Awakening Ganesha

August  1, 2005                       Monthly  Newsletter                                                  Volume 9  

Namaste, 

We're feeling very grateful here at 7 Centers. The monsoons have arirved and not only cooled things off, but reduced fire hazards in many nearby areas. We are preparing for the Aug/Sept teacher training and that brings to mind our gratitude to our former students.  So, we're planning a day of reunion for our graduates to reconnect, have fun, and build a community of teachers supporting each other. The reunion will follow the

7 Centers - 7 Days - 7 Chakras

Advanced Training Intensive

scheduled for November 11-18th. This day of "homecoming" will be the 19th.  If you completed the 30-day, 200-hour intensive, you're invited! There's more information on our website. Please RSVP if you are interested so that we can finalize the event schedule.    

You may also want to learn more about the Chakra intensive. This course has never been taught before. The totally new cirriculum is designed by Shraddhasagar, based on wisdom teachings from India, and will include time among Sedona's red rock temples. Credit hours toward a 500-hour teaching certificate are available.

The Art of Relaxation: Learning Yoga Nidra

by Lionheart, Temple Cat

Dear Lionheart,

What is yoga nidra? What are some of its secrets?

Sincerely,

Wondering in Sedona

Dear Wondering,

Yoga nidra is translated as “Psychic sleep” in Sanskrit. It is a meditative practice done lying down on one’s back, paws extended away from the body, legs spread apart, tail loosely relaxed between one’s legs. It’s all about relaxing the body and mind yet not checking out. This is something we cats excel at and are attempting to role model for humanity.

There are two secrets to yoga nidra. The first is Not to Fall Asleep. (See picture above.) There is a fine line between deep relaxation and cat napping. Snoring is a telltale sign of sleep. Another is when you find yourself remembering nothing about traveling through rainbows, meditating in a cave, or visualizing a blue lotus in the heart.

The second secret is the Sankalpa or resolution repeated mentally at the beginning and end of the meditation. It is how you can create your reality by making a present tense affirmation. Here are some examples of my resolutions:

I am divinely guided and protected at all times in hunting.

The universe supplies me with all my needs, particularly anything that crawls or flies.

I am the embodiment of perfect health, vitality and the best looking cat around.

May all your Yoga Nidra journeys be blissful....

Lionheart, Temple Cat

Ambaya's Corner....Practical Ayurveda

Yes, it has been hot! What to do, Ayurvedically speaking? First of all, stay cool! You know that old expression, "Chill out!" Maybe it is our Ayurvedic inheritance. Here are a few tips you may want to keep in mind. The key is to cool down effectively, so that we maintain a strong digestive fire. So how do we do that and stay cool?

1. Eat sweet, juicy seasonal fruits between meals.

2. Drink a good alkaline water like Trinity Gold label in order to keep the alkalinity up and the acidity down, which is the heating factor in our body; if left untamed it will eventually burn everything out instead of doing the necessary transformation through its digestive functions.

3. Stay out of the sun in the hot time of the day.

4. Go to the creek, river, ocean, or any large body of water, and swim.

5. Go on evening or early morning walks.

6. Add a bit more bitter taste to your diets: Fresh leafy greens, green juices, wheat grass.

7. Drink fresh coconut juice.

8. Drink room temperature drinks slowly, not all at once, so as to not dilute the digestive enzymes.

9. Expose yourself to the moon as much as possible and drink its Soma (cooling nourishing energy).

10. Wake up before sunrise and meditate, do Yoga and chant. It begins your day sweetly and powerfully.

11. Cook yourself a good breakfast.

12. Go to bed before 10 PM so that you are sure to digest all leftover toxins from the day and wake up refreshed.

13. Have a good time with friends, family and work companions.  

14. Most of all keep a Grateful Heart, for Life is A Gift.

Namaste,

Ambaya

Astrology News....

The Unusual Transit of Mars

by Debra Infante

In Vedic astrology, Mars is the planet of stamina, vitality, power, ambition, action, and courage. Mars rules athletic ability, competition, martial arts, the military, real estate and research. Mars tends to play an important role in the astrological charts of athletes or those involved in physical health, including yoga.

