Tag: peace

Beautiful and Sensual

May 3, 2018
Posted by Sharon

I have been using essential oils in my practice and for self-care for many years.  It all started when I participated in some classes and workshops taught by Amy Galper and Schuyler Grant around yoga, acupressure, and aromatherapy about sixteen or so years ago.

A couple weeks ago, I received an offer from Utama Spice.  They very generously sent me a complimentary nebulizing essential oil diffuser with a bottle of their own Cajeput essential oil in exchange for my honest review of their products on my blog.  How could I say no?  Also, I very much appreciated the genuinely personal communication I received from Utama.  I made it clear that I would only write a completely honest review and they were in agreement with the conditions I presented to them.  As soon as I opened the package from Utama, I knew I was in for a treat.  The Danau Satu diffuser came in the most tasteful packaging with a floral decoration.  As soon as I pulled it out of the box I was amazed at how beautiful it was.  There is a wood base and a glass bowl and diffuser nozel.  While it is small enough that it can blend into any environment, it is also classy and ornamental in its sensual shape and design.  The instructions for putting it together were easy to follow and included just a few steps.  It is glass and needs to be cared for and maintained.  Replacement glass parts can be easily purchased on the Utama Spice website.

For me, like many parents, bedtime can be stressful as my children seem to resist putting the day down and their own exhaustion can be a barrier to welcoming nourishing sleep.  I decided to give diffusing some relaxing lavender essential oil into their rooms as we put on pajamas and started the bedtime routine a try.  The diffuser has a mellow LED light that provides almost perfect sleep light for children who may be afraid of the dark or resistant to complete darkness while they are falling asleep.  It’s a really pleasant light.  As soon as I turned on the diffuser, I noticed a very light “hum” of the motor, but it is a very quiet machine.  At even the lowest level of diffusion, my daughter’s room was almost immediately filled with the lavender oil scent.  This is very clearly explained in the instructions, but I must have missed it the first read through, so I thought that maybe the diffuser wasn’t working well when it just kind of stopped diffusing after the first minute.  I kept turning it on and off again when this would happen.  It turns out that it has an automatic cycle of diffusing for a while and then resting for a minute, then diffusing again.  And then, a miracle happened……..this was the calmest and most peaceful night we have ever had!  My daughter and I have been enjoying Kate Coombs mindfulness poems that are accompanied by the most magical of illustrations by Anna Emilia Latinen in the book, “Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems”.  So, we enjoyed this scented air and lovely poems and…..she just fell asleep.  No fighting, no complaints, no problems.  And, I woke up alone in my bed in the morning having found that my daughter had a most peaceful night of sleep where she remained in her own bed the entire night without waking me up or asking to get into bed with me—not even once!  After my daughter had fallen asleep, I unplugged the diffuser and put it in my son’s room and he immediately said that he liked the scent.  He also fell asleep without problems and as soon as he was sleeping deeply, I snuck into his room and took the diffuser back to my own space.

I added about 15-drops of an essential oil blend by Aura Cacia called “Meditation” that includes sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, and myrtle to the remaining lavender oil and diffused for 10-minutes into my practice space.  This is a really perfect diffuser for use in a meditation and yoga practice because it scents the air very quickly.  I felt that my space was energetically clear and peaceful before I even started.  I chose to turn the diffuser off during my practice, but depending on your personal preferences and choice of oils, there is no reason why you couldn’t leave it on for your entire practice.  The motor is so quiet that I didn’t even notice it and the glow of the light in the glass bulb would have made for a very calming way to light a night practice.

The next morning, I decided to give the oil that was provided with the diffuser by Utama Spice a try.  The cajeput essential oil is a very light herbal scent that has a hint of eucalyptus and tea tree oil refreshment, but is much less astringent or medicinal.  I found it invigorating for the morning, but it also created a very peaceful energy in my space.  I complimented this scented environment by drinking a cup of jasmine green tea and the floral and light green notes of the tea felt so joyful in that light and peaceful feeling space.  The scent of cajeput is very clean and bright and I am so delighted to have been given this opportunity to try it.

