Tomorrow is Earth Day.
Time for Sun Salutations to celebrate and honor our beautiful, amazing, inspiring, and nourishing mother earth.
Class will start at 9:45 in the Down Stairs studio at Village Green Yoga.
Join us for a very special class designed to celebrate our connections to the earth, each other and our deepest wisdom.
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
Hello to all my favorite yogis.
Sorry, I have not written in a while. Seems that keeping a proper blog is not in my constitution. Oh well, I can let that go.
Tonight begins the Jewish Festival of Passover. Like all good Jewish traditions, this one centers around food. But it is not just any food, this is a meal, and a week of meals that is designed to remind us that we were once slaves in Egypt, and by the grace of G-d we were able to escape to freedom.
Tonight we will gather around our tables and tell the story of our escape from enslavement. We will eat foods that will remind us of the tears of our ancestors, the hard work they did building pyramids, and the bread they were unable to finish baking in their rush to leave.
Passover provides us a unique opportunity to remember that we are not the only ones who have suffered slavery. And more importantly, it encourages us to work to end the slavery that exists in world today. Yes, people all over the world are enslaved; children in sweat shops, children in the sex trade, adults in unsafe jobs with unfair/negligible wages, indentured servitude, battered spouses, and unfortunately the list goes on. We don’t have to dig very deeply to find the ugliness of physical slavery in every corner of the world.
And our enslavement is not only physical. We are trapped by our computers, TVs and cell phones. We are preyed upon by advertising which makes us think we are incomplete without the newest, latest, greatest whatever. We suffer hunger, sexism, racism, global warming, etc. We are trapped by our childhood tapes of what it means to be good. Spiritually and psychologically almost all of us are held by something.
And so here is Passover, and we get a chance to look about and within and choose once again to fight against slavery. We get to rededicate ourselves to fight for freedom. Freedom from the shackles of both physical and emotional bondage.
So, here is the work. Look around and help out. There are many programs out there that fight against modern-day slavery. Pitch in, lend a hand or send a dollar. To quote a favorite musician, “none of us are free if one of use is chained.”
And also look inside, and see what are you willing to let go of this week? Select something that is holding you back from living fully as your wonderful self. How are you enslaved, and by what? I know this is hard work, and it takes a brave heart to begin to let go of those chains. Even the Israelites were reluctant to leave. Slavery wasn’t good, but at least they knew it. Change and freedom is scary, it is the unknown, and in the land of the unknown, we need to reach deep into our hearts for strength. But isn’t it better that we live lives of wholeness, lives of connectedness, even if it means stepping into the wilderness.
In my classes this week, I will be encouraging my students to use their yoga practice to find the strength to touch their points of constrainment, to use their asanas to open their hearts, to become flexible enough to open the places that were closed within before. We will be exploring backbends and their counterposes – opening our hearts and stepping into moments of awakening. And then from these moments of awakening, we can connect and be powerful in our openness and our oneness, and walk the path of yoga beyond the mat.
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
Issaquah, WA
Good Morning.
I was wondering what to write about today. Vacation? Yes, I highly recommend it. Family? Definitely worth cherishing. Yoga? Keeps you limber and strong, is good for your blood pressure, joints, and mood. Meditation? Yes, do it every day to find out more about yourself and to help you deal with the challenges life throws at you. Okay, covered those topics, what to write about? And then I found this video of a young woman in South Africa. She brought smiles and tears to my eyes. I hope you enjoy her as much as I did.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
—Marianne Williamson
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
Issaquah, WA
Valentines Day is still a couple of days away. That means you still have time to nurture your own inner Valentine. Let your practice this week be all about love.
Here are a view asanas to support your journey into love. Hip openers and wide-legged stretches to release all that emotional stuff that gets gunked up in the hips. Mountain and Warrior Poses to reminds us that we are strong and powerful. Backbends to help us open our hearts. And svasana fully propped to help nurture the quiet restful spaces within us.
Now that you have your practice poses and intentions for the week, I offer you this love poem by Rumi.
