The Meditation Minute

Looking for a way to bring your practice into your daily life? Christopher Love has one activity that anyone can do:

"The Meditation Minute is simply choosing to spend 10 breaths, or about 1 minute, in complete silence. To bring your full attention to 10 deep breaths each day is to watch your life and practice grow.

As a yoga teacher, I am forever trying not only to teach kick-asana yoga classes, but also to help others get to the ultimate lesson - their peace and calm. When we are blissed-out at the end of yoga, it is easy to think, 'Christopher is so great, he gave me an amazing practice!' And, while I appreciate such sentiments of course, I try to teach that YOU gave yourself that experience, not me.

Many people equate meditation with sitting for long periods of time, and in our busy lives this can seem daunting. I wanted to find a practice that seemed attainable, and a mere minute certainly seemed a reasonable commitment. If I can convince someone to spend 10 conscious breaths a day in silence, then not only has this person begun to implement a new habit, but he or she has also faced a more deep-seated resistance in Western culture to living outside the mind.

This point of view is the essence of yoga, that YOU are the only one deciding to pay attention or not, to think or not, to feel or go numb, to breath or not. You are the only one having your presence in the world, and no other person can touch you there. That level of personal responsibility can seem daunting at first, but as you begin to realize the choice you are making in each moment, spread across each day, and throughout your life, it can simply bring your life into focus.

As your awareness becomes more self-disciplined, you will no doubt be aware of how thoughts and emotions have been driving your experience, producing recoil or reaction to those beliefs. You will begin to notice that you stop breathing, or clamp down on your body in familiar ways to what you have come to see as a threat. Or, at other times, you seem to open and relax with what seems finally safe, loving or neutral.

Meditation is the practice of lifting one's awareness from this murmur, and finding a ground of being on which to stand that exists only for a fleeting instant, only to be replaced by the next. The abiding presence that you find awaits you, always. We only feel the absence of this presence when we disregard or ignore it again.

We can learn to live in the balance. In its many and varied forms, choosing to be entirely with oneself in a breath is to feel fulfilled more often, more cooperative with others, and more joined with a common purpose of discovering this inner truth about ourselves.

Close your eyes, and take the next 10 breaths, in peace."

Learn more about Christopher on his website or sign-up for his classes at yoga mayu on Saturdays 11:15am to 12:45pm.

Give the Gift of Yoga!

Are you still wondering what to get your mom for Christmas? Still not sure of the perfect Hanukkah gift for your brother? Why not give them the gift of balance, health and happiness? From now until Christmas Day, yoga mayu gift certificates are 10% off with the promo code 10%OFFGIFT. Either order one online or come into the studio and pick up a special card and envelope. Show the people you love just how much you love them! Give them a gift that will change their lives!

Also, don't forget that yoga mayu will be open all through the holidays as normal except for on Christmas Day when they will be closed. So sign up for a class now and get a head start on all your New Year's resolutions.

Happy holidays!

Teacher Profile: Kim Sin

If you want to get your heart beating and your breath moving during the week, one of Kim Sin's lunchtime classes at yoga mayu is just what you need. Get to know Kim a little better with this month's Teacher Profile:

Where are you from?

Sacramento, CA

When and why did you start practicing yoga?

I took my first class at 19 years old. I used to study dance. When I stopped dancing, I searched for a means to stay active. I disliked yoga at first, but grew to really love it six years later.

How long have you been teaching yoga, and where were you trained?

I've been teaching yoga for two years. I initially trained in Santa Monica with YogaPoser. My second and most impactful training was here in SF with my teacher Jason Crandell.

How long have you been teaching at yoga mayu?

I've been teaching for a year at yoga mayu.

Why do you teach?

I teach because I love yoga. It's changed my life in huge and small ways. If I can help someone to experience a sense of union or calm for a short or extended amount of time, then I'm personally satisfied.

How has yoga benefited you?

I could go off for six hours about this one. Yoga calms my overanxious brain. Yoga has been a platform for me to exemplify and integrate discipline, attention, strength, surrender, patience, and love. My body is more resilient. My mind is better at problem solving and relaxing when it normally wants to wig out. Challenges on my mat that I have either overcome or continue to meet teach me to be patient and playful with challenges off my mat. I'm more confident in myself as a person, as a family member, and friend. It's given me a fascinating and enjoyable career. It's frankly given me a reason to be.

