Many of you may have heard that you should drink a mixture of 1 QT of warm water with 2 tsp of Organic Sea Salt as a way to start a cleanse. This is supposed to cleanse the colon and induce a series of bowel movements in the next 1-2 hours. Sounds little hokey, so of course I decided to give it a try.
I went into the kitchen a mixed up a quart of water with 2 tsp of sea salt as is recommended. I mixed it up and placed it into the biggest drinking glass I could find in the houses. It was one of those collector Coke glasses. I took the first big gulp, and it tasted completely discusting. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get it down. Then I took another, still pretty terrible.
Fortunately, I was standing next to the kitchen sink because I took one more big gulp and swalled and immediately vomited right into the sink. So much for cleaning my colon!
I'm not sure if this is common or not, but I have found several blog posts describing similar results. My body did NOT want that much salt in it, so I'm not planning to attempt this again anytime soon.
So much for the Salt Water Flush - next time I'll stick with a fruit and veggie cleanse.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Sizzling Summer Membership Deals
We've just added a few new membership options for students and summer residents.
Get UNLIMITED yoga classes for the months or June, July & August for a huge discount.
Students with a valid student ID only pay $150, everyone else pays $225. You can come to class every day over the summer and not have to worry about having cash, or brining a check or credit card with you. This is a great deal and your best value if you've got lots of extra time in the summer.
If you're a beach bum, we've got classes at 6:15 am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday which will leave you plenty of time to head to the beach or launch the boat. If you like to sleep in, we've got classes every evening except Saturday! There are also plenty of classes later in the morning during the week.
Don't miss out on this great deal. Click the link below to purchase online.
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=5868&stype=41&sLoc=0
Get UNLIMITED yoga classes for the months or June, July & August for a huge discount.
Students with a valid student ID only pay $150, everyone else pays $225. You can come to class every day over the summer and not have to worry about having cash, or brining a check or credit card with you. This is a great deal and your best value if you've got lots of extra time in the summer.
If you're a beach bum, we've got classes at 6:15 am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday which will leave you plenty of time to head to the beach or launch the boat. If you like to sleep in, we've got classes every evening except Saturday! There are also plenty of classes later in the morning during the week.
Don't miss out on this great deal. Click the link below to purchase online.
http://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ws.asp?studioid=5868&stype=41&sLoc=0
Friday, May 14, 2010
Yogathon Fundraiser
Please join us for a Yogathon Fundraiser to support Off the Mat, Into the World’s Global Seva Challenge - South Africa 2010!
Off the Mat, Into the World® (OTM), a program of the nonprofit, The Engage Network, is dedicated to bridging yoga and activism. Founded in 2007, OTM’s mission is to use the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change.
Each year, Off the Mat, Into the World sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis.
In 2010 Off the Mat, Into the World’s Seva Challenge will be focused on supporting humanitarian efforts in South Africa. Over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS today with 67% living in sub-Saharan Africa. By contributing to this fundraising effort your donation will help fund and build health and education programs that will provide tools and resources for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. See our partners below.
The Dharma Connection in Sandwich, MA
Friday, June 11, 2010 starting at 5:30pm until…9ish
with Lynn Gifford, Donna Larson and Elizabeth Whirlabout
Suggested donation of $25
Take your yoga Off the Mat, Into the World!
Off the Mat, Into the World® (OTM), a program of the nonprofit, The Engage Network, is dedicated to bridging yoga and activism. Founded in 2007, OTM’s mission is to use the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and ignite grassroots social change.
Each year, Off the Mat, Into the World sponsors an international service project called the Global Seva Challenge. The Global Seva Challenge is a transformational journey that builds community, provokes critical consciousness about global issues of social justice and equity, and raises significant funds to support communities in crisis.
In 2010 Off the Mat, Into the World’s Seva Challenge will be focused on supporting humanitarian efforts in South Africa. Over 33 million people are living with HIV/AIDS today with 67% living in sub-Saharan Africa. By contributing to this fundraising effort your donation will help fund and build health and education programs that will provide tools and resources for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. See our partners below.
The Dharma Connection in Sandwich, MA
Friday, June 11, 2010 starting at 5:30pm until…9ish
with Lynn Gifford, Donna Larson and Elizabeth Whirlabout
Suggested donation of $25
Take your yoga Off the Mat, Into the World!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chakra Energy - what is it?
