Category: General

Matrika on the Go

February 16, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Click on this picture to find out what meditation REALLY is.

Click on this picture to find out what meditation REALLY is.

 

I’m taking matrika style on the go and you can find me offering yoga and meditation classes on Sundays and Mondays at mookshi wellness center!  Save your space in a series today.  I’m also offering a workshop for women and one for meditators.  I hope to see you at mookshi soon!

GROUP CLASSES

Mindful Flow
Join me for this esoteric bliss mission!  In this yoga series open to all levels, we move with the breath creating joy in open awareness.  As our practice is a moving meditation, we use a variety of poses, breathing exercises and visualization techniques from Chinese, Tibetan and Indian yoga traditions to create flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit.  This healing practice will help you feel centered, relaxed and inspired.  Enjoy a stronger and more flexible body as you build a foundation for profound happiness and tranquility.

SERIES I: Mondays, March 4, 11, 18 and April 1 from 10:00-11:15 am
SERIES II: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29  from 10:00-11:15 am
Tuition: $60 for each series of 4-classes or $18 to drop-in on single classes (as space permits)
Register by contacting Sharon at (412) 855-5692 or send an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

 

Meditation
Do you feel down, scattered, overwhelmed, anxious or bored?  Is your stress level out of hand?  Or, perhaps you have a regular meditation practice that feels stale and you need a new infusion of ideas, skills and inspiration to get you back on your cushion?  Regardless of your reason, join Sharon for this open-level meditation series where we will learn a variety of meditation skills for both seated and moving meditation practices.  Everyone can meditate and no experience is required.  After each session you will not only feel remarkably happier, but you will have very specific skills for practicing at home and on the go.

SERIES I: Sundays, February 24, March 3, 10, 17 from 11:00-12:15 pm
SERIES II: Sundays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:00-12:15 pm
Tuition: $60 for each series of 4-classes or $18 to drop-in on single classes (as space permits)
Register by contacting Sharon at (412) 855-5692 or send an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

 

WORKSHOPS

PERIOD.
A workshop for women facilitated by Sharon F. Rudyk
SUNDAY, April 14, 2013 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm
$35 (tuition includes a cycle tracker kit and all handouts)

Register by calling Sharon (412) 855-5692 or by sending an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

In this workshop, you will be re-introduced to your amazing menstrual cycle on physical, spiritual and energetic levels.  The cost of the workshop includes a kit with everything you need to learn about fertility signs and tracking the length and phases of your own unique cycle.  Never be surprised by your period again!  You will learn a unique yoga-based meditation to tune into the energy your moon cycle to help you time creative projects, big decisions and times for rest and rejuvenation.  Respect your natural energetic rhythms and learn self-care techniques for PMS, painful periods and pelvic pain from the seemingly mysterious to ovarian cysts and other challenges to fertility and reproductive health for women.  This workshop is for women of all ages and in all phases of cycling.  Young women under the age of 17 may enjoy attending with a wise woman who is over the age of 25 who can support them in understanding this alternative approach to women’s health and wellness.  Even if you are entering menopause or have experienced menopause, this workshop will be enlightening and you will learn techniques for greater health that you will use each and every day.  This workshop is a beautiful way to heal your relationship with the cyclical nature of womanhood and embrace one of your greatest powers.

Location: möökshï wellness center, above Biddle’s Escape Café at 401 Biddle Avenue, Pittsburgh
www.mookshi.com   or call (412) 407-7829

 

YOGA for MEDITATORS
A workshop facilitated by Sharon F. Rudyk
SUNDAY, April 28, 2013  from 1:00-3:00 pm
$25

Register by calling Sharon (412) 855-5692 or by sending an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

In this workshop, we will explore a variety of yoga-based movements for body and breath that help prepare the body, mind and spirit for meditation.  Sharon will introduce practice ideas for meditators who want to do yoga to help solve common obstacles faced by adults with a regular meditation practice.  We look at ways to increase energy, calm agitation, relieve stress, open the hips and ease back tension.  In this active workshop we explore asana that provide support for a seated meditation practice and a few restorative and rejuvenating tricks that super-charge the benefits of meditation.  You will learn how to find a more comfortable seat, address aches and pains associated with a seated practice and find relief for physical obstacles that may be preventing you from enjoying a rewarding meditation practice experience.

