Student essays Teacher Training 2009 author Frederique

O b s e r v a t i o n  d' u n e  c l a s s e.
La pratique selon Patanjali représente l'aspect ha ou solaire (énergie vitale) et le renoncement vairagya ( sutra II.12) l'aspect tha ou lunaire (conscience) du hatha yoga. Sutra I.12 abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodhah, La pratique et le détachement sont les moyens qui permettent de calmer les mouvements du contenu mental. Pratiquer Abhyasa Vairagya, c'est être ici et maintenant, trouver l'équilibre, intégrer les contraires. Ces deux forces sont alliées dans le hatha yoga. La pratique et le renoncement s'équilibre comme le jour et la nuit, comme l'inspiration et l'expiration. C'est pourquoi la respiration est un témoin privilégier du travail de l'élève. 
Entre chaque inspiration et expiration, nous cessons de respirer pendant une fraction de seconde : inspiration, pause, expiration, pause. Cette coupure permet aux poumons et au cœur de se reposer. Iyengar, parle de savasana du cœur et des poumons. Le mental étroitement lié à la respiration a également 4 phases : expansion (inspiration), calme, contrôle (expiration), calme. L'inspiration engendre donc des ondes de pensées alors que l'expiration permet de les réduire. Un des buts du cours de yoga est d'apporter à l'élève plus de calme, d'équilibre, de clairvoyance (Yoga citta vritti nirodhah ( I.2)),  , bref de l'amener vers un état sattvic, grâce aux asana et pranamaya.  L'attention de l'élève est donc attirée sur la respiration et son contrôle.
 Ces notes ont été prises lors d'un cours de hatha yoga de  niveau I/II donné par Michelle.
Tout d'abord, orienter vers l'intérieur l'attention de l'élève : depuis la peau extérieur, voyage vers les enveloppes (kosa) intérieurs. Tenter de faire ressentir que le corps, anamaya kosha, n'est pas le soi.
Nous vivons entre deux réalités, la terre et le ciel.  La terre représente tout ce qui est pratique, matériel, ce que l'on peut appréhender objectivement, découvrir, observer. En un mot, la nature : Prakrti. Les 5 éléments eau, air, feu, terre et éther, se retrouvent également dans le corps. Chaque doigts associés en différents mudra mettent en relation différents éléments. Par exemple, Chin mudra associe le feu et l'éther. Le ciel correspond à la réalité universelle, éternelle ou purusha.  La pratique du yoga est l'exploration de la relation entre prakrti et purusha.
L'élève assis en sukasana, les ischions fermemant ancrés dans le sol, la colonne vertébrale droite, la poitrine ouverte, permet la libre circulation de l'énergie dans les nadi et peut ainsi commencer à ressentir le lien entre prakrti et purusha.
L'élève délimite son corps, anamaya kosha :
« Blow into your palms, rub them to create heat, put them over the eyes, feel the pulse, gentle massage the skull / Forehead, gentle massage any part of the body you want, adjust your shoulders… »
« Feel the air on your body, feel the clothes on your skin… »
Et petit à petit va  explorer les autres enveloppes :
Pranamaya Kosha : Deergha Swaasam
Manomaya Kosha : «  Where were you 30 min ago, 10 min ago ? »
« Feel that all beings is breathing with you. » : Commencer à ressentir purusha.
Les élèves expirent ensemble et inspirent ensemble pour OM.
On peut déjà remarquer de grandes différences entre les élèves, que ce soit au niveau de la souplesse ou de l'attention. Cette première partie est particulièrement personnelle, « intime ». Le professeur ne fait presque pas de corrections pour ne pas perturber la concentration et le ressentit de l'élève.
Ce jour, le cours était concentré sur les muscles des épaules et de la partie supérieure du dos.
Le cours commence par chakravakasana et ses variations, pour échauffer la colonne vertébrale, les abdominaux et les articulations. Michelle insiste sur la synchronisation de la respiration et des mouvements. En effet,  c'est une posture où les élèves peuvent facilement se concentrer sur leur respiration, d'autant plus que l'extension de la colonne vertébrale, des abdominaux  favorise l'inspiration et la contraction des abdominaux l'expiration.
Puis, Surya Namaskar B. Dans cette salutation au soleil est inclus virabhadrasana I, qui, par l'extension de la colonne vertébrale permet une ouverture de la poitrine (abduction des omoplates). Lors de chaturanga dandasana, les élèves lèvent une jambe après l'autre, pour augmenter la pression au niveau des épaules, créer plus de chaleur.
Surya namaskar permet entre autre une augmentation de la circulation, particulièrement autour de la colonne vertébrale, et un étirement du psoas (grâce à Bhujangasana). La contraction répétée du psoas dans la vie de tout les jours (position assise sur une chaise) entraine son raccourcissement : les gens se voutent petit à petit, marchent les épaules en avant. Son étirement régulier est donc primordial.
Lors des salutations au soleil, Michelle guide les élèves dans les premiers cycles, indiquant les inspirations et les expirations, puis les invite à poursuivre à leur propre rythme, insistant sur le fait que chaque mouvement correspond à une respiration.
Au bout de 7 cycles, les élèves se retrouvent en tadasana. Ils sont inviter à sentir l'énergie circuler en eux. Michelle cherche à amener les étudiants vers la conscience du geste, de la respiration, et de la sensation. Puis, elle attire l'attention des élèves sur leur équilibre : yeux fermés, concentrés sur Uddyana bandha, les pieds sont l'un derrière l'autre (gros orteil contre talon). Le corps en vacillant renforce son équilibre. Cette posture est une préparation aux postures d'équilibres qui vont suivre.
La santé du corps dépend en grande partie de la santé et de la flexibilité du tissu conjonctif. Une des façon d'agir sur les muscles et les tissus conjonctif c'est l'augmentation de la pression et de la température.  Bakasana va créer de la chaleur et de la pression au niveau des épaules. Les positions d'équilibre peuvent être un moment d'introduire les sutras II.46 et II.47. Bakasana n'est pas idéal pour cela car en plus de la force nécessaire, la respiration est limitée dans la partie supérieure de la cage thoracique.
Sutra II.46 Sthirasukaham asana, «  Asana : être fermement établi dans un espace heureux ; » (Traduction Gérard Blitz) Sthira : ferme, solide, durable ;Sukha : bonheur.              Relacher toutes les tensions inutiles au niveau musculaire, respiratoire et mental. La respiration est un bonne indicatif des tensions de l'élève: si elle est stoppée ou saccadée,  cela révèle la présence de tensions.
Et d'autre part, cultiver le chemin du milieu « Middle path ». Sutra II :47 Prayatna shaitilya ananta samapatti bhyam, « Grâce à la méditation sur l'infini et au renoncement à l'effort volonté »                                                                                                                              Trouver l'équilibre entre l'effort et la détente, le faire et le lâcher prise. Particulièrement visible dans les postures d'équilibre : crispé dans la volonté de tenir on trébuche ; trop détendu, peu vigilant, on ne tient pas non plus. Asana tend à être ce moment parfait où, le corps étant absolument tranquille, tout effort de volonté aboli, la sensation et la respiration sont suspendues et immobilisent le temps.
Après bakasana, les élèves se reposent, apasana.
Michelle présente ensuite aux élèves une série de postures pour étirer les muscles des épaules « shoulders openers », combinés à des torsions « twists ». Ce sont des postures d'ouvertures qui exercent un travail profond au niveau des tissus : la détente des muscles qui permet à la gravité de s'exercer, et donc d'étirer ces derniers est primordiale. Michelle rassure les élèves en donnant un sens à la douleur qu'ils peuvent ressentir : « The toxines are going away ». Je crois que donner un sens à ce que fait l'élève est fondamental pour qu'il ose s'abandonner dans la posture.
Uttanasana. Les élèves tiennent leurs coudes pour augmenter l'étirement. C'est une position contraire par rapport aux torsions.
Yoga mudra, sceau yogic : les bénéfices de la pratique sont offert.
Savasana, posture du cadavre : angoissant pour les occidentaux, beaucoup moins pour les orientaux ! : état de relaxation profonde et consciente. Pendant le savasana Michelle amène les élèves à relâcher petit à petit toutes les tentions, leur conscience s'étend à la globalité du corps. Le corps ne lutte plus contre la pesanteur qui s'exerce alors sur tous les organes. Au bout de 15 minutes, à peu près, les élèves se redressent doucement. Cela se fait du côté droit, côté de  l'énergie, côté solaire, pour faciliter leur retour dans la vie trépidante !

