Mind Body Messenger
Issue #41, November 2006

Keeping Up With Heather

Hello Friends,
This newsletter reaches you early this month, as I am heading off for two weeks to begin my training as a Yoga Therapist with Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.

The Phoenix Rising method offers a therapeutic application of Yogic philosophy and technique, which is most often done in a one-on-one environment utilizing hands on adjustments, dialogue, and other techniques. As I continue my education as a Yogini, I am drawn more and more to the instruction of Yoga in a one-on-one environment, which interestingly is how Yoga has traditionally been passed on. As each individual has different needs, skills, goals and ideas about Yoga, it is beneficial to offer students the opportunity to have a Yoga program that is designed uniquely for them; for body type, dosha (Ayurvedic type), energy level, lifestyle and of course unique skills and abilities. A personalized Yoga program helps people to overcome injuries, postural habits or issues that may be an obstacle to great health, vitality, and Yoga (union of mind/body/spirit). Thus, this course is just one in many that I will be undertaking in the next few years to improve my skills as an instructor, educator, and therapist. I will also be studying Ayurveda, Thai Yoga Therapy/Massage and Ashtanga Yoga, and I trust that all of this personal growth for me will translate to improved classes/ sessions and enhanced personal growth for you too!

If you would like to know more about these subjects, visit www.pryt.com for information on the Phoenix Rising program, www.lotuspalm.com for more on the Thai Yoga Massage/Therapy, and www.ashtanga.org for details on Ashtanga Yoga. We have mentioned Ayurveda in the last few issues of the Messenger, and if this has piqued your interest in this “sister science” to Yoga, browse the net to discover more about this ancient system. A few key people to scroll for include David Frawley, Vasant Lad, Robert Svboda, and Andrea Olivieri. And, if you are looking for the royal treatment in Ayurveda check out the Raj Ayurveda Health Spa at www.theraj.com

I am so grateful to have the job that I do, with the flexibility to take courses, explore different ideas, and bring it all back for my clients to experience. I am sure that you will hear more about this adventure in our next issue. Until then, keep well, and keep stretching…everything
Namaste, Heather

Thoughts On…Water

These “gulps” of info on water are taken from a recent email I received that encouraged me to “DRINK TAP WATER, NOT BOTTLED WATER.” Forgive me for passing this on without a lot of fact checking…if you have any more information on this subject I’d love to hear it!

• According to the United Nations, if we took half of what is currently spent on bottled water (approximately $100 billion annually) and invested it in water infrastructure and treatment, everyone in the world could have access to clean drinking water.
• The U.S. EPA sets more stringent quality standards for tap water than the FDA does for bottled water.
• Approximately 40% of bottled water is actually tap water.
• It takes 1.5 billion barrels of oil to produce the plastic for water bottles.
• According to the Container Recycling Institute, only 14% of plastic water bottles are recycled.
• A water bottle in a landfill will take more than 1000 years to biodegrade.

For more information: Organic Consumers Association, www.organicconsumers.org

On Drinking from Plastic…

Drinking from plastic bottles is hard on the Earth as producing and disposing of these bottles uses a tremendous amount of energy, and costs the Earth in many ways. As well, drinking from plastic leaves you vulnerable to the toxins and chemicals used in the bottle, (especially if you reuse your bottles) and could affect your health. I know, you know, we all know this…but until now there haven’t been a lot of convenient alternatives.

However, on the market now there are some great products that can help you to reduce plastic usage and drink healthier, including the stainless steel portable water bottles made by Klean Kanteen. Recommended by a friend who uses them religiously (well at least faithfully). I’ve just ordered a few myself from www.greenbeans.ca who ship throughout Canada. They have a variety of sizes, lids, and even a “sippy cup” for kids.

Happy Sipping!

The Akashic Records

The term “Akashic records” is a metaphysical term referring to a universal filing system which records every occurring thought, word, and action. The records are impressed on a subtle substance called akasha (or Ether). In Hindu mysticism this akasha is thought to be the primary principle of nature from which the other four natural principles, fire, air, earth, and water, are created. These five principles also represent the five senses of the human being.
Some indicate the akashic records are similar to a Cosmic or collective consciousness. The records have been referred to by different names including the Cosmic Mind, the Universal Mind, the collective unconscious, or the collective subconscious. Others think the akashic records make clairvoyance and psychic perception possible.

It is believed by some that the events recorded upon that akasha can be ascertained or read in certain states of consciousness. Such states of consciousness can be induced by certain stages of sleep, weakness, illness, drugs, and meditation so not only mystics but ordinary people can and do perceive the akashic records. Some mystics claim to be able to reanimate their contents like they were turning on a celestial television set. Yogis also believe that these records can be perceived in certain psychic states.

