Get the Monkey Off Your Back!
By Hayley Alexander

A Stress Busting Yoga Day was held at the ISHTA Centre in Atholl on Saturday 17^th October, presented by Kundalini yoga teacher Pritam Khalsa, who gave a two hour class on Yoga Kriyas for connecting to the third and fifth chakras, which is where we hold on to most of our tension. Kriya (the Sanskrit root of the word is ‘doing’) can be explained as the spontaneous fulfilment of action through the engagement of asana that links one’s infinite self to this finite moment.

Combining pranayama with asana and mantra, the group worked together to create a harmony that resonated both externally and within, gradually allowing any stress to be released while consciously detoxifying and purifying the body-mind along with the subtle energies. The exercises work in an elegant, round-about manner to deliver a precise effect on body, mind and spirit.

A favourite amongst the Kriya techniques was the “Baboon Breath”, practised by first bouncing an imaginary ball, bringing the hands into Buddhi Mudra:(the pinky touches the thumb and the other three fingers are straight, eyes are closed); followed by making the hands into a fist and bringing the arms out to the sides, moving vigorously while breathing loudly to create a sound similar to that of a baboon.

Yogi Bhajan’s comments to this exercise: “Get this Monkey out of your mind and system. Don’t be shy . . . This will stimulate the parathyroid . . . and you will burn up your sick dreams and your memories. By playing that ball, you will be able to control the psycho-magnetic energy.”

With burning arms held straight out in front at shoulder height for seven minutes (which felt like seven hours!), the lesson concluded with the singing of Bountiful, Blissful, Beautiful allowing all those present to experience this perfect and wonderful state of being.
Thereafter everyone enjoyed cooling off outside while tucking in to a delicious buffet lunch catered by Free Foods. With all the heat created in the first-half of the day, the opening of the heavens was symbolic of all the stress being washed away.

Having satisfied the appetite, the second-half marked the time to celebrate! Led by Natalie Vlismas, the band SATYA performed a selection of their most popular Kundalini based tracks, encouraging group participation and socialisation games that made it impossible not to smile. The vibe was that of ecstasy blended with serenity to bring about a state of transcendence. Although it was only a one day workshop, there is no doubt that the effects will be long withstanding towards a greater sense of vitality, strength, love, acceptance, happiness and peace in our daily lives.

Sat Nam

Yoga for Stress

Some of our day-to day stressors build our capacity, our muscles and our teeth for life. But sometimes our ’stress monster’ gets so out of hand that we don’t know who we are anymore.That becomes a great pain of life when our authentic, royal, regal and sovereign self is dethroned or left forever undiscovered.
We deserve to be rid of that deep-seated stress to be able to look with all new eyes and so handle the diversity of life.
In this class we will work with the elements and enter the stress-free zone. All levels welcome - even if you have never practiced Kundalini Yoga .

Pritam Hari Kaur Khalsa teaches Kundalini Yoga and teacher training. She has published a picture book in yoga, called the Kundalini Yoga Fan.

She shares a wealth of knowledge in natural foods and healing through her and her husbands Har Bhajan’s brand, Fruits & Roots Natural Foods.

Satya Kirtan Group

Kirtan is the art of devotional music that invites us as a sangat, a congregation, to celebrate and praise source through chantIt is the

experience of the individual elevating to a state of merger. The gathering of 

the voices around us draws us into our own experience and what we share with 

the group. We might have felt that we cannot sing - but we can still chant!

We explore breath and voice to awaken our expression in this class of kirtan and chant.

SATYA has been chanting and sharing for the past two years and is focussed through the musical

excellence of Natalie Vlismas/ Siri Kirtan Kaur (voice, piano) and Gidon Lazarus (guitar) and friends.

