In the category of “better late than never,” we share the March schedule and focus. 🙂
March is the month of great change as we day by day attain the balance of night and day all over the globe. Specifically, on Wednesday, March 20, as the sun moves from the southern to the northern hemisphere, it will pass overhead along the Earth’s equator and rise exactly in the east and set exactly in the west from every point on the earth. Balance is experienced.
Two practices that yoga teaches can give us a sense of balance within ourselves. What does an experience of balance feel like? We know that to achieve physical balance in a standing pose requires a visual focus on one point. As many of you can relate to that feeling, there is almost a sense of timelessness as the wobbling settles and attention is drawn into that point.
To achieve balance in our emotional selves, where we feel a sense of alert calmness, peace and expansion, we can become aware of breathing patterns. The focusing point of the energy or emotional body is in the spine (the sushumna). On either side of that channel are the upward and downward energy flows [upward flow (delight) is ida and downward flow (despair) is pingala]. To practice focusing on the center is a great way to develop emotional detachment of being pulled this way and that by the ups and downs of life.
An example of the application of this practice could be when siting in the dentist’s chair. First, calm the feelings of the heart. Then concentrate on the energy flow in the spine as you inhale and exhale smoothly, evenly and deeply. You may become aware that this energy flow is the actual cause of any emotional reactions you may have. We can control our emotional reactions to any experience by controlling our breath and centering in the spine. The famous yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda, said, “At that center [the spine] you will be confident and nothing can touch you. You will be able to stand unshaken amidst the crash of breaking worlds!” As we experience the swings of changeability in March, know that with this subtle shift of focus, you can achieve the state of illuminated stability!
Schedule notes:
- In March, we will continue with both of the classes we added in February: Friday’s 1:30 p.m. Basics class with Eri and Sunday’s 3:00 p.m. Beginner class with rotating teachers. New students are welcome to attend the Beginner class at any time and for as many sessions as they like.
- During most of March, Susan Tutino will be at an ashram participating in a teacher-training experience–we hope she has a wonderful time! Kim and Eri will be sharing the responsibilities for teaching the Flow classes in Susan’s absence.
To review the full month’s class schedule, please see the calendar section of our website or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.
March’s special events:
- Friday, 3/21: 5:30 p.m. Restorative class with Kim.
- Friday, 3/21: 6:45 p.m. Talk and meditation hosted by Juanita (no charge, all are welcome).
- Sunday, 3/30: 3:00 p.m. Beginner and 4:30 p.m. Basics classes: Alice Simpson and DeAnn Stanley, students enrolled in Susan Polk’s teacher-training program, will be assisting Susan in these classes.
Inclement weather policy: If we need to cancel class because of inclement weather, we will announce that cancellation at least one hour before the beginning of the class, and we will share the cancellation notice both via email and on Facebook.
Studio access: If you arrive at The Pots Place after a class has begun, remember that you can still join us. Just go to the back entrance facing Mariah’s (look for the blue building) and press the buzzer next to the door; the teacher can then unlock that door remotely.
4yoga 