A lifetime without Love is of no account
Love is the Water of Life
Drink it down with heart and soul!
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
My goal in teaching yoga is to help my students to live their yoga beyond their mats. Yes, yoga will make you stronger and more flexible. A regular practice will help you to heal the pains of your body. A regular practice can help you to overcome illness and recover from injury.
And, I firmly believe that yoga is more than just an aerobic practice. It is more than just exercise. Through yoga we learn to reach deeper into our true selves. We sweep away the fog from our awareness and find our own paths to strength and truth. We allow ourselves to soften so that we may ease our way into the fundamental strength of our core of true being.
If we allow ourselves to become more flexible upon our mats, then don’t we also find a way to be more flexible in our daily lives? If we allow ourselves to become stronger on our mats, then don’t’ we also then find more strength to live our daily lives? If in our practice we find we have more endurance, more will power, more self-awareness, then don’t those also walk with us beyond the studio?
As you practice today, let these questions be at the forefront of your awareness. As you step onto your mat, ask yourself, why am I here? What is important to me? What truths do I hold to be self-evident. Where am I willing to apply my strength? Where am I willing to soften and be more flexible? What can I give to bring peace and healing, not just to my self but to my greater community.
As you practice today, reach out to the strength and vision of those who have come before us and shared with a vision of peace and community. Allow yourself to be inspired.
Shalom & Namaste,
Diana Bonyhadi
Issaquah, WA
First the Bad News: Swedish Hospital has decided to discontinue their venture in providing an on-site therapeutic yoga program at their Issaquah Highlands Campus. How sad. This was a great and innovative contribution to promoting alternative therapies in more traditional settings. As a member of the teaching team, I think I speak for all of us in expressing disappointment that the program was discontinued after only one year. And to all of our dedicated students, I want to say thank you for your support and commitment this past year. Oh, and did I mention that the yoga space, which is fantastic, will probably be turned into another clinic or office. Oh Well…
Now for the Good News: My hatha/alignment-based therapeutic yoga class will continue to happen. Starting on December 27, you can find the class at Village Green Yoga at the exact same time slot. Look for it on the Village Green Yoga Schedule:
Restore & Renew – Lunch Hour Yoga
Tuesday & Thursday , Noon – 1:00pm
Supportive, compassionate and inspiring environment which recognizes the uniqueness of all bodies, and encourages you to work at your own pace.
If you are recovering form an injury, surgery, have a chronic condition such as osteoporosis, arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome or multiple sclerosis, or are limited in practically any other way, this is the class for you. We use lots of props and take our time.
60 minutes, all levels, all bodies, all ages welcome. Come be refreshed and inspired! This class is gentle yet invigorating, strengthening and toning, relaxing and stimulating, inspiring and enriching.
Class starts the Thursday after Christmas, so come on down and start your healing soon.
Song for the week (a lot of you have been asking): Alexi Murdoch – Breathe
Have a good week.
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhad
My in-box has been overflowing with reminders of gratitude practices. It has also been overflowing with opportunities to shop, shop, shop. Personally, I like the former much better.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Family and friends come together for no other reason than to share gratitude and food.
My family has already begun to arrive. My children are all now home – which brings me so much joy. The kitchen cupboards and fridge are full, and the scent of baking fills the air. Actually my son is making risotto which smells almost as good as hot chocolate chip cookies. More of my family arrives tomorrow and there will be 21 for dinner on Thanksgiving. Now that will be a bountiful evening.
Here is the thing about the holidays. Even if this is your favorite time of year, it is the time you are most likely to overdue and wear yourself out. So instead of reminding you about all the things you have to be thankful for, I will take this moment to remind you to take care of yourself.
Steps to self-care during the holidays
Take time to be alone: Get up a few minutes early to have some time to yourself. Perhaps you will meditate, or maybe enjoy that first cup of chai tea/coffee by yourself. Whatever you do – don’t do anything that is on your to-do list. Just be.
Do your practice: Even if you don’t have time to come to the studio for classes, do take time to do a few down dogs and warriors, a baby back bend or two, a couple of twists for your digestion and don’t skip svasana. You can do this all in 20 minutes or less, and you will feel much better for it. And if you can squeeze in a full practice, it will definitely help you to stay calm and cool and centered in the face of any family dynamics or undercooked turkeys.
Nourish your body: I know you plan on eating lots of turkey, stuffing and pie, but don’t forget your greens, salads, and even a light soup to refresh your body. Be sure to start your day with a healthy breakfast, my favorite is yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. This will give you all the energy you need to face the rest of the day.
That’s it. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday. As you sit down with your friends and family, look around and smile. Let your heart fill with gratitude and let everyone know how happy you are that they are there. I found this blessing and thought you might like it. Direct the prayer to whatever the divine means to you.
Thank you for the elements, which compose our bodies, all of nature and this food we will enjoy.
Thank you for our ancestors who sacrificed for us to be where we are today.
Thank you for the earth and its astounding beauty.
Thank you for love, family, friendship and community.
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
The leaves are plummeting to the earth. My lawn is once again buried in red and gold. I will have to go out and rake again. Or, I could also put it off for another day or so and just enjoy the colors. The sky is clear, the mountains are showing off for me. And I am feeling wonderful about being alive in this moment, right here and right now.
So much news. First thank you to everyone who participated in the election this week. Your care for the future of this country and planet and your vote does make a difference. I actually could have done with quite a bit less participation from the advertisers and superpacs. Wouldn’t it be better if we just put a cap on how much is spent on any and all political campaigns. Candidates would have to win on their goodness and wisdom, and all that money (I think the grand total was 1 billion dollars) could be spent on services and programs much needed in our country. I’m just saying…
Meditation: The Meditation Circle at Village Green is up and running. Every Thursday evening 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the upstairs loft. If last week was any indication of the energies for the future, this is going to be the best event of your week. Asana, pranayama and guided meditation; we all practically floated out of the room at the end of the night.
Yoga Classes: Classes continue to grow. The morning hatha classes are a great way to explore the depth of your asanas and learn more about alignments and therapeutics. The evening vinyasa class is a steady flow of postures, linked by breath and some juicy and inspiring music. And then of course there is the Sunday Morning Salutation Class – this is one amazing class – we all come together and restore one anothers’ soul through the depth of our practice and our commitment to wholeness and well-being. All of these classes are available for drop-in by pre-registration at Village Green Yoga in Issaquah.
If you are looking for something more personal, sign up for a private session. These can be scheduled at your convenience, and are a great way to address specific therapeutic issues or to up-level your practice. Perhaps you want to put it on your holiday wish list – a three session gift package is available for only $175, a savings of $25, and will probably be the best present you get this year. Shameless advertising I know, but I honestly, it is true – private sessions have made such a difference for so many people, isn’t it time you tried it? Contact me directly to schedule your private session.
India: More stories! you say. What was my big take away? you ask. What was the high point? Okay, Okay. Here’s one for you. I realized I am afraid of monkeys. This is weird, because I didn’t think I was really afraid of anything, so learning to accept my fear of monkeys was indeed a big deal.
In Rishikesh, there are two halves to the town. To travel from one side to the other, you must cross the Ganges River, by one of two suspension bridges. Both are narrow, both are crowded. As a pedestrian, you share the bridge with motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, people, cows, dogs and MONKEYS. At first I was charmed. I mean the monkeys are quite cute, and when they have their babies hanging from them their bellies, they are even cuter. But there are lots of them and they are swinging up and down the cables, and jumping on and off the cables and onto the bridge. They are reaching for your bags, they are reaching for anything in your arms. They aren’t afraid and they don’t necessarily let go when you ask them or jump upwards in fright. And you just don’t know if you will be the one the monkeys decide to pick on.
Hanuman Shrine, just down from the Bridge of Monkeys in Rishikesh – click on image for surprising details
And there was another time when a couple of us were walking up from the river at sunset. We looked up the dirt road and saw about 50 monkeys coming our way. Yes, I admit that fear was what filled my heart and brain. This was not my home, it was theirs. I was the alien, the visitor without permission. And of course I had heard those horror stories about people being attacked by monkeys without any provocation, and I wasn’t about to go tromping right through that clan of monkeys.