student essays Teacher Training 2009 author Caitlin

Faith/Shraddha

 Caitlin Ryan

31/01/09

         Over the years my religious and spiritual life has changed and evolved, died only to be reborn again, leading finally to the quiet spirituality I have found in yoga.  I grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is primarily conservative, religious, homogenous farmland.  The difference between my peers and I (the only glaring difference I felt, anyway) was that my parents were atheists, and my family didn't go to church.  The lack of church attendance probably would not have been a problem in other parts of the country, but in Stillwater the first question you are asked upon introduction is "What church do you go to?" (Yes, children are asked this as well.) I'm sure the question was an innocent and well meaning conversation starter, but as a child when I responded "We don't go to church!" I was not unaware of the looks of disapproval, disdain and pity on the faces of my young friend's parents, and in turn on my friend's faces as well; after all children learn tolerance as well as intolerance from their parents.

         I quickly learned that if I wanted to have friends and fit in, I had better start going to church and believing in God.  I convinced my parents to take me to a few church services, a Catholic church on Easter, a Presbyterian church on Christmas Eve, to a community pot-luck at the Unitarian Universalists, finally choosing to attend the Baptist church that every single one of my friends attended.  What I found there among my thirteen and fourteen year old peers was fear, peer pressure and hypocrisy.  We would have youth group meetings where the lessons of abstinence from sexual contact, drinking, smoking, even loud "rock" music, were drilled into us under fear of Hell.  I was scared and I wanted to fit in, and even got to the point that I had convinced my self that I believed in something I had been brought up to believe was a lie. 

