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March 2005 Yoga - Art - Expression
Heart Practice Yoga & Press Newsletter
in this issue
 

Pilgrim of Love

With all the chaos of the past months and the future's uncertainty, I have found comfort in the book Pilgrim of Love: the Life and Teachings of Swami Kripalu, edited by Atma Jo Ann Levitt. I am reminded that my suffering comes from my holding on to how I think things should be. Much of my struggle comes from trying to get my point across.

In one story, Swami Kripalu was leading a class on the Bhagavad Gita when his hostess noticed that he was suffering from fever. She returned to the room with plates, bowls and other materials.

When asked what she was doing, the hostess replied that she was making a remedy for the evil eye, which she believed was the cause of Swami Kripalu's fever. She demonstrated how the bowl's sticking to the plate proved her claim.

Swami Kripalu sat and listened, knowing that the woman deeply cared for him. At the end of her explanation and ritual, he simply agreed that her remedy would surely work.

Upon seeing the interaction, the students exclaimed shock, knowing that Swami Kripalu was a man of science and that he didn't believe in superstitions.

Swami Kripalu admitted that he was suffering from fever and that the woman believed she could help him. He knew her intention was to show her love and concern in a way she knew how, and that it would be futile to argue against her beliefs. He stated: "I loved the good result more than the victory of my own ideas."

This one line in this simple story has become my mantra. It brings home the fact that I do not have to be right, especially if the good results benefit everyone. It has also helped me practice surrender in the most profound ways. How much time and emotions are spent in judging others and events through the filter of our own experiences and ideas?

More on Kripalu...

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Greetings,

This monthly newsletter is created to provide you with resources to nourish your practice and inspire your spirit. Please send an e-mail if there is anything you would like to see featured for our yoga community.

- Peace and Light, Monica Paredes


 
Only Change is Constant

As many of you know, Pedro and I are relocating back to the Northeast, beginning March 14th. His job with American Express requires us to be closer to its headquarters on Wall Street. We have been able to find a charming home in Hoboken, NJ, just across the Hudson from the New York City skyline.

San Antonio has been one of the warmest and friendliest places we have ever lived in, and we have met some of our best friends here. We will also miss the wide-open spaces, Tex-Mex food and the inexpensive cost of living. We are renting out our home in hopes of someday returning. I thank all the wonderful students and friends here who have enriched my classes and our life.

This has been a great opportunity to practice non- attachment and surrender, as well as tapas for the things we can affect. With all the changes of moving and expecting our baby boy in July, we continue to look for the miracles in every moment.

I can still be reached through my Web site at www.heartpracticeyoga.com and my work number will remain 210-381-2389. As to how everything else unfolds, I will keep you posted...


 
14th Annual Treasury of Knowledge Retreat

Rigpe Dorje Center and Nalandabodhi Texas are cosponsoring THE 14th ANNUAL TREASURY OF KNOWLEDGE RETREAT in San Antonio, Texas, March 18-25, 2005, with The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

Rinpoche will be teaching on Atisha's "A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment." Weekend only / full week / other options will be considered to fit your schedule. There are no prerequisites for attending this program.

A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment is one of the most notable texts by Atisha, the eleventh-century Indian Buddhist scholar and meditation master (982 - 1054). The text of Atisha's Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment sets forth the entire Buddhist path in 68 four-line verses, distilling the essence of all the teachings of the Buddha into a clear, progressive arrangement that makes it easy for any individual to understand and practice the Dharma.

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is one of the foremost scholars of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Rinpoche was born in 1965 at Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, India, and graduated from Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies as Acharya, or Master of Buddhist philosophy, in 1990. Fluent in the English language and well-versed in Western culture, Rinpoche has worked actively to develop and adapt traditional Tibetan education curriculums for students in Europe, Canada, US and Mexico. He is known for his sharp intellect, humor, and the lucidity of his teaching style. Rinpoche has his primary residence in Seattle, where he directs Nalandabodhi and Nalanda West, its international events center.

Location: Blue Hills Inn & Spa, 21455 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX, 78257. tel: (210) 687-1110. Registration & Payments: Virginia Rios, vlrios@msn.com, (210) 695-3760 or (210) 845-3277. Event: Jan Puckett at jsrpuck@satx.rr.com.


 
Jane Goldstein - My Teacher Recommendation

Now that we are relocating back to the Northeast, students are asking where they can continue their yoga studies. In my opinion, one of the best instructors in the state (and one of my very good friends) is Jane Goldstein. She currently offers classes in her home in Monte Vista, at San Antonio College and, beginning soon, at Synergy Studios.

Beginning April 6 and every Wednesday night, she will be holding a free Intermediate Anusara class at the Synergy Studio on McCullough, at 6 - 7:15 p.m. The idea is to pay it forward...if it makes you feel good, pass that feeling on to someone in need.

Jane's teaching is inspired by the study of Anusara Yoga created by John Friend. Anusara Yoga is focused on the principles of proper postural alignment combined with the joyous expression of yoga's true essence. She received her 225-hour certification with the Yoga Connection in Tucson, Arizona and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance.

Jane's teaching also draws on her educational background, which includes a Masters of Science degree in Health Promotion and nine nationally recognized fitness certifications. For the past 20 years Jane has worked as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, exercise physiologist and now a yoga instructor. Her goal is for students to learn about their body and mind so they can feel like they have the tools needed to continue their practice for many years.

She is a wonderful teacher to take your practice to the next level. You can reach her at (210) 240-6141 or jane@twohearts.net.

Prenatal students can find classes at The Yoga Place on Brookhollow. Destinat ion Maternity (destinationmaternity.com) on I- 10 and Wurzbach offers free classes - sign up early!


 
Heart Practice Yoga Products

Just a reminder that our Art of the Yamas and Niyamas cards are available for purchase. We've received orders from around the world and are excited that yogis are gaining inspiration for their practice and teachings. Wholesale inquiries for studios are welcome. You can view all ten cards at Bruce's site: thirdeyestudio. net.

In additiona, Donnabelle Casis', artistic and meaningful yoga jewelry are back by popular demand. From the colorful Italian yarn, to the silver fittings and pewter heart, each piece is made with loving attention to detail. These necklaces harness the healing and energetic qualities of semi-precious stones. The colors correspond to a complementary chakra.


 
Anusara Yoga Weekend Workshop with John Friend

Featuring Live Music by Benjy & Heather Wertheimer, March 19-20, 2005 in Austin, TX. This is a great opportunity to study with John Friend in his offering closest to San Antonio.

John is pleased to be returning once again to Austin for another magical event. Joining John during this workshop will be renowned musical artists Benjy and Heather Wertheimer! In addition to awesome live music, you will experience the transformational power of both the Universal Principles of Alignment and the life-affirming philosophy that forms the foundation of Anusara Yoga.

Cost: Mixed Level - $70, Intermediate/Advanced - $130 Location: Conley-Guerrero Senior Center, Charles Jordan Hall, 808 Nile Street, Austin, TX 78702. Please go to anusara.com to register.

John also will be teaching a weekend workshop in Houston, TX on April 9 - 10.