The Dance of Light*

by Tao Porchon-Lynch

 

When asanas ride on the flow of light it awakens the inner energy.

The body pulsates not only from the internal, but like an arrow pierces the vast space, melting it into oneness. It is here where all thought can reach beyond the physical concept of life on this planet. 

When the asana rides on this flow of light, the body is no longer a physical machine which pulsates from within, but seems to reach out and activate both the physical and spiritual bodies. 

It is then that the kundalini power makes contact with the earthly forces and moves upwards into another level of consciousness. 

It will not occur by just sitting in a collapsed position. It needs to stir from within, to link with the heavenly force of gravity, extending within every pore and cell in the body, melting into another dimension, beyond space. 

Without any physical tension, the body experiences the exchange between the downward and rising forces in the sacroiliac joints. Like the ebb tide of an ocean boor pushes a great river upstream, carrying it on the shoulders of the ocean of cosmic energy. 

*From Reflections: The Yogic Journey of Life, 2nd Ed. by Tao Porchon-Lynch, 2015.

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2019–20 Workshops

Tao Porchon-Lynch: Celebrating Life!

June 8
Details and registration info in this newsletter and at ytayoga.com. 

Ravi Singh: Yoga Therapy Approaches Through a Kundalini Lens
September 14

Daniel Orlansky: Vinyasa Yoga and Qi Gong: Flowing into Wholeness

October 12

** Second Annual YTA Retreat at Himalayan Institute **
Yoga for a Radiant Heart, Body, and Mind with Todd Norian
October 25–27

Alison West: Spotting and Assessing Scoliosis 
and Some Principles of Practice
November 9

Sandra Anderson: Lions, Tigers, Elephants, and Prana
December 14 

Ingrid Bacci: The Alexander Technique
January 11

Mona Anand: Yoga Nidra and Restorative Work
February 8

Deidre Breen: Mudras
March 14

Stan Woodman: Tristana—The Three Pillars of Astanga Yoga
April 11

Lee Albert: Positional Therapy
May 9

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Words of Wisdom

from Paula Renuka Heitzner

Dear All, 

As the flowers bloom and the bushes flower, we gratefully receive the light and warmth that shimmers in with the month of June, especially after the quirky weather we've endured. People are looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors and the opportunities for a variety of excursions, particularly, the proverbial walk in the woods, on sandy beaches, along lakes or river banks, in beautiful parklands, or colorful and exotic city streets. When we plan to be out and about, we come to realize the many choices available to us, with their boundless possibilities.

Our yoga practice in some ways simplifies our journey, but it also presents personal challenges to help us grow, strengthen, develop, and transform. There is the path of least resistance and "the road less traveled." To make these choices, we begin to understand the paradox of life with information imparted to us through our yoga practice, enabling us to explore our own way to choose our destination. 

The path of least resistance may be the perfect path for us if we are always struggling and striving. We can begin to understand the value of surrender, learning how to let go and to trust more. This is the balance yoga teaches us. If one takes the path of least resistance looking for an easy way out of doing their personal work, the path just runs in unhappy circles leading into a downward spiral.

Yogically, "the road less traveled" opens one to adventure and curiosity. The unexpected offers us the opportunity to fully put into practice what we've learned—to be present, mindful, and courageous. This road leads us to self-confidence and self-empowerment, the states of mind that engender contentment, joy, and well-being.

Let's take the less traveled road to Briarcliff Manor to attend the monthly workshops offered by YTA for our yoga teachers and serious students and be less resistant to this path of purposefulness.

Yours In yoga, 
Paula Renuka Heitzner

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Your Thoughts

What are the best techniques to use for breath and body awareness?

Happily, the techniques overlap. As we begin to consciously breathe more slowly and deeply, our body awareness becomes clearer. When we find ourselves seeking better body awareness, we notice ourselves breathing with more focus and clarity.

We can enhance our pursuits if we better understand the principle of grounding, physically. Understanding the body's physiology, particularly its anatomy and respiratory systems, will help the neurological system make the positive connections of communication between the brain, the bones, and the breath—enabling the blood to deliver life-giving oxygen for any and all endeavors. 