Why should someone who has never tried yoga try it now?

Because you'll feel better afterwards, guaranteed. Because you want to feel balanced in every regard (physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.).

What pose do you find the most challenging?

I find backbends challenging.

What are some of your non-asana interests?

Family, food and traveling.

What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?

I love that my teacher is here and accessible. I love the diversity of ethnicities and food.

What is your favorite thing about yoga mayu?

I like the owners. I like the simplicity of the space. The students are rad.

What is one thing you want everyone to know about you?

I'm extremely serious about the practice of yoga, but I think laughing is a prerequisite for really good yoga.

What is your schedule at yoga mayu?

Monday 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Wednesday 12:30pm to 1:30pm

Do you have a website?

kimsinyoga.com

If you want to get some balance in all aspects of your life, make sure you sign-up for one of Kim's great classes!

Relieve Winter Fatigue with Purvottanasana

If you head to one of Caroline Kelley's vinyasa classes this month, you can expect to get a little extra emphasis on her asana of the month: Purvottanasana.

Here's what Caroline has to say about this heart opening pose:

"In Ashtanga Yoga this posture is performed after seated forward fold (Paschimottansa). Purvottanasana extensively stretches the front body. The pose strengthens the wrists, improves movement of the shoulder joints and expands the chest. It's a great posture to add to our winter practice. Have you noticed how we tend to hunch over in the cold and wet weather creating a closed off posture? This energetic pose will counter act that and relieve winter fatigue.

Variations of this posture will be taught in Beginning and level one classes."

Come shake off your winter funk with Caroline at Yoga Mayu, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 8:30am.

Take Your Yoga Practice to the Next Level in 2012

Are you interested in developing a sustainable personal yoga practice? Do you want to explore the history of yoga and develop your skills with experienced and down-to-earth teachers right here in San Francisco? Are you looking for a practical and engaging teacher training that will give you the real knowledge you need to teach? Are you ready to transform your body and your mind?

If you answered yes to those questions, yoga mayu’s 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training Program might be exactly what you are looking for. Starting January 6 and running Friday through Sunday until April 22 (with a week-long break at the beginning of March), this program is about giving you the practical tools you need to teach yoga to students of all backgrounds and skill levels. According to Gizella Donald, studio director and founder of yoga mayu, the goal of this training is to “empower students to be their own teachers, learning from their own experiences and struggles and growth.”

How will this training be different than others you might be considering? At yoga mayu, you can expect personal attention, a lot of physical asana practice and more than anything, a profound change in your body and how you see the world. As a student, you will be partnered with one of the teacher training instructors, who will teach and mentor you during the training. You will spend a total of 11 hours per week training plus 3 hours per week participating in class observation and practice. And you will come away from this training as a progressive yoga teacher with extensive knowledge and skills that will distinguish you as an accomplished instructor among the many teachers entering this growing profession.

It won’t be easy but it will be an amazing journey. Interested? Submit your application online today.

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

There are a few changes to the yoga mayu schedule for the Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy your turkey but don't forget to do a little yoga too:

- Thursday, Nov. 24th - Closed
- Friday, Nov. 25th - One Special All levels Class w/ Leigh Ferrara - 11-12:30pm - Reserve a spot!
- Saturday, Nov. 26th - Open regular schedule

Teacher Profile: Christopher Love

If you've been practicing at yoga mayu for awhile, you've probably taken one of Christopher Love's challenging and heart-felt classes. But how well do you really know Christopher? Recently he was kind enough to answer a few questions so we can all to get to know him a little better.

Where are you from?

I grew up in North Carolina, spent some time in the midwest, and moved to the Bay Area 15 years ago.

When and why did you start practicing yoga?

I took my first class at the gym. I was hooked from the first "Om." As a psychotherapist and group leader, I was intrigued by the profound integration between body and mind. A friend urged me to begin teaching, and I've never looked back.

How long have you been teaching yoga, and where were you trained?