         As I got older and met different people for whom friendship was not contingent on church attendance, I began to let go of my ill-begotton beliefs, and began to lean towards my parent's (the botanist and the geneticist) views towards rationalism, humanism and science.  I looked down on religion and as a typical teenager, thought I knew everything.  While this viewpoint seemed logical to me for a few years I began to realize that I had hazy beliefs and questions about things that science couldn't explain.  It was then that I decided I was agnostic.  I liked the label of agnostisiscm because I felt I could explore different aspects of spirituality and still be grounded in science.  I realized that it was arrogent to think that I could know and understand everything that happens in the Universe, and I was ok with saying " I don't know".

         When I had my one-on-one with Chantal, she asked me what I believed in and what I had faith in, and the question stumped me.  I couldn't put into words any specific belief or name something I had faith in, so I went home and have been thinking about this question ever since.  The answers I've come up with are still not easily defined or put into words, but I realized that the answers I have found have become stronger and clearer through yoga.

         First it's important to understand what faith really means.  In Sanskrit the term for faith is shraddha. 

"Shraddha is a faith that you are moving in the right direction. It is not a blind faith in some organization, institution, or teacher. Rather, it is an inner feeling of certainty that you are moving in the right direction. You may not know exactly how your journey is unfolding, but have an inner intuition of walking steadily towards the goal of life."  The connection of faith to Yoga is strong, even for those just practicing more superficially and only doing the asanas.  To begin a new practice, no matter what it may be takes some amount of courage.  You have to have faith in yourself and your ability to adapt to the new situation you are about to put yourself in.  Once you have taken the first step and begun your practice, you need to have faith that by continuing the practice you can affect change in your body and in your mind. 

          In Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras, 1:20, Pantanjali writes, "Wholeness is preceded by faith, energy, mindfulness, union, and awareness. "  We need to have faith in the process, the practice, the outcome, the teacher, and the yoga.  Faith is made up of trust in ourselves and trust in the experience of life working out.   Martin Luther King Jr said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."  Faith is the williness to step forward with no guarantee that we won't fall.  The mystery of the universe and our existence in it demands faith in everything we do, every day.          I didn't realize this before, but having faith doesn't mean you have to have religion, or even believe in God.  It doesn't mean you move forward knowing the end result, it just means that you trust that no matter what the end result is, you can handle it.  I have realized that I've had faith all along; "The faith of each is in accordance with his nature, O Arjuna.

The man consists of his faith; as a man's faith is, so is he."- Gita, Ch. 17, Verse 3 

         Not only did I need it to begin my practice, but I know that I have increased it through my practice.  I continue to cultivate a faith in the interconnectedness of the Universe.  Through the Yamas and Niyamas I can see the effects that I can have on my self, and through my actions the effects I can have on those around me.  While this responsibility can seem heavy, when looked at with an open heart I can feel my faith in my ability to positively affect the world around me grow.  I have heard many people say that we (as individuals) can't change the world, but I have faith (I KNOW) that we can.  With every action or non-action, with every thought and word we change the world every day, and it's up to us to choose the good action, the positive thought, the right word. 

         Not only do I have faith in my self, but I have learned a real faith in yoga too.  Faith in the practice is essential to yoga, but it is also developed by the practice.  When I began the teacher training I'm not sure I had faith in anything else but the asanas ability to make me stronger and more flexible.  I hadn't given much thought to the transformative powers of pranayama and meditation, and began practicing them merely as homework, not knowing what to expect.  As I practiced I began to notice changes, most notably the reduction of my chronic headaches and some reduction in my back pain.  I've also noticed that I feel calmer, happier, more content.

          It seems that faith is  a self fulfilling prophecy.  Without faith I wouldn't have begun to practice and without practice I wouldn't have developed my faith!  The Sanskrit term Virya also plays a role in faith.  "Virya is the positive energy of ego that is the support for the faith of going in the right direction. This energy of virya puts the power behind your sense of knowing what to do. When you are strongly acting on what you know to be your correct path, that is virya. When you feel weak or uncertain, and are taking little action, that is from lack of virya."  Virya is that conviction that says, "I can do it! I will do it! I have to do it!"

         Through yoga I have found a deeper connection to my self, to nature and to those around me.  I have finally found my faith, not through church, but through movement, and through stillness.

References

1. The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerner; Jack Hawley

2. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

3. Belief and Faith, Sri Chimnoy, http://www.yogaofsrichinmoy.com/the_higher_worlds/belief

4. http://www.swamij.com/yoga-sutras

5. http://www.hinduism.co.za/faith.htm

6. Yoga to cultivate compassion, gratitude and joy, Timothy McCall M.D., Yoga Journal

        

        

Student Essays Teacher Training 2009 author Tanya

An exploration of why forward bends are

important for my practice

The aim of this essay is to look in detail at the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of forward bends.  While there are many types of forward bends, my focus for this essay will be Paschimottanasana.  As noted by Barbara Benagh in her article Asana column: Paschimottanasana, the simplicity and symmetry of Paschimottanasana makes it an ideal asana in which to examine the ebb and flow of the mind.