Chakra is the Sanskrit word for circle or wheel. Ancient theories proposed by Hindu mystics are based on seven chakras that link the body and the mind into one unit - the mind/body connection. It was through the practice of yoga in India many centuries ago that chakras became identified with centers of energy at major points throughout the body. Beginning at the base of the spine and moving up to the skull, there are seven chakras, each associated with a corresponding color. The opening of each of these energy centers plays an important role in our ability to achieve our fullest potential.
1.) Root (Red)
2.) Sacral (Orange)
3.) Solar Plexus (Yellow)
4.) Heart (Green)
5.) Throat (Blue)
6.) Brow (Purple)
7.) Crown (White)
The Chakras also serve as metaphors for various levels of human development and religious sacraments, with each one having its own goals for development.
· Root Chakra – gives one the ability to feel safe, stable, courageous and secure
· Sacral Chakra – emotional and sexual development
· Solar Plexus – Socialization, social interaction, and self confidence
· Heart Chakra – compassion, love and forgiveness
· Throat Chakra – provides the ability to communicate and interact based on higher vision
· Brow (3rd Eye) Charkra – spiritual vision, intuition, understanding and wisdom
· Crown Chakra – clear understanding of the world around us and beyond
Illnesses in the physical body can be associated with blockages in the Chakra energy systems. By practicing yoga, we can help to clear any blockages in the energy system, helping to keep to body healthy and to aid in healing. By opening an energy system we allow the healing energy of prana to flow into it. As our energy systems become clearer, prana is able to flow more freely throughout the body, creating balance in all of the bodily systems.
For the next seven weeks I will post detailed information on each Chakra, and suggest specific yoga postures, breathing techniques and mantras that will help clear the energy system associated with the specific Chakra. We will begin next week with the Root Charkra.
Namaste
1.) Root (Red)
2.) Sacral (Orange)
3.) Solar Plexus (Yellow)
4.) Heart (Green)
5.) Throat (Blue)
6.) Brow (Purple)
7.) Crown (White)
The Chakras also serve as metaphors for various levels of human development and religious sacraments, with each one having its own goals for development.
· Root Chakra – gives one the ability to feel safe, stable, courageous and secure
· Sacral Chakra – emotional and sexual development
· Solar Plexus – Socialization, social interaction, and self confidence
· Heart Chakra – compassion, love and forgiveness
· Throat Chakra – provides the ability to communicate and interact based on higher vision
· Brow (3rd Eye) Charkra – spiritual vision, intuition, understanding and wisdom
· Crown Chakra – clear understanding of the world around us and beyond
Illnesses in the physical body can be associated with blockages in the Chakra energy systems. By practicing yoga, we can help to clear any blockages in the energy system, helping to keep to body healthy and to aid in healing. By opening an energy system we allow the healing energy of prana to flow into it. As our energy systems become clearer, prana is able to flow more freely throughout the body, creating balance in all of the bodily systems.
For the next seven weeks I will post detailed information on each Chakra, and suggest specific yoga postures, breathing techniques and mantras that will help clear the energy system associated with the specific Chakra. We will begin next week with the Root Charkra.
Namaste
Monday, October 5, 2009
The First Noble Truth
The First Noble Truth - provides a full understanding of Suffering
The Cause of Suffering--samudaya
The principle cause of suffering is the attachment to "desire" or "craving", tanha. Both desire to have (wanting) and desire not to have (aversion).
The Cause of Suffering--samudaya
The principle cause of suffering is the attachment to "desire" or "craving", tanha. Both desire to have (wanting) and desire not to have (aversion).
- Desire for sense-pleasures--kama-tanha, which manifests itself as wanting to have pleasant experiences; the taste of good food, sexual experiences, good music, getting high or drunk, etc.
- Desire to become--bhava-tanha, is the ambition that comes with wanting attainments or recognition or fame. It is the craving to “be somebody” at to get attention.
- Desire to get rid of--vibhava-tanha, is our desire to eliminate unpleasant experiences in life: unpleasant sensations, anger, fear, jealousy.
The clinging to desire comes from our experience that short-term satisfaction comes from following desire. We ignore the fact that satisfying our desires doesn't bring an end to them.
Everyone is aware of suffering and knows when they have unpleasant sensations such as hunger, cold, or sickness and recognize these as things that one doesn't like. But the first noble truth includes awareness of all the ramifications of suffering because it encompasses the very nature and essence of suffering. This includes knowledge of the subtle and the obvious aspects of suffering. The obvious aspect of suffering is immediate pain or difficulty in the moment. Subtle suffering is more difficult to understand because it begins with happiness. But by its very nature, this happiness must change because it cannot go on forever. Because it must change into suffering, then subtle suffering is the non-permanence of pleasure.
