Yoga Day USA!

Here are 10 top reasons to try yoga. Yoga Day USA is January 28th, and all over the country people will celebrate yoga.

nilambu is offering 2 special classes that day at 10 am and at 1 pm. Those who register will be eligible in a raffle for a free private lesson! Special information on yoga and stress reduction will also be distributed. Register early as space is limited in the nilambu classes.

For those who don't live in the Washington DC area, you can find Yoga Day USA events in your area by clicking here .

Mariel Hemingway is the 2006 national spokesperson for Yoga Day USA and she says,

Yoga opens an awareness of your body and your mind that allows you to slow down and let go of stress. Give it a try. You'll be back again and again.

I hope you'll come by and give nilambu a try.

Methods and Attitudes for 2006

In January, the onslaught of advice on how to quit smoking, quit eating, quit this that or the other can be overwhelming.

So I have a few items to bring to your attention.

Phillip Moffitt highlights the distinction between goals and intentions in The Heart's Intention, a thought provoking and helpful essay. The subtitle is - Setting objectives is not the same as making goals. Confusing the two can lead to unnecessary suffering. And Moffitt offers practical wisdom.

At this time of the year, I look again at the yamas and niyamas - the first two limbs of yoga. These are guidelines of conduct that are as important to yoga as the poses (asanas). For specifics about the yamas and niyamas, click here.

The yamas set forth values on how one is to treat others and the niyamas outline how we our to treat ourselves.

In some parts of India, a new yogi would not be allowed to even roll out their mat to do the physical postures until these values were studied and embodied in every day conduct. For me, they provide a starting point as I set my intentions for the coming months.

Donna Farhi's discussion on how to apply the yamas and niyamas in contemporary life is the best I’ve encountered. This can be found in the introductory pages of her second yoga book, Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness.

Natural High: A Yoga Vacation

Where: Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Teacher: Robin Carnes, RYT
Dates: February 11-18, 2006
Cost: $1495 includes everything but airfare

You'll be spending 6 days and nights at Villa Sumaya Retreat Center, seductively located on the picturesque shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. With an uninterupted vista punctuated by three perfect volcanoes, Villa Sumaya is the ultimate high for people who love to bask in the beauty of Mother Nature. This unpretentious, thatch roof complex, offers comfortable elegant rooms, spacious gardens, a gorgeous yoga studio, restaurant/bar, hot tub, sauna, wellness treatments and more. Each room has its own verandah overlooking the lake. To see more about the beautiful setting, click here.

Yoga classes will be offered in the early morning, mid morning and deep relaxation sessions held every afternoon. All classes are suitable for beginners.

Your last day and night will be in Antigua, Guatemala -- an ancient city overflowing with rich history and extraordinary beauty. Your accommodations in a classic, elegant hotel near the central square allow you easy walking access to explore this fascinating city.

Robin Carnes has been teaching yoga for 10 years and revels in the chance to bring great people to beautiful places for a retreat that will soothe your soul. Contact Robin directly for more details at rdcarnes@starpower.net and phone 301-587-1336. Or check out her web site, Pathways to Happiness.