nurtured.<br />
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Throw in free yoga and you have a most rentree-worthy combination!<br />
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We will have a mellow one-hour class and then follow the crowd to the Ganesha Temple for some jasmine, coconuts, and blessings. <br />
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(And if anyone is interested, perhaps some boule and pique-nique on the Canal to end the day.)<br />
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Seriously, who couldn't use a little extra support from Ganesha to begin a new year?<br />
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Bring your mat and meet us at 11 am in the coolest neighborhood in town, quartier La Chappelle. <br />
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EcoBOX is on 8-10 Impasse rue de la Chappelle.<br />
The metro stop is Marx Dormoy. <br />
Exit the metro and walk down rue de la Chappelle for a few blocks. <br />
The Impasse is on the left. Walk to the end and you will see the fence and EcoBOX sign.Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-6979960492236294352012-08-17T04:25:00.002-07:002012-08-27T09:44:51.670-07:00Hommage à Ma Mère<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">From the light of early morning, 11 June, to the deep dark of night, 26 July, change came fast and harsh to my Mom, my Dad, my siblings, and to me. There is no way to prepare yourself for cancer and the havoc it wreaks. There is no state of normal to return to once it is all over, just a new state; one that no longer allows me to hear my Mom's pretty voice on Skype asking for every detail of my sometimes wonderful, sometimes frustrating life in France; or receive her lengthy emails updating me on every member of the family and the progress of every plant in the garden; or feel her warm hugs of relief when I return to the family home in upstate New York to share coffee, cottage cheese, and long morning talks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">However, it is a state which requires that at every moment I believe she has become my light and my guide and that all of these conversations and connections will continue to happen, just in a different, more subtle form. And to believe this, to truly feel it, requires that I become the best yogi I can be. The pain of loss and the ego's resistance to change will try to take over and under the weight of that suffering, one can feel just half alive. It will take time to fully live again. Yet, that is why it's called a practice; the practice of the Warrior and the greatest way I could honor my Mom's memory and her lessons of life and love. Read on to meet the first True Warrior in my life...</span></div>
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<b>Ella Marie Dates </b></div>
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<b>10 September, 1932 - 26 July, 2012</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sterling United Methodist Church</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">August 1, 2012 </span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’m going to start by reading something from the French author Charles Peguy:</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am I, and you are you.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used, put no </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let my name ever be the household word that is always was.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Life means all that it ever meant.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It is the same as it ever was.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is unbroken continuity.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All is well. »</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mom had nothing more to prove, nothing more to accomplish, nothing more to acquire. She had lived a life; a life well loved. And truly that’s all that really matters.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I believe she knew this. I believe she knew she had given the world her best and all it needs to carry on. And that she had given us, her family, her best and all we need to carry on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the last six weeks she had told me on a number of occasions that “before all this”, she had never noticed the number of different hues of green on the leaves in a grove of trees. She told me she had always loved her wind chimes, but never really listened for the depth of the tones that she could now hear so clearly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">During this time, we had also talked a lot about forgiveness and the soft spaciousness that can be felt when we’ve let go of the resistance and finally surrender.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This all requires settling into a certain solitude; a quietude; a melting away of much of the noise that troubles the mind; the anger, the guilt, the fear, the lack; letting go of much of the worry of daily life and embracing a sense of calm and inner peace, even if it just happens in fleeting moments.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It requires truly realizing that we are all connected to something larger than ourselves; a Divine force that creates the conditions for us to realize that we are loved, we are LOVE. We are peace. And all is well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ella Marie Dates: a devoted spouse, a loving mother of seven, a proud grandmother and great grandmother, a loyal farm wife, a dedicated career woman, a community leader, a tenacious patriot, a lover of the arts, a voracious reader, and, a non-sufferer of fools.