The November 2000 Vol. VI No. 4 ®

Newsletter

Creativity, and, subsequently, to i n s i d e offer Laughing Meditation at a Psychiatric Unit Patients and local community center. Ila Vidyarthi ...... Page 1 Shortly thereafter, one of my Symptoms of Inner Peace students introduced me to the staff Alert from the IOOC...... Page 2 of York Hospital’s Behavioral Beyond the Insane Mind Health Department. My Sri Swami Satchidananda ...... Page 3 introduction to this Health Meditations on Closing a Center Department led to the Department’s decision to offer Pushkari Swaine...... Page 5 Laughing Meditation and Yoga to Yoga in a Mental Hosptial their patients in the Psychiatric Abhaya Bonnie Bragg...... Page 6 Rehabilitation Unit. This is a Crises Speak to Us of Love Stabilization Unit, and we Kahlil Gibran...... Page 7 arranged to provide orientation Yoga — workshops for departmental staff Nischala Devi ...... Page 8 PSYCHIATRIC UNIT prior to starting classes with the Yoga and Medicine PATIENTS AND YOGA patients. I taught four of these Dr. Amrita McLanahan...... Page 9 by Ila Vidyarthi workshops over the course of a month. These experiential and The Goose Story Everything in nature serves us, constantly. Anonymous ...... Page 11 informational workshops And as we are part of nature, we should involved introduction to Hatha A Winter Practice also be doing the same thing.—Sri Swami Yoga, , meditation, and Bhavani Miller...... Page 12 Satchidananda Laughing Meditation. I also Bulletin Board ...... Page 13 This is how I came to follow Sri explained the benefits of these Yogaville Advertisements ...... Page 14 Gurudev’s advice to serve. practices on the body, mind, and Yogaville Calendar ...... Page 15 spirit. Needless to say, the staff was I initially learned Yoga in the 1960’s in very happy to have this ® Ahmedabad, India, from Swami INTEGRAL YOGA opportunity. Moreover, this event Munivaryaji, who, like Gurudev Sri TEACHERS ASSOCIATION led to my membership on York Swami Satchidanandaji, is also a Founder: Sri Swami Satchidananda Hospital’s Advisory Council for disciple of Sri Swami Sivanandaji The Integral Yoga Teachers Association the Mind, Body Health Center. I Maharaj of Rishikesh. In the fall of is a membership association open to all currently serve as a Coordinator 1998, I had registered for the Cardiac Integral Yoga teachers. Its mission is to for Movement Therapies, which provide mutual support and spiritual Course offered include Yoga, T’ai-chi, and fellowship, to share information, to by Dr. Mala Cunningham. This was Qigong. provide inspiration, and to conduct my first visit to Satchidananda ongoing training and guidance. Ashram–Yogaville in Virginia. I felt Laughing Meditation and Yoga are Director: Ram Vignola right at home not only with the offered as part of a multi- Office: Dave Thompson teachings, but also with the general disciplinary program that includes Newsletter: atmosphere. During my stay at the group therapy with psychiatrists, Layout: Ram Vignola Ashram I attended numerous events, cognitive therapy with Editors: Kumari deSachy among them, Laughing Meditation, psychologists, pastoral care, Swami Gangeshwarananda led by Bharata Wingham. This led me community meetings, etc. Contact us at: to study the benefits of therapeutic Effectiveness is tracked by IYTA laughter and to attend the Fourteenth requiring all service providers to Yogaville, Buckingham, VA 23921 Annual International Conference on submit a detailed report for each tel: 804.969.3121, ext. 137 the Positive Power of Humor and fax: 804.969.1303 Continued on Page 10☞ e-mail: [email protected] webpage: www.iyta.org 1 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR ! IOOC ! Hari Om. It was great seeing the Integral Yoga ALERT! teachers gather at Yogaville this Labor Day weekend. If you missed it this year, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for next year. We had great From the International Office workshops, Yoga classes, and a fun time sharing for Opposition to Change ideas and meeting each other. Plus, we were blessed Be on the lookout for symptoms of with two satsangs with our beloved Sri Swami inner peace. The hearts of a great Satchidananda. many have already been exposed to This fall, the IYTA office will be working on the next inner peace, and it is possible that IYTA Directory, which we plan to publish by the end people everywhere could come of the year. You might want to log on to the IYTA down with it in epidemic webpage and check the online directory to verify your information. You can proportions. This could pose a log on to www.iyta.org and select the Directory. serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of There is a new face in the IYTA. Dave Thompson is taking on office duties, conflict in the world. including maintaining the database and webpage. This should free me up for more teacher support work, including looking into offering liability insurance, Some signs and symptoms of inner which was one of the requests from teachers during the Teachers Support peace: Symposium at the Teachers Reunion. 1. A tendency to think and act This month’s newsletter focuses on teaching Yoga to mental patients. Both spontaneously rather than on Abhaya Bonnie Bragg and Ila Vidyarthi share their experience working inside fears based on past experiences. psychiatric wards. Also, of course, we have words of wisdom from Sri Gurudev 2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy on the subject, and Amrita McLanahan, MD gives us some insight into coping each moment. with stress and deeper healing. She tells us that we need to expand our concept 3. A loss of interest in judging other of family to include...well, I’ll let her tell you. people. I’ve included some charts on chair Yoga which are appropriate in psychiatric 4. A loss of interest in interpreting wards, and, also, in many other populations. Thanks to Nischala Devi for letting the actions of others. us include these postures. Nischala trains Yoga teachers to work with heart patients. You can contact her directly for more information. 5. A loss of interest in conflict. With winter coming up, you may want to consider modifying your Yoga practice 6. A loss of the ability to worry. for the colder weather. Bhavani Miller tells us how she went through last winter (This is a very serious symptom.) with , and no colds or flus! 7. Frequent, overwhelming As Yoga teachers, we know to come out of the as mindfully as we go episodes of appreciation. into them, but how do we apply that awareness to other situations in our life? 8. Contented feelings of Read how Pushkari and Prajapati Swaine joyously closed their Yoga center. connectedness with others and I wish you all peace, health, love and light. nature. Om Shanthi, 9. Frequent attacks of smiling. 10. An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make things happen. Ram Vignola 11. An increased susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