Physical aspects of Paschimottanasana

In Paschimottanasana, the muscles of the lower spine, pelvis and legs are being stretched.  Also, the upper back, kidneys and adrenal glands are stretched and stimulated which is useful for people who have respiratory or kidney problems and for those who suffer from adrenal exhaustion. (Reference - Yoga Journal Article: Barbara Benagh, Asana Column: Paschimottanasana)

The big obvious physical hurdle in this asana is the flexibility of the hamstrings.  Where there is a lot of tightness in the hamstrings, hip flexion will be restricted and the hip flexor and abdominal muscles will tend to contract to pull the body forward into this pose.  This will in turn create a sense of congestion in the hip joints which is not what the pose is aimed at achieving.  (Reference - Leslie Kaminoff, Yoga Anatomy, pg. 83).  Tight hamstrings will also interfere with the ability of the spine to lengthen as they will cause the pelvis to tuck (hip extension) and therefore the lower back to curve or round.  When the lower backed is curved during Paschimottanasana, there is pressure being exterted on the disks between the vertebrae, creating the perfect recipe for injuring the lower back. (Reference - Yoga Journal Article: Natasha Rizopoulos, Extend and Bend)   

In order to relieve tension in the hips and reduce the risk of injury to the lower back, it can be useful to sit up on a folded blanket to tip the pelvis forward and therefore allow gravity to more effectively pull the upper body forward. 

It is also important to note that the hamstrings are layered with lots of tough connective tissue, the fibers that help hold the muscle structure together.  You cannot change this type of tissue overnight – hamstrings need time to change their length.  (Reference - Yoga Journal Article, Julie Gudmestad, Into the Fold)

When our hamstrings are tight, the contraction creates a sense that we're constantly prepared to run away.  So stretching the hamstrings in forward bends can help calm, give patience and allow a slowing down and willingness to stay in one place.  (Reference - Yoga Journal Article: Barbara Kaplan Herring, Asanas for the Chakra System)

The chakra associated with forward bends is the muladhara chakra.  Circumstances that pull up our roots and that therefore cause deficiency in this chakra include travel, relocation, feeling fearful and big changes in our body, family, finances and business.  Some people, often those with busy minds and active imaginations, don't need special challenges to become deficient in this chakra; they feel ungrounded most of the time, living more in the head than in the body.  Forward bends are one of the many yoga poses that can help correct first chakra imbalances by bringing us back to our body and the earth by helping us experience safety, security and stillness.  (Refernce - Yoga Journal Article: Barbara Kaplan Herring, Asanas for the Chakra System)  Without balance in this chakra, it will be difficult for energy to move upwards to the other chakras.

Forward bends are also important for turning off the sympathetic nervous system – the part of the nervous system that is activated in times of stress and which comprises of the "fight-or-flight" response.  By turning this off, the parasympathetic nervous system is able to take over.  The parasympathetic nervous system allows the body to rest and digest. (Reference - Wikipedia article: Sympathetic nervous system, Parasympathetic nervous system).  The benefits of the parasympathetic nervous system are obvious – improved immune system and healthy and well rested organs.

While all these physical aspects are important, in yoga they are only important in so far as they enable the mind to be calm and the spirit to reflect.  Without these elements, this pose is nothing more than a stretch.

Mental aspects of Paschimottanasana

For me, my mental terrain during Paschimottanasana is steep and rocky – and I normally fall off the path.  My mind, like many others exposed to the demands and desires of modern life, is outwardly focussed.  Rarely am I required to, or do I choose to, look inside myself in a meaniful way.  Forward bends provide an opportunity to do so.  

I have to admit that Paschimottanasana is most challenging because of interference from my ego.  Second to that would be that I lack patience, something that is very important to practicing forward bends.  Finally I should also confess that my automatic preference is to look outside myself rather than within.  Paschimottanasana challenges and inspires me to overcome these negative aspects of myself in order to become a more balanced and free person.

In relation to the ego, Natasha Rizopoulos perceptively notes that while forward bends can look simple, the mental patterns that this pose engenders can be "revealing and enlightening". (Reference - Yoga Journal Article: Natasha Rizopoulos, Extend and Bend)  She goes on to further explain that Patanjali described the confusion of who you really are with who you think you are is at the heart of the problems caused by the ego.  I certainly fall into the trap of allowing my ego to guide me into pushing myself into a pose that I think I should be able to do as an "advanced yoga student".  Paschimottanasana challenges me to practice my yoga as I always should – without my ego. 

