Yoga Shala of Portland

Open your heart: Living Yoga fundraiser

2010-08-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I'm writing today because I wanted to ask personally for your support for Living Yoga. We are collecting donations to help raise funds for a local nonprofit that provides free yoga classes to youth and adults in correctional facilities, drug and alcohol recovery centers, domestic violence shelters, and for those accessing other transitional services.

If you currently do not have a charity that you support, or are looking to have a big impact in many people's lives - I highly recommend that you donate to Living Yoga! In the last year, they have provided more than 10,000 student hours of free yoga to teens and adults who are working to transform their lives. By offering yoga, they are sharing the benefits of a more than 3,000 year old practice that provides tools for stress management, self-awareness, impulse control, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.

By providing the necessary life skills developed through the practice of yoga, many are better able to contribute both to the communities in which they now live and to the community to which they will return to or re-enter. Past offenders can adopt new behaviors and patterns from which to make safer decisions, teens can learn to make choices about their bodies and their actions from more grounded places, victims of abuse can re-connect within themselves and take steps towards empowerment and trauma healing, and addicts can overcome craving and desire as well as unhealthy and harmful behavior. These changes within individuals not only affect them personally - but everyone they come into contact with- their children, family, neighbors, employers, customers - and most importantly, their community.

I hope you will support us in supporting someone else's yoga practice. If you have time and extra money, even a couple of dollars, please make a donation. Your support would mean the world to us. This year Living Yoga is hoping to raise $20,000 for their annual campaign. It is a tough and tight economy - and to be able to keep underwriting their free programs, they need financial support. Please spread the word and help keep bringing yoga to those who need it most!

Love and Peace
Yoga Shala of Portland

LAYERS OF OURSELVES

2010-08-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Holistic approach of Yoga in achieving Total Quality of Life
by Kausthub Desikachar

Have you ever wondered why its so challenging to understand and achieve the concept of Quality of Life. Researchers, medical professionals, psychologists, social workers and also policy makers are constantly trying to understand this domain and its predictors. The most intriguing part of the concept of quality of life is that it is not only dynamic and dependent on many variables, but it is also a very subjective state of well being. Much of the modern day research seem to indicate different variables such as physical well being, mental and emotional stability, social harmony, environmental factor, occupational satisfaction etc., as significant parameters that contribute to overall Quality of Life. These studies not only indicate the intricate connections between these variables, but also that they change dramatically with time, as well as within individuals. What can be a significant variable for one individual, need not be such a significant factor for another. Also what is significant for one at a particular time, may also change quite dramatically when circumstances change in the future. It is also a coherent thought between researchers that many of the factors that contribute to each other quite significantly, and what changes the subjective feeling about one domain, influences the perception of the other domains in our lives too.

Yoga and Quality of Life

Even though the modern seekers try to address the concept of Quality of Life, and its variables, many of the ancient yogi-s already pursued this topic, and came to their own reasonable conclusions. These not only provide insightful answers to the questions raised today, but also offer simple and practical solutions to achieve an overall sense of well being. Yoga in particular has always insisted on a holistic approach to understanding our human domain, and therefore promotes tools that also influence more than one layer in us. Through understanding the principles of Yoga philosophy, we see that our human system is a complex and holistic entity that is not only made of five layers (panca maya), but also five bags (panca kosa), eleven faculties (dvadasa karana), and also many psychological layers (vasana, samskara, smrti), all of whom contribute to each other and dynamically influence our sense of well being, and therefore our overall Quality of Life. This is precisely why yoga's tools are so potent, in the sense that they influence more than one aspect of our system, and thus can aid us in our journey toward overall Quality of Life. Considering also that each individual has a different set of priorities and capabilities, it is also the reason that Yoga has presented many different kinds of tools to aid us in this journey, rather than just merely one. This is why yoga needs to be understood, as a multi-dimensional self-empowering philosophy in practice, rather than just a set of physical exercises as it is more commonly perceived today. Think about it. Its worth discovering every layer of your self and learning how to implement integrative practices of yoga in a multi-dimensional manner for health and wellbeing.