2 Unfortunately, even to know your true nature, you need the help of the mind. So, make friends with the insane mind and enlist its help to turn within. Who is to realize your true nature? That true nature is God, or God’s image. If you are God’s image, who has forgotten it? How can you—as God—forget yourself as God? You can’t really. When it gets tired of running after worldly things for its peace and happiness, the same insane mind turns toward the True Self. When the mind turns inward, it loses itself and gets absorbed in the True Self. Imagine a drop of water that wants to know the depth of the sea, because people have told the drop, “You are nothing but a drop from the sea. That’s your original place. You have come out of the sea. You have to realize your source.” What should the drop do? Drop in. Drop into the sea from where it came. Once it drops, in what happens? It loses the individuality that is called “a drop.” The same amount of water is still there—not as drop but as the sea. The mind is like that. The sea is the Cosmic Self, or God. The mind came out of that Cosmic Self and got an identity. There comes a time when the drop wants to know, to realize its source. In that effort, it loses itself. My Gurudev, Swami Sivanandaji, used to sing, “When shall I see Thee? When ‘I’ ceases to be.” How can I see my Self? By losing myself. If you want to see that Cosmic Self—the God in you—as a separate entity, you are still the limited little one seeing the big one; you are not experiencing it. Even your individuality is not reality. There’s no literal BEYOND THE INSANE MIND separation between you and God. You are never separated. by Sri Swami Satchidananda Reaching God, realizing God, becoming God—that’s all just nonsensical terminology, used because we need to say Question: You once said that you have all the museums something. The reality is that you are never separated from and parks within you. This week I realized that I have all God; you only think you are separated. Thinking. That’s the insane asylums of the world within me! Do realized the insanity of the mind. masters still have crazy minds but transcend them? Or does the mind eventually get sane? Question: How can we learn from the suffering of mental illness? Sri Gurudev: The mind is never sane. It’s always insane. That’s the nature of the mind. Knowing that something Sri Gurudev: All our mistakes come to us in the form of will hurt, the mind goes after it. What do you call that? illness, physical or mental. Suffering means to clean it out. Insanity. That’s the way the mind is; you have to rise above Nobody, not even nature itself, is interested in causing you it. suffering. Your suffering is your way to clean out your problems. There’s no gentle way. If your linen is dirty, it Accepting that nature of the mind, you go beyond. Those has to go through the suffering in the laundromat. You who have accepted it and have not allowed themselves to cannot expect the laundry man to fold it and put it on the be bothered by it are the sane people. They look at others altar and burn some incense and say, “Get clean.” No; it who don’t accept the insanity of the mind and label them has to go through suffering. So, that’s what. Suffering as insane. That’s why, many times, sages and saints say means effort in cleaning out problems. the whole world is an insane asylum. It is true. There’s nothing sane in this world. Everything that you think great If that is clearly understood, you will say, “Yes; I must have is not great at all. It’s all an illusion. done something. Even if I do not know exactly what I did, because there is suffering, I must have done something. Your job is to recognize the truth within yourself and So, let me face it. And, of course, if there is somebody who recognize that you are happy without running after any can help me alleviate the suffering, then let them come of these things. It is only by realizing your own true nature and help me by the way of medicines or other practices. that you are ever going to be sane. But suffering is caused by me, against me. I accept it. Continued on Page 4 ☞

3 BEYOND THE INSANE MIND— condition, a tranquil condition, to calm the mind and continued from Page 3 nerves. It may take a long time, but that’s the only way. Without suffering, I know that I cannot get rid of the Any kind of agitation, even the littlest agitation, is enough problem. I realize the benefit of my suffering. Pain is my to create turbulence. So, even in the name of diet, you have friend. No pain, no gain.” to watch everything that you take in, and watch for the result, the reaction of the body. Even a little stimulant might That’s the only way to understand suffering. Somebody bring turbulence up. So, you have to know what agrees else does not give suffering to you. Nobody, not even the with you. Or, have somebody help you watch for the result. whole world, can bring suffering to you if you do not It’s not that it is impossible to cure, but it takes a lot of deserve it. So, there’s no point in finding somebody to use effort, a lot of attention. But, certainly, temporary cures with as an excuse, as a cause for our suffering. The cause for drugs are not the answer. That will only your suffering, as well as for your pleasure, is increase the problem. yourself. Nobody, not When there is depression, even the There’s an ancient South Indian proverb that atmosphere should be pleasant, peaceful, says, “The good and bad, the pleasure and pain even the whole elevating. The person should not remain in that you enjoy is not given to you by anybody the same place where the depression started. else.” You sowed it, you are reaping it. If you world, can The person should be transferred to a totally sow a bitter seed, you will have a bitter fruit. different, peaceful atmosphere. If that is understood clearly, that itself is a big bring suffering relief from suffering. The moment you know Question: Have any of your disciples tried that you are suffering to clean you up, it’s no to you if you Yoga in helping people who have mental longer suffering. If you don’t understand it, if illness. you don’t want it, the suffering increases. It’s do not Sri Gurudev: Yes, there are some of my like this example that I always give. A lady students working in psychiatric institutes. If goes to the hospital, to the doctor and asks him deserve it. you have psychiatric patients, you cannot just to create pain in her stomach. “I should have go with your regular class routine. That is, you had pain two days ago. I didn’t get it. Please induce some should know how to act as a sort of insane person. You pain.” Why? Why does she want pain? Because, she knows should make these students feel at home. And, then, in a that without the pain ,she cannot deliver the baby. Because sort of gentle, playful way, you can do some postures and she knows the gain, she’s looking for the pain. let them copy you. It can be a little difficult to make them You pay thousands of dollars to the doctors to perform do anything. You have to use your common sense. operations, even to chop off parts of the body. Why? Even with psychiatric cases, we would always recommend Because, you know that without the operation, you cannot some change in the diet. There is a saying, “You are what survive. All our pains are like that. If you understand pain, you eat.” For everything, advise looking into eating habits it’s no longer a pain; it’s a blessing. That is the message of and making the right changes. suffering, the meaning of suffering. Also, we recommend teaching Nadi Suddhi. Students with Question: Are the medications that are commonly used by mental problems should not do much Kapaalabhati. Nadi medical science to alleviate symptoms, but not cure, a good Suddhi really quiets the mind. What’s important is to try or bad course of action? What would you recommend to to avoid all the things that stimulate. Not just food and help people suffering from these ailments? drink; even certain sights and certain people will stimulate Sri Gurudev: I would say that modern medical science and them. Some mental patients, when they see the doctor, go their method of treating mental illness with drugs creates more crazy. So, like that, mental patients may not want to more problems. They are not curing the illness; they are hear certain words, may not want to see certain people, just temporarily arresting the symptoms. may not want to go to certain places, because all those things aggravate their condition. When a baby cries with pain, you give a sleeping dose, and the baby sleeps. Or you numb those parts of the body Question: When the mind starts to lose the ego identity, that brings out the information in the form of pain. No; what does it feel like? Does it happen instantaneously or drugs are not the answer. Too often, drugs just simply lock gradually? people up, continue to dope them, and then make them Sri Gurudev: It is instantaneous. But you lose that identity just sit there like a jellyfish. That’s not the way. The best gradually. It’s almost like you go to sleep, but you don’t way is to follow the yogic principles in every respect. Calm sleep right away. You lie down, doze off. Until you really the mind, calm the body, and calm the nerves. Let every fall asleep, you are not sleeping. You can gradually get into experience in life bring more sattwic (calming) qualities. the mood of sleep. Once real sleep comes, you are not there; Your association, your thoughts, your words, your music, your food, your exercises should all be producing a sattwic Continued on Page 5☞

