Seasonal Yoga Practice -                    The Autumnal Equinox
When we tie our practice to the rhythms of nature, we provide a ground from which we gain a new appreciation of our own rhythms, our body’s ability to heal itself and our potential for transformation. Our practice becomes ceremony; our yoga mat becomes the altar for our offerings of intention and effort; and the gifts of grace become our guru.
There are many similarities between the esoteric practices of Hatha ( the parent of Vinyasa) yoga and the Oriental healing arts. Both talk of creating harmony (bhuta-samadi) by balancing the five elements throughout the seasons.
 
The autumnal equinox is considered the fifth season. It is short but important. It is a time of transition and preparation for the year ahead. Late summer is associated with the element earth, the spleen-pancreas and stomach meridians and the third chakra. It concerns all issues relating to our ability to take what we have and transform it into nourishment for the body, mind and soul. A practice that balances the earth element promotes a sense of being grounded, connected and an integral part of life.

SEASONAL PRACTICE WORKSHOP
The Autumnal Equinox
Free to all newsletter members
Saturday, September 18th
2:00-4:30 PM
Namaste Yoga Center
371 Amsterdam Avenue (between 77th and 78th Sts.)
New York, NY
Tel:212.580.1778                                   

Space is limited so reserve your spot now!

Welcome

Welcome to the first Life in Motion Newsletter. This is a free, permission-only, e-publication of the alliance of Bodystrength Fitness, Life in Motion Yoga Center, Namaste Yoga and Healing Center, Park Slope Yoga, Devi and Flow Yoga. It will contain articles on yoga, fitness, nutrition and wellness by teachers, members and guests.

You may wonder what links an alliance of fitness and yoga centers and what philosophical concepts are common to both? Our mission is to present you with information and opportunities to live an integral life. Most of us are so time-challenged that we focus on developing certain aspects of our lives and neglect others. An integral life is one that supports you at all levels of your being and in all areas of your life. You develop yourself in the four quadrants of internal experiences, physical practices, healthy relationships and service or right livelihood. In addition to your unfolding, you view life as an expression of your interconnectedness to all life and to the universal laws that govern all life. Therefore, what you give back to life is an obligation and an expression of you.

In this newsletter, we will explore the ways we can reclaim and maintain our health, live with the rhythms of nature and create harmony in ourselves and the world. If you are balanced and self-reflective, you create the possibility of peace by the field you generate.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter. You will also receive coupons for workshops and special offerings, advance notice of new classes, notice of schedule changes and more. For all charter members who join before October 1, 2004, you will receive a free pass on selected upcoming events or a discount on a private yoga therapy or healing session.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Andes-Bell
Editor

Asana of the Month- Urdhva Dhanurasana(Upward Bow or Wheel Pose)

A late summer practice focuses on backbends. The backbends of spring, begin in the legs, rise through the perineum and spine and blossom the upper chakras. Indian summer backbends take place on the horizontal plane, which is the plane of integration with three dimensional, physical reality. The stomach, spleen and pancreas are centered in a symmetrically arched spine. This pose can provide an intense flush. Work up to it slowly. Begin by opening the shoulders in dog poses and dog variations such as headstand and forearm dogs. For extra support, try Upward Bow over a gymnioball.
FORM: It is important to remember that the spine needs to open evenly. All the vertebrae should have the same amount of space between them. Set up the wrists, ankles and knees at 90-degree angles. Keep the feet straight. You can place a block between the knees and strap the legs together to prevent energy from leaking out the legs. Stretch the coccyx and pubic bone toward your knees and lift out of the shoulders.
FLOW: With the form in place, you can now begin to work the flow of energy.  Stabilize the hands and feet and begin to spin everything inward. The body will begin to feel lighter and more spacious. At this point, you can lift upward, through the midsection so the stomach, spleen and pancreas become the keystone of the arch of the spine.  You are now grounded in the earth, balanced in the body and open to the higher frequencies of the spiritual dimensions.
Try it several times until you can hover in the pose for a longer time. Ease down slowly and rest a moment with knees to chest before uncurling onto your back.

Nutrition Food Combining

Different foods have different transit times through the digestive track. Bad combinations can lead to digestive problems, poor absorption of nutrients and fermentation in the bowels. This takes a tremendous toll on our health.        Here are 10 tips for good food combining:

1. Veggies go well with everything except fruits.
2. Avoid combining most proteins with fruits, other proteins,
   grains and starchy vegetables.
3. Avoid combining fruits with starches.
4. Citrus and nuts combine well.
5. Eat melons and most other fruits alone.
6. Mix dairy with grains or leafy greens.
7. Drink milk alone.
8. For breakfast, have your fruit 30 minutes before cereal
   or eggs.
9. For lunch, try a salad, veggies and either milk, protein
   or a grain.
10.For dinner, try a salad, cooked veggies and one protein or
   grains and beans.