Collective Flow w/Coral Brown
Presented by the Dharma Connection:
We will flow in a creative, dynamic method based upon vinyasa drama (stages of evolution). Therefore, this practice is open to yogis of all levels. Within this class, multi-dimensional sequencing will allow us to integrate standing poses, backbends, forward bends, twists and hip openers. Using the four movements of Prana to provide the experience of energetic alignment within the flow will lead to the cultivation of the fluid body.
When: Saturday, October 17th 2-4:30 pm
Where: The Dharma Connection
6 Merchants Road, Unit #8
Sandwich, MA 02563
REGISTER ONLINE
email: info @dharmaconnection.com
phone: (508) 296-3619
Pre-registration is required as space is limited
Cost: $35
Coral Brown, MA has been teaching yoga for 9 years. As a 500 eRYT certified senior teacher trainer for Shiva Rea, she travels the world teaching Prana Flow (an energetic, creative, full-spectrum approach to embodying the flow of yoga cultivated by Shiva Rea). Coral is known for fusing her experience as a Holistic Counselor into her teachings. Her body, mind, spirit approach to psychology invites students to BE in their bodies so that they may consciously release physical and emotional tension. Coral’s infectious spirit enables students to find their balance through the joy of practicing Prana Flow yoga. Coral received her Masters of Arts from Salve Regina University’s Holistic Counseling program.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Help Support Yoga for Women in Recovery
One of the reasons I decided to become a yoga teacher was so that I could "help" others in the community to find the amazing benefits of yoga. My personal experiences in life have led me to take a special interest in helping those that are often underserved in our community, including individuals that have lived on self-destructive paths...including those with substance abuse issues.
Addictions, including those involving alcohol and drug abuse are part of a distinctive pattern of psychological dependency. Therefore, in order to "recover" from addiction, this pattern must be addressed through dedicated efforts to contact the true Self. From this perspective, 12-step programs are like an introduction to the vast subject of Yoga - in particular a combination of the 4 classical Paths of Yoga (Raja, Karma, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga).
Raja Yoga is represented by the Eight-fold Path and bears a striking resemblance to the suggested personal recovery work outlined in the 12 Steps which both suggest Meditation as a sure method of consciously connecting with our Higher Power/Self.
Meditation is preceded in Raja Yoga by purification through practice of the yamas, niyamas, asanas which is very similar to the first 10 steps of which require moral inventory, confession of personality defects and restitution to those harmed. Helpfulness to others and the necessity of belief in and dependence upon God in the 12 Step Program are the tenets of Karma Yoga (selfless service) and Bhakti Yoga (devotion). Jnana Yoga is affirming our True Self; once we realize our True Nature, all psychological problems are removed at the roots. Affirmation of, and identification with the Self removes all cravings, self-esteem problems and self-destructive behaviors.
These Yogic paths towards Self-realization are revealed through the practice of the 5 principles of Yoga as summarized by great Yoga Master Swami Vishnu devananda:
Even though we are in the middle of one of the worst economic climates in decades, we are truly blessed that so many of you feel strongly connected with our mission of helping underserved women through the transitional practice of yoga.
This past year has been an exercise in trust and faith for our organization. Through the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors, team of volunteers, small staff and supporters like you we were able to reach many significant milestones but we need help in closing the gap in our Fiscal Year End budget!
Stakes are high for everyone during hard economic times, and even more so for women in recovery! I am appealing to you to give now, even if it's less than you would like to!
We are looking to raise $10,000 by June 30th, but we can't do it without your help. Every dollar you give is crucial to continuing the important and innovative work we do!
yogaHOPE is an important part of stopping the cycle of substance abuse. Through our new Yoga and Addiction Recovery Initiative (YARI), we hope to integrate rehabilitative yoga/mindfulness programs with the recovery treatment process to help women learn to manage the emotional difficulties that surface during treatment. As a result of the YARI initiative we hope to be a permanent, wide-reaching presence in treatment centers here in Massachusetts.
Just imagine the impact if every woman in recovery had access to regular yoga/mindfulness programs!
The end of the fiscal year will be upon us before you know it! Help us meet our fiscal year end fundraising goal by making a gift to yogaHOPE right now.
Why wait?
$50-$100 = helps us helps us provide one week of classes for women who could greatly benefit from yogaHOPE's therapeutic yoga program.
$100-$200 = helps us provide mats, workbooks and other support materials for yogaHOPE classes.
$500-$1000 = helps us recruit and train volunteers to teach our populations from a place of authenticity and compassion during our 24 week yoga program to ensure the best possible outcome for transformation and healing.