4 BEYOND THE INSANE MIND— MEDITATIONS ON CLOSING continued from Page 3 A YOGA CENTER you don’t even know where you are, In January 2000, when Prajapati and I realized what you are. that there was not enough participation to continue to operate the Integral Yoga Center Here is a chemical example: in the of Northeast Pennsylvania, a memory from chemistry lab, we study how to my first Yoga classes at the New York IYI balance the acidity into alkalinity. entered my thoughts. I can still hear those first instructors reminding us to There is acid in one cup, and alkali in come out of the asana as mindfully as we went into it. It clicked! We could close another cup. To reduce the acidity, the Yoga center as mindfully and as joyfully as we opened it. and to make it alkaline, you drop in the alkali and keep on dropping it in First, we decided to send a letter to all the people who had taken courses at the and testing with litmus paper. Which Center, informing them of the schedule of our final six-week courses and inviting drop will make it alkaline? You don’t them to a closing celebration. This way, we had six weeks to process the closing know. Until the last drop, it is still with them. Many emotions came up for us all: sadness, disappointment, guilt, acid, but you don’t know which drop blame, and loss. During that last session, we used the theme of losing is gaining will make it alkaline. It’s the same in our classes and spiritual circles. We learned that the very process of letting with all these Yoga practices. By these go of what we have frees us from the attachments that keep us from our freedom. practices, we are slowly reducing our By not resisting this development, this change in plans, we were able to be acidity. By dropping in Yoga, bit by present to the possibilities that would come. bit, bit by bit, you lose your acidity. We reminded ourselves and our students what Swami Satchidananda is always And, then, all of a sudden, you are all teaching us, to be happy when it comes and to be happy when it goes. We alkaline. It’s impossible to say exactly decided to follow that principle and be happy with the closing, knowing that it when. Keep on doing the practices. would be all right. Our closing celebration was a success for our small Yoga All of a sudden you will be community. About twenty people came with their vegetarian dishes and with enlightened. their “dancing socks on,” as we had requested in the invitation. It was a Whatever practices we do, we do with wonderful party. Everyone danced, everyone ate, and everyone shared what the mind. All the pujas, all the the Yoga center had been for him or her. We closed with a meditation postures, japa, breathing, and so on— After our last class, on Saturday morning at 9:30 am, a couple of students helped everything is mental. You, as the us pack up our cushions, tables, chairs, fans, air purifier, bulletin boards, lamps, mind, are doing these things. That CD player, and other props that we had accumulated for the center over the way, you are slowly rubbing and three years, and we said, “Good Bye.” By 6:00 p.m., when Prajapati and I passed scrubbing and cleaning out the mind. the hotel complex where the Yoga center had been located, the sign was gone All these things are there to help clean and the new occupants had already put up their sign. It was as though we had your mind. As long as you have false never been there—except that Yoga was alive and well in the area. Two of our identification, you are insane, because students are now Yoga teachers; there is a new generation. Another door is you have assumed the limitations. opening for this community. You are limiting, separating, and identifying yourself. We had three wonderful years serving the community and developing as yogis. Hazleton now has two Yoga teachers who are from the area, and we still get It’s nice to talk about all this, but, for together for classes at the YMCA. I feel as though I am still coming out of the it to mean anything, it has to be your asana as mindfully as I went in to it, and I am just beginning to see the gains own experience. Keep on practicing, being realized since we gave the Yoga center back keep on practicing, keep on to its origin, the source and destination of all Yoga. practicing. One day, you will realize So, in the end, what is there to lose? Or gain? who you are. When, where, how, nobody can say. It depends on how Prajapati and Pushkari Swaine founded and directed the sincere you are. Integral Yoga Center of Northeast Pennsylvania from 1996 to 1999 in Hazeltown, Pennsylvania. Their Sometimes, people say, “Oh, I’ve been mission was to contribute to the health and well being practicing so many years. I am not of the people in Northeastern Pennsylvania by sharing gaining anything or getting with them the principles of Integral Yoga. They are anywhere.” Then, they give up. Don’t currently building a house at Yogaville, and being do that. Never give up until the final embodiments of Swami Satchidananda’s teaching that day comes. Keep practicing. You will when one door closes, another door opens. definitely realize that Truth. God bless you.

