“We will only discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or other people’s models,

learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open.”

Shaki Gawain

Svadhyaya

The fourth Niyama (or observance) in the Eight Limb Path of yoga is the study of the self.

Like so many yoga practices, svadhyaya is the process of getting to know who we really are; our true self. Yoga asana, pranayam, and meditation are all ways to peel off the layers of our false selves. Doing this and staying present to the process is not always easy. As we peel the layers and really look at our exposed wounds, memories, conditionings and patterns, we may feel more confused and defeated than when we began. Trust the process and turn again and again to those spiritual teachers that came before us. They are there to guide us; in books, in music, in our dreams, our prayers or maybe sitting right across from us at work, home or in our communities. As we work to let go of others (or even our own) ideas of who we should be, the more open and compassionate to our own “particular genius” we can become and the more our “natural channels” to the divine open and our dharma (life’s purpose) is revealed.

Yoga this Week

Tuesday 930am with 11am Meditation following class

Wednesday Evening at 715pm will be on the beach if weather permits or in the studio

Friday Morning Healing Yoga 930-11am

Sunday Morning Beach Yoga at 845am

(Please reserve your spot or cancel if your plans have changed)

Happenings

Watch for the return of Monday Evenings in the Yoga Room – Begins August 4th

This class will require pre-registration of at least four students each week for class to take place.

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Summer Yoga Group Book Read – Gifts From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I have requested 8 copies of the book to be held for me and I should have them this week.  Let me know if you would like me to hold one for you.  If you have your own copy, pull it down, dust it off and begin.  It is a perfect summer book to read again and again.  We will discuss where and when we will meet to contemplate this treasured classic.

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Beginning August 6th I will be leading an all-levels Yoga Class at the North Shore Public Library on Wednesday mornings at 10am for the month of August.  Registration begins on August 1st.  If anyone of you are interested in demonstrating for me, let me know.  It would be much appreciated!!!  Also at the North Shore Public Library this Saturday, Kishori (Kim) begins her Ayurvedic Series!  There may still be room for this informative three-session presentation.

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Classes down at the beach have been lovely.  I welcome lots of new faces  and am enjoying being on our beach twice a week.  Continue to check the website if the weather looks questionable as Wednesday  classes will be held in our yoga room if beach is not accessible.

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Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om!

Be at Peace, you are already perfect exactly the way you are!

 

Amy