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar has just completed his PhD, from the University of Madras, where his topic of research was "Impact of Individualized Yoga Training on Quality of Life". Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, son and student of TKV Desikachar, began studying yoga when he was nine years old. After completing his dual masters degree, he committed himself to becoming a full-time student and teacher of yoga. He recently completed his doctorate education, and continues to share his knowledge of traditional wisdom, and modern research all over the world. He has authored several books on yoga including, The Yoga of the Yogi, a biography of his grandfather, the great Yogi, T. Krishnamacharya, as well as Masters in Focus, which is a photographic tribute to five of the greatest yoga masters of our time. Dr. Kausthub is the co-founder of the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation (KHYF) and also the chief administrator of the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM), where he is a Senior Teacher and Yoga Therapy Consultant. He is also a patron of the British Wheel of Yoga, and an adviser to the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar will be offering three very PRACTICAL seminars this autumn that will address these very topics. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of these events.

Fire in the Belly. Light in the Heart. Layers of the Self.
15-19 September 2010. Portland, Oregon

It's been awhile!

2010-04-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Our blog has been a quiet place for the last year.
Seems appropriate to start again with the return of Sonia Nelson. Sonia is presenting three different workshops when she visits us at the end of April. Sonia is an amazing teacher, and has been a student of TKV Desikachar for over 30 years. Her knowledge is vast and we are honored to have her back at the yoga shala!

CHANTING PATNAJALI’S YOGASUTRA with Sonia Nelson
Friday, April 30, 2:00 - 4:00pm
$40 Early Bird before April 16, $50 thereafter
$245 for all three workshops

Through the traditional method of listening and repeating learn to chant selected sutras from the four books of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. Step by step instruction will provide skills in basic chanting techniques, Sanskrit pronunciation, and the reading of standard transliteration. The sutras selected for study will be those most relevant to the practice and teaching of yoga in contemporary western culture.

Teacher Training Elective Course • 2 hours. Open to all students and levels. Continuing CEU Credits available.

North Williams + Teacher Training
TRANSFORMATIVE CHANTING – Creating Change Through Sound with Sonia Nelson
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
April 30, May 1 & 2

Friday, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday 2:30 - 4:30pm
$120 Early Bird before April 16,
$150 thereafter
$245 for all three workshops

Chanting is a powerful tool for discovering, expressing and influencing all dimensions of the human system. As a practice and study on its own chanting can help us to improve our focus, memory and mental discipline build self confidence and awareness bring balance to our energy reduce mental and emotional agitation find and refine our own voice improve listening and communication skills increase our usual breathing and digestive functioning strengthen the link to our own spiritual connections support an overall sense of well being

Combined with yoga practice, we can discover and forge new pathways between body, mind, and breath, infusing our relationship to yoga with new vitality. Taught step-by-step through listening and response, pure sound and simple chants from the Vedic and other traditions will be taught and then applied to asana, pranayama, and meditation. This integrated practice will encourage a new depth of experience helping to sustain our direction toward yoga as a process of transformation.

Teacher Training Required Course • 6 hours. Open to all students and Levels. Continuing CEU Credits available.

North Williams + Teacher Training
YOGA OF DHARMA with Sonia Nelson
Saturday & Sunday, May 1 & 2
Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm, Sunday 9:00am - 12:00pm
$120 Early Bird before April 16, $150 thereafter
$245 for all three workshops

Mental clarity is a term often associated with the benefits of yoga practice. In our culture of change and choice, being clear about the relationship between our responsibilities and our desire for freedom can be challenging. Conceptual models and practices from the Vedic and yoga traditions provide the guidance and focus needed to meet this challenge as we act in the direction of our highest aspirations. The format of the workshop will be presentation, group discussion and practice that includes asana, pranayama, and a variety of meditative tools to support our exploration of this timely subject.