5 physiology of stress, inspirational also inspired me to become more ecumenism, music, stillness sitting peaceful. Once, after I had guided a (meditation), and discussion. group into a mindfulness session, a I found that chair Yoga and extremely thirty-year-man, who was working gentle Hatha were really the most through withdrawal symptoms, appropriate physical Yoga practices exclaimed, “I could feel this same that I could teach in the hospital. At calm, you know, after three beers and first, I had planned to lead a more a Xanax.” Silence followed. Then, traditional Integral Yoga floor even he laughed, as he explained that practice, but patient’s lack of comfort he was there to withdraw from both on the floor and the enormous alcohol and drug abuse. For the first variation in ages and physical time, he had found the same peace condition led me to lead only basic within, through his own effort, that warm-up poses in order to relieve he had been seeking through tension and promote relaxation. Each substance abuse. session lasted one hour and was Regarding techniques, I found that TEACHING BODY, MIND, composed of three elements. We one of the most important was SPIRIT YOGA started with a five- to ten-minute working with the breath. At first, the IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL body scan from head to toe, where I patients found breath work very by Abhaya Bonnie Bragg would lead them through simple strange and exotic, exclaiming, for awareness and physical warm-up example, “we’ve been breathing for As Yoga teachers, we know that activities, such as opening and closing thirty-five years.” I had to explain to healing entails body, mind and spirit. the jaw, moving the head from side them that just as an angry emotion Moving through these three elements, to side, and rolling the shoulders. speeds up or shuts down the breath Yoga brings balance, whether it is or an anxious and grieving mind physical, mental, or spiritual illness The second, or core section would focus on the topic of the day, which paralyzes the breathing, so, too, when that manifests. It is only through we free up and steady the breath, do integrating wholeness and harmony would vary session to session and center around diverse aspects of stress we steady the emotions. Happily, a throughout the whole person that large percentage of the patients health can then be restored. As a Yoga reduction, including, chair stretching, breathing, visualization/affirmations, experienced the balancing power of teacher in a mental hospital, I the Three-part Breath. Being able to witnessed how the stillness and physiology of stress, and lifestyle examination. This core section would temper tension and release anxiety balance of Yoga can aid in this gave people confidence and boosted integration of peace. frequently include teaching and discussion, as well as experiential their spirit, enabling them to augment Integral Yoga has given us profound practices. their own healing. The safest, surest tools to work with in many settings. techniques to teach were Nadi Suddhi For two years, I worked, three days a I ended each class with a deep and the Three-part Breath. week, in a mental hospital, teaching relaxation session of five to fifteen Occasionally, however, patients minutes. Some people would choose a class I named The Relaxation would hyperventilate or get more to sit in chairs, while other would lie Response. I borrowed this name from anxious, so I simplified the Three-part Herbert Benson’s work, particularly down on the floor. I found it necessary Breath instruction to “breathe from to eliminate the instructions for from his books, The Relaxation the belly up and exhale down.” “watching the mind,” as well as the Response and Beyond the Relaxation five minutes of silence; instead I used The breathing practices worked so Response. Having been trained in soothing music and visualizations. well that, sometimes, doctors would Integral Yoga Hatha I at the San ask me to visit panic disorder patients Francisco IYI and Stress Management A comment we often hear as Yoga because of the breath/anxiety Theory and Practice at Yogaville, I felt teachers is, “I never knew I was so connection. Working with someone enabled to begin extending my Yoga tense and tight before.” Watching with panic disorder is a delicate teaching into an area of life in which I mental patients suffering from matter. You have to go slowly and am extremely interested. The class depression, withdrawal, anxiety, and gently. You can’t be exacting or linear, that I developed, The Relaxation bipolar disorder suddenly settle and you have to remember to use lots Response, involved the following down, let go, and relax moved me of praise and personal modeling. In elements: chair Yoga, relaxation, deeply. I felt blessed to offer them fact, their breathing is so disturbed, visualization, affirmations, breathing relief, even if for some of them, it shaky, and erratic that progress is techniques, cathartic creativity, time lasted only for a brief period. usually slow. management, understanding the Watching patients become peaceful Continued on Page 7☞

6 TEACHING BODY, MIND, SPIRIT YOGA— SPEAK TO US OF LOVE continued from Page 6 Kahlil Gibran, from The Prophet According to patients, the chief symptom of all their mental Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love. disorders was anxiety. Pacing the hospital hallways is And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there common, so I turned this pacing into a conscious centering fell a stillness upon them. And with a great voice he said: movement. I would ask them to choose a favorite hymn, When love beckons to you, follow him, pop song, or poem and we would walk in sync around the Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you, yield to him, classroom. Then, we would pare down the words to three Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound or four and repeat the walk you. with steady consciousness. And when he speaks to you believe in him, The breathing Does this sound similar to Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind practices worked walking meditation? lays waste the garden. For Yoga teachers, getting For even as love crowns you, so shall he crucify you. Even as so well that, started to teach in a mental he is for your growth, so is he for your pruning. hospital may be difficult. I Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest began by making a phone call branches that quiver in the sun, sometimes, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their to the hospital and found that clinging to the earth. doctors would ask there was a person in charge Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself. of in-house programs. Even He threshes you to make you naked. me to visit panic though, initially, the hospital He sifts you to free you from your husks. personnel were not at all He grinds you to whiteness. disorder patients... interested in Yoga, they did He kneads you until you are pliant; allow me to send them some And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may articles on the benefits of become sacred bread for God’s sacred feast. relaxation. A couple of weeks later, I called back and All these things shall love do unto you that you may know inquired if they had receive and read the articles. They the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a hadn’t. So, I continued to send articles and make follow- fragment of Life’s heart. up phone calls. Finally, I invited one of the staff members But, if in your fear, you would seek only love’s peace and to come to a free class that I was teaching love’s pleasure, nearby. She loved the class and felt that it would be suitable Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and for her hospital. Finally, the hospital hired me for a pass out of love’s threshing-floor, probationary period, which extended into a two-year stay, Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all until the hospital closed. At first, I taught one day a week, of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears. Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself. but soon the period expanded to three days a week. Love possesses not nor would it be possessed; Obviously, the hospital personnel realized that Yoga filled For love is sufficient unto love. a gap. That is, hospital therapists use cognitive and group therapy, doctors use drugs and some therapy, and Integral When you love you should not say, “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.” Yoga fills the gap with its integrative techniques for body, And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it mind and spirit. At the hospital I worked in, patients would finds you worthy, directs your course. come to my class at 4:00 p.m. after a full day of psychological work. I would begin each class with the Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your instruction, “Give the beleaguered, battered mind a rest desires: now. Let’s stretch, calm, and refresh the body, bring To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to relaxation to the mind, and a definite boost to the spirit.” the night. Abhaya Bonnie Bragg, M.A. received her credentials to teach To know the pain of too much tenderness. Beginning and Intermediate Integral Yoga at the San Francisco To be wounded by your own understanding of love, And to bleed willingly and joyfully. Integral Yoga Institute. She continued her training at To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville by taking Stress Management another day of loving; Theory and Practice TT, TT, and Pre- and Post-natal To rest at the noon hour and meditate love’s ecstasy; Yoga TT. She teaches Hatha Yoga, Meditation, Pregnancy Yoga, To return home at eventide with gratitude; and Mom and Infant Yoga under the business name of And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart Meditative Yoga. She works with corporate and mental hospital and a song of praise upon your lips. applications of Yoga and is currently conducting workshops on Stress Reduction.

