seva journal » Yoga

The 6 Perfections with Ven. Thupten Tsondu (Tashi)

seva — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:05:44 +0000

Sept. 25/26, 4:30-6pm
Oct. 2/3, 9/10, 4:30 – 6pm
Oct. 2, 7pm – Tibetan Tantric Chanting for Peace

Topics include in this order-
Generosity, Morality, Patience, Joyous Effort, Concentration and Wisdom.

This is a donation based series – suggested $12 per or $65 for the series.

About Ven. Thupten Tsondu ( Tashi ) -
Venerable Gyudmed Ngarampa Thupten Tsondu (Tashi) was born in Tibet but fled to India in 1959 to seek political asylum along with his parents and the Dalai Lama. At age 13 he entered Gyudmed Tantric University to become a monk according to his wishes. In 1995 he was given a dialectic exam in front of 400 monks which resulted in the Geshe Ngarampa degree, a Ph.D. in Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.

He has visited the USA, Canada, Switzerland, England, Mongolia, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal and India and has taught ritual chanting, sand mandala construction and dialectic debate to monks at the Gyudmed Tantric, Gaden Jangtse and Drepung Gomang Monasteries of India and the Pethub Stengeyling and Gyud Monasteries of Mongolia. Tashi also served as chief administrator of Gyudmed Tantric University and wrote a book on tantric ritual.

Venerable Gyudmed Ngarampa Thupten Tsondu (Tashi) is currently a Buddhist spiritual teacher in Florida.

independence, by Raven

seva — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:00:11 +0000

Namaste, fellow beautiful creatures!
We’ve just celebrated Independence Day. Naturally, this got me thinking “What is independence?”. As I pondered the meaning of the word and examined it’s personal relevence, I was struck by an idea. I thought how rarely, if ever, I used the term for myself. I mean not really embraced or applied the notion to my own life. Now, I’ve used terms like “liberate”, “free” and “allow”, but “independence? Not so much.
I thought about how my life could be different if I actualized the word- really owned it. What might my life look like, feel like, sound like, if only I gave myself independence?
This is such an important thought to me, especially when I consider how multiple meanings can suit multiple situations. I know, by now you’re thinking “Huh? what’s he talking about?” Let me explain:
If I grant myself true independence, I free myself from layers of self-judgement. I become less uncomfortable in my own skin, muscle and bone. I allow myself the gifts of time, stillness and breath.
Independence from worrying what anyone else in yoga class thinks when I go to the wall, because I just need it.
Independence from thinking the endless litany of “shoulda, woulda, coulda”. I am a perfectionist, especially at work. What if I instead breathed in independence, and focused mindfully at the tasks at hand, not doubting my professional skills.
What if, in each yoga class, I just went to the wall each time I needed to?, What if I give myself independence from fearing I will be a disruption or distraction? What if allowance of my own need for independence gives someone else the idea that they, too, can free themself?
As I ponder these thoughts and ready my life to receive the blessings of learning, I know this helps in my daily yoga. Not just the time spent on my yoga mat, but every-minute-of-every-day yoga. Mindful living, mindful being.
I wish joy and safety to all my fellow creatures, and true independence for us all.
Om, Shantih,
Raven

what is kripalu yoga?

seva — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:55:50 +0000

Marro Spehar explains what Kripalu Yoga is, and why you might like to try it out!

Chakra Vinyasa Class with Nancy McCaochan

seva — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:07:30 +0000

Chakra Journey – August 22, 10am – 11:30am

Discover your chakras in this vinyasa class designed to awaken your shakti. Chakras, literally, wheels, are energy centers within our bodies. The 7 major centers are located along the spinal axis, and each is associated with specific psycho-physical functions.

The poses in this 90-minute session will be familiar, but you’ll leave class with a new appreciation of your energetic anatomy.

The cost is $15 for the session.

Nancy McCaochan, MA, E-RYT is a former writing professor and a published author who left the college classroom to devote her life to helping people feel better in their bodies. She’s been teaching hatha yoga since 1995 and chakra yoga workshops and teacher trainings since 2005. She also currently facilitates chakra sessions for Inner Door Center, an eating disorder recovery program.

stay human bali yoga retreat

seva — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:44:30 +0000

Ubud, Bali. Your next Yoga Adventure.

I love taking students to a new place on the mat, a new space in your life and on travels around the world.

In January 2011 join me for the opening celebration of Stay Human, a beautiful Yoga and retreat center dedicated to bringing people together to practice Yoga. Meditation, Art and Music.

Founded by Michael Franti and Carla Swanson, the exquisitely designed main building and grounds hosts a river, tropical gardens and several ornate ponds. The property can accommodate up 24 people for this intimate adventure in peace and tranquility. After your Yoga practice, enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool and pick fresh fruit from the abundance of mango, jackfruit, banana, mangostein, rambutan, papaya and coconut trees.