As much as I have enjoyed using essential oils for many years, this is the first time I have used a diffuser like this.  I am absolutely amazed with what a big difference it makes to use this Danau Satu diffuser!  Using a diffuser allows me to bring a significant scent into the environment in a short period of time and to either continue that level of diffusion or enjoy that shift in energy for a shorter period of time.  Also, it truly is a beautiful object that complements my meditation and yoga space and home.  In order to be thorough in my review, I did follow the instructions for a quick cleaning with alcohol that is recommended in the instructions.  It was easy to do and since this is such a lovely and useful machine, it is absolutely worth it to take a few minutes a week to care for it so that it will last for a long, long, time.  This diffuser was perfect for shifting energy in my home to promote restful sleep for my children, but was also ideal for scenting my practice space to prepare for a relaxing seated meditation with mindful movement.  I also use insense for this purpose, but that can be smoky and I liked being able to scent the air and then turn the diffuser off so that there wasn’t any smoke or oils in the air while I was practicing pranayama (breathing exercises).  It’s nice that I could choose to keep the diffuser on for up to two-hours so that I could also keep it on for an extended restorative yoga practice or yoga nidra practice.

I am so grateful to Utama Spice for this beautiful gift that has genuinely improved my quality of life.  If you are looking to buy a diffuser, while I have never used any others and can’t “compare”, I can assure you that this one is lovely, works incredibly well, and has features like a low motor hum and graceful light that make it ideal for using to create peaceful sleep and practice space.  I’m so pleased with this product that I’m hoping to try some of Utama Spice’s yoga mat sprays and other products very soon.  To buy your very own Danau Satu nebulizing diffuser, please follow the links in this review or head right on over to : https://utamaspice.com/danau-satu-nebulizing-diffuser/

Direct vs. Indirect

June 28, 2010
Posted by Sharon
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As I like to keep this Yoga Matrika blog  focused on yoga and take a mindful approach to all issues, I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to bring this highly charged issue to the blog.  I decided to bring it here, not to have a debate on abortion—right or wrong?  Legal or illegal?  Instead, I wanted to question and explore what happens when we fail to use all of our intelligence to consider challenging questions.  The original posting is below and it is from the Women’s Health Policy Report that is put out weekly by the National Partnership for Women and Families.

The issue in the article, in case what I have already said has infuriated you or led you to believe that you don’t want to or just can’t read any further, is that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have made a clarification on abortion.  Direct abortion is when you terminate a pregnancy for the only purpose of terminating the pregnancy. In summary, direct=bad, very bad, super bad.  Indirect is when a pregnancy is terminated in order to save the life of the mother.  In summary, indirect=bad, very bad, super bad, but allowable in extraordinary circumstances.

When I read this, I wasn’t quite sure what to do with it.  Part of me wanted to laugh out loud thinking about all the meetings and arguments of the men in charge as they debated the difference between direct and indirect abortions.  Seriously, any woman who has ever been pregnant and any man who has ever known a pregnant woman knows that this kind of dialogue fails to reflect the mysteries of the whole situation, never mind the realities of pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion.  Certainly, any family that has faced the terrible situation of weighing the continuation of a pregnancy vs. the life of the mother, wife, daughter, WOMAN, would assure all of us dear readers that there is no worse hell imaginable.  Considering the state of health care for women in the United States, this type of dialogue also seems to steal the stage from the more banal and everyday questions of health for women—not just our reproductive status, but our hearts and minds.  Why isn’t the leadership group of any religion focused on addressing the incredible health disparities in our country?  Why is the maternal and infant mortality rate so very high here in the United States when we have the resources that we have?  Another part of me wanted to cry because these men, men who have made a significant lifetime commitment to their spiritual practice and service of their communities, have missed something important—-how could time invested in this madness ever produce a more positive human experience for anyone?  How is this in service of God? While I imagine that those who feel differently about the issue at hand than I do would be delighted to tell me with great passion about how this is very much so in service, it still seems a fair question—at least philosophically, if not otherwise.

