| Yoga: The Art of Maintaining Composure in Any Situation
I teach yoga at Digital and in several communities in Massachusetts,
as noted below. I appreciate yoga as an art, not so much as a
"martial" art pertaining to war but as a way of being -- being
a peaceful warrior while challenged by adversity and difficulties.
Hatha yoga includes yoga postures that give us an opportunity to
learn to assume any position with grace and evenmindedness. In
yoga classes, "positions" are postures that we enter, hold, and
let go of. This practice can be applied to the many "positions"
we take on in life, whether it be as manager, programmer, father,
mother, husband, wife, student, republican, democrat, or whatever.
We can learn to take
on these positions and keep the same inner peace and focus that
we learn during the yoga practice. We enter and assume our
responsibilities gracefully. We remain committed (hold) to
our responsibilities gracefully. We let go of our responsibilities
when the time is right -- gracefully -- and move on to the next
position and its associated responsibilities. We learn to handle
transition gracefully -- transition, one of the greatest stressors
in life (marriage, divorce, moving, new job, death...).
In yoga, as in life, we learn how to test our limits without
pushing egotistically and insensibly. We learn to expand our
horizons of flexibility and mobility rather than being stuck
or rigid in old or comfortable, familiar ways. We learn to
maintain an air of compassion toward ourselves as we enter the
unfamiliar and the unknown, so that wherever we go, as Jon Kabat
Zinn says, there we are. Wherever we go, we always bring with us
the inner, centered, compassionate state. We do not barge
through our resistances and limits, but rather we flow with them.
With deep breathing, compassion, and acceptance, our resistances
dissolve. With patience and endurance, our limits extend.
We do not compete. Everyone wins. Everyone graduates. The
practice is what matters, along with the attitude maintained
during the practice. The primary focus is not so much physical
fitness, which will be a natural outcome of the practice of yoga,
but the inner fitness -- what is going on between the ears and
in the heart.
Some people hesitate to try yoga because they are not flexible.
Flexibility is not a prerequisite for yoga; it is an outcome of yoga.
You are welcome, no matter what your shape, size, or age.
Yoga classes are ongoing. Join anytime.
@TAY2 Littleton
Tuesdays 11:35 to 12:35 All levels
Location: TAY2-1 Lowell Conference Room
@LKG1 Littleton
Wednesdays 11:45 to 12:50 Yoga for Strength and Conditioning *
Thursdays 11:35 to 12:35 Beginners and Easy-goers
Location: Stretching Room, LKG1-1, Pole F4 [behind Call Desk]
Thursdays 5:30 to 6:35 All levels
Location: Aerobics Room, LKG1-1, across from locker rooms
* A series of stretches designed especially for building strength as well
as flexibility and balance. Several of the postures can be extra
challenging, yet they can be practiced by anyone, to some degree.
As with all the classes, you are encouraged to work at your own rate;
never force or strain.
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Some people practice in their office
clothing. Some change into sweats or shorts. Mats are provided.
Optional and recommended: Large towel or light blanket.
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You can switch classes from week to week to suit your schedule.
Special arrangements available for frequent travellers or others
who know they will be missing classes (such as for training, vacations).
For more information, contact me (Phil) at TNPUBS::MILGROM or DTN 227-3057
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Yoga consists of stretches and breathing exercises that:
. Reduce stress
. Increase vitality
. Increase self-awareness
. Enhance physical, mental, and emotional health
. Increase strength and balance as well as flexibility
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Other classes taught at Fitness Workshop (Aerobics studio) in Littleton
Thursday nights and at the Centered Place in Warren (between Sturbridge
and Palmer) six days a week. Call 800 815-7374 for information.
Peace!
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