$1200-$2400 = helps us support our students, facilities and our volunteer teaching team to ensure that the yogaHOPE program has longevity and success long after our women leave their residential facilities.
If yoga changed your life, why not help it change theirs!!
Addictions, including those involving alcohol and drug abuse are part of a distinctive pattern of psychological dependency. Therefore, in order to "recover" from addiction, this pattern must be addressed through dedicated efforts to contact the true Self. From this perspective, 12-step programs are like an introduction to the vast subject of Yoga - in particular a combination of the 4 classical Paths of Yoga (Raja, Karma, Bhakti and Jnana Yoga).
Raja Yoga is represented by the Eight-fold Path and bears a striking resemblance to the suggested personal recovery work outlined in the 12 Steps which both suggest Meditation as a sure method of consciously connecting with our Higher Power/Self.
Meditation is preceded in Raja Yoga by purification through practice of the yamas, niyamas, asanas which is very similar to the first 10 steps of which require moral inventory, confession of personality defects and restitution to those harmed. Helpfulness to others and the necessity of belief in and dependence upon God in the 12 Step Program are the tenets of Karma Yoga (selfless service) and Bhakti Yoga (devotion). Jnana Yoga is affirming our True Self; once we realize our True Nature, all psychological problems are removed at the roots. Affirmation of, and identification with the Self removes all cravings, self-esteem problems and self-destructive behaviors.
These Yogic paths towards Self-realization are revealed through the practice of the 5 principles of Yoga as summarized by great Yoga Master Swami Vishnu devananda:
- Proper exercise
- Proper breathing
- Proper relaxation
- Proper diet
- Positive Thinking and Meditation
Combining the 5 Points of Yoga, the Yogic psychology of how to deal with the mind and the Yogic philosophy of the Self with the practice of the principles of the 12 steps offers a sure path away from self-destruction to Self-realization - one day at a time.
Given the strong correlations between the yogic path and the most widely accepted method of treating addtions --- 12 Step Programs, I've spent some of my free time helping women with addictions and supporting YogaHope. This organization does amazing work for hundreds of women living in treatment centers, half-way houses, and domestic abuse shelters. They are currently seeking help raising funds and I received this email today from Susan Jones, the founder of YogaHope.
Please join me in supporting this amazing organization. If you know a woman that is struggling with an addiction that could benefit from a yogic lifestyle, please encourage them to attend a class at the Dharma Connection. We will be offering a yoga and the 12-steps of recovery workshop on July 31, 2009 @ 7:30 pm, which will accept students regardless of their ability to pay. The only requirement for attending the workshop is that they must be actively involved in a 12-step program and not actively using their drug of choice. Learn More
Email from Susan:Even though we are in the middle of one of the worst economic climates in decades, we are truly blessed that so many of you feel strongly connected with our mission of helping underserved women through the transitional practice of yoga.
This past year has been an exercise in trust and faith for our organization. Through the hard work and dedication of our Board of Directors, team of volunteers, small staff and supporters like you we were able to reach many significant milestones but we need help in closing the gap in our Fiscal Year End budget!
Stakes are high for everyone during hard economic times, and even more so for women in recovery! I am appealing to you to give now, even if it's less than you would like to!
We are looking to raise $10,000 by June 30th, but we can't do it without your help. Every dollar you give is crucial to continuing the important and innovative work we do!
yogaHOPE is an important part of stopping the cycle of substance abuse. Through our new Yoga and Addiction Recovery Initiative (YARI), we hope to integrate rehabilitative yoga/mindfulness programs with the recovery treatment process to help women learn to manage the emotional difficulties that surface during treatment. As a result of the YARI initiative we hope to be a permanent, wide-reaching presence in treatment centers here in Massachusetts.
Just imagine the impact if every woman in recovery had access to regular yoga/mindfulness programs!
The end of the fiscal year will be upon us before you know it! Help us meet our fiscal year end fundraising goal by making a gift to yogaHOPE right now.
Why wait?
$50-$100 = helps us helps us provide one week of classes for women who could greatly benefit from yogaHOPE's therapeutic yoga program.
$100-$200 = helps us provide mats, workbooks and other support materials for yogaHOPE classes.
$500-$1000 = helps us recruit and train volunteers to teach our populations from a place of authenticity and compassion during our 24 week yoga program to ensure the best possible outcome for transformation and healing.
$1200-$2400 = helps us support our students, facilities and our volunteer teaching team to ensure that the yogaHOPE program has longevity and success long after our women leave their residential facilities.
If yoga changed your life, why not help it change theirs!!
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