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yesterday, in the never-ending receiving line at the Memorial, we heard words like: “mentor”, “best friend”, “beautiful human being”, “awesome lady”, “strong as nails”…the list goes on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today, I have another one to add ~ True Warrior.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In my work and my practice we study the principals of the True Warrior. Indeed, we break it down into three parts: Warrior I, Warrior II, and Warrior III, with all three parts equaling the whole; the whole of our being and the totality of our life experience.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Warrior I ~ Show Up.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">No matter how much we may not want to, we must show up, day after day, with as much integrity and dignity as we can muster. Sometimes we’ll put on thin armor, sometimes we’ll suit up with thicker armor. We may be tired or stubborn, bored or apathetic, but we must at least show up; steady and grounded.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And when we can’t, we forgive ourselves and try again tomorrow.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Warrior II ~ Commit.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Commit to something. No matter how scary it may feel, we must make commitments and honor them; doing the humble work required, without praise or accolades. And, remembering that we do not exist in isolation and our decisions and behaviors affect others. Commitments make us vulnerable, so being willing to open up to that vulnerability; taking the risk of being hurt, wounded or let down.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And when won’t, we forgive ourselves and try again tomorrow.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Warrior III ~ Charge Ahead.</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Charging forward and going all in. When the temperature rises and life’s stakes run high, retreating not back to what is safe, but throwing all we have into the charge and not looking back, acknowledging</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">that we may fall, but forging ahead anyway. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And when we don’t, we forgive ourselves and try again tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mom walked into lots of battles in her 79 years, but never lost herself in her despair. She was ever the True Warrior. She fiercely lived her life by this example. This is the legacy she left to us all; to all the lives she touched near and far.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Having the faith that God creates all the conditions necessary for us to be the True Warriors of our own lives is the greatest strength we could acquire. It is the greatest gift a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, colleague, or friend could bestow.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whenever we doubt, feel alone, afraid, or in the darkness; whenever we lose our way, we must close our eyes, stay still, get quiet, and call the spirit of this amazing woman into that very moment of our despair. The gentle rush of calm we’ll feel will most assuredly be Mom, Grandma, Ella Marie… reminding us of our True Warrior selves. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">She is reminding us that we are loved. That we are LOVE. We are peace. And, all will be well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The last few days I spent in Strong Memorial Oncology ward with Mom, we talked, gossiped, laughed a little, looked at photos, and listened to lots of music. In particular, we listened to Mom’s favorite symphony, Beethoven’s 9th. Together we quietly sang Ode to Joy, the poem that made this epic composition a choral symphony. I didn’t necessarily plan this. The idea just came to me in a quiet moment when we were sitting together. What I know now, but did not want to know then, was that Mom was already telling me that she had nothing more to prove. Nothing more to acquire. Nothing more to accomplish. She had lived a life; a life well loved. She had given the world her best and all it needs to carry on. She had given us, her family, her best and all we need to carry on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">She had been a True Warrior.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ode to Joy </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Choral accompaniment to Beethoven’s Symphony #9)</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Brother, sing your country’s anthem</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>
Shout your land’s undying fame</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>With your people’s golden name</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Raise on high your country’s sign</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Brother, lift your flag with mine!