How is this related to yoga?  This is yoga.  A very wise and brilliant student at Yoga Matrika recently communicated her revelation that what happens in her life is her practice.  What happens on her yoga mat is just a trial run.  What we realize through yoga practice is that just when we think we have the answer, the game shifts.  Life is like being invited onto Jeopardy and practicing for months only to find yourself, with no notice, as a contestant on Wheel of Fortune!  Direct or indirect, perhaps we can just use this as a public example of what happens when we use our brains to attempt to find logic in what we need to bring our higher intelligence to.

I invite you to read this article and think of a time when you struggled to make logic of a situation in which there is no logic.  Thinking back on this time, see if you can now, even with hindsight, go back to the process and use your deeper intelligence to make peace.  To do this, sitting on a chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor or in a comfortable seated pose on the ground gently create distance between your lowest rib and your hips.  As you feel the sides of your body lengthen, bring your navel center over your pelvis.  This allows your pelvis to support your enteric nervous system—-otherwise known as your gut.  Now, bring your heart over your navel.  This allows your heart to be supported by your instincts.  Now, gentle tuck your chin towards your heart so that your neck lengthens and you relax your facial muscles.  This allows your brain to be supported by your intuition and your heart.  Watch your breath for a few moments and feel the peace that comes from equanimity.  Even if it is just for a moment.  Isn’t it a relief to take the world off your shoulders?  Now, breathe this sense of peace and calm to everyone in the world.  Let us all heal and put our energy into work that benefits the health and wellness of all living things.

Catholic Bishops Clarify Abortion Definitions in Light of Ariz. Case

June 28, 2010 — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops‘ Committee on Doctrine released a statement last week clarifying how the church classifies direct abortions and indirect abortions, the Arizona Republic reports.

The statement refers to a recent case in which Sister Margaret McBride, an administrator at a Catholic hospital in Arizona, was excommunicated for her role in authorizing an abortion to save a woman’s life. The statement did not review the particulars of the case or take a position on the excommunication; instead, it said USCCB wanted to clarify “confusion” about the church’s stance on abortion.

According to the Republic, the church condemns direct abortion — meant to terminate a pregnancy — but permits indirect abortion — in which fetal death is a secondary effect of another necessary procedure — in some cases, such as a hysterectomy to treat uterine cancer. “As the church has said many times, direct abortion is never permissible because a good end cannot justify an evil means,” the statement said, adding, “There are no situations in which it can be justified.”

The statement “appears to confirm” the Phoenix bishop’s classification of the Arizona case as a direct abortion, the Republic reports (Clancy, Arizona Republic, 6/25). In the case, the young mother of four was 11 weeks pregnant and had pulmonary hypertension, a rare condition in which continuing the pregnancy often jeopardizes the life of the woman. Physicians concluded that the placenta had to be removed to prevent the patient from dying (Women’s Health Policy Report, 6/9).

Posted by Sharon Rudyk, owner of Yoga Matrika https://www.yogamatrika.com/

What is iRest?

June 1, 2010
Posted by Sharon
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This Sunday, Mickie Diamond is going to be facilitating a Yoga Nidra: iRest workshop, this Sunday, June 6th from 4:00 to 5:15 pm.  The cost of the workshop is $15.  REGISTER HERE

This workshop is for everyone and no experience with yoga or meditation is required.  Just wear comfortable clothing and keep an open mind—-it will be lots of fun and you will leave deeply relaxed with some skills that you can use in your real life off the mat.

Here is some information about iRest that I have taken from the Integrative Restoration Institute website:

Would you like to live with greater ease of being, feel more relaxed, and sleep more soundly? Would you like to develop “tools for life” that enable you to rise above stress, anxiety, fear, pain, and emotional and mental turmoil? iRest is a deeply relaxing transformative practice that leads to physical, psychological, and spiritual health, healing, and well-being.

A non-movement-based meditation, iRest invites you to discover an intrinsic sense of peace that is always present, regardless of your life circumstances. You will learn to release negative body sensations, emotions, beliefs, and stress that otherwise give rise to self-destructive behaviors.

People who practice iRest report: • Decreased insomnia, • Reduced depression, anxiety and fear, • Decreased chronic and acute pain, • Improved interpersonal relations, • Increased inner peace and well-being. Extensively researched, iRest is used with PTSD-diagnosed soldiers and veterans, students, children, and the homeless, and people experiencing chemical dependency issues, chronic pain, and insomnia.