I've been practicing and teaching yoga soon after arriving in San Francisco 15 years ago. I am registered as an experienced teacher with the Yoga Alliance at 500 E-RYT. I received my 200-hour certification from Darren Main's training in 2002, and my 300-hour certification with Yoga Tree in 2010. I also have a master's degree in counseling, and certifications in bodywork. I am fortunate to have met and worked with many of our modern masters, exposing me to the different branches of hatha yoga today. These have included John Friend (Anusara), Anna Forrest, Guru Amrit Desai (Kripalu), Dharma Mitra, and Rod Stryker (Para Yoga). There have been numerous, gifted local teachers that have versed me in the Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa traditions as well. My current teacher in Indian classical music is Sargam Shah.

How long have you been teaching at yoga mayu?

Nearly 3 years.

Why do you teach?

I believe human life is blessed with unique capacities that are denied by most people every day. Yoga offers a level of integration rare to many disciplines, a systematic way to encounter yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways that transform your understanding of who you are. Yoga, meditation and the power of self-inquiry can resolve such great truths, freeing you to be at peace.

How has yoga benefited you?

Yoga has saved my life in countless ways, keeping my body strong and supported, and helping me to become a better human being. When I started yoga my life was in a lot of transition. Yoga helped me through these changes. This practice has also fundamentally changed my perspective of human distress and recovery, transforming the way I work with my counseling clients.

Why should someone who has never tried yoga try it now?

It's never too late to get started. Yoga in its varied forms can be practiced by anyone at any age, helping you to know your own body, mind and life in profound ways.

What pose do you find the most challenging?

I was born with flat feet, so balancing postures have provided the most challenge as I have worked on the foundation of my feet and arches.

What are some of your non-asana interests?

I am a student of Indian classical music. I play harmonium and sing mantra for yoga classes, and lead kirtan. I also live just outside the city in Mill Valley, where nature and wildlife are all around me. Working in my yard, hiking with my dog and cycling outdoors keeps me connected.

What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?

I love the opportunities for self-expression, the diversity of people, cultures and points of view. I drive over the Golden Gate bridge every week, and I am still struck by how majestic a place we live in.

What is your favorite thing about yoga mayu?

The students at Yoga Mayu are inspiring. Our focus on strong, clear vinyasa provides consistency and the opportunity to see people grow.

What is one thing you want everyone to know about you?

I have studied music, sung and played various instruments from childhood. I nearly became a professional trumpet player earlier in my life. Now I study and practice Indian classical music, play the harmonium and sing mantra every day.

What is your schedule at yoga mayu?

Tuesdays 5:00pm to 6:15pm

Thursdays 5:00pm to 6:15pm

Saturdays 11:15am to 12:45pm

Do you have a website or a newsletter people can sign-up for?

Web: lovechristopher.com

Newsletter, please email: christopher@lovechristopher.com

Now that you know all about him, make sure you sign-up for one of Christopher's classes! Like he says, "It's never too late to get started."

Jody's Quote of the Week!

Every week Jody Hahn starts and ends her classes with a thought-provoking quote. Here is last week’s quote:

"Put your heart, mind, intellect and soul even to your smallest act. This is the secret to success." Swami Sivananda

And here's what Jody has to say about it:

"I guess this begs the question: Can you be totally present in all that you do? Giving your full attention to everything? The examples I used in class last week were: Cooking and eating your food (or do you surf the web or look at a magazine like me)? Having a conversation and giving that person 100% heart, mind, intellect, soul? I tried last week to be very present in these three ways. It was challenging at first but got easier. I realized my impulses. To grab for a magazine or make a list while eating; to look around while having a conversation. Then what happened was interesting, when I just kept focused I relaxed and it became easier. Try it yourself if you want. Pick a couple of things that you do and give it your heart, mind, intellect and soul and see what happens.So that is my interpretation of the quote. What's yours? I'd love to read any other thoughts."