</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Hold the war clouds closer furled</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>In the rainbow of the world</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Wise as age and proud as youth</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>In the great white light of Truth</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Build it wide and deep and long</b><br /><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Help the weak and curb the strong</b><br /><b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">None shall let another fall</span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Light the wondrous tale of nations</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tell your father’s noble story</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Join then in the final glory</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hail the sun of peace, new rising</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Blend our banners, oh my brother</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Red as blood and blue as heaven</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Melt our colours, wonder woven</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Build the road of peace before us</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Speed the slow and check the eager</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">None shall push aside another</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">March beside me, oh my brother<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All for one and one for all.</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i>"Maa tantush chedi vayato dhiyam me," "May the thread of my song remain unsevered as we sing!"</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><i>Rg Veda</i></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">I love you, Mom.</span></b></div>
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Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05248753409218594660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-70449679574270215642012-05-26T14:11:00.001-07:002012-05-26T14:55:35.447-07:00On y va...<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27499624@N00/7275372448/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7275372448_b52bcf090e_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;">Photo credit ~ <a href="http://vanagas.com/">Alex Vanagas</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27499624@N00/">dates1</a></span></div>
<a href="http://dogayoga.net/health-wellness-and-gourmet-living-loire-valley">Health, Wellness, and Gourmet Living</a> commences. The weather here in France is as close to perfect as you can get. As we speak, people are arriving from LA, SF, DC, NYC, Moscow... Yesterday in Paris (with the help of photog extraordinaire, <a href="http://vanagas.com/">Alex Vanagas</a> and his lovely assistant, Anne-Leonie) Dr. Jay and I got decadent, got fabulous, got playful, got serious, and got ready...<br />
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Taking our little merry tribe to <a href="http://www.moulinbregeon.com/Home.html">Moulin Bregeon</a> for a week of healing, magic, and extraordinary feasts. RASA!<br />
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See you on the flip side. Voyez-vous quand nous réintroduisons.Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-29474004840158785472012-05-18T05:53:00.001-07:002012-05-18T05:58:37.567-07:00Finding Your Center of Gravity ~ dimanche!<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnespictures/4121649942/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2683/4121649942_75236e9143_m.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnespictures/4121649942/">Center of Gravity</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnespictures/">Wren2009</a></span></div>
Ah, arm balances. That pesky family of poses that elicits clenched jaws, gritting teeth, and red faces. The number of times I've heard, "I'm too weak in the arms for _____." (insert name of one or several arm balance poses) is equaled with the number of times I've responded with, "Arm strength is only about 25% of what you need to access _____." <br />
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Skillful and weightless arm balances require first finding your center of gravity. They require a deep connection to the core strength and the ability to access vital lines of energy in the body. They require the discipline to hug into the center, where the true strength resides, before elongating. They require a little fire in the belly. They require some faith. They definitely require a sense of humor. They do not require bigger biceps. <br />
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Join me at Paris Yoga (9 rue Magellan, metro - George V) on Sunday, 20 May, 10h30 - 12h45, for <br />
<b>Arm Balances: Finding Your Center of Gravity</b>. We will begin with the basics, warm up good and sweaty, and gradually work our way into some of the fancy stuff. <br />
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(This is for all levels, except complete beginners. Please have taken at least five classes with me or another Hatha Vinyasa teacher prior to signing up. )<br />
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Come on an empty stomach and bring water.<br />