7 Yoga of the Heart by Nischala Devi PO Box 346, Fairfax, CA 94930 voice and fax: 415-459-5336 email: [email protected] web site: http://www.AbundantWellBeing.com 8 Dr. Sandra Amrita McLanahan, M.D. O

Some persons are not adversely affected by major life These concepts may take on dramatic importance in the changes and do not become ill, while others develop age of AIDS. Charles Silberstein, a medical student at Albert disease. How can an understanding of the root causes of Einstein College of Medicine, was able to demonstrate in disease help us to determine who may be at particular risk? five of six AIDS patients that they had experienced “major Rather than focusing on merely physical causes, treating depressive illnesses between nine months and two years the body as a machine, or on mental causes when looking prior to the diagnosis of AIDS or ARC, and prior to somatic at stressful events, I think we need to look at how we symptoms of AIDS,” and “These people all had a experience stress (change). Whether we develop remarkably similar set of family psychodynamics… As subsequent disease may depend upon our basic adults, they felt helpless because of life stressors… out of assumptions about life. This “spiritual” aspect, left out of control,” which he termed “learned helplessness.” the usual Western scientific investigation, may Loneliness and a sense of separation may lead, then, to a fundamentally affect health. It is the “meaning” dimension “hell” in this world. Such psychosocial origins of disease of our lives: how we answer the questions of personal are critical to our understanding of how to remedy both purpose, why we are here on earth, and the meaning of personal and global illness. Our spaceship planet has our relationships, our family and our work. largely lost its sense of overall “family” and connectedness; The family is the most likely source of meaning for most along with countless regional conflicts, one half of the persons, with a close second being work. Probably for this riders are still locked in an increasingly dangerous battle reason, divorce and death in the family place persons at with the other half. markedly higher risk for both heart disease and cancer, A New Definition of Family and the first year following retirement is accompanied by It may be helpful to return to the meaning of “family” significantly higher illness rates. traditionally held in Western culture. We usually identify Research by James Lynch, Carolyn Thomas, and others and find our love from a very limited number of people. have indicated that important links may exist between the “I know my spouse, sister or brother, will love me, no health of the family and that of the individual. For example, matter how I err.” In unconditional love, we will always medical students who express less closeness to their be there for each other. We can almost hope to go to any families, as found by questionnaire, have been found to extreme and still expect, ideally, that our family will still have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, suicide, etc., later take us in and continue to love us. in life. With the current degree of change in Western culture, A sense of separation from others may act to cause dis- however, the family has reached an alarming point of ease. One original definition of “hell” is translated as breakdown, where this kind of unconditional love is “walled off,” or “separate.” When we feel separated from generally rare and seldom lasting. Divorce, affecting more those around us, we also experience increased stress. and more persons, is associated with a much higher rate The Navajos and Hopis each had an instructive tradition of illness. related to illness. When one member of their community However, a positive result may possibly emerge from this became ill, they would have a community, or kiva, meeting contemporary catastrophe. As families break down, we to discover why that person had become sick. All persons become needy, and our hearts urgently seek to find a new in the kiva were felt to be partly responsible, since all in comforting milieu in which to function. We have to find the community were felt to be connected. Perhaps an this in order to survive. Unloved babies die; unloved adults appreciation of the medical consequences of loneliness may become ill. existed even then. Continued on Page 10 ☞

9 YOGA AND MEDICINE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT PATIENTS AND YOGA— continued from Page 9 continued from Page 1 We are forced to seek new, different session. Patients are not required, but are requested and encouraged to definitions of “family.” Only 15 participate in this program. About eight to fifteen patients attend the weekly percent of American families fit the session. A general outline of the session is posted at the nurse’s station, and legendary ideal of wife-at-home- sessions start with about ten minutes of posture correction and breath with-children anyway. How can we awareness-meditation, followed by a half-hour of Yoga postures incorporating achieve family in the West, with so the breath. The transition from Yoga to Laughing Meditation is effected with many farflung family members, the the “Lion Pose.” About fifteen minutes are spent on laughter, followed by fifteen high moving rate, divorces, spouses minutes of Yoga Nidra. who grow apart in interests, so many Depending on the group’s needs, more time is spent on Guided Imagery to changes, etc.? conclude Yoga Nidra. The entire session lasts one hour and fifteen minutes and One possible way to confront this begins with chanting of three Aums and ends with affirmations. At the end of geometrically accelerating rate of Yoga Nidra and guided imagery, the patients are not left in total silence, because change (=stress) in our families and silence makes most patients very uncomfortable. Instead, patients are instructed our world is to find and experience to focus on their breath with continuous quiet and gentle guidance. About 80 “family” with every person we meet, at per cent of the time is spent experientially and 20 percent on explanations. We any moment. We can then create also offer a Yoga Nidra audiotape to take home at no charge. We are pleased family—unconditional love—with and surprised at the frequency of requests for Yoga Nidra audiotapes, as the the grocer, store bagger, the person we Psych Unit also houses many professional audio and video relaxation tapes. meet walking down the street, with Though management invited me, I still had to find ways to meet the needs of every person we meet, with the kind the patients. I have to be very flexible in order to change and tailor the class for of openness, connection, universal the group’s need at the last minute. Also, it is always necessary to be prepared and unconditional love usually for any disruptions that may occur during the class. For example, sometimes a reserved for “family.” The Hopi word patient is called out for a previously scheduled test or a therapy or for a family for “family” can be translated as “to visit etc., and the TV room that we use as a Yoga Room also leads to two small breathe together.” If we create family offices. Staff members are very considerate and remove themselves from their with each person who shares the offices, but once in a while, someone has to come in to pick up something. At earth’s air, we have a different all times, it is necessary to read the subtle reactions of the patients to all that is experience of family. going around us so as to continue or discontinue a particular practice, if This kind of love may transform a necessary. Being responsive and receptive to the constantly changing situation “hell” into a “heaven,” in which we is of paramount importance. move and live. Milton said, “The The average patient’s stay in the Unit is nine days. As a result, I have patients mind is its own place, and in itself can returning from week to week. It is rewarding to learn that these returning make a heaven of hell, a hell of patients tell other patients not to miss these sessions as they themselves look heaven.” And Shakespeare said, forward to attend. Many patients report a general feeling of well being after a “There is nothing either good or bad, session. Some claim that the sessions provide a sense of relaxation not felt in a thinking makes it so.” This change in long time. our way of thinking about “family” may provide one answer to the stress, It is not unusual for a patient to overcome emotional barriers and communicate loneliness and separated feelings that better with the staff. Patients often arrive at a session tense and lead to individual disease, and the uncommunicative. One patient in particular wanted only to observe. However, differences edging our planet ever as she began to watch the session, she grew relaxed during the Laughing closer to total destruction. Meditation. She then joined Yoga Nidra and fell asleep—a rare gift for many patients in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Unit. Further, the Unit’s staff often Sandra Amrita McLanahan, M.D. is a detects a drop in patients’ blood pressure after a session. They also note that nationally recognized authority on after a session, the patients tend to smile more and are mellow and co-operative preventive medicine, nutrition, stress during the day. In fact, it is common for the staff to comment that they can “tell reduction, and primary family health care. that it was a Yoga and Laughing Meditation day.” Dr. McLanahan has spent extensive time in India and Asia studying a variety of In The Golden Present: Daily Inspirational Readings, by Sri Swami Satchidananda, ancient healing practices. She serves on Sri Gurudev writes the prayer, ”Lord, I know that it is all Your form. It’s all the Board of Directors of the Integral Your name. It’s all Your deed. And it’s all for good.” Explaining the prayer, he Health Center, which offers a variety of writes, ”You can’t do anything, so why worry about anything? All you have to therapeutic and training workshops, and do is to know: yes I am not responsible. I am simply an instrument”. This is the she is a frequent speaker at retreats and Continued on Page 11 ☞ programs throughout the country.