This section is dedicated to answering your questions about yoga—as a student or as a teacher. Questions? Comments? Send them to ytaeditor@gmail.com or go to our Facebook page. Tell us your thoughts!

Paula Heitzner, ERYT– 500, is a Master Yoga Teacher. She has taught yoga for over 50 years and has trained many others to teach the time-honored principles, practices, and philosophy of yoga. The “teacher of teachers,” as she is called by her students, teaches at the New Age Center in Nyack. 

Learn more about Paula at nyackyogacenter.com.

________________

From the May YTA workshop
with Paula Heitzner

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Member Events 

YTA members (individuals & studios) are invited to include their events here. Send details to ytaeditor@gmail.com by the 15th of the month to be included in the following month’s newsletter. Member events are also posted in YTA's online directory, the source for information about yoga teachers, studios, and yoga teacher trainings throughout the Hudson Valley. To be included, individual and studio members may send their information to ytadirectory@gmail.com.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Elisha Simpson
Founder and Executive Director, Crossover Yoga Project
914-319-4010
icanhelp@crossoveryogaproject.org

Trauma-Informed Training with Crossover Yoga Project
June 1 (Sat, 10-5 pm); June 14 (Fri, 6-9 pm)
10-hour training includes overview of trauma types; impact of trauma on the body and mind; practical hands-on skills to cope; use of supportive and effective communication; role racism, oppression, and socioeconomic factors play in everyday interactions, trauma-informed sequencing and cueing; and self-care. Learn about the stress response and the autonomic nervous system. Perform yoga postures, breathing techniques, and meditations for self-regulation. Manual. 200-hour yoga instructors eligible for 15 YA credits. Venmo@CYPEmpowersMe. $395

This training is taking place at Speakeasy10562, 127 Main Street, Ossining, NY 10562. speakeasy10562.com

Iyengar Yoga Scarsdale/Greenwich

Nancy Kardon
74 Brewster Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583

and

299 Greenwich Avenue, 3^rd Fl

Greenwich, CT 06830

914-629-1994
nkardon@gmail.com
iyengaryogascarsdale.com

Iyengar Yoga Fundamentals with Nancy Kardon

June 22 (Sat, 11:45 am-12:45 pm)
Dip your toe into this practice. Learn to quiet the mind and pay attention to how your body parts organize and connect. Build from the ground up and discover movement, ease, agility, strength, and balance. With practice over time connect body, mind, breath, and spirit and learn to transform your experience of self. $25; 1^st class free for new students 

Scoliosis and Back Care with Nancy Kardon 
June 22 (Sat, 2:15-3:45 pm)
By nature, Iyengar Yoga teaches you to look, measure, balance, and adjust. Use the rope wall to learn traction actions to create space and extension. Learn to lengthen and strengthen, work with and identify habitual patterns. Good for new and continuing students. $25

Sutra Tea with Nancy Kardon 
June 22 (Sat, 4:15-5:30 pm)
Let’s look at some of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Discuss why yoga is a disciplined practice, not a pill, and how it may become a teacher for life. Free

Luke Ketterhagen
Yoga, Meditation, Wellness
646-306-7607
LukeKetterhagen.com

Experience India 2019 with Luke Ketterhagen
Oct 10–24, 2019

Chaliye!  (That's "Let’s go" in Hindi.) Application upon request. Early registration discounts.  $500 (ONLY) deposit holds your spot. Space is limited to 25 participants! Videos, pictures, and full testimonials at  LukeKetterhagen.com/excursions.

Riverstone Yoga
Contact: Jeanette
2 Hudson View Way
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-332-YOGA (9642)
info@riverstoneyoga.com 
riverstoneyoga.com

Teacher Training Info Session with Phoebe 
June 1 & 29 (Sat, 11:30 am-12:15 pm)

Join us for an information session to answer your questions about a future as a yoga instructor. Our program brings you a comprehensive training where we explore many different yoga styles, created to help you find your passion. Free

MELT Running with Joy 

June 8 (Sat, 12 noon-1:30 pm)
Designed for runners and anyone dealing with lower body or low back pain, this class will help restore the rotational integrity of your spine, decrease tension in your hips and low back, and add resilience to your stride. $30

