• What is the nature of this great transition?
• What are its underlying causes?
• What might be its ultimate effects?
• And what can we do, both personally and collectively, to bring about a more sustainable, just, and fulfilling world?

Drawing from his studies of Buddhism, consciousness, cosmology, philosophy, psychology, and astrology, Darrin takes a wide—and penetrating—look at our planetary situation and offers a solid basis for hope and even excitement as we all bring our particular gifts to bear in this collective coming-of-age.

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Friday June 1st
7:30pm – 9pm
Kushala at Suter Brook
$10

about Darrin

Darrin Drda is a longtime practitioner and occasional instructor of Insight meditation, and a facilitator for the Awakening the Dreamer symposium, which promotes ecological sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Darrin holds a Masters degree in Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness from the California Institute of Integral Studies.

more about this workshop

In a brilliantly appropriate application of the Buddha’s fourfold Truths, Darrin Drda provides a conceptual structure for perceiving the unique nature of this planetary moment… The book brings such a rich cargo of companionable inquiry and inspiration, I want to see it in every book bag and backpack. I love to think of the hands it will fall into, the minds it will ignite, the hearts it will embolden, so that this great adventure may continue!
~ Joanna Macy, author, World as Lover, World as Self

“With a warm and open writing style, and drawing from his extensive knowledge of Buddhism and the ecological state of the planet, Darrin Drda gives expression to some of the noble possibilities of human consciousness. The Four Global Truths is destined to become an essential part of the ongoing illumination of this wild, groping, confused, but ultimately beautiful human species.”
~ Brian Swimme, Professor of Cosmology, California Institute of Integral Studies

“The Four Global Truths allows us to see that we need to wake up and free ourselves from this dream that is robbing us of our true capacity as human beings. Fortunately, the Buddha offered a path to liberation, one that is now possible for humanity as well. This magnificent book powerfully invites us to choose that path.”
~ Lynne Twist, author, The Soul of Money and Co-founder of The Pachamama Alliance

If that seems a little harsh, bear with me. The third Yama, Asteya, reminds us to take only what is freely given and to be generous in our giving. Both with yourself and others. While I don’t expect that any of you are thieves, we all may take in other ways both on and off the mat.

The sun never says to the earth, ‘you owe me’. Look what happens with a love like that. It lights up the whole sky.

~Hafiz

Is generosity something you consider when stepping on your mat? Or perhaps, do you fall into the trap of stealing from one part of your self to “get” a pose? For instance, collapsing on one side to stretch the other or breathing less to focus on deepening into a posture. Have you ever hardened your jaw, face or another body part while focusing on another?

Closet Clepto?

Of course, I’m kidding, but it got your attention. The irony is not lost :) Sometimes we steal time from another by not arriving when we said we would. At other times we steal attention away from someone who was speaking to give our opinion. Negate the feelings of another and you’ve stolen a few things. Have you ever brushed off a compliment or changed the subject? Could that be stealing the chance of receiving something kind from yourself and stealing the opportunity for that person to give to you? I used to be really good at that one. There are many ways we may be stealing. I leave this with you to ponder. What have you been stealing without realizing?

Practice Generosity

On your mat, give yourself room to breathe. Literally and figuratively. Listen to each part of your body while practicing. In the world, be mindful of your actions. Give your attention, time and love to yourself and others. As with all the Yamas, we are meant to contemplate and consider how we can practice each on our own. Look at where you can steal less and give more. Would love for you to share what you come up with… challenge@kushalayoga.com

Namaste,
Alissa

As I’ve sat with this a bit more today, I’ve come to see that being generous with myself can also be leaving room to make mistakes, to be “wrong” and to not know all the answers. To not steal from myself an opportunity to experience myself in a new way. Whether or not I “think I should” do things a certain way. Let me know where you can be more generous with yourself.

Come Yoga with your little one!

Join Alissa for 4 weeks of Mom and Baby play time and relaxation.
Meet other moms and babies while spending quality time with your child.

Tuesdays 11am – 12pm
June 5 – 26th
Kushala Yoga in Suter Brook
$60 +tax

Event Schedule

11:30am – 12:30pm / Sunshine Hatha Flow
1pm – 2pm / Fire and Light Pilates Yoga Fusion
2:30pm – 3:30pm / Beatin’ Down Sunbeams Community Drum Circle

With your suncatchers Leo Cheung, Sean O’Leary, Shalon Sherwood, Nicole Roy and drumming with Diana and Andrew Clark.

All events are by cash donation to the local Friends in Need food bank.

DOOR PRIZES! CHOCOLATE! FREE GOOD VIBRATIONS AND MAYBE HUGS TOO!

Dates and Times

Saturday June 16th
11:30am – 3:30pm

Kushala at Meadows Gate
#303 – 12099 Harris Road (at Ford Rd)
Pitt Meadows, BC

details

Sunday May 27th 3:30pm – 4:45pm
Kushala Yoga at Suter Brook
Instructor: Shannon Brundrett
Cost: $15 + HST

Suitable for ages 6-11

The asana portion of the class will be a slow Vinyasa style and we’ll finish with seated meditation.

