In this issue
From Italy with Love
There's something about international
travel that tests our practice of
attraction and aversion: so many
languages, symbols, smells and cultures.
The experience is a true mirror of our
insides. Can we let go of what we think
it should be?
In Sabina, nothing could have
prepared me for the breathtaking
sunrises and lovingly cooked meals, the
pleasure of simplicity and finding
treasures in medieval towns. I never
imagined the intimacy of group dinners
on the brick patio, watching the sun set
behind the mountains and the twinkling
lights of fireflies competing with the
stars. Our tour guide, Carlo, was a
charming local with intriguing personal
stories and friends who baked cookies
for our group. Not even the theft at the
airport or unexpected costs clouded the
miracle of every unfolding moment.
This was my first international yoga
retreat and I highly recommend the
experience to any teacher out there. For
some students, it was their first time
in Europe. For our Germany students, it
was their first time practicing Kripalu
yoga. Even as the teacher and organizer,
I experienced many "firsts," too, and we
all grew to love some of the most
incredible places-- inside and around
us.
If you are interested in hosting a
yoga retreat in Sabina, Italy, I would
be happy to share the organization
details and information.
To view In Sabina retreat photos...
Quick Links...
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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. - Namaste, Monica
Paredes
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The Genuine Science of the
Mind
Fresh from Italy, I was invited
to listen to the teachings of
the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche who
was leading a week-long retreat
at the Omega Center in San
Antonio. It has been quite a
summer so far! "Acknowledged as
both a meditation master and one
of the foremost scholars and
educators of his generation in
the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of
Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche is
known for his sharp intellect,
humor, and the lucidity of his
teaching style."
According to Rinpoche, there
are two natures of the mind:
basic state (or original
reality) and the temporal mind.
Rinpoche states that the
Buddha's teachings (dharma) are
the wisdom and methods to work
with the different states of
mind and consciousness; "[it] is
nothing but a genuine science of
the mind."
He says the Buddha wisdom is
like pure water: fluid, clean
and transparent. It has the
flexibility to take the shape of
its container; it has no color,
but reflects color. It has no
language or culture, but uses
language and culture to
distribute the "water" to
benefit the world.
The ability to hold the
"water" depends on its container
and three particular traits: 1)
The container must be clean and
pure, which means our
motivations and intentions must
have clarity and precision; 2)
The container must be be sealed
of leaks, so we must practice
mindfulness; and 3) The
container must not be
upside-down, so our minds must
be open. Pride closes our minds.
I love the poetry of Buddhist
philosophy, but more
importantly, I appreciate
learning about all the spiritual
paths that connect us.
Get recordings of his
teachings... »
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More Class Choices This
Summer
For the month of July and the
first week in August, I will be
substituting for Jane Goldstein,
while she enjoys a teaching
adventure in Pennsylvania.
In addition to my current
Tuesday and Thursday 9-10 a.m.
classes at Racquetball &
Fitness, and 5:45-6:45 p.m.
prenatal class at The Yoga
Place, I will be teaching Hatha
Basics on Tuesdays from 1-2:15
p.m. at The Synergy Studio,
beginning July 6th.
Also, I will be teaching a
Wednesday evening Hatha class at
The Yoga Place from 5:30-6:45
p.m. beginning July 14th.
Private lessons are still
available if you need a little
extra instruction.
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The Art of the Yamas and
Niyamas
"I just wanted to tell you again
how wonderful your cards are. I
have used all of them in class
and each week I have one I focus
on in my own practice. Thank you
for this gift, it is a sweet
reminder of how sacred this
practice of yoga is."
"What a fabulous idea! I love
what you have written on each
card. Your words are so powerful
and yet simple enough where you
really grasp the essence of the
teachings of yoga."
Be inspired. These practice
cards introduce new and lifelong
yogis to the creative side of
yoga through the doorway of the
yamas and niyamas. Establish
themes for your classes with
readings and sample postures,
then display the art on its
stand to brighten your space.
One set includes 10 practice
cards and a plastic display
stand. $14.95 plus tax.
Wholesale inquiries are welcome.
You can also view all 10 images
at
thirdeyestudio.net.
To order and see a sample...
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Desiree Rumbaugh is coming to
San Antonio!
Renowned Anusara teacher Desiree
Rumbaugh will be leading a
special week-end workshop
entitled "Endless
Possibilities." This is a rare
opportunity to learn from one of
the most celebrated and
respected teachers worldwide.
Her events fill up quickly, so
please reserve your space early.
Combining the finite
Universal Principles of
Alignment with the infinite
power of the imagination can
take us to places we've not yet
been in our yoga practice.
Driven by the desire of our
hearts to open and change, we
constantly seek out and
experiment with new ways of
doing familiar things.
Fri., Sept. 17: 7-9 p.m.
Opening to Grace: Hip Openers
$35
Sat., Sept. 18: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Flowing with Grace, The Energy
That Transforms: Backbends & Arm
Balances $45
Sat., Sept. 18: 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Patience & Flexibility: Forward
Bends & Inversions $35
Sun., Sept. 19: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Healing the Body & Opening the
Heart: Yoga Therapeutics $45
Cost: Entire Workshop - $145 if
paid by 8/1; $160 after.
Segments are listed above. For
out-of- towners coming for the
weekend, we can try and find
hosts for you to stay with if
you sign up early.
"Desiree Rumbaugh is a true
treasure of a yoga instructor.
The combination of an
exceptionally beautiful yoga
practice, highly creative
instructions, and vibrantly
charismatic personality make
Desiree one of the top yoga
instructors in the U.S." -John
Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga
To reserve your space... »
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