Resolution Revolution

December 17, 2009
Posted by Sharon
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I’ve been frustrated lately and overwhelmed—-by my work, by my work relationships, by the fact that my husband has become obsessed with watching CSPAN and mostly by what I feel around me in the energetic field.  We are exhausted and want more from our leaders, our medical system, our businesses and banks.  We want people who have power to start using it in a way that is GOOD and GENEROUS and RIGHT. 

Then, this morning, I woke up and I realised that we must have a REVOLUTION.  We must have a great social movement in which EVERY PERSON decides to live each day according to their highest self.  We must STOP violence against ourselves and open to the potential of every moment because it is in our collective pledge to make every moment, every decision and every interaction one that matters that true REVOLUTION will happen.  We will, collectively, create a joyful and responsible energy–an energy where anyone who suggests that not protecting the earth, our heath and our ability to protect and nurture our children will simply feel out of alignment with what is real and right and responsible.  And when I say “OUR” I don’t mean American “OUR”—-I mean the “OUR” of humanity and of all living things.

Dr. Seuss tells us this in Horton Hears a Who—-EVERYONE in Whoville had to make a great noise in order to be saved.  In this revolution, instead of noise, we will make the silent vibration of positive energy.  Energy that creates a force of peace and light and love that can not be ignored.  In this lifetime, we can make a lasting vibration for peace that will have an infinite impact on the entire world.  We may feel small and powerless, but this is a trick of the mind that we can reveal with yoga and meditation. 

Yoga provides us with the support and inspiration we need to make this way of creating peace, energy and connecting to our own higher power.  Yoga is not a class, it is a choice—-a choice to move through the world in accordance with our inner guidance.  This practice can be done by anyone with a body, even if you can’t move your body or struggle with physical or mental challenges.  The practice is not a religion and will only serve to enhance your commitment to any religious or spiritual practices that you are already committed to.  This year, in 2010, consider joining the revolution.

 

Yoga Matrika invites YOU to a YOGA CHALLENGE. 

We welcome everyone to become a part of this yoga-based resolution revolution!  You don’t have to live in Pittsburgh and we hope that EVERYONE will take advantage of this project that invites you to make yoga and meditation a part of EVERY day of your life in a gentle and flexible way. 

Most New Years’ resolutions are about fixing what is broken, making changes, and trying to be better, greater, more than what you are right now.  But what if, this year, you became a part of a RESOUTION REVOLUTION to:

PROMOTE PEACE and NON-VIOLENCE starting with YOURSELF
PROMOTE RESPECT for HUMAN LIFE starting with YOURSELF
HAVE NO FEAR by acting according to your HIGHEST SELF and INNER GUIDANCE

If we all do this, then our Resolution Revolution will cause ripples of hope, joy, gratitude and beauty through the entire Universe.  Stop “not having enough time” and MAKE TIME.  Stop, “being so worried about the economy” and MAKE ENERGY.  Stop, “being so mad about the wars” and CREATE PEACE.  Stop acting on your fears and INSIST on ACTING from YOUR HIGHEST SELF. 

Let’s walk on our own two feet, feel the earth beneath us,
reach for the stars and make 2010 the year we really LIVE!

You might lose weight, get a better job, stop fighting with your partner or screaming at your kids, really start practicing the oboe and get your finances in order—- or you might not.  But, I guarantee that if you make an honest pledge to the Resolution Revolution, this will be one of the best years of your life. 

Every revolution needs a text, but this revolution has TWO!  Our 2010 texts are:

1.  Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul by Deepak Chopra.  2009
2.  The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness by Youngey Mingyur Rinpoche.  2007

You don’t have to buy these books, but we think you’ll want to so you can read them again and again and again!—You can borrow them from the library, create a Resolution Revolution group with friends and collectively own one set of the texts, etc.  If you do buy them and you have a local book shop, please order it through them or ask them to carry these titles.  If not, then the book titles are linked to information that will help you purchase them online.