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Reservations required (workshops tend to fill up), so email Joelle at Paris Yoga: info@parisyoga.comAmanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-47845501296856292602012-04-17T04:16:00.012-07:002012-04-18T09:48:32.957-07:00No Fear! Backbend Workshop - dimanche!<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twojangles/2263234404/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2299/2263234404_b51da4a9c1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twojangles/2263234404/">fragile heart.</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twojangles/">twojangles</a></span></div>The family of poses referred to as "backbends" or "heart-openers" or "les flexions arrière" is ofttimes either loved or hated; revered or despised; embraced or repulsed...and for good reason.<br /><br />When done skillfully, backbends can be stimulating/mood-lifting/powerful little tools for beating back fatigue, exhaustion, malaise, low self-esteem, and even mild depression. (Really, it's a feeling like none other.) When done poorly, with unnecessary force and ambition and less-than-stellar instruction, they can feel like a bad hangover, with nagging sciatica to boot. (Testify.)<br /><br />The symbolic act of "letting the heart lead" is scary business. Opening up the front of the body and exposing that vulnerability is not to be taken lightly, rushed into, or forced. The rock-hard resistance that has been built up over a lifetime in the muscles, tendons, joints, and cells is real. It is our protective shield; our body armor that we think defends the most fragile of places from pain, hurt, and betrayal.<br /><br />Or if you prefer a less war-like analogy, how about a first date? If you're using your truest intelligence, you wouldn't lay yourself completely bare, literally or figuratively, in the first (or first ten) dates; exposing your deepest fears and secrets to someone you barely know. Of course not. (We've all learned the hard way.) You would move slowly and allow the opening to happen with integrity and self-care; valuing yourself in the process.<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; ">Recent dramatic happenings in the yoga world <ahem> have brought to light that deep, repetitive backbends are not for everyone and certainly not all the time. <a href="http://matthewremski.com/wordpress/">Matthew Remski</a> a senior Canadian yoga instructor and Ayurveda consultant describes it nicely in the <a href="http://matthewremski.com/wordpress/?p=1446">2nd of his recent trilogy of articles</a>: (I highly recommend reading them all)</ahem></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><ahem><br /></ahem></div><div>"<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">Gentle thoracic extension is also a smart antidote for computer-back. Great. But for those with poor boundary issues or a history of compensatory behaviour, repeated backbending might exacerbate patterns of relational sacrifice. Let’s remember that consciously opening the sternum depends upon less-conscious abdominal extension: the baring of the belly to primal vulnerability. This might not be the best action to repeat in the context of a dysfunctional power relationship with a narcissistic guru, for example. And the pace at which backbending is tackled is important in discerning the almost-invisible threshold between “opening” and retraumatizing. In another vein, for the </span><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; ">pitta</em><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(35, 35, 35); font-family: 'Droid Sans', Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; ">-dominant, the constant adrenal-squeezing of backbending (if not antidoted by generous kidney-looping) may over-caffeinate, overheat, and bring a fanatical edge to a practice and/or belief system."</span><br /><br />A conscious and wise backbend practice is one that honors and gently presses into those areas of resistance just far enough to feel an organic and subtle softening and...wait what's that? A deeper breath? That's it, no farther. We start there.<br /><br />Let's not give in to the egos' maniacal little plan of rushing to look like the backbends on the glossy magazine covers. With skillful instruction and full attention, let's work together to create an experience with backbends that is safe and fulfilling. And, if the ego has at one time or another already led you to the all-night backbend rave, numbing (forcing) yourself into repetitive Natarajasana (like me), bring your hungover self to the No Fear workshop on Sunday morning. There will be heart-felt compassion, lots of water, and plenty of supported Setu Bandhasana.<br /><br /><b>No Fear</b><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><b>Backbend Workshop</b><br />10h30 - 12h30<br />Paris Yoga<br />9 rue Magenta<br />Metro - George V<br /><b>Reservations are necessary - info@parisyoga.com</b><br clear="all"></span><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Ce dimanche Amanda enseigne l'atelier</span><span class="s1" style="font-size: 100%; "><b> "No Fear" Backbend Workshop</b></span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">. L'atelier sera focalisé sur les flexions arrière. Nous allons explorer les postures qui ouvrent la région du coeur à l'aide d'une respiration profonde. Accessible à tous niveaux, à part grands débutants. Venir avec l'estomac léger et apporter une bouteille d'eau et une petite serviette.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; "> <p class="p1" style="font-weight: normal; "> <b style="font-size: 100%; ">Merci de vous inscrire à l'avance et de vous présenter au moins 10 min avant le début de l'atelier.</b></p><p class="p1" style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Dimanche 22 avril 2012, 10h30 à 12h30, prix 40 €</span></p></span></div></div>Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-60422520878451969372012-03-21T04:26:00.003-07:002012-03-21T06:33:05.771-07:00Spring Wings<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lys_siri/3913131860/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3532/3913131860_b5849b6979_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lys_siri/3913131860/">Wings | 4º Tattoo</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lys_siri/">* Iris Laguna *</a></span></div>How do your scapulae, shoulder blades, and gleno-humerals feel after a long, cold, heavy, dark Paris winter?