Teacher Profile: Sara Levine

If you've ever taken one of long-time yoga mayu teacher, Sara Levine's classes, you know she is fun and helpful and great at what she does. But did you know how she started teaching? Or what she loves about San Francisco? Keep reading to find out the answers to all your burning Sara-related questions:

Where are you from?
Bozeman, Montana

When and why did you start practicing yoga?
My first class was at the Estes Park Yoga Journal in 2000, but I didn't start practicing regularly until 2005 in San Francisco. I first began because a friend suggested it, and I fell in love almost instantly. It was scary, challenging, painful and totally amazing. I began a little backwards since I started in a Yin class and gradually made the move to vinyasa flow.

How long have you been teaching yoga and where were you trained?
I've been teaching for just over 3 years. I did my first 200 hour training at Yoga Tree in San Francisco. Since then I've trained another 300+ hours in prenatal, postnatal, anatomy, sequencing, mellow flow and restorative.

How long have you been teaching at yoga mayu?
Since they opened (almost 3 years ago). I took Gizella's first class to the public and asked her if I could teach at her studio. I assisted a class of hers and she gave me a job right there. I feel so blessed to have been in that place at that specific time. I can't imagine not teaching at yoga mayu.

Why do you teach?
Because it is the first thing that I have found which makes me feel alive in every moment that I am in it. I can actually say that I love my job, and I feel like I want to learn more every day. It is challenging, inspiring and profoundly simple. I also teach for my students, because they have become my closest friends. I love each of them and watching them realize their own potential is inspiring every time it happens.

Why should someone who has never tried yoga try it now?
Because they didn't try it yesterday. Have you heard the saying "try something new everyday"?

What pose do you find the most challenging?
At the moment - Twisted High Lunge. I have a hard time feeling expansive in the pose, and I am always resisting if I am asked to stay there for longer than I would like.

What are some of your non-asana interests?
Reading, anatomy, painting, food, vintage furniture shopping, things that smell good, my friends and family, brewery tours.

What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?
The food. My friends. And that I attribute my yogic story to this city.

What is your favorite thing about yoga mayu?
There is an energy in the space, that has been created by all of the past and current teachers and students. When I step into that room, I feel at home. I could be there all day.

What is you schedule at yoga mayu?
Sunday 11:15-12:45AM - Deep Flow
Monday, Wednesday 5-6:15PM - Vinyasa Flow 1-2
Monday 8:15-9:30PM - Deep Flow
Wednesday 8:15-9:30PM - Slow, Deep Flow

Want to keep up with all of Sara's classes and workshops? Check her out on Facebook or sign up for her newsletter on her website!

Late Fall Workshops from yoga mayu

Sometime an hour or an hour and a half isn’t long enough to get all the yoga you want. Luckily for you, yoga mayu has some awesome workshops coming up to help you go deeper with your practice and get all the personal attention you need.

THIS SUNDAY! Sign-up now for Complete Surrender: a Restorative Workshop with Sara Levine. Some times the hardest practice is the practice of totally letting go. Sara will make it easy with two hours of fully-supported deep heart, hip, and back openings, Treat yourself to this workshop full of hands-on massage and the best two-hour savasana you've ever experienced.

This workshop is limited to 13 people, online registration is strongly suggested!

Cost is $30. This workshop goes from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Reserve your spot for Hip Opening Workshop: Moving Beyond with Gizella Donald on Sunday, November 20. Did you know that daily habits such as sitting in office chairs, cars and sofas, combined with limited movement can lead to discomfort, tightness and even pain in our hips? And that this discomfort often spreads to other parts of the body such as the lower back or knees? Tightness in the hips and pelvis can also affect digestion causing you to feel sluggish and lacking in energy and it is also common to find that emotional tension and anxiety ends up stored in this area. Learn how to open your hips safely in this great workshop. Gizella will guide you through a selection of standing and seated hip opening poses along with some restorative hip openers, followed by yoga nidra (guided relaxation) for maximum benefits.

Cost is $30 but sign-up before November 15 and receive the early bird rate of $25. This workshop goes from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Do your joints need a little extra attention? Then plan ahead for Yin Yoga Workshop with Caroline Kelley on Sunday, December 4. Yin involves physically letting go into seated postures and exploring them for longer periods of time. The practice targets the deeper connective tissue of the body especially around the hips, pelvis and spine. Yin encourages healthy mobility in joints leaving you feeling physically lighter and mobile. Yin yoga also balances the energetic body and helps relieve physical, mental and emotional tension, so you leave feeling calm and collected. Caroline teaches Yin in a way that naturally invites meditation. Mudras and breathing techniques are included to enhance the student experience.