Location: möökshï wellness center, above Biddle’s Escape Café at 401 Biddle Avenue, Pittsburgh
www.mookshi.com   or call (412) 407-7829

 

About Sharon

Sharon F. Rudyk, MA, E-RYT, RPYT, DONA trained birth doula, has over twenty-years of experience with personal practice and teaching yoga and meditation.  Her practice and teachings are informed not only by her advanced studies with Jill Satterfield in Vajra Yoga, embodied anatomy with Mark Chandlee Taylor and vipassana meditation with Bhante Pema of the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center, but also from academic research in medical anthropology and East Asian studies.  Sharon’s goal is to facilitate a deep practice that starts with an invitation.  We are invited to explore the tools of the human experience: sensation, movement, awareness, breath and relationship and how we can use them to bring ourselves relief and to a place of well being.  Find out more about Sharon’s unique style of yoga that includes a carefully selected combination of techniques and practices from Tibetan, Chinese and Indian yoga traditions through her website: www.sharonrudykyoga.com.  Interested in all things related to “great expectations” and Sharon’s birth doula services?  Then check out: www.pittsburghyogadoula.com.

Mindful Flow at mookshi wellness center

February 16, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Click on this mandala to discover what mindful flow is all about!

Click on this mandala to discover what mindful flow is all about!

I am tickled, delighted and honored to be teaching at mookshi wellness center.  Please join me in this beautiful space dedicated to healing arts.  I am offering two series of Mindful Flow classes this spring.  Due to our desire to maintain the intimate nature of this series, we request that you pre-register.  Students will be warmly welcomed to drop-in to single classes as space permits.

Please send Sharon an e-mail to register (sharon@yogamatrika.com) or call (412) 855-5692.

Mindful Flow
Join me for this esoteric bliss mission!  In this yoga series open to all levels, we move with the breath creating joy in open awareness.  As our practice is a moving meditation, we use a variety of poses, breathing exercises and visualization techniques from Chinese, Tibetan and Indian yoga traditions to create flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit.  This healing practice will help you feel centered, relaxed and inspired.  Enjoy a stronger and more flexible body as you build a foundation for profound happiness and tranquility.

SERIES I: Mondays, March 4, 11, 18 and April 1 from 10:00-11:15 am
SERIES II: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29  from 10:00-11:15 am
Tuition: $60 for each series of 4-classes or $18 to drop-in on single classes (as space permits)
Register by contacting Sharon at (412) 855-5692 or send an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

What is Mindful Flow?

February 16, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Mindful Flow
Join me for this esoteric bliss mission!  In this yoga series open to all levels, we move with the breath creating joy in open awareness.  As our practice is a moving meditation, we use a variety of poses, breathing exercises and visualization techniques from Chinese, Tibetan and Indian yoga traditions to create flexibility and strength in body, mind and spirit.  This healing practice will help you feel centered, relaxed and inspired.  Enjoy a stronger and more flexible body as you build a foundation for profound happiness and tranquility.

SERIES I: Mondays, March 4, 11, 18 and April 1 from 10:00-11:15 am
SERIES II: Mondays, April 8, 15, 22, 29  from 10:00-11:15 am
Tuition: $60 for each series of 4-classes or $18 to drop-in on single classes (as space permits)
Register by contacting Sharon at (412) 855-5692 or send an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

Sharon’s Teaching Schedule

February 16, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Here is a “master schedule” that includes all of my classes, workshops and trainings with descriptions, location information and more.  Do you have questions?  Just give me a call (412) 855-5692.  I also accept text messages at this number.  I hope to see you very soon!

 

Prenatal Yoga Classes in Pittsburgh

February 16, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise

Follow this link to Sharon’s awesome Pittsburgh Yoga Doula website for all things delicious, expectant and new!

 

Group Class Schedule

Wednesday at matrika (1406 S. Negley Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh 15217)
6:00-7:15 pm
Saturday at matrika (1406 S. Negley Avenue, Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh 15217)
9:45-11:00 am

Tuition

$18 for single drop-in class*

$90 for 6-class package

*First class is FREE when you buy a package the same day that you take your first class

Payment Options

  • Bring a personal check made out to SHARON RUDYK
  • Use a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or any debit card
  • Exact cash (no change is available)

Matrika Prenatal Yoga and Exercise classes aren’t just regular classes modified for pregnancy!  Sharon has developed a unique system that prepares mothers in mind, body and spirit with the strength, courage and endurance necessary to enjoy a beautiful pregnancy, powerful labor and birth and mothering a newborn.  No experience with yoga or meditation is required, but Sharon suggests that you discuss with your  care provider and get their support before you start any new activity during pregnancy.