Carol Krucoff, in her article "Benevolent Bend", notes wisely that forward bends offer "a profound lesson in truthfulness – a moral discipline called satya … An attitude of total honesty is critical in this pose of humility, … Only by taking your ego out of the posture and being truthful about where you are can you progress safely and effectively .. this asana helps cultivate patience, acceptance, and surrender and teaches the delicate art of letting go – of tension in the body and of striving in the mind".  Towards the end of her article, I recognised myself when she noted that forward bends are an "eye-opening experience for many goal-oriented people, because it counters our tendency to "give 110 percent".  Simply put, you can't force yourself to relax. The harder you work at letting go, the less success you have".    Finally, Carol struck another cord for me when she closed her article with the profound statement, "recognise that the attitudes and practices you use to release in your hamstrings can help you let go of other unwanted tension in your life."

I could never honetly say that I have been a patient person – I have always strived for instant gratification, instant results.  Therefore, it is no wonder that Paschimottanasana is a frustrating pose for me.  Related to this is my lack of discipline for those tasks which need to be practiced over a long period of time.  Paschimottanasana requires me to be disciplined enough to sit in the pose for a few minutes everyday – without the motivating factor of being rewarded with a deeper forward bend within days.  The benefits of becoming more patient are enormous as I will be able to make decisions without instant pleasure being the aim, but rather what would be best for my happiness in the long term.

Spiritual aspects of Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana can be seen as a meditation where the point of focus is the body.  The body provides a beautiful pathway into experiencing what is fundamental about us, what I like to think of as our life force. (Reference – Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now)  By calming the mind, one can focus on the present moment – where thought does not exist.  What I mean here is that the mind is always thinking about the past or worrying about the future.  By focussing attention on the present moment, I can have a better chance at accessing that part of myself that is not caught up with the modifications of the mind.  While all of yoga is aimed at restraint of the modifications of the mind (Sutra 1:2), I find that Paschimottanasana is a powerful pose for me in this respect. 

Barbara Benagh I think discusses some of the spiritual aspects of this asana beautifully in her article "Asana column: Paschimottanasana":

"Erich Fromm, the twentieth-century social philosopher, observed that we are made anxious by freedom and that many of us prefer restriction to facing ambiguity. We encounter just such a challenge in Paschimottanasana. We want to find a formula that controls the process and guarantees success. Instead we are forced to deal with our attachments and habits, amending them or letting them go. By being consciously attentive to the ebb and flow of thoughts and sensations, you begin to understand that the mind can and does constantly influence your yoga. And you learn that the asana itself is not only a vehicle for physical restoration and well being but also an effective tool for developing the phsychological hardiness that grows from self-reflection."

This pose, more than any other, presents me with truths about myself.  Some of these truths are unlifting, but many are scary and ones that I have been avoiding for a long time.  If I can accept those truths about myself, then I should be able to move deeper into the pose, and deeper into myself.  The benefits of doing so will not just be apparent in my yoga practice, but in how I see myself and the world – no longer as the person that I think I should be, but an eternal spirit that is connected to everything around me. 

***

Centre de Yoga du Marais
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
0033(0)1.42.74.24.92
0033(0)6.31.91.92.12
www.yogamarais.com
http://yogainparis.blogspot.com

 

 

Chers Yogis,

 

J'espère que cette lettre vous parviendra bien. Vous avez peut etre entendu que Pattabhi Jois est décèdé cette semaine a Mysore en Inde. Il ne reste plus que deux grands maîtres de la lignée Krishnamacharya encore en vie pour transmettre leurs enseignements. Que vous pratiquiez le Systeme Ashtanga ou pas, si vous pratiquez le yoga vous avez été touchés par ce maître et bénéficiez du fait qu'il a dédié sa vie a codifier et clarifier les postures asanas permettant ainsi au yoga de s'étendre par delà de l'Inde au monde entier. Je le remercie dans ma pratique pour cela.

 

J'enseignerai demain, Jeudi pour les vacances, mais le cours de Mommy and Me est annulé.

 

Notre prochaine méditation aura lieu dimanche, 31 mai a 19h00.  Comme d'habitude, un plat ou une boisson comme contribution au dîner est le bienvenu ! Et si vous voulez venir avec votre assiette, ça facilitera beaucoup les choses pour la vaisselle ! Merci, ce sera la dernière méditation jusqu'a la rentrée.

 

Ce qui m'amène a vous parler du planning pour cet été. Je terminerai l'année début juillet et recommencerai mes cours la première semaine de septembre. Je vous indiquerai le mois prochain la liste des classes offertes pendant l'été et ce qui vous attend a la rentrée ! 

 

Je pendais que nous pourrions faire une fête de fin d'année/soirée d'été le dernier dimanche de juin, le 28 juin a 19h00.  Soyez les bienvenus et venez rencontrer les Professeurs en formation qui viendront juste d'obtenir leur premier diplôme de Formation de Professeur.

Il s'agit de:

Tatiana Abbey

Caroline Dupuy 

Tanya Greeves

Mercedes Johnson

Maria Marin

Sibylle Rist

Caitlin Ryan

Frederique Wurz

Cette soirée représentera le point culminant de leurs 4 mois de leur important et bon travail et de leurs intenses études. Ce sera aussi le temps de dire au revoir à des visages familiers et de rencontrer les nouveaux venus au centre.  Vous pouvez aussi venir me parler de ce qui vous intéresserait pour approfondir votre pratique pour la formation Etudes Approndies/Formation de Professeur de l'année prochaine au Centre de Yoga du Marais. 