The main theme of the Satyananda Yoga is awakening the faculties of the Head – Heart – Hands. The Head represents – your Intelligence, Wisdom, Observation, Knowledge, Awareness The Heart represents - your Feelings, Emotions, Sensations The Hands represent – the ability for you to Act, Create, Perform The ability to manage all 3 compartments of our life creates the balance which will make a person whole and complete – but of course still practicing the physical yoga for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Yoga is a process of managing oneself. It is a lifestyle. If you are willing to change and adapt to that disciplined lifestyle – then you become a YOGI. Finally, Niranjan asks “What is the relevance of Yoga?”. The Answer: The moment we manage to handle our Intellect – Emotions – Actions, we give Evolution a chance in our life. Head, Heart and Hands is the theme in the 21st Century together with awareness of our spiritual nature. So if you want to experience the depth of Yoga, then immerse yourself in this idea: LIVE- LOVE- & LAUGH

S.A. Satyananda School of Yoga; Swami Kamalavidya 011 327 0073; kamala@wol.co.za; www.yogasa.co.za

Benefits of vitamin C rich acerola berry:

• strengthens immune system, naturally it helps keep away colds and flu. Since our body cannot produce or store vitamin C and bioflavonoids, fruits such as the acerola berry help in restocking those levels, and together they enhance blood circulation and help the body fight against illnesses.
• It helps the body in forming collagen which is the basis for connective tissue and skin. Naturally, it also helps in healing wounds.
• As the acerola berry is chockfull of vitamin C, it can protect the body from free radicals which are the root causes of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
• If you’re diabetic, then the acerola berry is very good for you as it can reduce the blood sugar to reasonable levels. Acerola berries contain polyphenols which help greatly in reducing blood sugar.
• Acerola berries can help fight cancers such as those of the lung, colon, stomach and others as well. This is because of the high level of antioxidants that they contain which help in fighting free radicals.
• One more interesting use of the acerola berry is strengthening teeth and bones. Acerola berries have a few vitamins which help greatly in protecting and rebuilding teeth and bones. This is especially helpful if you’re suffering from brittle bones and chipped teeth.
• Most skin products that are being made to treat conditions such as melasma contain acerola berry extracts in them. The acerola berries are ideal for treating skin discoloration as well because the high content of vitamin C in them lowers the production of melanin which makes the skin dark.
• You can maintain acidity levels in your body with the help of acerola berries and this also aids the process of digestion.
• When combined with soya, the acerola berries can even help in lowering cholesterol.
• Since these berries are low on sugar, they make an excellent snack which even helps you lose weight.
• Acerola berries are one of the most important nutrients that inhibit stress significantly. These berries fight aging, boost levels of vitamin C in the body and make you look and feel younger.

Looking for a way to make the world a better place?

Consider joining the International Karma Yoga Day movement. It costs nothing, is open to anyone of any school. Open your heart and mind in the form of service of your choice. Choose what you want to make of the day; inspire yourself and your students. Help us start an international movement to help awake the general population to kindness, build recognition of the benefits of yoga, and bring students from all schools together conceptually for a day. Yoga means union. Let us work for union by making this small effort to bring the yoga schools of the world together, recognizing our similarities instead of our differences. Lets shine a light into our homes and communities, taking yoga off the mat and bringing fun, kindness and assistance to our own home towns and also reaching our across the world. If you or someone you know would like to help organize or participate please contact the international program facilitator, Russ Hazard, at wanderingadept@gmail.com and he will put you in touch with others working in your region.

Read full article www.completeyoga.co.za

28 August 2010: YTF Afternoon @ Ishta 14.00 – 16.00

Tibetan Sound Meditation “Nothing Exists Independently of Anything Else.”

The bells and their music carry the Buddhist teachings of the “void”: The sympathetic resonance between the brain and singing bowls reawakens the intrinsic blissful self within us.

Due to popular demand, The Yoga Teacher’s Fellowship will again host a “Deep Healing meditation using Sounds created by Tibetan Bowls & Gongs”. Music by Alice & Peter.

R 90 for YTF members, R100 for Guests (tea incl)

EFTs:-Standard Bank Br 0006405 Account 000652326 (Name as reference) Please confirm your reservation with Marina:- marina@ytf.co.za; 011 886 2117/083 300 3512.

