Dhyana, Right Thinking, A Yoga Practice

Right or Positive Thinking will purify the intellect, allowing us to appreciate and respect the habits of peace and happiness, constructive thoughts and generosity, open mind and service. Dhyana is the true light of self-wisdom.

In Yoga we endeavour to fit and balance our mind to our own higher consciousness of wisdom, in fact, we consider this our sacred duty. For only through constant striving to eliminate bad or negative thoughts and habits can our mind feel proud to be a sacred part of Divine Consciousness. We make mistakes, but mistakes are not evil. They happen when we mis-judge or mis-evaluate, when we are over-anxiousness or overly concerned. If we make a mistake once, it was simply a mistake. I f we make the same mistake repeatedly, then it is a conscious act, one deliberately created by our higher mind to test us, to call our attention to the need of open mindedness, and so make us stronger.

Our mind is part of the universe. As you think, you are, because the nature of your thoughts indicates what you focus on, what you are attuned to and with. Therefore, in thinking, you are doing. This is a good reason to be rid of negative thoughts like "I cant" or "Im so stupid", which only detract from your ability. What others do, you can do .. simply think those thoughts.

Start small, taking baby steps, be patient, because you have seen that 'slow and steady' really does win the race. Do your best to not take into yourself angry thoughts, or thoughts of wrong doing, steer clear of thoughtlessness. Keep the mind calm and constructive, peaceful and sincere.

Yoga teaches you Dhyana .. the power of Right and Positive Thinking can be seen in every class. Experience it for yourself, first-hand. You can do this .. and you know you can, because you have long felt it in you.

AUM Peace!

International Day of Peace and Non-Violence

World March for Peace & Non-Violence (Ahimsa).

Tomorrow is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, a day the UN has declared an International Day of Peace and Non-Violence.

Starting Friday, Oct 2 until Jan 2, there will be a Worldwide March.

Hamsa Yogashala is taking part by inviting *you* to join us, the 1st & 4th Saturdays, to walk Tribble Mill.

Join us at Hamsa Yogashala for All Levels Yoga at 9am on Saturday, October 3, then go to Tribble Mill (4 miles).

OR

Meet us at Tribble Mill at 11am, at the main parking area by the bathrooms and playground.

Its a 3k walk, so dress appropriately. Bring a water bottle, bring your kids, bring your dog on a leash!

Aum Peace!

Beginner's Yoga - New Class

Beginner's Yoga. New Series.

Sep 29-Oct 20 (Tuesday nights), or Oct 1-Oct 22 (Thursday nights).

Have you been considering taking a Yoga class but don't know what to expect? Are you curious but don't want to be the only new person in class? Maybe you tried a Yoga video but feel like you need something more? This four week intensive is just for you.

Pre-register today!
http://hamsa-yogashala.com/

International Day of Peace

Tomorrow .. Monday, September 21, is the International Day of peace.

The main website .. with a LIVESTREAM:
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

The wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Peace

Culture of Peace Initiative:
http://www.cultureofpeace.org/

Peace Vigil:
http://www.idpvigil.com/

Hamsa Yogashala:
http://hamsa-yogashala.com/home

Schedule Change

Having worked with the present schedule for the past year, I have decided that a change may better reflect the needs of the students (based on feedback I have received). Here is what I have been working on:

MEDITATION
MON-SAT: 6:30AM

SUNRISE YOGA
MON-SAT: 7:15-8:15AM

GENTLE YOGA
MON, WED, FRI: 9-10AM

ALL LEVELS YOGA
MON, WED, FRI: 5-6:30PM, and 7-8:30pm
SAT: 9-10:30AM, and 4-5:30PM

BEGINNER’S YOGA
TUES & THR: 7-8:30PM, Registration Required

Mostly, what I have done is pushed the times back to better accomadate work schedules, allowing ample time to get to class (for example).

The notable changes are:
-Therapy Yoga (Healing Yoga) being offered twice a week (and using its Sanskrit word, 'chikitsa').

-Beginner's Yoga. This is an entry level class designed for those who are new to Yoga or want to return to their basic skills. It is by registration only because it has an instructional format.

-There is one more open or All Level (Hatha) class . An additional class time has been added! (Instead of seven, there are now eight). Plus, the time and dates make this class more flexible.

-Saturday now has THREE classes.

I appreciate your thoughts on this new schedule, so please do not hesitate offering ideas.

Of late, I have been very busy with marketing the Shala, and part of that success has contributed towards adapting the schedule. As to marketing, please vote for the Shala in the Best of Gwinnett:
http://www.gwinnettmagazine.com/bestofgwinnett/content.cfm?action=vote

I am proud of Hamsa Yogashala .. and as students, you should be as well. Come to classes, and invite your family and friends .. spread the word of how great Yoga is!

Doing Yoga is like karma .. you have to get some to give some!

Aum Peace!
Yogini Valarie Devi

Amazing Grace

Infinite Wisdom, coming through me.

Amazing Grace, can you see the glory?

I feel the Grace within you .. within me.

These words should fill the book of our heart, so that in quite moments when we look back across the years of our life, we can say, "I am filled with grace for who I am now, in this moment. For who I have grown to be, now, in this moment. For who I am is a result of what I have done before."

With this loving thought, take a look in the mirror and honor your life and the lives of those you have touched. Remember too the dark moments and be kind to them as well. Find compassion for the dark moments and yourself while engulfed in that darkness. And think, "I am love, and I am worthy of loving myself, no matter what I have done."

This simple act brings forgiveness, because whatever you may think of yourself, applies to all others in the universe. So free yourself from guilt and remorse, and forgive yourself, and stop judging yourself, and remember to embrace yourself with compassion. For the darkest of deeds are those we commit upon ourselves.

Know this truth: You have always been loved, and you have always been honored, for how you have expressed yourself in all your lifetimes, has been an expression of Amazing Grace. Just as in the song, Amazing Grace.

Not the version that declares you to be a 'wretch', for we must free our soul from such judgment, but the version that reminds us that we are a divine soul residing in a physical body.

Feel free to send these words to someone you know. Do not delay .. send this message today .. do not put off tomorrow what you can easily do right now. Sending this message is an act of loving kindness - from yourself to another, even if you dont like the person you send it to .. send it anyway.

Do you want to push someones buttons? Then push their button of loving kindness!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a soul like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to love,

And Grace, my love received.

How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first received.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come.

T'was Grace that brought me safe so far, and Grace will lead me home.

Amazing Grace is good to me,

Grace my hope secures.

Grace will my shield and portion be, for Grace will ever endure.

When I've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun.

I've that many days to sing the praise, of Grace when first received.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a soul like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now, I see!

Best of Gwinnett

VOTE! Hamsa Yoga Shala @ Best of Gwinnett.

Catagory: 'Health & Fitness', then 'Best Place to Workout'.

Hamsa Yoga Shala .. living, working and loving Gwinnett County since 2001!

http://www.gwinnettmagazine.com/bestofgwinnett/index.cfm?CFID=45332147&CFTOKEN=51729170