 

Merci a tous, et comme toujours c'est un plaisir de voir grandir votre pratique!

namaste,

Michelle

 

 

 

 

summer's coming!

Dear Yogis,

I hope this letter finds you well.  As you may have heard Pattabhi Jois has passed away this week in Mysore India which leaves two more great masters of the Krishnamacharya lineage alive to pass on the teachings.  Whether you practice in the Ashtanga System or not, if you are a practicing yogi you have been affected by this master and benefit from a lifetime of dedication codifying and clarifying the asana postures so that yoga could leave India and spread worldwide.  I thank him in my practice for this.

 

I will be teaching tomorrow, Thursday for the holiday, but Mommy and Me is cancelled.

 

Our next meditation session is Sunday, May 31 at 19h00.  As usual a dish or beverage as an offering to our meal afterward is most welcome!  And, if you bring your own plate, too that helps a great deal toward the wash-up.  Thank you, this will be the last meditation until "la rentrée".

 

Which brings me to the summer schedule.  I will end this year the beginning of July and start up again the first week of September.  I will let you know next month what kind of classes will be offered over the summer and what you can expect in the fall! 

 

I thought we could have an end of the year- kick off the summer party on the final Sunday in June, June 28 at 19h00.  Please come and meet the Teacher Trainees who will have just completed the first Teacher Training program.

They are:

Tatiana Abbey

Caroline Dupuy 

Tanya Greeves

Mercedes Johnson

Maria Marin

Sibylle Rist

Caitlin Ryan

Frederique Wurz

 This party is for them to culminate 4 months of good hard work and intense study.  It will also be a time to say good-bye to some familiar faces and meet some new ones coming to the centre.  You can also talk to me about any interest you may have in deepening your practice for next year's Intensive Study/Teacher Training Program at the Centre de Yoga du Marais. 

 

Thank you all and as always it's a pleasure watching your practice grow!

namaste,

Michelle

 

(le lettre en francais à suivre)

 

 

 

Centre de Yoga du Marais
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
0033(0)1.42.74.24.92
0033(0)6.31.91.92.12
www.yogamarais.com
http://yogainparis.blogspot.com

Welcome Spring!

Dear Everyone,

You are invited to welcome Spring at the centre in two special ways.

Sunday, March 22 at 19h00 we will have a meditation at the centre followed by our usual delicious potluck dinner.  A  culinary contribution of your creation is always welcome!

 

On Saturday, April 4,  I would like to welcome my friends from New York, Lisa and Josué who are concert guitarists.  We would like to offer a community class of yoga and the healing sounds of Josué on the guitar.  This will be a guided class offered by donation.  You can reserve a place for Saturday, April 4 from 3-5pm.  You space will be held for you until 5 minutes before the start of the class after which your space is free for any coming wishing to practice.  Lisa and Josué have asked that your contribution be put toward future programs at the centre.  They will also be performing in Paris while they are here.

 

This is the time of year we also welcome many happy new faces who want to see or even live here in Paris.  Remember to share, this is a beautiful place to live and if you would like to share the centre with a friend, remember if your friend signs up for classes a free class is for you from me.  I thank you all for sharing your love of yoga with me.

namaste,

Michelle

 

Cher tous,

 

Vous êtes invités au centre à célébrer le printemps de deux manières vraiment spéciales :

 

Dimanche 22 mars à 19h00 nous ferons une méditation au centre suivie bien sur de notre habituel et succulent dîner "potluck".  Une contribution culinaire de votre création est toujours la bienvenue !

 

Samedi 4 avril, je voudrais vous présenter des amis proches  qui vivent à New York, Lisa et Josué. Ils sont tous les deux guitaristes de scène. Nous voudrions offrir à la communauté une classe de yoga sous les sons curatifs de la guitare de Josué.  Ce sera une classe pilote offerte grâce aux donations.  Vous pouvez réserver votre place Samedi 4 avril de 15 à 17 heures.  Votre place sera soigneusement gardée jusqu'à 5 mn avant le cours, après elle sera considérée comme libre pour celui qui souhaite venir pratiquer. Lisa et Josué ont demandé que votre contribution serve pour de futurs programmes au centre. Ils vont aussi donner des concerts à Paris quand ils seront là.

 

C'est le moment de l'année ou nous accueillons aussi beaucoup de nouveaux venus sympathiques qui veulent connaître ou même habitent déjà à Paris. N'oubliez pas de partager, c'est une ville magnifique à vivre et si vous voulez partager le centre avec un ou une amie,  si votre ami(e) prend une carte vous bénéficierez d'une classe gratuite avec moi. Je vous remercie tous pour cet amour du yoga partagé avec moi.  

namaste,

Michelle

 

Centre de Yoga du Marais
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
0033(0)1.42.74.24.92
0033(0)6.31.91.92.12
www.yogamarais.com
http://yogainparis.blogspot.com

March news Workshop March 4/5

Chers étudiants,    (English below)

 

Je suis très heureuse de vous présenter Andrei Ram qui sera au Centre de Yoga du Marais pour présenter les cours de Sri Dharma Mittra.