Mars rules the signs of Aries and Scorpio in Vedic astrology. Currently Mars is transiting Aries, increasing its martial qualities. Mars entered Aries on July 17, where it will stay until February 5, 2006, an unusually long period of time for Mars to stay in one sign. In addition, Mars turns retrograde from October 1 to December 9, 2005.

When Mars turns retrograde, it is normally an unfavorable time to do those things that need the support of an active Mars, such as starting a new project, buying a home, or starting a new business. Mars in Aries is a strong placement, however, and can manifest as a pioneering energy, taking the lead, working through obstacles toward life-supporting goals. 

Mars is of a pitta or fiery constitution, ruling the muscles, blood, and adrenal glands. Because Aries is a fiery sign, this energy is magnified. For those who tend to have pitta ailments, this current transit through Aries may exacerbate inflammatory issues on a physical level.

On an emotional level, hidden anger and impatience may surface, and one may need to take care to not allow this “combustible” energy to get out of balance via increased fears, conflicts and arguments.

On a higher level, Mars can give us self-discipline and the ability to take appropriate action. We may be drawn to more physical practices that increase stamina, vitality and expression. With Mars in Aries for an extended period, we will all have ample time to work with the higher side of Martian energy.

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

Note: This month and next, Earth and Mars will make their closest approach in recorded history.  The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars will be the second-brightest object in the night sky after the moon. By the end of August, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30a.m. According to astronomers, it may be 60,000 years before this happens again.

7 Centers Yoga Arts

Upcoming Yoga Training and Special Workshops

Personal Retreats

For those in the midst of transition who would like to get away for purposes of reflection, retreats offer an opportunity to go inside, reconnect and find serenity.  Or, if you simply want to deepen your personal practices or develop a program to take home with you, we are able to assist.

We are able to design programs based on needs and desires for an experience that will satisfy those parts of you that need attention and nuturing.  Whether it be yoga, ayurveda, hiking, spiritual growth, chanting & meditation or spa-like services, we are able to personally design programs.  We recommend at least 3 full days (travel days not included).  We can include accommodations or help you find the right place to stay.  Again, it's your choice.  If you would like to discuss the possibilities, call Sydney at 877-603-4400 or email us at yoga@7centers.com. 

Teacher Training Alumni News

Jean Borne (Summer '04) announces the opening of her new yoga studio, Ananda Yoga, in Page, AZ, this week! Jean been teaching over a year now and has built on her training in Sedona by studying Anusara yoga.

Lydia Dixon (Winter '05) recently completed a Vipassana course at the Northwest Center in Washington and continues to "drive with Miss Daisy" around the U.S. She hopes to be at the reunion in November.

Melissa Thomas (Summer '04) has been teaching yoga for a year and writes, "In May I was accepted into the New York City Teaching Fellows, a program that trains teachers to teach in NYC public schools.  I'll be teaching math to freshmen in the fall! I hope to bring some aspects of my yoga training into my classroom teaching."

Janet Muse (Summer '05) just got her first teaching job at Studio Diva. "It's a cool place...complete with massage therapist, aesthetician and salon.  It's Valencia, what can I say?"

Heather Robertson (Summer '05) has started four themed classes, including her favorite, Voluptuous Goddess Yoga. She travels to Europe this fall for workshops but hopes to return to Sedona to assist with January's training. "Teaching yoga and living the practice keeps me grounded and focused and joyful."

Jessie Keller (Summer '04) writes: "I am going to participate in Naropa University in Boulder, CO. I am looking into studying Psycology. Naropa brings teachings from both the east and west and combines them in one curriculum. Wish me luck!"

We love hearing from our students. What's new in your life? Are you teaching? Would you like to share something about your journey that might inspire others or help you reconnect with your classmates? Send us a note, and we'll pass it along. If you'd like to share your email address with former classmates, contact Sydney, and she'll help you keep in touch.

Sedona Community Bulletin Board

Wanted:  Quiet 1-2 BR apt. or guest house in Sedona for writer/editor/yoga teacher. Responsible, nonsmoking, no pets (though if you have cats, I’ll love ‘em like my own). Call Kathleen, 282-2685.

For Sale

1995 Lexus ES300 - Fully equipped, well maintained, excellent condition - $6,000.Call Sydney at 928-203-4400

1987 Toyota SunRader Motor home- 100,000 mile, automatic transmission a bargain at $6,500. For more info call Jenny at (928) 301-3523.