Nandiva: nandiva@wol.co.za; 011 887 2027/082 338 8153;

Ishta Yoga Studio: 121 Atholl Road, Atholl, Sandton

Aekta will offer genuine Tibetan/Kashmiri artifacts for sale.

For individual therapy call : Alice: (011) 680.6156 / 072.666.0670 or Peter Attwood: (011) 793.5065 / 083.379.5320 .Alice Hoeler has a diploma from German based Walter Hafner Institute of Intuitive and Alternative Healing Methods and Sensory perception

Green Smoothie

Green Smoothies Recipe

The green smoothie recipe below is a great base recipe to get started with. When introducing it to friends, most used it as a breakfast smoothie, but this nutrition powerhouse can be consumed any time of day.

1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1 cup blueberries
1 banana
1-2 cups chopped parsley

Add the ingredients to a blender, blend, serve and enjoy

Fruits and Roots: Contact Robert 011 463 2928; robert@fruitsanadroots.co.za; www.fruitsandroots.co.za Eat Well - Live Well

]]> http://www.ytf.co.za/2010/08/articles/be-balanced/green-smoothie-recipe/feed/ http://www.ytf.co.za/2010/08/events/be-happy-satsang-ishta-atholl/ http://www.ytf.co.za/2010/08/events/be-happy-satsang-ishta-atholl/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:00:32 +0000 MarinaC http://www.ytf.co.za/?p=3478 Swami Anubhavanand poster :

Greatness is achieved by paying attention to the small things. Do not struggle for God realisation. Let him manifest through you.

Contact: Premalbhai 074 179 5350 or Marina 083 300 3512/marina@ytf.co.za

Venue: Ishta School of Yoga, 121 Atholl Road, Atholl, Sandton.

Iyengar Yoga Workshop

Senior Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher

David Jacobs

21^st &  22^nd August 2010

Sat/Sun 08h30  - 17h00Venue: Carla’s Studio, 56 Pitzer Rd, Glen Austin, Midrand

Bookings: Jürgen 082 886 7568 yogawithdavid@gmail.com

Lars 072 436 3818 lars@triaxus.eu

Cost (full course): R1200 (also see options on next page or enquire)

• This workshop runs as a course and preference is given to those who register for the entire 2-days.
• There is a R200 discount if you register before the end of June.
• Anyone who has been taking regular yoga classes for at least six months is welcome.
• A light lunch will be served. Please bring any props you have.
• For more info on David visit www.yogawithdavid.blogspot.com

Course schedule Sat & Sun:

08h45 - 09h45       Pranayama

09h45  – 10h00      Break

10h00  — 13h00      Asana Class

13h00 - 14h00         Lunch

14h00 — 17h00       Asana ClassPayment for the course is as follows:

21 August 2010 KZN Annual Charity Open Yoga Day

This time of the year is the best to have Oil Massage and Treatments!

The warmth, unctuousness and nurturing, balances Vatta - which is vitiated due to dry, windy and cold weather.

Claire Stephenson will give an Introduction to Ayurveda, including tips on Diet, Lifestyle & Seasonal Regime, plus an  interactive demo on the Self-Abhyanga Massage with a bottle of Sesame Oil to take home.

To treat yourself to an uplifting Saturday afternoon at the Ishta studio, 121 Atholl Rd, Atholl, Sandton, please confirm your  reservation with Marina:-marina@ytf.co.za; 011 886 2117/083 300 3512

R100 includes talk, demo, sesame oil & tea. EFTs:-Standard Bank Br 0006405 Account 000652326 (Name as reference)

Banking details: B & M Vorster; Nedbank Branch 168405, Acct# 1684 038065

Suggested programme: Part 1

Thursday 12th August: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Breaks: Lunch & teas. Topic: The 4 Noble Truths + The Law of Cause & Effect [known also as KARMA] Cost? R300 per person

Part 2:

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th August: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Breaks: Lunch & teas. Topic: Union of Bodhicitta & Emptiness, Compassion [Buddha of Compassion] Cost? R300 per person per day [total for week end R600]

Part 3:

So, Rinpoche will be free on Wednesday afternoon and Friday to do a little local sight-seeing. Mark & Marloes Joseph will also be down over the week end to be with us on retreat

Please visit his website at www.chamtrul-rinpoche.com
Please feel free to call us for more information or visit our website at www.karmayogacentre.co.za

ACCOMMODATION:
Coral Tree Colony B&B is available across the road [50 meter walk] for anyone who wishes to stay over @ R550 pp per night bed & breakfast
Check out their website at www.thecoraltree.com or call 039 316 6676
We will be limited to around 30 people, so don’t delay book today!
Namaste, Melody

039 316 8658, 082 875 4495
5 Mandy Road, Southbroom
www.karmayogacentre.co.za

For more information about Chamtrul Rinpoche, advance booking and/or donation, please contact Mark Joseph : dharma@stillmind.co.za

Trinley Communications
Account number 4053275408
Branch code 632005
ABSA bank Cheque Account

For more information about

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Bhakti Marga is Sanskrit and means path (marga) of devotion (bhakti).
It is a way of life, a path to the Heart and connection to the inner Self and Divine Love.

http://www.bhaktimarga.org/

This year 7/25 also falls on Gurupurnima, the largest and most perfect full moon of the year, which in India is dedicated to the Guru.

Of all nations, we are the Rainbow people, so let us celebrate peace, art, science and spirituality, harness our energy and direct it to healing ourselves, our nation, our earth.

Read more and watch the wonderful expletory videos : Circumpolar Rainbow Bridge by Jose’ Arguelles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL5K1o2X3aw

Laugh, specially when you take yourself and life too seriously; it washes away worry, tiredness and stress like pure, clear water refreshes the skin.

Hari Om, M

All human beings have only one goal: Peace. They try in vain to find it in the external world. Become dejected and confused because it does not exist there. True happiness comes with self-development. With gradual unfoldment of the Self within one develops commensurate peace and happiness.

Sunandaji has researched Vedanta and its practical application to daily living for over three decades. Her discourses on Vedanta which include topics such as stress management and productivity enhancement have received outstanding global recognition.
Wits University
Lecture series over two evenings : Mon 02 - Tues 03 Aug, 7.00 - 8.30pm
Wits Great Hall, Central Block, East Campus.
Admission is free. No booking required. UCt & KZN lectures & more

UC T
Lecture series over two evenings
Thurs 05 - Fri 06 Aug, 7.00 - 8.30pm
Zoology Lecture Theatre 1
John Day Zoology Building, Upper Campus
University of Cape Town
Admission is free. No booking required.
University of KZN Durban
Lecture - Price of Peace
Tues 10 Aug, 6.30 - 8.00pm
Shepstone 1, Shepstone Building,
Howard College Campus
Admission is free. No booking required.

Sunanadji will also speak on

‘Yoga of Knowledge’

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15. Liberate yourself from the stress and strain of the mundane world and gain the knowledge to achieve everlasting happiness.

University of KZN Durban
Wed 11 - Sat 14 Aug, 6.30 - 8.00pm
11&12 Aug Venue: Sheptstone 1
13&14 Aug Venue: CC1 (opp Shepstone Bldg)
Admission is free. No booking required.

E-mail: info@vedanta.org.za
Tel: 071 111 5505
www.vedanta.org.za

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Yesterday we thought we were healed - and - so we are.

Tomorrow we will heal our families - and - then the whole world will heal.

Our thoughts are our tomorrow’s reality - think - about that! ” - Lynn Pelse

Thoughts become things…. so choose the good ones! TUT, Letters from the universe.

ICC-DURBAN, 21ST- 22ND AUGUST 2010

Topics will include: YOGA, VEDIC ASTROLOGY, AYURVEDIC MEDICINE AND VAASTU SHAASTRA

Should you wish to participate as an exhibitor/sponsor, please contact Nafeesa Ally or Thulisile Dlamini
VISIT: www.vediclifestyle.co.za FOR FULL PROGRAMME AND REGISTRATION (Please share this e-mail - it’s for EVERYONE!!!)

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