This workshop is limited to 20 people, online registration is strongly suggested!

Cost is $30 but sign-up before November 28 and receive the early bird rate of $25. This workshop goes from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Slow & Low with Live Music on Friday, November 18

How do you spend your Friday nights? Crazy parties? Catching up on TV? Not next Friday. Mark your calendars for November 18 and join Megan Windeler and Rebecca Roudman at Yoga Mayu for the perfect antidote to a long week: flowing yoga and live music. Here’s what Megan says about this monthly event:

“The third Friday of each month I invite in a musician to accompany the class. The practice is slow and deep with long holds of standing and seated poses and restorative heart openers. The live music really allows us to drop into the moment with amazing and sweet depth. I am so grateful for the musicians who share their music with us.”

You’ll be grateful too. Sign up now!

Jody Hahn's Quote of the Week!

Every week Jody Hahn starts and ends her classes with a thought-provoking quote. Here is last week’s quote:

"When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you." African Proverb

Here’s what Jody says about it:

"We can be our own worst enemies; we can say terrible things about ourselves. This comes from a place of not being confident about who we really are or not even knowing who we are so we begin to compare ourselves and find 'evidence' that we are less than, or not as good as...blah blah blah, and then the outside world says something and we think it's correct. So we get crushed when we hear negative and elated when we hear positive. Too much power and influence about who we are is given to the outside world. Know yourself! Let nothing that anyone says about you make or break you. We can hear it, weigh it and look inward. Perhaps something that was said is valid and we can then take that in and use it to better ourselves but only if we know ourselves. Make the work of your life to become confident and certain about who you are. Fill yourself with love and joy. Be grateful and give. The outside world is fickle—only you know you. And I can promise you—you are good.”

Take one of Jody’s classes at Yoga Mayu: 6:30pm to 8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays; 5pm to 6:15pm Wednesdays and 9:30am to 11am Sundays.

Turn Your World Upside Down with Sirsasana

If you head to one of Caroline Kelley's vinyasa classes this month, you can expect to get a little extra emphasis on her asana of the month: Sirsasana (which you might know as headstand).

Here's what Caroline has to say about this challenging but rewarding pose:

"Headstand has long been considered the king of all poses. This is a challenging pose that warrants respect and an intellectual approach. This month we will explore the foundations of this pose and from there take progressive steps. Our practice will emphasize a solid foundation which encourages stability and most importantly protection of the cervical spine (neck).

Beginning students will explore Sirsasana with the feet firmly on the ground. Alternative postures will be given when this pose is counter indicated.

Once mastered, this asana calms the nervous system. Other benefits are increased fresh blood flow to the brain and rejuvenation of the brain.

The practice of this pose may offer the opportunity explore fear and our ego. This is a classic example of how our yoga practice is SO much more than a physical work out."

Come practice flipping your perspective with Caroline at Yoga Mayu, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 8:30am.

Live, Love, Breathe!

Yoga is not only the postures we do on the mat, classically, yoga is a way of life. Yoga means to yoke or to find the union. Union is becoming whole again, realizing our self worth and living in a clear state of reality. Becoming whole is recognizing that every living being is ultimately equal to any other being. When we are united in reality we know that even though we may look and act differently to other people, ultimately when we get down to the bare bones of reality we are all the same. What unites us and makes us equal is the energy that we come from, that sustains our life and the same energy that we go back to when this body dies.  This energy is prana and the most abundant way to receive prana (fullness of life) is to breathe deeply. Our breath is clear and therefore deep breathing promotes clarity and an open spacious mind.

Yoga teaches us that happiness is not out there in the external world to be obtained. It does not depend on our job, looks or relationship, but instead happiness comes from a peaceful power within. We often go through trauma in our life because we continue to grasp at material things and relationships in our desperation for happiness and when we lose this false sense of security we lose our feeling of self worth and identity.