Covered by a traditional thatch roof, the open air Yoga studio on the third floor overlooks spectacular views of the rice terraces, temples and the greenest jungles in the world! There will be 14 classes offered during your stay for you to enjoy and rejuvenate yourself.

This offering is open to 22 guests to travel with me on the experience of a lifetime! We will bless this retreat center with Shakti and Prana as we connect with nature and our true selves.

In Love and Light I see you there ~ Michele

Air/Land from GRR:
$3280 pp – shared bath
$3430 pp – private bath

Air/Land from LAX:
$2800 pp – shared bath
$2950 pp – private bath

Land only:
$1,655 pp – shared bath
$1,805 pp – private bath

Travel arrangements made by Witte Travel.

Contact Michele for more details and application/deposit.

green smoothies on WoodTV’s eightWest

seva — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:09:06 +0000

Michele discusses the benefits of drinking your greens

Seva Project, July– Habitat for Humanity

seva — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:19:31 +0000

Looking for a way to spend some quality time volunteering and make a positive impact in your community? Habitat for Humanity of Kent County has some great opportunities waiting for you! HFH is in need of individuals and groups for weekday volunteer opportunities. What a great way to spend time with your family while the kids are home for summer vacation! If you have extra time Monday-Friday, HFH would love to hear from you! For more information, contact Joni Jessup at 616.774.2431 x224 or jjessup@habitatkent.org.

seva yoga teacher training

seva — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:12:17 +0000

200 Hour RYT Training begins in October at Seva!

The Seva Yoga 200 hour Teacher Training program has been designed to provide you with the training, practice and teaching experience to gain the skills and confidence necessary to become an effective Yoga teacher.

This Yoga teacher training course exceeds the curriculum requirements specified by Yoga Alliance in:Techniques, Teaching Methodology, Anatomy & Physiology, Philosophy, Ethics, Lifestyle, and Practicum.

Also included in this program are additional workshops with Lynn Medow presenting a sessions on Modifications, Ethics & Philosophy, as well as an entire Anatomy Weekend. Natalie Donnellon will be presenting an Intro course to Ayurveda.

Join me for the transformation, it all begins this Fall!

ALL4ONE

seva — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:30:23 +0000

On August 14th 2010 East Grand Rapids will play host to an event unlike any other in West Michigan. ALL4ONE will highlight yoga, healthy living, local retailers/artists/crafters, and non-profit organizations, all in an effort to celebrate and raise awareness of our connectedness to one another. Proceeds from this year’s ALL4ONE festival will be donated to the Humane Society of Kent County.

In addition to the numerous vendors, artists, and non-profit organization booths, participants at ALL4ONE will enjoy free yoga sessions throughout the afternoon courtesy of some of the leading yoga studios in Michigan. There will also be exciting Capoeira and Belly Dance performances. The evening will culminate with a Kirtan performance by Rahasya from Athens GA! All participants will be encouraged to raise their voices in unity.

We’re hoping for hundreds of patrons to attend this event, and enjoy the vendor booths, merchandise, yoga, and performances on offer at ALL4ONE 2010.

Admission is only $5.00. 12 years of age and under FREE!!
No dogs allowed at this event.

All profits will go to the Humane Society of Kent County!

moses love workshop + i love yoga trunk show

seva — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:02:09 +0000

Tuesday, June 15th

Special Guest Instructor, I Love Yoga Clothing Company Founder, Moses, will be stopping at Seva Yoga, Tuesday June 15th to display his unique merchandise at the Trunk Show and offer an incredible workshops to the East Grand Rapids community.

Partner and Flying Yoga Therapeutics
2:00-4:00pm
Flying yoga is an amazing blend of Yoga, Acrobatics, Thai Massage, emotional body release and trust. Work with a partner to engage in creative expression, therapeutic massage, and dynamic embodiment of gratitude and compassion towards one another. Come and play and reconnect to your inner child!
NO PARTNER NEEDED TO ATTEND THIS CLASS!!

Organic Vinyasa Flow
5:45-7:15pm
Take a deep breath and let your practice unfold. Organically, in the flow. The way nature intends. Enjoy artisitc yoga sequencing.
Incredible music, amazing adjustments and conscious breath work. This workshop will also feature guided meditation and Kirtan. Truly an experience you wont want to miss.

I LOVE YOGA Trunkshow before and after classes

I Love Yoga produces garments and apparel that is 100% sweatshop free.
They are stylish and different, each piece imbued with love and wonderfully unique.

Moses Love also known as Michael Kup, is a perpetual seeker of truth and enlightenment. When he is not traveling the globe teaching yoga workshops and leading retreats, Moses resides in Miami, where he teaches Kundalini yoga and co-creates his company I Love Yoga. Moses has a degree in Thai Massage from the International Training Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has authored a book entitled Live Hard Because You Can and has appeared in numerous national radio and TV news programs. Moses’ passion is in bringing his sacred activism fusion yoga to all corners of the globe and he is looking forward to his stop in East Grand Rapids.