<br /><br />Is that most efficient shelf-of-stress known as "the shoulders" still sufficiently slumped in this first week of Spring?<br /><br />Yeah, I thought so.<br /><br />One must grow some wings to rise out of winter and glide into Spring!<br /><br />Join me on Sunday, 25 March, for the </span><b><i>Spring Wings</i></b> workshop at Paris Yoga, 10h30 - 12h30.<br /><br />We will dismantle that shelf-of-stress slowly and carefully, creating a perfect posture AND proud lift of the chest, unfurling the wings appropriate for Spring!<br /><br />We will move into gentle backbends exploring all ranges of motion. You'll be ready to soar.<br /><br />Reservations are required. Contact Joelle at info(at)parisyoga.com.<br clear="all">Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-56184317062639216632012-02-29T07:52:00.003-07:002012-02-29T09:15:14.799-07:0029 fevrier<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joker3110/4312855974/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2770/4312855974_52e33c6421_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joker3110/4312855974/">HANUMAN</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joker3110/">flash3110</a></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div>Who's the Rama to your Hanuman today?<div><br />Who or what would make you take a giant Leap of Faith (or 3)?<br /><br />Where is the Bhakti in your life?<br /><br />Bhakti = Devotion/Devouement<div><br clear="all"><div><div style="text-align: left;float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKBUFuMh8Qc/TmDmMySlldI/AAAAAAAAAUg/nXOP1z-_08c/s1600/Aug%2Bsplit.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; outline-width: 1px; outline-style: solid; outline-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); position: relative; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 0px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(192, 161, 84); width: 406px; height: 609px; " /></div><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; "><br /></div></div></div></div>Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-22909556514823897142012-02-20T13:37:00.003-07:002012-02-21T03:15:57.345-07:00Another Free-the-Hips Workshop ~ dimanche!<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharonfrost/1922115324/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2313/1922115324_e7d758cb8f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharonfrost/1922115324/">Connections. November5, 2007</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharonfrost/">Sharon Frost</a></span></div>Back by popular demand, I will be teaching my winter version of the </span><b>Free-the-Hips Workshop</b> at Paris Yoga on Sunday, 26 February, 10h30 - 12h45. Get you and your cold, creaky, tight hips inside, on the mat for a dynamic workshop exploring all six rotations of </span><span><span style="font-size: 17px;">les hanches glorieuses!</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Releasing tightness in the hips relieves tension in the low back, improves balance, and gives an overall sense of lightness in the body. Energetically, this area corresponds with the first two chakras where we tend to store deep wounds from the past. Once released, it is possible to feel a sense of relief and profound spaciousness. You'll be surprised at how light and liberated you'll feel!</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Bring a towel and water. All levels welcome.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Contact Joelle at Paris Yoga to register ~ info@parisyoga.come</span></span><br clear="all">Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-13012580023632219312012-01-25T02:59:00.004-07:002012-01-25T03:01:59.189-07:00Wring out the old...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abo_/346540610/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/133/346540610_79913debe9_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abo_/346540610/">Purification</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abo_/">Julien Robitaille Photographie</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Are you still carrying around residuals from 2011? Is 2011 still stuck in your gut, skin, head, or heart? Is there more <i>putrefication</i> than <i>purification</i> at the moment? Do you want to embrace 2012, but having a hard time getting kick-started?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />If so, I'll see you Sunday, 29 January, 10h30 - 12h30 at Paris Yoga for:<br /><b><i>"Wring out the Old and Ring in the New" </i></b><br />(the detox workshop that I've decided not to call a "detox" workshop!)<br /><br />This will be two hours of dynamic and rich asanas and pranayama techniques for purification. We'll safely explore the poses designed to stimulate the digestive fires and eliminate toxins, as we breathe deep and release negative thoughts and feedback loops; cleaning our system physiologically and energetically from the outside in. This workshop is perfect for anyone feeling a bit sluggish, heavy, fatigued or lacking in vitality after the holiday season.<br />Bring water and a small towel and please come on a relatively empty stomach (refrain from eating 1.5 - 2 hrs in advance).<br />€40<br />Email Joelle ~ info@parisyoga.com ~ to sign up.<br /><br /><b>en francais:</b><br />Ce dimanche Amanda enseigne l'atelier Hatha Flow Yoga. L'atelier sera focalisé sur les postures et les respirations de purification. Nous allons explorer les postures qui stimulent le feu digestif et éliminent les toxines à l'aide d'une respiration profonde qui nettoie le corps de l'extérieur à l'intérieur. Accessible à tous niveaux, à part grands débutants. Venir avec l'estomac léger et apporter une bouteille d'eau et une petite serviette.