Certain persons in subconscious states do read the akashic records. An explanation for this phenomena is that the akashic records are the macrocosm of the individual subconscious mind. Both function similarly, they possess thoughts which are never forgotten. The collective subconscious gathers all thoughts from each subconscious mind which can be read by other subconscious minds.

An example of one who many claimed successfully read the akashic records is the late American mystic Edgar Cayce. Cayce did his readings in a sleep state or trance. Cayce's method was described by Dr. Wesley H. Ketchum who for several years used Cayce as an adjunct for his medical practice.

"Cayce's subconscious...is in direct communication with all other subconscious minds, and is capable of interpreting through his objective mind and imparting impressions received to other objective minds, gathering in this way all knowledge possessed by endless millions of other subconscious minds."

Apparently Cayce was interpreting the collective subconscious mind long before the psychiatrist Carl Jung postulated his concept of the collective unconscious.

Glossary:

Mysticism: The study and application of the laws of nature.
Metaphysics: lit. “beyond the physical”; The study of energies and our non-physical reality.
Brought to you by Christopher Lipscomb chris@yogatrinity.com

Zen Story; It Will Pass

A student went to his meditation teacher and said, "My meditation is horrible! I feel so distracted, or my legs ache, or I'm constantly falling asleep. It's just horrible!"

"It will pass," the teacher said matter-of-factly.

A week later, the student came back to his teacher. "My meditation is wonderful! I feel so aware, so peaceful, so alive! It's just wonderful!'

"It will pass," the teacher replied matter-of-factly.

Upcoming Events

Thai Yoga Massage Canberra, Australia

In January 2007 we are excited to be hosting the Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Massage School and instructor Shai Plonski in Canberra for the Thai Yoga Massage Certificate Program. Intensives I and II will be offered for students, yoga teachers, massage therapists and anyone interested in learning and practicing this dynamic healing art. If you wish to receive more information, or register for this special event, please visit www.yogatrinity.com or write to heather@yogatrinity.com

YTT Canberra Feb 2-Apr 24

A 12-weekend non-residential program designed to assist you in deepening your practice, exploring the foundations of Yogic technique and philosophy, and beginning to integrate the practices of Yoga in your everyday life. Registered 200 hour (Yoga Alliance). For details visit www.yogatrinity.com or write to heather@yogatrinity.com

YTT Sydney July 2007

Join us at the beautiful Govinda Valley Retreat just outside of Sydney for a highly experiential one-month residential Yoga Teacher Training program. Program includes over 200 hours of study of the foundations of Yogic philosophy and technique. Take a quantam leap in your own practice, and become an internationally recognized Registered Yoga Instructor. For details visit www.yogatrinity.com or write heather@yogatrinity.com

Yoga For Mind and Body

Part of an ongoing series offering yoga postures for men, women, and children to practice at home, school, on the road or in the office. With special thanks to Ross Pottinger of Wink Photo Design in Brisbane, Australia for the photos and the support in this project. And many thanks to Louisa Dick for taking part in the project. Do check with your health care practitioner before beginning a yoga practice. Many postures and techniques are not suitable for pregnant women, people with joint replacements, those with hypertension or other medical conditions. If you have a posture that you would like to see in this column, I welcome your suggestions. Namaste, Heather

Yoga At Work printer friendly version

To decrease physical tension, relieve mental stress, increase productivity, and improve your overall health, try these quick yoga stretches for the spine at work to improve posture, release tension, and boost your energy. Remember taking some deep, easy breaths while you stretch will enhance the stretch and revitalize body and mind.

	Side Bend Begin by rolling your shoulders forward and back a few times slowly. Then, inhale and reach your arms over your head. Gently clasp your left wrist with your right hand. Exhale and gently bend to the right, drawing your left arm up and away slightly with your right hand. Hold for a few seconds while you breath deeply, then return to the start, switch and repeat.
	Seated Twist Place your left hand on the outside of your right knee, clasp the right side of the back of your seat with your right hand. Keep your feet on the ground, and lift up through your spine as you gently twist your body to the right. Draw your right shoulder back while you look over your shoulder. Release and switch sides.
	Crescent Standing with hands on lower back, slowly lift through your waist and then arch your body back slightly to open up the front of your body. Always follow with a Forward Fold.
	Forward Fold After the crescent, place your hands on your thighs. Take a deep breath in, lift your chest, and then exhale and slowly slide your hands down your thighs as you hinge at your hips. Try to keep your spine straight for as long as you can in this stretch. As your hands reach your shins, your back will slightly round and you can relax for a few moments with knees bent, breathing deeply. Pay special attention to relaxing the back of your neck.