In my last post, I highlighted three out of eight classes that are part of Sohum Yoga and Meditation Studio's two-day Wisdom and Bliss Retreat on January 11-12. Students may sign up for one or both days. Today, I am writing to spark your interest in two more of the retreat's classes, whose topics may or may not be familiar to you.
For the full schedule of the retreat, or with any questions, please refer to the Sohum website: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/home.asp?studioid=41335
4. Mindful Living with Lisa Campbell (Day Two--Sunday, Jan. 12)
From the Sohum website: "In this experiential workshop, you will learn why cultivating present moment awareness is instrumental for a healthy and engaged life. You will learn simple and powerful mindfulness techniques that you can begin to use immediately, including breath and body awareness, and mindful eating practices. We will have a mindful communication experience and discuss why bringing mindful awareness to the way we communicate with ourselves and others can greatly improve our relationships."
Lisa, a Holistic Health Teacher certified by the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, recommends this article on the Mother Nature Network for a descriptive, example-rich introduction to the concept of mindfulness. Imbedded in the article is a fascinating Tedx Talk by Lisa Winston, former Buddhist nun and mindfulness instructor at UCLA. For those curious about, but new to, the practice, Winston's video answers the question "what is the practice of mindfulness?" and includes a short meditative practice (beginning around 12 minutes). http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/what-is-mindfulness Lisa Campbell looks forward to helping students apply the basic concept of mindfulness to everyday practices like eating and communication.
5. Yoga for Stress Relief with Laura Searles (Day Two--Sunday, Jan. 12)
From the Sohum website: "Exhausted and Overwhelmed? This workshop will help you release tension in your body and mind, while discovering your inner peace. You will learn stress-reducing yoga poses, mindful stretching, breathing techniques, guided relaxation and meditation. (No physical assists)."
It is likely that you have come across at least one article lately that describes the benefits of yoga for reducing stress. But have you ever been curious about how the stress-relieving process actually works in your brain and body? An interesting, detailed graphic (humorously titled "Your Brain on Yoga!") published by Yoga Threads illustrates which parts of the brain are affected by yoga and meditation, and how. http://29a7bn2k0h21o6fbgu5n1m28j.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Your-Brain-on-Yo... With any luck, you might just experience the same anxiety-relieving benefits during Laura's class!
With only eight days until the Wisdom and Bliss Retreat begins, I hope that you find this information helpful and nurturing to your interest in new topics of mindful living, yoga, and spirituality. The retreat provides a unique and truly wisdom-filled collection of opportunities to grow and learn with a group of fabulous instructors.