Before we know unity and sameness we long to feel loved and liked by everyone and want to be respected by everyone also. In our yearning we forget that all other beings are going through the same process. In our desperation we forget to treat other people with the same love and respect that we expect from them. And so it becomes a vicious circle.

Yoga is an act of kindness, not only to our self but to the world we live in.  It takes reputation to turn practice into a natural response. With consistent practice we can replace negative responses to life with positive habits.

In Sanskrit habits are called Samskaras they are like modes of operation' we have some modes that work well for us and others that are more disruptive. Often our modes of operation present themselves on the mat. When we come to the mat with anger we realize that we feel uncomfortable and rigid in our body; our practice on those days is not as light and graceful as the days when we are joyful. The Buddha who appreciated the path of Yoga taught that holding onto anger is like grasping at a hot coal with the intention of throwing it at someone else, but instead we are the one who gets burnt. Traditionally the yoga practice was intended to physically prepare and purify the body and mind for meditation. The full spectrum of yoga is a system created to bring us back to a clear vision of reality where we live our life full of breath and abundance!

                                                                   by Caroline Kelley

Practicing with Gratitude by Sara Levine

In my public classes, I always end by finding gratitude for two things – for the choice and for the ability to practice yoga.

Each time that we chose to walk through the studio doors, and to step onto our mats, we are making the choice towards spiritual growth. We are choosing not to watch TV, to go on a hike, to go grocery shopping, or to spend time with our families. Instead, we chose to spend that time quietly listening in. We chose to reconnect with our bodies, our breath and our hearts, through this always-liberating and sometimes-frustrating practice.  It is a hard choice to make, but for most of us, it is essential because within it we begin to appreciate all of those other parts of our lives a little bit more.

To me this choice is important but it is not the only part of my gratitude for this practice. I find my greatest gratitude in my ability to practice. Every time that I step into a beautiful yoga studio, and I lay out my mat I am reminded of the millions of people who have had to learn to find their grace in other ways. People who live in the slums of the world, people quelled by strict governing laws, people who use cardboard as their bed, people bound to wheelchairs or to their beds.

These people are not without yoga, they simply practice in a different way. They practice yoga by surviving, by moving forward and by finding joy in their daily lives. They practice yoga in their hearts. When I step onto my mat, I practice for these people, so that I might see myself in them. Because in the end, I know that we are all striving for the same things:

love, health, & peace.

www.shantibeanyoga.com

Benefits of a regular yoga practice by Caroline Kelley

  
Benefits of a regular yoga practice

            Even if you occasionally practice yoga I'm sure you will appreciate some of the benefits. When we find the right teacher, we leave our practice feeling nourished, revitalized and whole.

            Fitting a regular practice into our schedule can sometimes be challenging, however for all the reasons that we don't make it on the mat, there are many more benefits. In fact the very reasons why we might not practice regularly are often the very reasons why a yoga practice would do us good. Many people find that they have more energy when they practice more than once a week, sleep better and have a much more positive outlook on life.

          Yoga is widely recognized as a practice which improves flexibility, strength and posture. These can be both esthetically pleasing as well as pain relieving.

Another point of view to consider is that an upright posture gives the impression that we are confident and alert, while a slouching positive can portray lack of confidence and motivation. These simple expressions can make or break us professionally and personally. Body consciousness and the subtle energies that we radiate out become more apparent to a seasoned Yogi.

            What may be less obvious is that yoga has the potential to maintain healthy and efficient internal organs.  Yoga promotes a stronger slower pulse rate which comes with good health, Yoga also decreases our respiratory rate. The combined benefits are numerous two of which are reduced stress and a stronger healthier immune system.

            Yoga postures massage the internal organs, thus improving organ functions and their ability to prevent disease. Twisting postures for example have the potential to relieve constipation, and postures that open the lower abdomen help relieve menstrual cramps.

            Practicing yoga helps to regulate and control hormone secretion. An improved endocrine system keeps hormones in balance and promotes better overall physical and emotional health for both men and women.

            Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois was renowned for saying 'practice and all is coming'.

Yoga is not another fitness routine, it is an investment in whole health and wellbeing. As the benefits of yoga become better recognized more and more people are approaching yoga as a health plan.