C'est la première fois que ces cours seront présentés à Paris et j'attends avec impatience cet atelier. Vous trouverez ci-dessous la description de cet atelier qui se fera en deux soirées, Mercredi et Jeudi soir. Vous pouvez réserver votre place comme suit :

Le coût est de 30 euros par soir, (présence aux deux soirées hautement recommandée pour qu'il y ait une continuité) .Votre place sera réservée en payant à l'avance. Cet atelier remplace les cours de Mercredi et Jeudi soirs donc vous pouvez payer en utilisant vos cartes.

2 classes seront prises sur votre carte pus 2 euros si vous avez une carte de 8 classes.

2 classes seront prises sur votre carte plus 8 euros si vous avez une carte de 15 classes.

Si vous réservez et annulez, sachez que les classes resteront défalquées de votre carte.

L'atelier se remplit, alors contactez moi vite.

 

Autres nouvelles:

Mohammed a annulé ses cours pour le moment.

Chantal enseigne les samedi à 15h00.

 

A très vite !

Michelle

 

 

DHARMA MITTRA YOGA IN PARIS

4 et 5 Mars, 19:30 to 21:30.  30 euros chaque soir

 

Pour la toute première fois en France, au Centre de Yoga du Marais, tous les meilleurs cours de Sri Dharma Mittra, un des maîtres de Yoga les plus reconnus au monde. Durant deux cours du soir tous les aspects de la science du Yoga- physiques à ésotériques - seront embrassés. Les cours seront dirigés par le yogi Andrei Ram Om, disciple le plus proche du Dharma Mittra, qui a travaillé avec son gourou (maître) pendant les 6 dernières années, participant ainsi à l'expansion de la lumière du Yoga à travers le monde.  

Andrei-Ram partagera et transmettra les vertus du Yoga qu'il a appris avec le Dharma: bonté, patience, humilité, courage, humour, désintéressement, ahimsa (non-violence), amour illimité, compassion et compréhension pour tout. Andrei-Ram partagera ses astuces et les avantages de ce qu'il a apprit grâce à cette science ancienne qu'est le Yoga, en vue d'atteindre une forme de joie de vivre dans la réalité de tous les jours, car il maintient la tradition en vivant comme un Yogi dans ce monde urbain qu'est New York.

 

Pour plus d'infos sur le Sri Dharma Mittra: www.dharmaYogacenter.com

Pour plus d'infos sur Andrei Ram Om: www.innerparadise.org

 

 

 SHIVA NAMASKAR VINYASA (Partie physique-Asana)

4 Mars 19:30 – 21:30.

 

Les séries de Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa crées par Sri Yogi Dharma Mittra, sont un chemin vers la félicitée qui réintègre le flot continu de prana (énergie cosmique) à travers la colonne vertébrale, permettant ainsi sa diffusion profonde dans toutes les parties métaboliques, intuitives et idéales du corps. Les ingrédients actifs et divins de cette incroyable session incluent des séquences de vinyasa (asanas) sélectionnées avec soins, des exercices de respiration (pranayamas), de profonde relaxation (Yoga nidra) et de méditation (dhyana). Cette sélection attentive des postures de Yoga au sein des séries d'exercices de Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa est inspirante. Les enchaînements utilisés sont conçus pour la torsion, le stretch, la manipulation et pour atteindre un meilleur contrôle du corps. La pratique des ces asanas renforce et tonifie les muscles, les glandes et les organes internes.  On constate une progression grâce à l'utilisation d'une manière unique et ambitieuse, la méditation. Andrei-Ram aide les étudiants, à n'importe quel niveau de leur parcours, pour leur permettre d'atteindre les postures et devenir des yogis tenaces à  la pratique joyeuse. Durant cette session, attention personnelle et bons conseils vous seront donnés  ainsi que la direction vers le vrai but  du Yoga: " la réalisation suprême de soi".

 

 

PURIFICATION DIVINE (Partie méditative et psychique)

5 Mars 19:30 – 21:30.

 

Un programme inestimable de nettoyage et de désintoxication a été crée par Sri Yogi Dharma Mittra, pour aider à purifier l'esprit, le corps physique et le corps subtil astral, des impuretés toxiques, en évoquant des pensées sattvic (pure, positive). La pratique inclue la respiration ancienne et des techniques saines, le mantra japa, et la méditation. Apprendre et comprendre les bénéfices de pratiquer un style de vie yogique. Cette purification nous amène vers des niveaux supérieurs de santé physique et mentale, nous permettant d'atteindre le point culminant de notre être dans une réalisation de soi bienheureuse.  Les discours sur les Yamas et les Niyamas sont incorporés au programme, règles éthiques qui nous sont nécessaires  pour la pratique, la compréhension et le succès dans le Yoga. Cette parole détaille les lois du Karma et les principes d'alimentation du Yoga.