Mindfulness, Stress, and Pain Reduction with Doug Scherer
June 9 (Sun, 12 noon-3 pm)
An experiential day of awareness, presence, and healing—highlighting practices from the full MBSR curriculum. MBSR is an evidence-based, highly researched program for reducing anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other stress-related issues. $60

Yoga Culture
Kristine Habersang
105 Mill Plain Road
Danbury, CT 06811
203-730-0250
kristine@weareyogaculture.com
weareyogaculture.com

Summer Yoga at Tarrywile Park
Sundays (thru Labor Day, 10:30-11:30 am)
Smell the grass, feel the breeze, and salute the sun overlooking a beautiful meadow. No sign or YC membership necessary. In front of the old barn. Proceeds go to Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810. Weather permitting. $5 donation

Yoga for Tight Hips, Semi-Private Lesson with Jessie DiMauro Marks
June 6 (Thurs, 6-7 pm)
Learn how to increase mobility in your hips, creating a more natural walking gait and freedom while sitting, standing, and everything in between. Explore the connection between hips and emotional stress. Effective propping will be explained so that you have tools to take into your regular yoga practice. Class is limited to 6 students. $35

Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation with Allison Ray Jeraci
June 7 (Fri, 7:30-8:30 pm)
Experience full-body relaxation and a deep meditative state of consciousness. Bring your chronically exhausted and overstimulated self. Highly recommended for everyone under the sun, this is a deep relaxation technique that leads you to experience the relief of stress, restful sleep, and a greater sense of harmony and balance throughout your daily life. $20 by 6/6; $30 thereafter

Summer Kickoff Yoga Fest 
June 8 (Sat, 7 am-2:45 pm)
Topics such as standing balance, restorative, Prop Camp, leg strengthening, and arm-balancing will be covered in the 8 workshops offered. Choose 4 that speak to you. $45 (4 workshops) by 6/13; $55 thereafter

Summer Solstice Yoga at Tarrywile Park
June 20 (Thurs, 7-8 pm)
Join us for our annual Summer Solstice Celebration! Open to all levels of yoga experience. We'll have a fun-filled yoga class as the sun shines on for the longest light of the year. Tarrywile Park is located at 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810. $5 donation goes to Tarrywile Park

The Art of Henna with Elyse Sadtler
June 22 (Sat, 9:45-11:45 am)
15-minute sessions. Have your skin adorned with the ancient and beautiful art of henna. All natural semi-permanent inks are used to create intricate and beautiful designs. Elyse, an internationally certified natural henna artist, will use elements from intricate Indian patterns to geometric Moroccan motifs to create a work of art on your body. No advanced sign up. First come, first serve; sign up day of at the studio. $15.

Family Yoga Class with Denise Nobile
June 23 (Sun, 2-3 pm)
All levels family class includes postures for everyone. Explore standing poses, sun salutations, partner poses, breathing and relaxation techniques and fun, interactive yoga games. This class is a family-bonding opportunity while sharing the health and well-being that yoga brings. Appropriate for children ages 4-12. $15 for 2 family members; $5 for additional member

Yoga for Pelvic Floor Health, Semi-Private Lesson
June 27 (Thurs 6-7 pm)
Calling all women! Increase your knowledge of this powerful system of muscles and learn how to keep them strong yet flexible. This will help prevent lumbar spine issues, hip and sciatic issues, bladder issues, and so much more. After a brief discussion, learn an asana practice to keep these muscles working and apply this to all your yoga practices. Limited to 6 students. $35

Reiki with Sound Healing
June 28 (Fri, 7:30-9:30 pm)
Himalayan Singing Bowls can carry and transmit the universal life force energy of Reiki. When the life-force energy within a person is restricted, the vibrational frequency/tones are altered creating a different sound/note not within the body’s natural state. As Reiki is life-force energy, when in combination with the singing Bowls, it enhances and intensifies the healing process by restoring wholeness, correcting, deepening, and amplifying the harmonic balance through the physical, mental, and emotional whole self. $40 by 6/20, $50 thereafter

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~ Final Thoughts ~

Then followed that beautiful season ... Summer.... Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood. 

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow