A message from my teacher, Yogarupa Rod Stryker of Para Yoga

Rod sent this message on his year end newsletter. To subscribe to his newsletter, go to www.parayoga.com

Dear Friends and ParaYogis,

Some final thoughts to close out a historic and, in many ways, ground shaking year....

Everywhere I've travelled, its impossible not to notice the palpable sense of fear and uncertainty. Our global economy is in peril, many are suffering as a result, and the great majority of us are facing questions about our basic security.
Is there anything to be learned? What can the teachings provide in the way of solace and a solution?

These times and these questions are exactly what yoga is meant to prepare you for. This is exactly why you have been practicing. Taking time for stillness and awakening the kind of discriminative knowledge that allows you to navigate through times like these is precisely what practice is meant to be giving you. A lot of you know that, but it's helpful to be reminded. However, that is just the first step.

It's time to collect yourself and determine what you want your future to look like. The Gita reminds us to, "Reshape yourself through the power of will, never let yourself be degraded by self-will. The will is the only friend of the self and the will is the only enemy of the self". Swami Rama said that, "On this path you must first awaken your Samkalpa Shakti, the power of will and determination. Never say that you cannot do it... Instead, overcome your resistance, and expand your capacity. You must order your body and senses to function under the leadership of your mind".

To my dearest friends and ParaYogis, the vows and promises you hold the closest to your heart speak directly to the universe, compelling it to act on your behalf. When you choose the ones that point to a worthwhile and fulfilling future that naturally embraces the best of you, you will surely create a life worth having. If enough us were to do this, and exemplify fearlessness and centerdness, then we will collectively create a secure and more promising future.

"Cling to a certain thought with dynamic will power, it finally assumes a tangible outward form. When you are able to employ your will always for constructive purposes, you become the controller of your destiny", wrote Yogananda.

What will your future look like? It depends upon you, more accurately on the world you want and choose to commit to see. When your Samkalpa bears fruit it will bring with it feelings of contentment and joy, it will make you stronger and, by helping to make you better and more powerful, it will help to improve the world we live in. That is a yogi's job. The world needs you to be strong and committed. This is the time to prove to yourself that Yoga works (thoughts from The Four Desires to be released in 2009).

Wish you and your family the very best for the coming year. May God bless you.

With love,

Yogarupa

Future Events - 2008

On Going Free Teleclasses - August to October
~ Aug 27th, 2008 - Marketing 101: 3 things that can benefit any teacher intending to grow.

~ Sept 26th, 2008 - Using a Samkalpa (Resolution) to invigorate your teaching business.

~ Oct 08 - Language Matters: how to describe what you do without feeling like you are selling yourself.

From:11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Time (12:00 PM Mountain Time, 1:00 PM Central time, and 2:00 PM Eastern time). To check other time zones please visit www.timeanddate.com
Free Registration

September 14-19: Corporate Yoga Training at Omega, Rhinneback, NY

This 5-day immersion in Corporate Yoga is designed for those who want to teach at corporations. It explores the challenges of authentic teaching while considering language, legal aspects, and spirituality that are appropriate to corporate culture.

• The yoga/work connection
• Legalities and liabilities
• Communicating and applying yoga philosophy and tools on and off the mat
• How the workplace needs an adaptive process to WORK where people WORK

The course will be taught by Tevis Gale, Balance Integration's founder and my business partner. I will be assisting her. Tevis is a yoga teacher, former corporate executive who has grown Balance Integration from a kitchen venture to an global company that serves clients like Google, AOL, Yahoo, MTV, American Express and Disney, and has trained 360 teachers.

Omega Corporate Yoga Training Details


September 27: Business of Yoga Workshop at LMU, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
the 5-hour intensive version of the Yogi Incubator, especially designed for new teachers and part time teachers wanting to go into full time. This program will discuss the nitty gritty of the business of teaching Yoga. We will cover different ways to get started, tools and techniques to support growth, how to avoid burnout and how to reconcile marketing and business with yoga. Practical information on how to get a website, start a newsletter and generate word of mouth will be provided, as well as basic tips for personal finances, taxes and liability insurance.

When: September 27th, 2008
Saturday, 10:00am to 3:30pm
Costs: $190 for the entire weekend
Includes Sunday 5-hour module on Teaching Methodology, taught by Ramaswami. Registration for the Business of Yoga only is available upon request (e - mail yoga@lmu.edu or call Amparo at (310) 338-2358)

Program Details
Registration

November 08-12: The Yoga of Fulfillment with Rod Stryker, Miami, Florida
The Yoga of Fulfillment is the seed of the Yogi Incubator. I am incredibly proud to be assisting my teacher Rod Stryker in this 5-day workshop.

The Yoga of Fulfillment is a deep and practical approach to help you truly embody the highest principles of Yoga: find meaning and purpose in your life and shape it from the wisdom and calling of your highest self. Combining the enlightened wisdom of Yoga, Tantra, ancient methods of self-inquiry and self-actualization, the Yoga of Fulfillment guides you toward recognizing your soul's calling to greatness and empowering you to fulfill it.

Where: Prana Yoga Miami, Coral Gables, FL
More info and registration