Namaste Friends,

Love is always a topic that is pertinent regardless of our age, the month, or our status in life.  We may  continue with the theme of love for a few issues, tapping into the wisdom which the great sages and spiritual masters have handed down throughout the ages. 

We hope you will find Gena's new monthly Yoga 101 workshop helpful in increasing your understanding of the yoga asanas in your own practice.  Although this month's is full, you can always register for the coming March 19th workshop.

We have moved Heidi's Get Fit Fast class up in time.  Please note that the time is now 11:15am to 12:30pm on Sundays.  Don't forget to bring your own weights.  I encourage you to check out the class if you haven't yet -- it is a lot of fun and a good workout! 

I hope this months issue meets you all happy and healthy!

Namaste,

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Mantra Meditation:

Madana~Mohana~Murari

("The attractor of Cupid")

What is life without love? Google "love" and you'll get over a billion hits. Countless books, movies, and songs about love have been written and performed. The internet abounds with dating, matchmaking and social networking sites. It's safe to say that we are all looking for love. How is it that the human spirit can survive incredible physical and mental hardships while sustained by love- yet we quickly wither and die of a broken heart?

Why are we looking for love? It is because of the nature of spiritual energy. Yoga teaches that we are not our physical bodies or mind, that each of us is spirit in essence.

The living being is a spark of the Supreme Spirit, and as such, a spark of love. The essence of spirit is love. Just as the very essence and nature of water is wetness, the very essence and nature of the living entity is to love and be loved in return. For this reason, we are always wanting and needing love. 

The trouble for the soul begins when we look for love in all the wrong places. We are all looking for that perfect person to love, to take protection from and to cure us of our inner loneliness. We may go from one person to the next looking for that perfect person, but they always fall short and we end up disappointed time after time, experiencing "something is missing." Why is that?

We are a spark of the Supreme Ocean of Love and long for a degree of love that can only be found in the Supreme perfect person. No other individual can satisfy our complete need to love and be loved so we should not expect that anyone else can truly and fully satisfy us.

The Supreme Spirit is the Supreme Love, Beloved and Lover whose very essence is Love. The very sound of His Names are the sound manifestation of Love. The Supreme Person is the reservoir of love and pleasure for the living being.  Our natural condition is to again experience the perfection of love by being united in a harmonious relationship with that supreme perfect loving and lovable friend. When we speak about the relationship between the soul and the Supreme Soul, we are speaking of love with all the characteristics that come with love; it is a love full of action and reciprocation. It is the world of Spiritual Love.

Overcoming Food Addiction with Living Foods

When:  Sunday February 20, 2011

 2.30pm - 3.30 pm

Cost: $5

Pre-registration Is Required

Have you ever driven past Round Table Pizza or Starbucks Coffee and before you know it, you are placing an order in the drive-through?

Learn about food addiction and take control of your health!

~Which are the most addictive food groups?

~How and why are these foods addictive?

~Ways to overcome food addiction with living foods

~Tips to incorporate living foods easily into your day

   Click here for more information     

Yoga 101 Beginners Workshop

Monthly, first class is February 19th

1-3 pm  

 $20 per person, pre-registration required     

  *This month's class is full, but call to register for March 19th!*

 

Revolved Side Angle Pose 

(Parivrtta Parsvakonasana)

Level: Easy/Moderate

Benefits: Strengthens and stretches the legs, knees & ankles. Opens the groin, spine, chest, lungs & shoulders. Massages abdominal organs, improves digestion and aids elimination. Increases stamina & improves balance.

Cautions: High or low blood pressure, Headache, neck or spinal problems.

How To

Fig. 1	Fig. 2	Fig. 3

1. From a standing lunge with your right foot forward bring your hands to prayer position at the chest and on the exhale lean forward with a straight back, the back heel may lift from the floor. Keep the spine long, and on your next exhale twist to the right. (fig.1)
2. If you want to go further take the left elbow to the outside of the right knee (fig. 2)
3. As with all twists lengthen and soften the belly, extend the spine with each inhalation, and increase the twist as you exhale.
4. Stay for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Release and repeat on the other side.

Modifications

• For beginners, to improve balance, the back heal can be supported against a wall.
• If you have any neck problems, don't turn your head to look at the top arm, instead, look straight ahead with both sides of the neck lengthened evenly, or look down at the floor

To Deepen

• From Step 3 rotate the right shoulder back and bring the right arm behind you, reach the left arm under the thigh and clasp the right hand. (fig.3)