10 PSYCHIATRIC UNIT PATIENTS AND YOGA— continued from Page 10 guidance I try to follow working with As for me, I had to let go of my the psych unit patients. These preconceived idealistic views and patients’ lives are in crises, full of pain, allow life and the magic of Yoga to confusion, anger, stress, abuse, and happen. To keep from getting difficult challenges. As we know, overwhelmed, I had to be clear in my these life stories cross all boundaries. purpose—to serve. As Sri Gurudev Education or lack of it, gender, age, always reminds us, “Everything in religion, nature serves us, constantly. And we THE GOOSE STORY These life stories ethnicity, are part of nature. We should also be This fall, when you see geese heading nationality, doing the same thing”. south for the winter, flying along in financial cross all Additional Resources List: “V” formation, you might consider situation, what science has discovered as to why boundaries... all these Books: they fly that way: boundaries Integral Yoga Hatha, By Sri Swami As each bird flaps its wings, it creates Life crises may do not Satchidananda an uplift for the bird immediately m a t t e r. Integral Yoga Teachers Manual following. By flying in the “V” happen to anyone Life crises Humor Works, By John Morrall, Ph. D. formation, the whole flock adds at may hap- Laugh for No Reason, By Madan least 77% greater flying range than if pen to Kataria, M.D. each bird flew on its own. anyone. Obviously, it is difficult to Using Stories & Humor, By Joanna Slan. People who share a common direction teach people during these trying and sense of community can get times in their lives, knowing that this Videos: where they are going more quickly may be the only chance to give them Laughter: Rx for Survival, By Joyce M. and easily because they are traveling the experience of Yoga. But trust, deep Saltman, Ed.D. on the thrust of one another. faith in the Yoga teachings, and No Laughing Matter, By Madan guidance from Sri Gurudev’s prayer Kataria, M.D. When a goose falls out of formation, make the difference. Instead of Healthy Humor, Home Study Course, By it suddenly feels the drag and looking to change people’s life, I give Leslie M. Gibson, R.N., BSN resistance of trying to go it alone and them help to cope with the present Comedy Cart from Morton Plant quickly gets back into formation to moment by offering Yoga, Hospital Creators, Lesli Gibson, take advantage of the lifting power of pranayama, and laughter. With these R.N., BSN and Nancy Rue, R.N., the bird in front. opportunities to experience a sense of Ph. D. We also can learn to stay in formation deep relaxation, they will, hopefully, Laughter and the Immune System – A with those who are headed the same remember to laugh a little and Serious Approach, With Dr. Lee S. direction as we are. Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan. practice deep breathing after leaving When the head goose gets tired, it the hospital. As Sri Gurudev says, Ila Vidyarthi received her Level I Hatha rotates back in the wing and another “Laughter is the best medicine. It is a Yoga certificate from Satyananda Ashram goose flies point. good alternative to pranayama.” in Miami, Florida. She furthered her It is sensible to take turns doing Additionally, this program has also training at Satchidananda Ashram– demanding jobs—with people or with confirmed for me that we are all more Yogaville by taking Intermediate and geese flying south. alike than unlike: the choices that we Advanced Yoga, Cardiac Yoga, and Geese honk from behind to encourage make along our life’s path, Perinatal and Postpartum Yoga. Ila has those up front to keep up their speed. been teaching Yoga for over 12 years and consciously or unconsciously, What do we say when we honk from has experience teaching classes in Cardiac determine what our lives are like behind? today; and we learn a lesson only Yoga, Yoga for Fibromayalgia, Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Headache & When a goose falls out of formation, when we are ready, no matter how two other geese fall out with it and long the solution might have been Migraines, Sciatica and Lower Back Problems, Asthma, and Women’s Health follow it down to lend help and staring us in the face. I am fortunate protection. They stay with the fallen to be able to serve our society by Concerns. She is an instructor for stress and/or pain management based on Yoga goose until it is able to fly or until it providing loving care to the people dies. Only then do they launch out on who need it the most. With blessings and Meditation, and has been working with York Hospital, offering patients their own to catch up with their group from above and from Sri Gurudev, the or to join another formation. program will continue to be weekly Yoga and Laughing Meditation We can learn from the geese to stand successful and rewarding. classes for over one year. by each other like that. I also spent a lot of my winter practice time looking for all the areas of my body that felt good. As one of my goals for this year is to experience more joy in my life, this exploration became a simple, yet