HOW THE RESOLUTION REVOLUTION WORKS

STEP 1:  Print out a Revolution Pledge Form, read the pledge and think about your level of commitment to the pledge.  If you would like to commit, keep one signed copy in a safe place for yourself and send one to Yoga Matrika in Pittsburgh, PA.  In this way, you set a public intention to commit to the pledge. 

STEP 2: Make a payment or donation in order to receive your WELCOME KIT and to start receiving monthly e-newsletters with a review of the readings for that month and some yoga tips and hints.  The monthly newsletter will inspire you to stick with the pledge and provide great tips for your yoga practice.

STEP 3:  Keep your pledge.  Practice daily.

STEP 4: Provide feedback and ask for support.  Starting in September 2010, we will begin to publish an online journal for the pledge that incorporates the feedback, thoughts, ideas and reflections of participants.

 

WELCOME KIT

When you make a pledge to the Resolution Revolution, you will receive a reading schedule & monthly email newsletter with a discussion and review of the readings and yoga and meditation exercises that support that month’s topic.  You will also receive instructions on a meditation and yoga series that you will commit to doing 5-days EVERY week.  This meditation and yoga series takes 15-20 minutes and can be done by EVERYONE.  Even if you are not able to move your body or if you are confined to bed, you can DO THIS series with simple modifications that are included in the instructions.

 Although the greatest benefit will come from starting on January 1st, you can make the pledge at ANY TIME!  You will receive all of the previous e-mail newsletters and the yoga practice so you can “catch up”.

We will also be documenting the REVOLUTION and invite you to submit ideas, thoughts, reflections and personal stories to inspire more participation and to encourage anyone who has “taken a break” from their pledge.  You will receive information about this in your WELCOME KIT!

 

FEES 

The cost of the e-mail newsletters and year of yoga practice is $24–$2 per month to change your life and change the world.  If you do not have $24, but would like to make this pledge.  We honor your current financial situation and offer a DONATION option that allows  you to choose an amount that works with your budget.  Your purchase supports the costs associated with the administration of the revolution including, but not limited to: web fees, e-newsletter subscription costs and professional fees.

FABULOUS Yoga Workshops in Pittsburgh

December 3, 2009
Posted by Sharon
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Honestly, I am just delighted, amazed, honored and excited to host these fabulous workshop and special series facilitators—-certainly some of the BEST that Pittsburgh has to offer for yoga, movement and being creative, spiritual and juicy delicious!  Some of these workshops are happening SOON—don’t miss a chance to pre-register and save $$$ and guarantee your space is saved.

SEASON of LIGHT, BODY of PEACE xmas-groovy-bird

Click Here: Video of Elsie about Workshop

Facilitated by Elsie Escobar
Sunday, December 6 from 12:30-2:30 pm
$25 pre-registration/$35 at the door (space allowing)

Set an intention for the holiday season and the approaching New Year and learn some techniques for setting priorities and making time for the beauty and grace available to us during this special time of year.  This is a great way to start a stress free holiday season!

 

 

thumbnailMeditation Session with Bhante Pemaratana

Monday, December 7, 2009
 7:30-8:45 pm
Location: PEACE ROOM (use side door to YOGA MATRIKA)
Cost: by donation  (suggested $5 per session)

Everyone is welcome.  No experience with meditation required. Bhante Pema will lead the group through a guided meditation session and then will answer any questions that you may have about meditation.

No pre-registration.  Just arrive about 10-minutes early to get settled.

 

 

xmas-groovy-bird1Sharon’s Birthday & Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 18, 2009

Class: 6:00 to 7:15 pm (doors open at 5:30 so you find a good spot!)
Party: 7:30 until the cake is all gone!

NO CHARGE, BUT DONATIONS ACCEPTED with DEEP GRATITUDE

Donation class and community celebration of the most excellent instructors at Yoga Matrika.
All donations will be distributed to the entire team of instructors at Yoga Matrika as a holiday bonus!
The class is open to all yogis age 12 and up and the party is open to EVERYONE—bring the babes, babies and the whole family! I need all the help I can get to blow out all these candles!