Benefits of Yoga and Meditation During Pregnancy

Physical

  • Gentle movements improve posture so that you carry baby correctly and prevent backache
  • Improved circulation mean less varicose veins, hemorrhoids and fluid retention
  • Relieve fatigue
  • Alleviate minor discomforts such as heartburn, pain in hip joints and ribs, muscle cramps and headaches
  • Strengthen the body and learn poses that you can use during labor for comfort
  • Learn pelvic floor exercises and other techniques for strengthening your body for birth
  • Stay toned and fit during pregnancy. Fit moms recover faster from birthing.

Emotional

  • Balance mood and learn to center body and mind
  • Connect deeply with your baby before they are born
  • Meet other expectant mothers
  • Be a part of a supportive community
  • Have fun!

Spiritual

  • Take the time to be quiet during this pregnancy
  • Access your own strength
  • Become aware of your fears and learn to work with yourself, your baby and your care providers with confidence
  • Know yourself and be better equipped to communicate your needs and desires to your birth partner, care providers and family
  • Create a sacred and special time to relax, hope and dream
What to Expect in a Matrika Prenatal Class

We do not expect prenatal yoga students to have any experience with yoga. Our prenatal yoga classes are appropriate for women in all weeks of pregnancy. Although each instructor has their own style and may provide a different emphasis or tone to their class, all classes include some stretching and breathing exercises, some asana (yoga poses) that will tone and strengthen the body and relaxation. There is no wrong way to do yoga and the more often you practice, the more familiar you will become with the poses. As you become more familiar with the poses and exercises, then you can turn your focus inward. Although some poses may be challenging and you will feel the stretches as you create greater flexibility in your body, you should never feel pain in a yoga class. This is true in any yoga class and not just prenatal yoga! If you are ever uncomfortable or have questions, your instructor can help you modify a pose or answer any questions that you might have. Our classes are intimate and non-competitive so you can receive personalized attention from well-trained instructors.

Our classes are not just gentle yoga classes modified for pregnancy. Our prenatal programs are designed specifically for pregnancy and we use yoga to prepare for birth and for being a mother. Labor, birth and mothering a newborn are not easy tasks. The focus, strength and awareness that you learn in prenatal yoga classes will give you the skills you need to meet these tasks with confidence. We support one another and the entire Matrika community is here for you now and after you have your baby.

Thank you to Red Lotus Photography for the beautiful photographs of Matrika Mammas.

Meditation with Sharon at mookshi wellness center

February 15, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Meditation

Do you feel down, scattered, overwhelmed, anxious or bored?  Is your stress level out of hand?  Or, perhaps you have a regular meditation practice that feels stale and you need a new infusion of ideas, skills and inspiration to get you back on your cushion?  Regardless of your reason, join Sharon for this open-level meditation series where we will learn a variety of meditation skills for both seated and moving meditation practices.  Everyone can meditate and no experience is required.  After each session you will not only feel remarkably happier, but you will have very specific skills for practicing at home and on the go.

SERIES I: Sundays, February 24, March 3, 10, 17 from 11:00-12:15 pm
SERIES II: Sundays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 11:00-12:15 pm
Tuition: $60 for each series of 4-classes or $18 to drop-in on single classes (as space permits)

Register by contacting Sharon at (412) 855-5692 or send an e-mail to: sharon@yogamatrika.com

Location: mookshi wellness center, 401 Biddle Avenue, 2nd Floor above Biddle’s Escape Cafe

Meditation with Bhante Pema

February 15, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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Do not miss this opportunity to study meditation in Pittsburgh with Bhante Pema!  He is offering a 12-week series that begins on March 4, 2013 on Mondays from 7:30 to 8:45 pm at Yoga Matrika, 1406 S. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.  The cost for 12-consecutive classes is $175.  If you are interested in saving a place, please contact Sharon to register or be placed on the waiting list: sharon@yogamatrika.com.  These series fill up fast and we regret that we are not able to accept drop-in students due to the incredible popularity of these series.

Meditation with Bhante Pema

REQUIRES REGISTRATION: These series FILL FAST and Bhante Pema’s classes do not accept class packages as payment.    No make-up classes, refunds or extensions.  Send an e-mail to Sharon to register: sharon@yogamatrika.com.   12-week Spring Series begins on Monday, March 4, 2013 ($175).  Please include your full name in your e-mail and Sharon will send you an invoice.  Payment plans are available and no one is turned away due to lack of ability to pay.