<br />Dimanche 29 janvier 2012, 10h30 à 12h30, prix 40 €<br clear="all">Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-42784632129546904622012-01-20T06:36:00.007-07:002012-01-20T14:09:04.137-07:00Sub City Paris and Yoga<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snarkle/235408151/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/79/235408151_2eae537ad7_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snarkle/235408151/">Paris Metro</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snarkle/">snarkle</a></span></div><br />Nearly everyday I traverse Paris, teaching yoga all over the city. 98% of the time, I rely on the Paris Metro to get me to and fro. It is so easy to get lulled into a state of urban dweller apathy or (maybe worse, maybe not), disgust. Throw on the headphones, go through the motions, head down, think about my plan for the next class, make as little eye contact as possible...<br /><br />There are those (thankfully, rare) days when the negative stimulus consumes and all I take in are the grumpy faces, hunched shoulders, delayed train announcements, same five accordion tunes played badly, delightful wafts of urine (and other unmentionables), a scurrying rat, and the occasional pained soul smoking crack at the far end of the platform, surrounded by empty €1.50 wine bottles.<br /><br />But then there are those days when the breath is flowing and all is moving at a graceful pace, and I pick my head up and see and feel and hear the beauty, history, and romance of this phenomenal public work project. This will occur when, while walking between trains, I pass a tastefully designed poster for an art opening, theater show, or salon. Maybe it happens when I see sepia-toned signage that's been there since the Belle Epoch period. Sometimes it happens when up ahead I witness the kindness of a stranger, helping a senior or parent with a stroller climb the never-ending stairwells between platforms, sans escalator. <div><br /></div><div>Mostly however, it happens when I begin to ascend at my destination. I gaze up and draw in the tops of the Haussman with their ornate iron-work, or the ubiquitous cafe chairs and awnings, or the twinkling of the carousel music, or the glow of a fabled landmark too awe-inspiring to ever conjure apathy...<br /><br />That's when my heart opens wide and my eyes make contact with a stranger. Without question we know what each other is thinking and it simply has to do with beauty. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_a_Station_of_the_Metro">Ezra Pound</a> was right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spend the next three minutes of your life taking in a bit of regular, simple beauty...<br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/28994427">Sub City Paris</a> by <a href="http://www.redglasspictures.com/">Redglass Pictures</a>.<br clear="all"></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you <a href="http://www.yogateau.com/">yogateau</a> for introducing me to this beautiful piece of art ~</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-57489794429001501342012-01-02T10:58:00.013-07:002012-01-03T02:50:22.361-07:00Remember: Vous Etes Parfait!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/moechslen/5438307902/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4102/5438307902_d5bfcbd2a3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/moechslen/5438307902/">remember</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/moechslen/">moechslen</a></span></div>Happy 2012 and a bright new day to you and yours!<br /><br />On this day, 2 January, after the partying, hosting, gift giving and general end-of-year merriment is over, many people wake up and focus on every one of their flaws. They take a long look in the mirror and focus in on every little thing they don't like about themselves or what they perceive to be lacking. All the gratitude conjured up over the holidays seems to fly out the window. Therein begins the process of making resolutions. The idea is, once acknowledged and perhaps spoken aloud, one will make a plan to change something that is "wrong" into something that is "right": lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking, eat less junk food, make more money...and so forth.<br /><br />The problem as I see it with this annual routine, is that very few people I know actually achieve their desired result. Like with so many things, when we begin a process emphasizing the negative; the flaws and imperfections, then our energy to maintain the process wains and we go right back to the same old patterns that got us there in the first place.<br /><br />I like intentions. One of the most meaningful things ever taught to me by my beloved teachers is about the power of intention-making. Intentions are inherently positive because they are a silent reminders to self that we are <i>not</i> flawed, we are absolutely <b>Perfect</b>. We are absolute <b>Perfection</b>. How's that for a new year's wake-up call?<br /><br />However, in the process of walking this path we've been put on this earth to walk; living this life we've been put here to live, we find ourselves saying or doing things that feel just plain off. We've over-indulged. We've stayed too long. We've walked out too early. We've said things we regret. We've lost it. We've judged. We've grudged. We've hurt. And so forth. (You know the things; while in the midst of them there's this little voice inside that says, "Uh oh, probably shouldn't, nope. Here I go again.") <div>10 pounds later (for example), we're beating ourselves up and making New Year's resolutions to lose said 10 pounds that we never actually lose. The ego wins again!