deep way to create a practice of joy and contentment. After watching my breath, I would begin a detailed body scan to feel any sensations of lightness, warmth, tingling, glowing, shining, or spaciousness. I watched to see how far they would go and where the edges were. If other sensations or emotions arose, I tried to welcome and observe them. I made a strong resolve not to resist anything that came up to the surface of my awareness. What often happened was that after I observed what was flowing and vibrant inside, the areas A WINTER PRACTICE that felt dense, dull, solid or sharp became very obvious With winter coming up, you’ll want to read this article about as to what blocked the flow of energy. I would spend a last winter’s experience by Bhavani Miller, director of the Integral long time watching these places with as much compassion Yoga Center in Columbus, Ohio. and comfort as I could. Sometimes, I would cradle these areas in my hands and just offer support; other times, I When I began practicing Yoga twenty-five years ago, I had might devise interesting ways in which I could stretch a set routine of about twelve poses that I did every day. I under the covers to encourage some opening. did sun salutations, back bends, forward bends, inversions, twists, relaxation, and breathing in the same order and in If I felt that I was beginning to catch a cold, I focused on the same way for a number of years. For the most part, it the earliest sensations, which were always ones of subtle felt great, and I felt much better on all levels than before I tension somewhere inside. Instead of creating more tension had started Yoga. However, after a while, I began to make through attempts to “fight off” and resist the illness, I some changes in my practice in order to meet my changing decide to relax more deeply. You can’t catch a ball with needs. Being pregnant and having children was a surefire hands opened and apart; maybe I couldn’t catch a cold if I way of inviting change and chaos into my life, and, while opened more inside. I followed my body’s request for more I maintained a steady practice, that practice took a very rest, and, during this rest, I used my breath to invite as different shape from what it had been before. While, in much space as possible into whatever areas held the general, I still maintain a very active Hatha practice, over tension. I supported my immune system through diet and the years, I’ve learned to appreciate restorative Yoga other health habits, not from fear, but through relaxation. (restful, supported poses). I’ve learned to sense and respect This became a very interesting practice, one that brought the rhythms that requested rest or activity in my practice more balance and ease than I expected. and in my life. I’ve tried to observe this rhythm throughout This is not to say that I never got up to do a more active my daily, monthly, and annual cycles, and to bring balance practice, because I did. But my interest seemed to be on whenever I can. So it was that much of my Yoga practice more subtle and internal elements of poses, rather than on time this past winter was spent in bed. some of the deeper dramatic poses. When I felt the need I confess that I did sleep late occasionally with excellent for more activity, I walked, rode my bike, or did a late results. Most mornings, however, I woke up at my normal afternoon Yoga session when my house and body were time and did a full practice, but I never made it out of bed. both warmed up. I should add here that I had been building up to a winter As I have moved through the spring, it has been interesting like this for several years. The previous winter, I had to see what has emerged from my winter’s quieter recurring sacroiliac pains, and the winter before that, I had exploration. My energy has increased, and I’m up doing numerous minor ailments that kept requiring me to step “wild Yoga” more often than not. I never did get that nasty back my practice. It seems that bringing a tired body to a flu bug that was going around, nor did I get my usual vigorous practice in the cold, early morning hours does spring cold, which tends to linger in my lungs. Now, when not work well for me, so, this year, I decided to try I awaken, I still like to lie in bed for a few minutes and something different. watch my breath. However, I carry that breath awareness For example, after awakening, I often lay in bed watching into my Yoga room and into my poses, where I continue to my breath, sometimes for up to sixty minutes. What I appreciate all that feels wonderful and to relax whatever watched were the myriad and minuscule ways that I block seems blocked. The poses I couldn’t bear to do a few my natural breath, and, so, I would lie there and gently months ago are endlessly interesting now; yet, I feel this is release whatever I could in order to allow more freedom the blossoming of what I did all winter: not different, but and ease in the breath. I often rested my hands on my belly the next progression. And so the cycle continues. or my lower ribcage, allowing the warmth and comfort of my own palms to support the release.