Teacher Training Required Course • 6 hours. Open to all students and levels. Continuing CEU Credits available.

About Sonia Nelson:
A student of T.K.V. Desikachar since 1975, Sonia Nelson has been a teacher of Yoga and Vedic Chant for over thirty years. She established the Vedic Chant Center in Santa Fe in 2000 and gives nationwide seminars and workshops on Yoga and Vedic Chant. Sonia has released a number of CDs including tutorials for Vedic Chant and the chanting of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Currently in New Mexico, through individual instruction, Sonia focuses her teaching on mentoring, continuing education and personal practice development for yoga teachers. Sonia is a KHYF Certified Teacher Trainer.

www.vedicchantcenter.org/

Honoring Gayatri - Meditation In Praise of the Sun with Sonia Nelson

2009-03-18T09:53:00.001-07:00

Honoring Gayatri - Meditation In Praise of the Sun with Sonia Nelson
Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5
Friday 6:00 - 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 1:30 - 6:30pm
Early bird rate: $190 - full 12 hour workshop $210 on day of workshop
Friday only $30, Saturday and Sunday only $100 each day.

Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most highly regarded mantras found in the Vedic Texts. Using Vedic Chant, Mantra Recitation, Gesture, Mudra, Pranayama, and Visualization this workshop will guide you through simple, yet traditional, meditation procedures which will enable you to continue practicing on your own.

About Vedic Chanting: It is said that hearing the sound of Vedic Chant imparts healing qualities to those who are listening. The act of chanting unites body, breath, mind and speech encouraging deep healing at all levels of the human system. The experience of listening and chanting is one of communication, sharing and coming together in sacred sound.

Sonia Nelson, Director of the Vedic Chant Center, has been a student and teacher of Yoga and Vedic Chant for over twenty five years. As a student of T.K.V. Desikachar since 1975, Sonia is a Certified Teacher Trainer in association with the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation (KHYF).

In addition to integrating the use of chant into yoga practice, Sonia has developed a unique approach for teaching Vedic Chant to Western students and gives seminars and workshops nationwide and at the center in Santa Fe. She has released a number of CDs including tutorials for learning Vedic Chant and the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.

Dear friend in need of help!

2009-03-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

Cyclist, dancer, yogi - Hollis Hawthorne - is in critical care at a hospital in Chennia, India. After a week in a coma, she is finally breathing on her own; however, an air ambulance is still needed to get her to the states for care. Please help by donating money and/or prayers to her. There is also a benefit/auction next Tuesday at 316 NW 4th. Visit www.sprockettes.org for more info or contact me directly if you'd like to donate an item or services to the auction.

http://www.friendsofhollis.blogspot.com/

Thank you,
Dawn Korthals

SANSKRIT FOR YOGA PRACTITIONERS, PART II: Important Terminology in the Yogasutras with Kate & Nandini

2009-02-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 21, 2:00 - 5:00pm • $35

Learn the words and discuss the meanings of important Yoga Sutras, and the terminology of concepts presented in the text. The ashtangas, abhyasam and vairagyam, the klesas, vrttis, antarayas, yamas and niyamas, and a brief look at the sutras relating to techniques of meditation.

This lecture based workshop will help you become comfortable with the terminology so that we can use the sanskrit words with understanding rather than approximate English substitution in a yoga class. This is a required course for the shala's Advanced Studies Program. Everyone who wants to understand the concepts of the Sutras is welcome, and Teachers are encouraged to attend!

Happy V Day

2009-02-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

This Valentines the Shala is holding a raffle! Come in and sign up for any of our class packages or make a purchase and be entered to win one of our V Day gift baskets - they include a box of Vosges Chocolates, Kol bath salts, and a free class! This is an $80+ value!

We're also having a red-tag sale. All items with a red dot are 40% for the month of February, so hurry in and save. New merchandise is arriving soon for Spring! Yea!

Yogis Seeking Inspired Economy

2009-02-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Our changing economy is presenting us with so many opportunities to re-value what matters and how to put that first.