This is an all-levels meditation practice that is rooted in the vipassana(insight) meditation tradition.  Sessions start with some gentle movements, body and breath awareness, guided seated meditation, discussion and blessing.  Bhante teaches a variety of techniques that are valuable for the beginner and the advanced meditator.  Everyone is welcome to this most special opportunity!  This meditation practice is safe and open to pregnant students. Chairs are provided upon request for students who need/prefer to sit on them rather than the floor.

Tianshan and Xuelian Feng

February 15, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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The image of mountains and the lake on my website are incredibly meaningful to me.  My first Chinese professor at the University of Pennsylvania gave me a most beautiful and strong Chinese name.  It was less of a phonetic copy of my English name and more of a destiny decision.  By giving me this name he provided me with an invitation to be more, to see more and to know more than I ever dreamed possible.

My Chinese name, in pinyin is: Feng Xuelian

Xuelian Feng is the highest peak in the Tianshan mountain range in what is now Xinjiang, China.

Xuelian means “snow lotus” and it is an actual flower that grows in this mountain range.  Not the most beautiful flower, as it grows through ice and snow, it is a most tenatious little floral.  

Whenever I meet any adversity in my practice or off my mat, I think of my Chinese name and I know that there’s just about nothing I can’t do.

I hope that you have a teacher who planted this “can do” seed in your heart, but if not, I hope you will come and join me for some yoga.  The inspiration is just waiting for you to arrive!

Posted by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, who is incredibly grateful to all of her professors at the University of Pennsylvania for their encouragement and for acting with such courage.  I did not realize then how much courage it takes to live your unique genius while, at the same time, sharing everything you have with your students.

 

 

The Largest Cell in the Human Body

February 8, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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What is the largest cell in the human body?
The egg

What is the smallest cell in the body?
Sperm

Want to know more about the egg and the sperm?  Of course you do!  Read what Emily Martin has to say about the portrayal of female and male reproductive organs and biological materials here.

I’ve Got Soba. Yes I Do!

February 6, 2013
Posted by Sharon
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This post answers the call that regularly haunts yoginis all over the world:

I’ve got Soba.  Yes I do!
I’ve got Soba. How about you?

And, lest we get stuck in some circular nutrition chant that leaves us all hungry and with an increasingly dusty box of soba noodles in our pantries, I’m going to cook my soba noodles tonight.  Yes, I am.

I’ve got a box of Soba Pasta that has been giving me the evil eye on my pantry shelf for a more than a few weeks now.  I love soba noodles and I”m pretty sure that at least one of my children will gobble them right up…….but I just haven’t been sure how to make them.  As I have a winter farm share, I’m also trying to take advantage of the local veggies that I have in my fridge that will go bad soon unless I figure out what to do with them—-and SOON!

sobaSo, tonight, I think I am making this recipe from the Eden Foods website.  I’ll let you know how it goes.  The good news is that this box of noodles won’t be calling out to me from the shelf anymore.  It will be, as we say often in our house, “All Gone.”

Ingredients

8 ounces Eden Organic Soba

3 Tbsp Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 pound organic extra firm tofu, cut into 1 inch cubes

3 cups button mushrooms, sliced
or any variety of fresh mushrooms

1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger root, finely minced

2 Tbsp Eden Shoyu Soy Sauce

1 piece Eden Kombu, 4 inches long

1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped

1/4 cup Eden Toasted Nori Krinkles
or 4 individual serving packets of Eden Spicy Nori Strips, cut into 1 inch squares

(Add All Eden Ingredients to Shopping Cart)

Directions

Cook soba as package directs, rinse, drain and set aside. Place the wakame in a small bowl, cover with cold water and soak 5 minutes. Remove, drain and set aside. Pat the tofu dry with paper towels. Heat the oil in a large skillet over a high flame until hot but not smoking. Add the tofu and stir fry until golden. Remove the tofu and drain on paper towels. Reduce the heat and sauté the mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Return the tofu to the skillet, add the ginger and saute 1 minute. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Add the kombu and cook 4 minutes. Remove kombu and discard. Reduce the flame to low and add the shoyu. Simmer 2 minutes. Place the soba in individual serving bowls and ladle and equal amount of the tofu, mushrooms and broth over each serving. Garnish with scallions and nori.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: 443 Calories, 19g Fat (38% calories from fat), 24g Protein, 43g Carbohydrate, 3g Fiber, 0mg Cholesterol, 640mg Sodium

Recipe re-posted from the Eden Foods website by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, an independent yoga and meditation instructor and birth doula based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Find out more about Sharon on her website www.sharonrudykyoga.com.