<br /><br />As we delve deeper in our practice we realize that this life journey will intersect with the machinations of the ego, over and over and over again. That is certain and unavoidable. </div><div>That is Karma. </div><div>As one of my <a href="http://www.livingyourlight.com/">great teachers</a> put it several years ago, "The ego's job is to give us insomnia; to help us forget that we are <b>Perfection</b> and therefore keep us in negative, unconscious patterns. Our job as yogis is to train ourselves to have better memory recall. That's why it's called a Practice."</div><div><br />When we make pure and honest intentions to foster and manifest our best selves in areas of our lives where we may have had momentary memory loss, we are literally re-training ourselves out of the old habits. We begin with a positive reminder (<b>Perfection</b>) and from there strengthen and reinforce good habits, instead of feeding the bad. It's a re-calibration of sorts. It's Yoga.<br /><br />So, instead of "I'm going to make a resolution to lose 10 pounds in 2012." How about, "I am going to love and forgive myself. I'm going to make an intention to access the highest level of health and well-being I can, in all areas of my life."<br /><br />Intentions need to be accompanied with a practical plan. If that plan is too lofty, expensive, or generally unrealistic, it won't last. But in order to lift our conscious awareness from the resolution level to the intention level and begin shifting the patterns, we must do something small, everyday. And it must begin now.<br /><br />2012 classes resume tomorrow. Come set an intention and let's collectively help each other begin the year in the most positive way we can.<br /><br />My new favorite quote which I intend to use over and over this year:<br /><br /><i><b>"Come, come, whoever you are, wanderer, fire worshipper, lover of leaving. This is not a caravan of despair. It does not matter that you have broken your vows a thousand times, still come, and yet again, come... "</b></i> ~ Rumi ~<br clear="all"></div>Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-89392273325017115902011-12-30T04:14:00.002-07:002011-12-30T05:14:13.009-07:00Bonnes Fetes! Bonne Annee!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominikf/2339283/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/3/2339283_645d2360a3_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominikf/2339283/">Paris @ Night</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominikf/">dominikf</a></span></div>Just a reminder that I am taking a little time off during this holiday season to relax, renew, and reflect. All public and private classes are cancelled from 22 Dec - 2 Jan. Classes resume 3 Jan.<br /><br />Have a joyous holiday and allow in as much awe-filled inspiration as possible.<br /><br />Love ~<br />Amanda/DogaYoga<br clear="all">Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-48557218347841444102011-12-16T08:56:00.006-07:002011-12-16T15:32:44.653-07:00Give/Receive An Experience<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenemcclay/3019682604/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3048/3019682604_f5854183d5_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style=" margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenemcclay/3019682604/">holiday in paris ornament</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenemcclay/">♥ellene ♥</a></span></div>Yoga retreats are, at the very least fun, and at the most, <span style="font-style: italic;">absolutely life changing.</span><br /><br />The conditions are usually pretty perfect to take your practice to another level. You delve in, free of distractions and judgements, from the moment you wake up to the moment you lay your grateful head on the pillow. A yoga retreat is time to go deep, start over, grow tall, crawl, fly, cry, laugh, dance, breathe...<br /><br />Instead of the accumulation of more stuff this holiday, how about giving or receiving the experience of <a href="http://www.dogayoga.net/">Health, Wellness, and Gourmet Living in the Loire Valley</a>? Dr. Jay Kumar and I are delighted to offer this package of a springtime week in the French countryside <span style="font-style: italic;">Living Your Light</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Going Back to the Source</span>.<br /><br />The complete experience - beginning to end - will be the sweet succulence of Rasa; taking in the flavors and essence of the practice and the place, through every one of the senses. There will be yoga, meditation, dharma talks, Ayurveda consultations, French cooking classes, wine and architecture tours...<br /><br />Imagine for a moment, you or the beloved yogi in your life opening an envelope on Christmas/Hannukah/Boxing Day/New Years/Festivus in which there is a full or partial gift certificate to have this experience. There will be gratitude and it will be profound.<br /><br />Contact Dr. Kumar - jay(at)livingyourlight.com - or me - amanda(at)dogayoga.net - if you're interested and we will send you a simple gift card that you can lovingly sign and deliver on the special day of choice.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Come, come, whoever you are, wanderer, fire worshipper, lover of leaving. This is not a caravan of despair. It does not matter that you have broken your vows a thousand times, still come, and yet again, come... " </span>~ Rumi ~Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-8245258687007680512011-12-15T02:51:00.005-07:002011-12-15T03:14:11.597-07:00One Small Act = More Serotonin!