In the spirit of change, possibilities, and inspiration, I want to invite you all to come to a community gathering...

What?

My friend Perry will give a brief presentation about his inspiring dream for the transformation of our economy. Perry is a very successful businessman who recently left Intel to dedicate his career to the realization of a more sustainable beneficial economy in the U.S. Check out his website http://perrygruber.com Go to his blog, then click on New Economy For a New America to learn more about this humanitarian economic system.

When?

Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 7:30pm-9pm

7:30pm-8:15pm Presentation, 8:15pm-9pm Q&A

Where?

Yoga Shala North

3808 N Williams

Cost?

FEE

Why?

As I understand it, Perry is starting a grass roots movement to help a new economic model come to life.

What does that mean? He wants to tell people about this new model, and he wants them to tell other people. The model is completely unlike anything I've ever heard of before. But I think its basis is inspiring enough that I'm hosting a presentation in the hopes that others may be, in some way, inspired and uplifted by these ideas as well.

I believe that this economic model is unique in its principles and practical theories of how to value goods, maintain distribution of power, and fertilize the best in human nature. I left my first meeting with Perry with my imagination spreading in every direction, fed by the pictures he painted. I don't know how this model will grow, but I have experienced its power to energize and awake possibilities.

Please come, and consider these possibilities with us. Bring your community!

Ropes!

2009-02-07T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
I know many of you have been asking for Anne to hold a rope workshop, and here's your chance! Tomorrow! Sunday!
IYENGAR ROPE WORKSHOP with Anne
Sunday, February 8, 2:00-5:00pm $30, limit of 6
Join Anne and literally learn the ropes! Experience the rope walls and learn the proper way to use these valuable tools developed by BKS Iyengar. A great workshop for teachers and students of all levels of experience.
Call the Shala to register and check availability at 503 963-9642.

the function of yoga

2009-01-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

this past week i have been asking myself, how does yoga function for me? seems the key words always seem to be mind/body/soul, but what does that really mean, where do we begin.

take a deep breathe. now what? oh ya, exhale. how do you feel? what just happened? what's the function?

find out what the Sutra's have to say this weekend @ Chase's workshop!

YOGA SHALA LUCKY 7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BASH!

2008-06-05T01:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 7th at 7:00pm,
North Williams Shala
3808 North Williams

Please join us for our birthday celebration! There will be a fabulous pot-luck with food made by our talented culinary teachers and staff, music and dancing, libations and a fabulous Raffle! We are thrilled with the bounty donated by the local stores on Williams and the Mississippi neighborhood with terrific gift certificates or items from their shops. Our raffle will also include yoga classes, massage, acupuncture and other health treatments from our students and teachers!

The raffle proceeds will go to Ethos Music Center, a local non-profit organization, that promotes music and music education to under served communities. Ethos is located right in our own North Portland neighborhood.

See you at the party! Oh, almost forgot to mention the Limbo Contest!
Not to be missed!

another sweet photo from Erin's Happy Trails Party

2008-06-01T23:29:00.001-07:00

Take the yogis bowling

2008-06-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Sundays,
hey, wasn't that a band from the 90's?
Oh, but I digress!
In the next few posts you'll find photos from past parties and visiting teachers. To start the archive off, the shala crew went bowling last week! Here we are in all our bowling glory - strike a pose! (yes, pun intended).

Erin's Surprise Party at Vendetta

2008-05-30T23:30:00.001-07:00

Our Dear Desk Guru Erin is going home for the summer. We had a little going away party for her last night! We will miss you Erin!

Welcome to the Yoga Shala of Portland Blog!

2008-05-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
News from the shala! We are excited about our upcoming Advanced Studies and Teacher Training Info Session and Open House this Friday, May 30th starting at 6pm at the Williams Shala, 3808 North Williams. We will have snacks and tea for a meet and greet than we will sit down and talk about the program. You can ask questions, meet the faculty, the current and graduate students from the program too.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@yogashalapdx.com
See you soon!