Les buts de la pratique sont notamment de:

• Purifier les cinq koshas (les cinq coupures du Soi) pour soutenir notre santé et pour l'intégration du corps, de l'esprit et de l'esprit profond.

• Enlever les états négatifs de l'esprit et promouvoir la pensée positive pour aider a ce que ce manifeste les choses que nous souhaitons voir arriver dans la vie.

• Ouvrir les centre de chakra et enlever les blocages existant dans le flux de prana, la vie donnant des forces liant la respiration, le corps et l'esprit.

• Améliorer la concentration.

• Ouvrir les voies psychiques  (nadis) pour améliorer l'intuition et ouvrir le 6eme sens.

Dear students,

I am very happy to present Andrei Ram who will be at the Centre de Yoga du Marais presenting the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra.

This is the first time these teachings will be presented in Paris and I am very much looking forward to this workshop.  The description of the two evening workshop Wednesday and Thursday evening is below and you can reserve your place as follows:

The cost is is 30 euros per evening, (attendance at both evenings is highly recommended for continuity) and your place is reserved by presenting your payment in advance.  This workshop replaces my Wed and Thurs eve classes so you can pay by using your card.

2 classes off your card plus 2 euros if you have an 8 class card

2 classes off your card plus 8 euros if you have a 15 class card.

If you reserve and cancel I will have to take the classes off your card.

The workshop is filling up so please contact me soon.

 

Other news:

Mohammed has canceled his classes for now.

Chantal is teaching Saturdays at 15h00.

 

See you soon!

Michelle

 

 

DHARMA MITTRA YOGA IN PARIS

March 4^th and 5^th, 19:30 to 21:30.  30 euros each evening

 

For the first time ever in France at Centre de Yoga du Marais all of the best teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra, one of the most well recognized Yoga Masters worldwide. Two evening classes that will embrace all aspects of the science of Yoga from the physical to the esoteric. Lead by Yogi Andrei Ram Om, Dharma Mittra's closest disciple who has been working with his guru for the last 6 years expanding the light of yoga around the world.

Andrei-Ram shares and imparts the virtues of Yoga he has learned from Dharma; kindness, patience, humility, fortitude, humor, selfless service, ahimsa (non-harm), and unlimited love, compassion and understanding for all. Andrei-Ram will share tricks and benefits taught by the ancient science of Yoga in order to achieve a joyful living in to the present reality, as he maintains the tradition of living the life of a Yogi while living in the urban world of New York City .

 

For more info about Sri Dharma Mittra go to: www.dharmayogacenter.com

For more info about Andrei Ram Om go to: www.innerparadise.org

 

 

SHIVA NAMASKAR VINYASA (Asana-Physical portion)

March 4^th 19:30 – 21:30.

 

Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa series created by Sri Yogi Dharma Mittra, is a stairway to bliss that reintegrates the continuous flow of prana (cosmic energy) through the spinal column, emanating deep into all areas of the physical, metabolic, intuitive and bliss body. The Divine active ingredients in this amazing session include carefully selected vinyasa sequences (asanas), breathings (pranayamas), deep relaxation (yoga nidra) and meditation (dhyana). The carefully selected Yoga postures in the Shiva Namaskar Vinyasa series are inspirational, using sequences that are designed to twist, stretch, manipulate and gain control of the body. Practice of these asanas strengthens and tones muscles, glands and internal organs. The progression flows in a uniquely challenging yet meditative manner. Andrei-Ram is a master at helping students at any level lose their fear, achieve the postures and become steadfast Yogis in a joyful practice. Personal attention and helpful hints are given throughout the session as well as direction toward the true goal of Yoga: "Supreme Self Realization".

 

 

DIVINE PURIFICATION (Meditative-Psychic portion)

March 5^th 19:30 – 21:30.

 

An invaluable cleansing and detoxification program created by Sri Yogi Dharma Mittra, to help purify the mind, the physical body and the subtle astral body of toxic impurities, evoking sattvic (pure, positive) thoughts. The practice includes ancient breathing and sound techniques, mantra japa, and meditation. Learn and understand the benefits of practicing a Yogic lifestyle. This purification leads to higher states of physical and mental health, culminating ultimately into blissful Self-realization.  Incorporated into this program are discourses on the Yamas and Niyamas, the ethical rules necessary for ones practice, understanding and success in Yoga. This inspirational discourse also elaborates on the laws of Karma, and the dietary principles of Yoga. Key purpose of this practice include:

• Purify the five koshas (the five sheaths of the Self) to promote health and integration of the body, mind and sprit.

• Remove negative states of mind and promote positive thinking in order to help manifest what we wish to happen in our lives.

• Opening chakra centers and removing blocks to the flow of prana, the life giving force which links breath, body and mind.

• Improve concentration.

• Open psychic channels (nadis) to improve intuition and open sixth sense.

 

Centre de Yoga du Marais
72, rue du Vertbois
75003 Paris
0033(0)1.42.74.24.92
0033(0)6.31.91.92.12
www.yogamarais.com
http://yogainparis.blogspot.com