Newsletter April, 2021
In this issue:
Yoga Nidra - the art and science of deep relaxation
Yoga Nidra (योग निद्रा) (Deep Yogic Relaxation) is an integral part of every yoga class that I teach. Following the Integral Yoga tradition, the style that I practice and teach, Yoga Nidra is practiced right after the asana (physical postures) segment and before the pranayama (breathing techniques) session.
 Yoga Nidra
What is Yoga Nidra?
The Sanskrit word "nidra" means sleep. Yoga nidra literally means yogic sleep which is not the same as biological sleep. At any time, we are in one of the three states known as "jagrita" (waking), "swapna" (dream) and "sushupti" (dreamless, deep sleep). In the deep sleep state we have no awareness and the mind and body are cut off from any outside or inner influence. In yoga nidra, from the point of view of relaxation, it resembles the state of deep sleep; however, we maintain full awareness during yoga nidra. In that sense, yoga nidra can be considered a state somewhere in between the waking and deep sleep states.
Read more ...
Upcoming Programs
Understanding the Mind to eliminate Stress
- What: An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- When: Third Saturday of the month
- Next Session: Saturday, April 17, 2021
- Access: remotely via live video streaming using Zoom
- TIME: 2:30 - 4:00 PM
- FEE: FREE
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- To register: please fill out the registration form
Read more ...
Yoga for kids/teens, 8-week session
- What: Yoga for Kids, Teens, 8-week Sessions (online)
- When: Every Sunday (US East Coast time, GMT-5)
- Kids (5+ years) 5:00 - 6:00 PM
- Teens (Age 12 - 19 years) 6:15 - 7:15 PM
- Starting: Sunday, April 11, 2021
- Access: Remotely via live video streaming; login info will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment
- Instructor: Disha Gala (dishagada2010@gmail.com; (408) 685-5154
- Fee: $70
- $70 - Zelle (4086855153)
- $75 - paypal (dishagada2010@gmail.com)
- Drop-in fee: $12;
- To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online
Yoga Sutra study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
Metabolic Reset yoga program with Soumya Raghav
 Vashishtasana B
- What: 10-day Metabolic Reset yoga program by Soumya Raghav
- When: Monday, April 12 - Wednesday, April 21, 2021
- Time: 6:15 - 7:30 AM daily (US East Coast time, GMT-4)
- Access: Live video streaming via zoom. Zoom link will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment.
- Instructor: Soumya Raghav, YTT 200 soumyapavaman@gmail.com; (919) 945-4224
- Fee:
- To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online
podcast channel
As you may be aware, I have been offering monthly workshops wherein I discuss various aspects of yoga philosophy. The main focus in these workshops is to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in some depth. In addition, from time to time, I also discuss concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other related ancient scriptures. In order to preserve these talks for future reference, I have been making an audio recording of these discussions and sharing them with the participants. These audio recordings are now available on the podcast channel on my blog. You are welcome to download these audio recordings for your use. In addition, you can listen to these podcasts as well as subscribe to them on itunes as well.
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
NEW STUDY FINDS YOGA KEY TO PROMOTING EMOTIONAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN
a growing body of research indicates that mindful practices like yoga help children develop the tools to better manage their emotions. More and more studies indicate that yoga promotes and improves emotional self-regulation along with other positive psychological outcomes in adolescents.
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India’s Science Ministry funds trial on effect of religious hymn Gayatri Mantra in treating COVID-19
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has funded a clinical trial at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, to determine if the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, a religious hymn, and performing the Yoga practice of Pranayama, can aid the quality of recovery as well as cure COVID-19 quicker in a subset of patients.
Read more ...
Alabama House passes bill to allow yoga in Alabama schools
The Alabama House of Representatives last week passed legislation that would allow the instruction of yoga in Alabama’s K-12 schools. House Bill 246 is sponsored by state Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika.
The practice of yoga has been expressly prohibited in Alabama schools since 1993.
Read more ...
Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
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