Toltec Wisdom
In my first 3 years' Enews, I explored each Chakra monthly, as I do weekly in classes. For 2009, I'm enjoying tying in other wisdom teachings. My January ENews discussed Patanjali's Yoga Sutra I:33 and his four Keys to inner peace and contentment.
January's article mentioned Don Miguel Ruiz's book "The Four Agreements" and piqued readers' interest; so I'm following up on that. This small sage volume brings us thousands-years-old wisdom from the shamanic tradition of the "other" Indians, the "naguals" men and women of ancient Mexico. Deceptively simple, the book reminds us that we all operate on assumptions and beliefs, or "agreements" that we take for granted. Some are mutually contradictory; some are merely contradictory to our happiness. Yet we swallow them whole, without question. We oppress ourselves and others with them. Ruiz suggests we examine and jettison the thousands of unnecessary "agreements" that bind us, and consciously choose just four by which to operate. To him, these Four Agreements guarantee us peace and integrity, just as Patanjali assured us his Four Keys can do. Interestingly, both distinctions require the perception of our Brow Chakra and the compassion of our Heart Chakra.
A gentle Aussie healer man on one of my trainings offered me the strength of the Four Agreements when I needed them. Whether it's stress at work, relationship issues, finance problems or health trouble, try the wisdom of these "other Indians" and see if this system helps to clarify your Heart Chakra's balance of healing and acceptance.
The Four Agreements are spelled out at sidebar; Ruiz's little book is readily available in bookstores.
FOUR AGREEMENTS BOOK
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Creating Abundance
At dinner one night some 8 years ago, our Vicar's wife asked: "What do you envision, Mary? For your most fulfilling life's work?" I paused, then spoke for the first time what has essentially been my work life for the past 7 years, only each year more so, and increasingly more so every week and every day this last year.
That is the power of the spoken Word, of Vissudha, the throat Chakra - and of what follows it, the power of intention, of Manipura, action Chakra. Because what she then said was, "And, what steps can you take in that direction?"
She commissioned me with envisioning my own ministry, and I took steps forward.
The more I use the combination of Perception, Word, and Action, the more I manifest into creation what previously did not exist except in my imagination. Brow, throat, & power Chakras. Yoga in life. I see it in the yogis living out Karma initiatives in Africa and Cambodia. They amply open the heart chakra too. They nurture the crown, they feed the root, they balance the sacral.
What is your vision? What steps are you taking in that direction? What are you creating in the world? How are you a manifester of abundance?
ENEWS LOG
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Intermediate Acro
Acro students requested it. Om Factory, Chris Loebsack and I are offering it! Two Intermediate-level AcroYoga® workshops with entry pre-requisites. Both are happening Saturday March 28, for two-and-a-half hours each. The first, from 11:30-2PM, explores Star pose in its various ramifications. The second, from 3:30-6PM, builds on pair and multiple partner counter-balances. Come play all day with a 90-minute lunch break between, or come for the one of your choice. Details and registration below.
MARCH 28~OM FACTORY
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Basic Acro
Flying is for everyone! Come to a 3-hour foundational AcroYoga® workshop Saturday April 4 and receive your flyer's permit, introductory level! You will learn Circle Flow, Partner Yoga and Thai Massage, the techniques of Partner Counter-balancing, and the basics of flying in basing, spotting and flying roles. You will be astounded by the new skills your body can perform, and the enjoyment of doing them! Celebrate your flight patterns with Mary's yummy and nourishing oat cluster cookies. No partner necessary. No prior experience required.
This workshop will take place at PURE Yoga. A 4-week foundational Acro series is also available April 12 through May 3, either to follow through on the workshop skills, or for those approaching AcroYoga® for the first time.
FOUNDATIONS OF FLIGHT ~ APRIL 4
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Mom's Day Couples Yoga
Mother's Day Eve, Saturday May 9th: Come celebrate love with a friend, family member, or romantic partner in partner yoga at YogaWorks Westside by Lincoln Center. 5-7PM, perfect before dinnertime! Like my Valentine workshop, pairs will bond in loving breath and touch, within the warmth of community. No prior yoga required. Come with someone you love to be with. Yes, mommy will bake cookies. 10% discount for mothers. Pre-registration recommended to ensure a spot.
MOM'S DAY EVE ~ COUPLES YOGA ~ MAY 9
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March Schedule
Beginning in March I teach a Tuesday 10:30AM Restorative at PURE. Anyone new to Restorative: you're in for a treat! Relax on bolsters and blankets in passive, quiet poses that calm the nervous system to encourage the body's inner healing. Non-members can buy a PURE $25 day pass to explore great classes and deluxe facilities for the entire day.
My Thursday 7PM AcroYoga® class at Om Factory will still have Thai massage, Savasana, and a loving, healing intent, but is now called just AcroYoga®, not AcroYoga Therapeutics. Newcomers to Om Factory can buy their first week for $25, first month $99!
MY CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
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NYYTA; Facebook
New York abounds in Yoga! Networking and community create abundance for everyone.
New York Yoga Teachers Association connects teachers, studios and practitioners, with directories, event calendars, discounts, and more. My medical coverage is through NYYTA the past five years.
And now you can be Facebook Friends with "AcroYoga NewYork" for local events, photos, Acro contacts, chats. The events will reflect those on the official AcroYoga® website www.acroyoga.org as well as informal gatherings and parties around town.
NEW YORK YOGA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
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Photo Credits
Photos this issue, thanks to: Jessica Louie basing Hangle Dangle; Charles Lee for nature shots; Greg for bike shot; Lily & Monica for mom-daughter shot; Deb for forwarding this and other "odd perspective" public domain photos. Acroyogis' names from top down, bases, flyers, then spotters: Becca & Lila; Jake & me; Alex, Britt, Greg; Jessica, Greg, Demian, Metta, Denise, Mary, Jake.
FACEBOOK ACRO NY |
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Forward; Reply
Please forward to friends as you like; and respond with comments! Your privacy is honored; and if you wish to Unsubscribe, click below, or Reply to me and request removal.
Peace! Happy Spring! Mary
MY WEBSITE
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1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
"Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love."
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2. Don't Take Anything Personally
"Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering."
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3. Don't Make Assumptions
"Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."
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4. Always Do Your Best
"Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self- judgment, self-abuse, and regret."
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Off Pew, Into World
In study of any Scriptures, I refer back to the life-application or "so what factor" ~ as that favorite Vicar termed it. So ~ I hold certain beliefs ~ so what does that mean in my life? How does that serve the world?
At any spiritual community (Yogis call it Sangha) you will find teams that focus to create abundance from their shared beliefs. This means temples, churches, mosques, yes.
Look at St. Bart's at Park & 50th and you'll find their busy homeless shelter, feeding program, Parks ministry, Habitat team that builds homes locally and globally, and so much more.
A few faith communities linked below. If you search any of them, explore on your own, or revisit one of your own, you'll find endless trails and paths toward joyful creation of abundance in the world. One or more of them can be your "so what" factor.
ST. BART'S NYC |
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Off Mat, Into World
If Yoga is the Union of body and soul and of the human with the divine, then living Yoga off the mat in the world is the "so what" embodiment of that Union.
Africa Yoga Project and Cambodian Children's Fund, linked below, are just two examples of many in the world, Yogis taking the belief that our bodies are living shrines into activities that create change in the world.
"OFF THE MAT" |
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Off Duff, Into World
If our values don't live on mats or pews, we can still get off our butts and into the world, lovingly and joyfully creating abundance!
There is still a "so what" factor for our values. We can do it in as small or large ways as we wish.
NEW YORK CARES |
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