12 BULLETIN BOARD

CLASS FORMAT CHANGE YOGA TEACHERS REUNION TAPES from the Integral Yoga Teachers Council Some of the most valuable and useful talks given at New understandings about the effects of the peacock Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville are never edited into pose leads us to conclude that it is best to teach it after finished tapes or packaged for sale to retail stores. They any inversions. The pressure it creates in the abdomen are talks by teachers who come for the Teachers Reunion can break up congestion and release toxins into the from all over the United States and around the world. bloodstream. An inversion done afterwards would direct Teachers gather and spend a few days listening to other that toxic blood toward the head. So, as a simple safety teachers share knowledge, experience and information measure, we now recommend teaching the peacock pose about their special areas. after any inversion. Tapes from the 2000 Teachers Reunion: SATCHIDANANDA ASHRAM Raja Yoga and the Evolution of the Self, Rich Panico, M.D., $11.95 FURTHERANCE ENDOWMENT Raja Yoga Today!, Swami Karunananda, $7.95 Our mission at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville is to Healing the Dis-ease of Busy-ness, Swami Ramananda, $11.95 uphold the spiritual nature of the ashram, to maintain Where Did the Path Go?, Swami Karunananda, $11.95 Medical Benefits of Yoga, Updated, Amrita McLanahan, M.D., $7.95 the pristine purity and integrity of the Integral Yoga Stories from Our Students, the T. R. Participants, $7.95 teachings, and to make them available to interested seekers. To ensure the preservation of Sri Gurudev’s Tapes from the 1999 Teachers Reunion: teachings for future generation, and in order to not Deepening Your Pranayama Practice, Swami Karunananda, $6.00 succumb to the pressures of financial survival, we need Yoga Breakthroughs in Medicine, Amrita McLanahan, M.D., $6.00 your help. We are now at a critical juncture in which we Anatomy and Physiology, Rich Panico, M.D. This set of 5 talks by need to find sustainable means to maintain, preserve, a medical doctor and Yoga teacher was the hit of the 1999 and provide the needed renovation and growth for our reunion. $30.00 for complete boxed set. service to continue. Tapes from the 1998 Teachers Reunion: Please join us in the founding of Satchidananda Ashram Yoga and the Chakras, Nischala Joy Devi, $10.00 Furtherance Endowment (SAFE). The purpose of this Healing and the Koshas, Mala Cunningham, Ph.D., $6.00 endowment fund is to create an endowment principal A Doctor’s Experience of Yoga, Amrita McLanahan, M.D., $6.00 that will be preserved in perpetuity, allowing the income Women’s Way: A Yogic Approach, Kali Morse, $6.00 it produces to provide a permanent support to the Yoga as Stress Management, Luis Sierra, Ph.D., $10.00 ashram. To generate the funds needed, our goal is to raise Yoga and the Emotions, Swami Vidyananda, $10.00 $6 million dollars. $1 million will be used for immediate Cassettes are unedited workshop tapes. To order, contact repair of LOTUS and to create an upkeep fund available Shakticom’s toll free order line: 1-800-476-1347. Or email: for the Shrine. The other $5 million will become the [email protected] permanent endowment fund which will provide critical support for other important areas of the organization. This is an invitation to join us as a FOUNDING DONOR IN APPRECIATION OF THE TEACHERS REUNION by making a tax-deductible donation. Please make checks payable to: Satchidananda Ashram, and mail Swami Asokananda. It was so nice to see you. I feel that them to: SAFE, Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Yogaville is doing very well under your sensitive, clear, calm Buckingham, Virginia 23921 USA. Thank You. Om and compassionate leadership. All of the teachers who led Shanthi workshops and classes were so dynamic and beautiful. It UPDATED HATHA MANUALS was such a gift to be in your and their presence, and to be Our Hatha I, II, and III manuals received extensive able to share with all the Integral Yoga Hatha Yoga teachers. updating in 2000 with many more poses and much more What a boost and inspiration to my personal practice of Yoga information. They are now available for those who have and meditation! I feel so blessed to be a part of the Integral already taken the corresponding TT. When ordering, Yoga path. Your programs, and all the people involved with please indicate when and where you took the TT them, help to keep me on my path. Just knowing that program for that level. All manuals are now $30 (sorry, Yogaville exists, supports me. I am so grateful to Swami we had to raise the rate a little.) International teachers Satchidananda for coming to America and starting all this, please add $10 for shipping. Send a check to the IYTA or here! I am grateful to all his swamis and disciples for call for credit card orders. spreading the energy to people like me. I hope to see all of you again soon. You are always in my heart.

13 Integral Yoga Distribution LivingL YogaY TrainingT Have some free time this year? Need to get away for a while? Spend a month or longer in the peace and support of the Yogaville environment. Relax and rejuvenate, reestablish a firm meditation schedule, and receive the benefits of living an Integral Yoga lifestyle. The LYT program offers the opportunity to enjoy daily meditation, Hatha Yoga, and wholesome vegetarian meals, while studying, sharing, and serving side-by-side with members of the ashram community. Program participants do part-time Karma Yoga (selfless service) and attend LYT programs to foster their understanding of the Yoga Teachers Discount yogic practices, with enough time left to enjoy participating in the many events at the Ashram and to enjoy the scenic 40% Off beauty of central Virginia. All Items – All the Time Shorter stays are also available in Provide books, videos, mats, & our Support Staff program. For more information, contact Kumari much more... for your students in the LYT office at 804-969-3121, ext. 117, or by e-mail at Call 1-800-262-1008 [email protected]. For Free Catalog

Upcoming Programs at Yogaville for 2001

New Year’s Silent Retreat: Valentine’s Couples Teaching Yoga to Children The Celebration Within Workshop: The Breath of Love Teacher Training December 28–January 1 February 16–18 with Satya Greenstone and Usha Piscini April 7–13

Fax 804-969-1303 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.yogaville.org 1–800–858–YOGA

14 YOGAVILLE CALENDAR

Dec 1 – 3 Fall Renewal for Women D Dec 8 – 10 The Bhagavad Gita: Essential Teachings for a Life of Total Joy E Dec 23 Celebration of Sri Gurudev’s Jayanthi Dec 28 – Jan 1 New Year’s Silent Retreat C Jan 13 – Feb 10 Mexico Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training J Jan 19 – 21 Pranayama: Breathing As If Your Life Depended on It! A Jan 20 – 26 Yoga Vacation in Mexico Jan 26 – 28 Winter Renewal Through Hatha Yoga N Feb 2 – 4 Surfing in the Sea of Change: Stress Management Techniques and Practices F Feb 9 – 11 Free to Become Ourselves: The Yogic Approach to a Healthy Self-Image E Feb 16 – 18 Valentine's Couples Workshop: The Breath of Love B Feb 24 Maha Siva Ratri Feb 23 – 25 Overcoming Addictions

Mar 2 – 4 Meditation Workshop Mar 8 – 11 Spring Silent Retreat M Mar 16 – 18 Yoga and Native American Traditions A Mar 17 – Apr 1 and Split Session Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Sep 3 – 16 R Mar 22 – 25 Ayurvedic Cooking and Nutrition for Total Health Mar 30 – Apr 1 Forgiveness

Apr 6 – 8 Integrational Yoga: The Art of Oneness of Mind, Body & Spirit with Rama Jyothi Vernon A Apr 7 – 13 Teaching Yoga to Children Teacher Training Apr 15 Easter P Apr 20 – 24 How Yoga Heals R Apr 21 – May 20 Basic Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Apr 27 – 29 Swami and the Rabbi: with Sri Swami Satchidananda and Rabbi Joseph Gelberman

Jun 8 – 17 Ten-day Silent Retreat P A May 25 – Jun 8 Prenatal Teacher Training L H Jun 1 – 18 Stress Management Teacher Training Jun 15 – Jul 6 Raja Yoga Teacher Training A E Jun 18 – 28 Health Enhancement Lifestyle Program (H.E.L.P.) TT Jul 9 – 22 Intermediate Hatha Yoga Teacher Training N A Aug 15 – 29 Advanced Hatha Yoga Teacher Training D Aug 30 – Sep 3 5th Annual Integral Yoga Teachers Reunion

15