After taking teacher’s training course in yoga , the one piece I was not not good at was incorporating meditation into my daily life. I had a hard time meditating , being skeptical about just sitting still -a typical type A personality. Recently, I attended a yoga conference offered by Omega where I browsed through an amazing assortment of books + Cd’s for sale and discovered “Relax into Greatness” by Rod Stryker. I popped in Rod’s CD on an unusually quiet Saturday at my apartment. I followed the instructions as best I could and without any great expectations, in less than 10 minutes, I zoned out. I wasn’t asleep nor was I awake, I was somewhere in between. I think I actually achieved, what is called Yoga Nidra.

Intrigued about this state of mind, I did some research and learned that Yoga Nidra is a universally known feature of deep sleep where there are no images in the mind. It is a conscious but deep sleep. I came to learn that lucky for me and my random Cd purchase, that Rod Stryker is widely considered to be one of the pre-eminent yoga and meditation teachers in the United States.

Yoga Nidra is very well documented and eons old. Another expert source, Swami J, came up in my intense Google search and I recommend visiting his website for more detailed background and historical information on the subject. The Swami’s site that is packed with information, just reading it can put you into a state of total relaxation.

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In my continuous search to not miss a thing in NYC, I came across a great resource http://www.coolinyourcode.com/ a great resource for what is happening in NYC. The site mentioned a new hybrid club, called Aerospace, that was created by a ex-professional boxer and a ballerina. The club is in the meat packing district and offers unique classes and training that are designed based on a professional althlete’s routine. It offers YOAERO™ (60 minutes): AERO-style yoga that combines breathing, visualization, stretching and AERO-enhanced isometric floor exercises. Follow the link to check out this unique club for yourself. http://www.aerospacenyc.com/yoaero.html

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What is Holacracy? I have no clear idea, at the moment, but it hit my radar for all the awards the Philadelphia based company that coined the phrase won. Holocracy is a new organizational structure concept. Helping the organization respond more consciously and more naturally. It basically is a organizational theory that creates an open environment for dynamic governance, so that it does not sit only at the senior management level. http://www.fallingfruit.tv/episodes/holacracy-practice-conscious-business

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There is an amazing series of Buddhist classes being offered in Hoboken through the Chakrasambara Buddhist Center in NYC. The series is taught by Buddhist Nun, Kelsang Tsoglam, who offers incredibly insightful teachings that include meditation. For a busy person, meditation seems like the last thing you have time for, but after even an evening with Tsoglam, you will quickly realize how essential meditation can be. The next series starts on Monday, January 7th at Devotion Yoga Studio at 7:45pm.

I ran into my favorite Buddhist nun on the streets of NY ( what are the chances of that) , she was carrying an eight foot White Tara dressed in her super styling robe. Tsoglam has a unique ability to communicate the principles and practices of Buddhism and makes them relevant for the average “layperson” and inspiring to those who are more knowledgeable. She offers insights that can apply to the lifestyles of busy urbanites that can be applied with ease. She describes her upcoming series as ..

The Confidence To Change :
“The purpose of practicing Buddhist meditation is to change who we are…to improve who we are. In this series we will develop deep insights into our true nature and through this we will naturally acquire confidence in our potential for transformation. Combining this confidence with Buddhist spiritual practice will enable us to become the person we truly wish to be. ”

Chakrasambara Meditation Center:
http://www.meditationinnewyork.org/mcnj-hoboken-hudson.php

The book that we reference in the series:

Transform Your Life: A Blissful Journey by Kelsang Gyatso
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0948006757

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If you are a teacher, school administrator or parent think about exploring the benefits of yoga for children. A recent CNN story offers some insight into how K-5 students are benefiting from yoga as part of classroom learning.

“At Fernbank Elementary School in Decatur, Georgia from kindergarten through fifth grade, students are learning to use deep breathing and basic yoga at their desks to cope with stress and anxiety that may occur before taking tests. School guidance counselor June Neal has seen a measurable difference among the students. “We’ve seen an improvement in test scores and test-taking skills because their stress level is decreased after yoga.”

Neal isn’t worried about criticism that may be aimed at the school for taking time away from daily lessons to stretch and meditate. “An elementary school is more than reading, writing and arithmetic,” says Neal. “You do need some down time, you do need some way to express yourself and to reduce anxiety that comes along with being in school.

CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/08/hm.kids.yoga/index.html

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