Join Nico Luce on the path to greater awareness, true strength and deep inner peace!

details

Saturday June 9th, 2012
11am – 1pm
Kushala Yoga at Suter Brook
$25 + HST

about Nico Luce

Nico Luce has been teaching yoga for over ten years and is certified in various lineages such as Power Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Anusara and Pilates. His classes combine a dynamic physical practice with attention to refined bio mechanics and inspiring Eastern philosophy. Nico has taught workshops and retreats internationally and has appeared in several of videos and written media publications. He lives in BC with his wife Chloe and two children.

While we may have been drawn into the idea that “the truth is out there” by certain teachings (or X-Files), with yoga we come a little closer. Literally. By looking within.

The second Yama, Satya, is about the truth that we are, the truth that we seek and the truth that we speak. When seen as a restraint, it’s about not speaking anything opposite of truth. (Side note… as we do this we must still keep in mind Ahimsa first.) When seen in a personal perspective, it would suggest who we authentically are. Personal truth. When seen in a larger view, ultimate truth may be revealed. Our truth or The Truth.

You can’t handle the truth!

Many of us seem to be seeking or searching and so often this search is external until we realize what turning inward can reveal. When we slow down the busyness and the onslaught of external distractions, much can be discovered or unearthed. In stillness we often find truth.

Another phrase, popularized by the movie A Few Good Men, points at the truth as a hard pill to swallow. “You can’t handle the truth!” may beg the question…. why not? If we haven’t seen the way we numb ourselves, we may have noticed the way others do. Is it the power behind truth that strikes fear?

What is your truth? What is a larger truth you have come across? Have you seen a truth change? If so, was it actually truth?

Truth or opinion? Which do you subscribe to?

Much of the time what we consider our truth, can often be described more accurately as an opinion. On the yoga mat, we may think it’s true that we’re not strong, not flexible, not good at balancing. I’d wager to say (because I’ve seen it happen many times) that what we think is true may become so for us, but if we hold it as an opinion, we can see it change. Take the words “I can’t” for example. If you want that to be your truth, keep saying it. However, if you realize the distaste those two words can bring and would like to change it, at least add the word “yet” to the end and see what happens.

As with any Yama, Satya, is meant to benefit our practice and our life. Practicing truthfulness may be just as challenging as practicing a new posture. Go easy on yourself. Notice where you find truth. Your head or your heart? When both agree, subscribe to that :) Be wary of the part of your mind that subscribes to fear and judgment based on the past or other opinions.

Another challenge… practice Satya for a week or two, both on and off your mat. Then email me at challenge@kushalayoga.com and share your insights. The truth is both out there and in here. Perhaps we can share your truth as another blog post ;)

Namaste,
Alissa

You are authentic whether you believe it or not. You have an edge. How can you find it?

Your thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors, all create a unique identity and presence that enable you to have an identifiable edge. Your edge is highly distinguishable from your family members, friends, co-workers, and the other 6 billion people on planet earth.

Without finding your edge life becomes stagnant, disappointing, and ultimately unfulfilling. What would it feel like to eliminate these feelings of discontentment and dissatisfaction? What would it look and feel like to find your edge?

If you cannot find the truth where you are, where do you expect to find it?

-Dogen Zenji (1200-1253),
 Japanese Zen Buddhist Master

Your ‘edge’ is your story, your purpose, your authenticity—it’s your gift. It is the round-the-clock, twenty-four-hour, every-day-of-your-life expression of who you are when you are reaching your full potential. You were born with it and you’ve been crafting it your entire life. It’s time to take action and embrace it.

Reflect on these questions to unleash your authentic natural self:

People don’t know I’m good at: _____________________________________________.

I am ‘edgy’ when I:________________________________________________________.

Talk to me about: ________________________________________________________.

I feel empowered when I: __________________________________________________.

My story teaches others to:_________________________________________________

Circle any words in your reflections that are meaningful, profound, and or show up more than once. Do you see a theme developing?

Use the circled words to construct an ‘edgy’ statement that highlights your authenticity.

Write your edgy statement here:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

With this insight you have courageously opened the door to finding your edge. I challenge you to make one decision this week that enthuses your commitment to finding and living on your edge.

Jordan Birch, CPC, BSc.
Jordan@getoutofdoors.com

Jordan is a Certified Professional Life Coach. His passions drive him to empower others to eliminate self-destructive and self-limiting behaviors so they can take action, transform, and thrive. In his private practice he fuses Transformational Life Coaching and a partnership with nature as a metaphor and medium for change.

For more info:
www.getoutofdoors.com
www.facebook.com/getoutofdoors
twitter: getoutofdoors

Don’t miss the Challenge Kick-off Class! Tuesday May 1st, 6:30pm – 7:45pm at Suter Brook!

… and wind it up with an afternoon get-together at Brown’s Social House on Saturday June 2nd at 2:30pm (prizes!!!!)

the Challenge

26 classes in 31 days

May 1st – May 31st, 2012
Kushala Yoga Studios
$109 + HST
FREE for unlimited members