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/5026716018/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4152/5026716018_80b8b4af2e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style=" margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/5026716018/">In the end, only kindness matters</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetonveg/">SweetOnVeg</a></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Last Karma Yoga Community Class</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">of 2011</span><br />Sunday 18 December, Centre de Yoga du Marais, 11h30 - 13h<br /><br />I will be teaching a donation-based all levels flow class at Centre de Yoga du Marais, supporting Families for Children, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian agency that cares for over 600 destitute and mentally challenged children and adults in India and Bangladesh. This is a "kitchen counter" organization that is run entirely by volunteers and every penny goes straight to the orphanages and schools this agency has set up. The teachers at Centre de Yoga du Marais have been volunteering their service and supporting this organization for several years, through Karma Yoga projects.<br />Suggested donation: 10€ - 50€<br />Reservations required. Contact me ~ amanda(at)dogayoga.net<br /><br />Lest you think acts of service and kindness are just charitable, read on...<br />(From the blog <a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/">Mark and Angel Hack Life, Practical Tips for Productive Living</a> and an excerpt from the post "12 Things Happy People Do Differently")<br /><br />"<span style="font-weight: bold;">Practice acts of kindness</span>. – Performing an act of kindness releases serotonin in your brain. (Serotonin is a substance that has TREMENDOUS health benefits, including making us feel more blissful.) Selflessly helping someone is a super powerful way to feel good inside. What’s even cooler about this kindness kick is that not only will you feel better, but so will people watching the act of kindness. How extraordinary is that? Bystanders will be blessed with a release of serotonin just by watching what’s going on. A side note is that the job of most anti-depressants is to release more serotonin. Move over Pfizer, kindness is kicking ass and taking names."<br /><br />Who couldn't use a large dose of serotonin this holiday season? Take a break from shopping, partying, decorating, traveling, and over-doing. It's as much about opening your heart as it is opening your wallet. Yoga helps us act from a place of sincere empathy, not pity. You'll be doing yourself, and the world, a great service!Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-748369478504083761.post-79821230704451677392011-12-02T04:31:00.004-07:002011-12-02T04:55:25.235-07:00Last Class of 2011 ~ Solstice Flow<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpjbmj/5280165784/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5045/5280165784_5d7565dd66_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style=" margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpjbmj/5280165784/"> Winter Solstice 21 Dec</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bpjbmj/">BPJBMJ</a></span></div><br />My last class of 2011 will be on Wednesday 21 December, 12h30 - 13h30, at Paris Yoga! Come fortify yourself for the long winter ahead and celebrate the return of the LIGHT on this most auspicious day.<br /><br />As for the rest of the month...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pre-Holiday Workshop</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday 4 December, Paris Yoga</span><br />The end of the year can be a source of great joy coupled with a lot of anxiety. End-of-year deadlines, over-consumption, over-spending, family obligations, colder weather, and travel challenges can lead to stress and illness. This workshop will focus on those poses and breathing techniques that can keep the nervous system regulated, boost the immune system, and encourage us to make sustainable choices in the flurry of this busy time of year.<br />Reservations required. Contact Joelle for registration ~ info(at)parisyoga.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Karma Yoga Community Class</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday 18 December, Centre de Yoga du Marais, 11h30 - 13h</span><br />I will be teaching a donation-based all levels flow class at Centre de Yoga du Marais, supporting Families for Children, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian agency that cares for over 600 destitute and mentally challenged children and adults in India and Bangladesh. This is a "kitchen counter" organization that is run entirely by volunteers and every penny goes straight to the orphanages and schools this agency has set up. The faculty at Centre de Yoga du Marais has been supporting this organization for several years, through Karma Yoga projects.<br />Suggested donation: 10€ - 50€<br />Reservations required. Contact me ~ amanda(at)dogayoga.net<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pre-Registered Classes</span><br />The American University/Paris classes end on 5 December.<br />The Pre-Natal Classes at Paris Yoga end on 13 December.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Public and Private Classes & Class Cards</span><br />All private classes will end on 20 December.<br />All class cards expire on 17 December.<br /><br />Au revoir, 2011. From the soil to the cellular level you have taught me so much.<br />Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.Amanda Dateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00908296163466022694noreply@blogger.com