Fear can lead to humiliation, and then right on to strength. In this case, our fear inspired us to turn around and go back down to the river and ask some locals for help. One of them looked at us sympathetically, smiled, and asked us to follow him. Back up the road we went, but this time we had our guide and he had a couple of rocks in his hand. He tossed the rocks up the road, the monkeys scattered. He laughed, we smiled, (sheepishly) and proceeded up the dirt track, a bit chagrined and a maybe a bit wiser.
So there you have it, another story about India. And another couple of lessons learned by yours truly: 1) I am afraid of monkeys. 2) It’s okay to ask for help. 3) The results are sometimes inspiring and sometimes humbling. And most importantly, 4) opening that door to acceptance has enabled me to look at some other things in my life that are a bit scary. The more we are able to acknowledge our vulnerabilities, the easier it is to move forward and perhaps overcome them. Funny that I should relearn these lessons about overcoming obstacles from monkeys – Hanuman is after all a monkey god.
Have a great week. Happy Fall
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
Found this lovely statue lying almost buried on the side of the road.
What do you get when you take a handful of meditators, mix them with three teachers and put them in Northern India on the banks of the Ganga River?
An experience of a life time and a deep exploration of the roots of Eastern wisdom, spirituality, meditation and yoga.
I have been studying yoga for years. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for years. I have read the Bhagavad Gita, The Ramayana, the Sutras of Patanjali, and many more texts central to the world of yoga. In fact, I have even read most of these books several times and always I learn and grow from the experience. I have even felt familiar with these texts. But it was not till I traveled to India, that they really came to life for me.
I went to the source of the Ganga River – Devi Ganga and bathed in her waters (brrr). I joined pilgrims on their trails to shrines and pujas dedicated to Vishnu, Siva, Krishna, Hanuman and others. I sat in the same cave where Arjuna and his brothers rested after their battle in the Marabarata. I was even served coffee by a Sadu in that same cave as he told us of his practice of meditation and Brahmacharya. I meditated in the cave of Vishnagupta of the Shankara lineage. The Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita are now vibrantly alive for me in so many new ways, it will take months for me to be able to unravel and fully absorb these learnings.
I spent hours meditating and practicing yoga. I explored the towns of Rishikesh, Uttarkashi and Gongotri, and shared their streets with monks, beggars, holy men and holy cows, scavenging dogs and prankster monkeys. Yes, of course I drank lots of chai and ate lots of curry. Oh, and I spent hours on the roads of India – which is, in and of itself, an adventure.
There are so many stories to tell and wisdom to share – give me time and space and it will come. In the interim, I wanted to let you know I am back, teaching full time, available for privates and will be restarting the Meditation Circle next week.
Meditation Circle: Thursdays at 7:00, Village Green Yoga. Join us every week for an hour of guided meditation, pranayama and community support.
Speaking of meditation, maybe you are wondering if you should try it. Well, according to several scientific studies, meditation is good for the brain as well as for the heart, body and spirit. Yoga Journal recently published a review article that has done an excellent job of summarizing the most recent findings, click here to read their article.
With great gratitude and prayers for peace & well-being for all beings everywhere,
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Shalom & Namaste
Diana Bonyhadi
Kharmabellayoga.com
Sunday, September 30, 1:00 – 3:00
Village Green Yoga, Issaquah
I am happy to say that my meditation workshop this Sunday is rapidly filling. There are only a few seats left. So if you are interested, contact Village Green Yoga soon.
If you have been wondering what it might be like to start a meditation practice, come to the workshop. If you are wondering if there was any one else near you who is meditating, come to the workshop. If you have meditation practice, but need a tune-up, come to the workshop. If you are looking for answers, they are already inside of you, but come to the workshop anyway.
Have a great weekend.
Shalom & Namaste,
Diana Bonyhadi
Diana Bonyhadi Yoga 