If Yoga Means Union, How Does the Disassembly of Loss Recover Through Yoga?

If Yoga Means Union, How Does the Disassembly of Loss Recover Through Yoga? I forget this often, but my yoga began because of death. A man I'd been seeing introduced me to yoga, and he and his family had begun to do yoga to deal with their grief after the death of a brother and a sister. For more on how my path started, click here. And so my path has circled back and again I was curious what yoga resources I could find to help me and what yoga says about grief.

I could not find much. I found one article from the December 2005 Yoga Journal, The Longest Goodbye. This essay deals with thoughts and perspective. I was more interested in doing than thinking and so more curious about my physical practice and how to adapt the poses and sequence them. I even called the International Association of Yoga Therapist. And they sent me a bibliography that also seemed sparse in this respect.

One of my own teachers gave me guidance. When you experience a loss or multiple losses, your heart is tender. So intense back bending, which exposes the chest and the heart, is not recommended. Child's pose, supported forward bends, face down corpse pose - all support the broken heart. It felt right.

The effect of back bending on emotions is well documented in yoga. See Emotions in Motion. If any one has any information to share regarding yoga postures and grief, please pass along. Meanwhile, I will continue my research.

The French essayist Montaigne wrote, "We must learn to endure what we cannot avoid..."

Purposefully Going to a Good Space

If you read no further in this newsletter, at least click on the link below. Steadiness & Ease, from the latest issue Yoga & Joyful Living (formerly Yoga International), covers the breadth of yoga - including physical postures, promotion of vitality, nourishment and building relationships. The authors go back to the roots of Sanskrit woods (which I just love) to delve into the meaning and include some helpful sidebars. One author, Dr. Robert Svoboda, is one of two leading Ayurvedic doctors in the USA. A few ideas may strike some as fanciful: "Never cook when you are angry, depressed, or frightened for you will transfer that negative energy into the food you are preparing." (Actually, my meals have been looking pretty sad and pathetic lately). But most of the information, particularly the section, "On The Mat," is very good. Reading this piece is a great way to start your year. Read on...

A Mother's Nurturing and Teaching

May 2007 bring you happy tidings and much yoga! I've got some great links to share with you and news about nilambu classes starting in February. I hope that yoga, in the physical sense but also in the meaning of unity, will be a part of your new year and that doing so will bring you equanimity and relief.

Also, many of you are aware that my mother died six weeks ago. I am very grateful for the sympathy and support from so many of you. She foremost taught me the value of community, and I've realized in the past weeks I've reaped the benefits of her teachings and priorities in the meaningful ways my own hamlet has helped me. Thank you.

Nurturing and teaching were tasks my mother knew and did well, and the importance of that noble profession will be recognized in her memory. For any who would like to make a contribution in her name, Oak Knoll School set up a memorial fund. The monies will be used to recognize the special service of teachers there, as teachers are too often undervalued. My mother served on the board of trustees, my sisters and I all graduated from there and my nine nieces and nephews are or will be enrolled.

Nine years at Oak Knoll built my character and taught me so much. The school was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus and is based on the principals of their founding mother, Cornelia Connelly. Click here for more information her (Her custody battle with her husband is a fascinating legal case across national borders and involving the church) and here for information on Oak Knoll, including the address.

How can doing yoga postures bring equanimity and relief? First, yoga is not just the physical practice. Second, how you practice is integral to the effects. Equanimity, effortlessness, ease and elegance. Relief, release, respite and reprieve. These things are my wish for you in 2007. Try some yoga, at nilambu or otherwise, and enjoy the effects.

Namaste - Cassandra

Classes Resume After Candlemas

Candlemas in the Christian tradition occurs on February 2nd.

Forty days after the birth of Jesus, Candlemas marks the end of Mary's purification. And the date also is about at the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In medieval times and still today in some highly liturgical churches, the candles are blessed for the entire year too.

All this by way of saying that on February 2nd, I too will re-emerge ready to go and to support you in your practice.

nilambu classes will begin the following week, the week of February 5th. The schedule is still being formulated but will be adjusted to the time availability of my current clients.

If you are one, please email me and let me know if you're interested in the same time slot. I am flexible (in time and otherwise!). Also see the link below to see the class outline through the beginning of May, including a specially planned class for the week of February 14th.

And if you're not yet a client and would like to be, please don't hesitate to contact me and let me know - even if you're just sort of thinking about it. Class are small with only 4 spots. Finally, if anyone rounds up at least three yogis, I'd be happy to initiate a new additional class.