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HATHA
YOGA
WORKSHOP
CLASSES
Physical, Material and Spiritual Wellness of Being Human!
For the "Building"
  
WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME!
NAMASTE!
SALUTE TO THE GOD WITHIN
The Way is eternally nameless.
If feudal lords and kings preserve it,
The myriad creatures will be transformed by themselves.
After transformation, if they wish to rise up,
I shall restrain them with the nameless unhewn log.
By restraining them with the nameless unhewn log,
They will not feel disgraced;
Not feeling disgraced,
They will be still
Whereupon heaven and earth will be made right by themselves.
- Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu
"HEALTH IS WEALTH.
PEACE OF MIND IS HAPPINESS.
YOGA SHOWS THE WAY" -SWAMI VISHNU-DEVANANDA
JOHN J. STEVEN COLE, a hatha yoga practitioner for over 20 years, initially trained under the direction of Jewell Walker, yoga teacher at Carnegie-Mellon University and various teachers in the subsequent years. He teaches private (one on one) and/or varying size group yoga sessions upon demand. The principle base he works from is inspired by Swami Vishnu-devananda's THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF YOGA as well as studies of yoga practices by other instructors.
Yoga is a zest for life! The restoration of spirit through conscious awareness of the potential of mind, body and soul cultivation and mastery during a Human existence. Many participants have expressed their profound appreciation for the introductory courses regarding hatha yoga in University settings, outdoor park environments as well as various places enthusiast gather to practice through the years. Yoga is a personal growth approach to living life fully. It is a non-competitive activity for the Human Beings who want to develop the strengths of their untapped capacity of his/her abilities to manage the challenges of life with easy and grace.
YOGA WORKSHOPS /CLASSES
Classes suspended until further notice.
THE KEY IS IN THE EXPERIENCE!
The following pages are for informational reading purposes only:
HATHA YOGA
NOBODY CAN REPLACE YOU
Divine Will has no tinge of selfishness. Ego means selfishness, "I," "me," "I am doing it for my sake." So whatever you will to do for your sake is egoistic and will have its own return. We have to face it. But without the ego, we would say, "Some Cosmic Power makes me work. The God in me motivates me. He sent me here and He is making me do everything. I am an instrument. He gave me everything. He may take it all back. Nothing belongs to me. Not even the body belongs to me." We should perform all our actions with this feeling, free from egoism. That is Divine Will. Your conscience prompts you, not the ego. The conscience will always say, "It's good for everybody." Don't even pray, "Let me be happy, Help me. Make me good." Always think in terms of the cosmos: "Sarveshaam swastir bhavatu." "May all be happy." So, keep on dinning it into the mind, "Thy Will be done. It's all for Jesus, all for Moses, all for Buddha, all for Allah." Use any name, it doesn't matter. "All for the Ashram. All for the Cosmic Consciousness. Nothing for me. I'm not even eating for my sake. I am eating because I have to serve." That should be the thought behind our every act. The minute you begin to live that way, your life will be totally, totally different. You will enjoy supreme joy. You will not be affected by these petty little things.
We should always roar like lions, "I am that I am! I am ever joyful, ever peaceful! None of this nonsense will affect me!" We must have that strength and courage. Even if you act temporarily, "I am a super yogi!" for one week, you will see the difference. It's not just to be read, or heard or preached. It should be lived. And you can live that life. Don't say, "Oh, that is only fit for saints. I am just an ordinary person." You are not ordinary. If you were ordinary, you wouldn't even be here. Nobody is ordinary here. No. Even a thorn has a purpose. It has been placed here for a particular cause and it is unique in its place. Nothing can be substituted for that. Nobody can replace you. You are unique in your position. Don't try to compare yourself with others. You are all-important. Everybody is needed in this cosmos. Be proud of your existence.
- Sri Swami Satchidananda
HOW TO BE PREPARED FOR CLASS SESSIONS: OPEN MIND - All terms related to the potential Yogi - (student, participant and practitioner) are applicable to the policies which govern the Yoga Workshops and Class Sessions for the 'BUILDING'.
PRECAUTIONS ...
What if I'm not flexible enough?
Yoga helps to achieve flexibility by strengthening your body and spine in all directions. All that is required is your willingness to achieve your personal best through sincerity, discipline and dedication.
Is Yoga a cardiovascular workout and/or can weight loss be accomplished?
Regardless of the level of your basic fitness, you will find Yoga very challenging. Each posture combines flexibility, strength and balance to work your whole body from your bones, skin and breathing. With persistence, patience and commitment, you can lose inches and develop muscle tone and strength naturally, that might never come from other forms of exercise.
What are the rewards and/or benefits of Yoga?
There are infinite benefits to practicing Yoga consciously, since you have been doing Yoga poses everyday of your life to some extent. The reduction of stress increases blood circulation and improves strength and flexibility. Regular practice as a regime of daily devotion (at less three times a week) can alter the symptoms of potential chronic diseases (i.e. arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders). Yoga assures relaxation 100% when consistently applied in consciousness every day of your life.
YOGA CLASS DISCLAIMER: Yoga is a universally encompassing approach to learning how to live a full Human existence upon this planet. It is not a discriminatory, judgmental, bias or prejudiced method or technique. Anybody and everybody is privy to do Yoga according to their best assessment and willful execution.
Not all exercises are suitable for everyone and this or any exercise program may result in injury. To reduce the risk of injury of any kind, never force, strain or over stretch/exert yourself unnaturally. Consult with your doctor before embarking on this or any other exercise program. Most importantly follow your intuition, instincts and innate sense for your safety. Yoga is not a quick fix but a way to enhance your capacity to be masterful in living your life with ease and grace.
The exercises, instructions and advice/suggestions presented in this program are universal and designed for the success of each person to achieve greater management of their well-being. You should be in relatively overall good health and physically fit to undertake and meet the disciplines required to accomplish increased flexibility by practicing Yoga. They are in no way intended as a substitute for any medical counseling and/or diagnosis rendered by your physician.
The creators, producers, participants and distributors of this program disclaim any liability and/or loss in connection with the Yoga exercises demonstrated or the instructions and advice expressed within the class sessions by the authorized instructor(s).
YOGA PRACTICE GUIDELINES: When the beginner becomes a yoga practitioner, it is essential to seek out information which offers a gentle and comprehensive introduction to the knowledge, insights and wisdom the Yoga postures (asanas) beyond the class sessions as well as how to use any necessary props to enhance the efficiency to achieve the desired effects for practicing Yoga on your own. The well established "Yoga Journal's 'Yoga Practice for Beginners' is a worthwhile magazine publication, in addiction to many books to investigate, explore and discover for the cultivation of the Yoga practitioner's conscious awareness.
Practice in a naturally warm, wholesome, clean quiet place or environment, free from distractions and/or disturbances is a plus factor. Avoid practicing in the intense heat of direct sunlight in the outdoors of the day if you are inclined to do Yoga in the nature, as well as unmonitored heated environments. Drink plenty of water, throughout the day, to be hydrated for class sessions. Bring water to drink during class as you may prefer. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and have bare feet. When practicing amongst other practitioners in a closed environment, good hygiene, respect and consideration is essential for all involved.
It isn't wise to practice after eating a hefty meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and directly take a Yoga session. The practitioner must allow Three to Four hours before undertaking Yoga exercises and/or One to Two hours after a snack to prevent unwarranted physical discomforts.
Practice on a nonskid surface. Using props will help you modify the poses to meet your personal needs.
• Two Yoga blocks (or two stacks of books) used for comfort.
• Several firm blankets or Yoga mats
• A small towel and face cloth for swobbing the sweat generated from the Yoga exercises
• A belt, strap, soft rope or necktie to assist in doing the poses
• A firm and steady chair without cushion to be used for learning more difficult poses in Yoga practice.
Always end your practice session with at least five to fifteen minutes in relaxation pose.
Remove eye glasses and/or contact lenses, wrist watches, jewelry, etc., any objects that may inhibit and present a physical discomfort doing Yoga.
The Yoga practitioner's class sessions are interactive. Guided relaxation sequences are presented in Yoga Journal's Practice for Relaxation that are universal in the Yoga processes of self-discovery.
Women who are menstruating should not practice inverted poses. During menses practicing the restorative poses presented in Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Relaxation is recommended.
Pregnant women should consult with their medical physician before beginning any exercises or yoga program.
SUMMATION: When we create time to learn to focus upon our mind, body and breath, which leads to deeper, and calmer well-being for the Human Being, freedom truly emerges. Our relationships improve and we realize the true meaning of Yoga as the union of the body, mind, soul and spirit. The natural course is resumed as our cultural problems of job stress, overeating habits, bad postures, and agressive lifestyles transform into a greater sense of freedom through letting go and living more joyously and abundantly.
The more specific effects promoted by Yoga are regenerative tissue and cure for chronic ailments through natural means through centuries of exacted technique and formulated poses that will bring health and peace to everyone. Namaste!
WE SHARE THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR CONTINUED STUDY AS BACKGROUND FOR THE WORKSHOP - YOGA SESSIONS. IF YOU FIND IT HELPFUL, THEN PLEASE USE THE BOOKLIST TO PURCHASE THE BOOK. THANK YOU!
THE TEXT AND YOGA ILLUSTRATIONS THAT FOLLOW ARE EXCERPTS FROM
"THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF YOGA"
BY SWAMI VISHNU-DEVANANDA
Caution:
All the difficult postures should be practiced under the guidance of a teacher.
Any twisting of the muscles and joints without proper guidance may bring agonizing pain
and the student may stop the practice of even simple exercises altogether,
because of pain.
Another important point is never to do any exercise beyond your capacity.
At the end of the exercise relax for ten to fifteen minutes.
CLICK EACH LINK OF THE INDEX TO VIEW ALL PAGES, NAMASTE!
YOGIC CLEANING OF THE PHYSICAL BODY
YOGIC EXERCISES
CHAPTER 8, EXCERPTS: PRANAYAMA OR YOGIC BREATHING
CHAPTER 4, EXCERPTS: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOGIC EXERCISES AND PHYSICAL CULTURE
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