in
this issue
Unfold the True You
Successful resolutions seem to have three essential elements:
1) they are based in compassion (ahimsa);
2) there is
a measurable plan (tapas); and
3) the process becomes
more fulfilling than the result (santosha).
For those deciding to start the year fresh, do it with the
intention to energize your life instead of feeling that you are not
thin enough, wealthy enough or more educated. In considering where
to start, improving your health should always be at the top of the
list.
Here are some suggestions:
Weight-less: Eat sensibly when you're hungry, stop when
you're full and exercise. That's the secret. Find an activity you
enjoy (yoga!) then find others who enjoy moving.
Self expression: Join or start a creative writing, needle
pointing, movie, photography or water coloring group. I loved our
Scottsdale Goddess Group where artistic women got together to nosh,
discuss projects and share ideas once a month.
Mind matters: Create or reignite a passion for a hobby.
Play the guitar, take singing or belly dancing lessons, learn
Quicken, snap away with your new digital camera, or better yet,
teach!
See better: Go somewhere new. Take in the sights, smells
and cuisine of someplace different, even for a day. Or go somewhere
familiar, like the zoo, with a child.
When you are truly enjoying your life, the pounds come off, the
money is managed, and you are more beautiful to those who are
inspired by your enthusiasm.
Quick Links...
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| Dear
Monica,
This monthly newsletter, published by writer and yogi
Monica Paredes, is created to provide resources to nourish
your practice and inspire your spirit.
I hope your New Year (Chinese Year of the Monkey in
February) brings you much happiness and health. Please contact
me if you have yoga questions or would like to see a featured
topic. Namaste.
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Two Things
There were two things I
particularly enjoyed over my holiday vacation (ok, golf,
three). One was reading Life of Pi by Yann
Martel. It is one of the best stories I've read in a long
time. The author created an endearing character in Pi and did
it in a humorous and intelligent way. It was nice to recognize
passages from the Gita and to learn about other religions. Pi
has a love of God and zoology...I'll leave it at that.
The second was a Christmas present from Pedro entitled
Learn Sanskrit in 30 Days, by Kizhathur
Srinivasachariar. The cover says its the "easiest way to learn
Sanskrit, read Sanskrit, write Sanskrit, speak Sanskrit and
converse Sanskrit through English." Despite it's deceivingly
small size, it is comprehensive and user-friendly. I'll let
you know, it's only my 3rd day. Anyone interested in
conversing in Sanskrit?
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Workshops & Classes
Hip Openers
The
Yoga Place
Friday, Jan. 23, 2004
6:30 - 9 p.m.,
$20
If you regularly experience knee, shoulder, or lower
back pain, you may be suffering from the effects of tight hip
muscles. Using various yoga therapy methods, we'll explore
basic anatomy and physiology of the hip area and discover
relief in familiar postures.
I am currently teaching classes and workshops at The Yoga
Place-San Antonio and Racquetball & Fitness. You can find
Kripalu classes for beginners & intermediate students as
well as prenatal and specialty workshops. "Girl's Night In" is
scheduled for February and "Yoga for Golfers" is scheduled for
March (anything to combine my favorite things). Check the Web
for schedule updates and details.
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Yoga Retreat in Sabina, Italy
June 12 - 19, 2004
As of December 28th, all the spaces in our Italy trip have
been filled. Seventeen students are coming from as far as
Virginia and Arizona to Texas. If you are not able to make it
this time, there will be future trips to transformative
places.
For those attending the retreat, here is the first in a
series of useful Italian phrases: "C'e qualcuno che parla
inglese?" (Does anyone speak English?)
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Artistic Inspiration
Artist Bruce Bowditch of
Third Eye Studio and I are collaborating on a project which is
scheduled for publication in the next couple of months. I
first saw Bruce's work back in May and was astounded by his
colors and symbolism depicted in cards and posters.
Each image is the expression of the artist's deep
commitment to a yogic way of life, to yoga's rich history and
its contemporary emergence and place in the West. To create
these original, ornate and richly detailed images, traditional
painting techniques combine with photography in the digital
medium of the computer. I'm honored to be working with him.
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