 

 

orange-lotus-ladyBeginner’s Series
Absolute Beginner’s Series with Anna Gilbert

Fridays from 6:00 to 7:15pm
January 8, 15, 22, 29
$40 for series of 4-classes

This series is for adults who have either never done yoga before or took one or two classes long enough ago that you can’t really quite remember if you actually took those classes or just imagined it!  Anna will provide an overview of what you can expect in a yoga class from the terms that are used, breathing patterns, physical postures and movements to ways to dress comfortably for class and common studio etiquette.  Instructions will be basic, clear and organized in a way that you can build confidence through the series.  After you ”graduate” you’ll be confident and ready to drop-in on any class at Yoga Matrika or any other studio and enjoy your class!

 

 

 

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WILD THING
A Wild Practice to Chase Winter Blahs Away!

Facilitated by Linda Meacci, RYT
January 9, 2010  from 2:00 to 3:30 pm  $20 pre-register/$25 door
March 27, 2010  from 2:00 to 3:30 pm  $20 pre-register/$25 door

“Wild thing, you make my heart sing”: Amp up your practice with a soulful journey into the heart.  Unleash your “wild” side with a cathartic, dynamic practice set to music.  Change up the velocity and rhythm.  Release endorphins.  Renew the SPIRIT and GROOVE on your mat!  This practice is recommended for students who have a minimum of 6-months of experience taking flow-style yoga classes or newer students with an athletic sense of adventure.  We’re offering this fabulous class twice in the winter schedule so you can experiment with the wild side of your practice in January and prepare to let loose for spring in March.

 

Wild Thing Classes


 

 

 brain-with-treeYO GEEK!: Yoga for Cubicle Slaves and the Computer Weary

Facilitated by Elsie Escobar, Anusara Inspired Instructor
Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm
$25 pre-registration/$35 at the door (space allowing)

Sitting in front of your computer a tiny bit too long?  Neck sore, eyes strained, hips tight, lower back achy, and stressed out?  How about learning some:
SIMPLE
EASY
EFFECTIVE
tools you can apply anytime and anywhere to help your body and mind feel so much better!  No prior knowledge of yoga required.  Welcome the new year by learning ways to take care of yourself!

 

 

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PRESCHOOL YOGA
AGES 2-6 with ADULT

Join your delightful instructor, Cathie Sunderman in this age-appropriate introduction to yoga including creative movment, breathing and relaxation.  Cathie weaves story telling, music and movement into thematic classes for young children that provide a joyful and fun introduction to yoga.  While this is not a Baby and Me class (yoga for adults that children are welcome to attend), adults are asked to participate with their child and facilitate the experience for their little one.  We find that, while not a yoga class for adults, most of the parents and guardians that attend have a wonderful time!  There is an emphasis on learning tools for easing stress and anxiety and finding happiness through movement and being mindful.  Children love acting out the movements of beloved animals and using their imagination to create mood and move with grace, strength and joy. 

These classes run in SIX WEEK SERIES and NO DROP IN STUDENTS ARE PERMITTED.  You must pre-register and pre-pay for the entire series.  Due to the nature of these classes, space is limited to ten children.  One missed class per series may be made up as an adult drop-in class that can be taken before the series concludes.  Absolutely no payments are accepted at the studio.  Each series is $60 for one adult and one child or $90 for one adult and two children.   Early bird pricing ($50 for one adult/one child and $80 for one adult/two children) applies to Series I registration BEFORE DECEMBER 20th and Series II registration BEFORE JANUARY 20th.

SERIES I: January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16  ($60 one child/$90 two children)
SERIES II: February 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30   ($60 one child/$90 two children)

Preschool Registration


 

 

 

 

retro-asian-tree-turquoiseTending the Root of Life: The Fluid Dynamics of the Kidneys 
Facilitated by Mark C. Taylor

Sunday, January 17, 2010
1:00 to 3:00 pm
$30 pre-register/$40 at the door

Your kidney is called the “Root of Life” in Chinese anatomy, and is regarded as the body’s most important reservoir of essential energy.  In addition to the functions of fluid filtration and metabolic balance, your kidneys control the growth and development of your bones and nourish the marrow, which is your body’s source of red and white blood cells.  Impaired kidney function and deficient kidney energy are prime causes of low energy (anemia) and immune deficiency as well as poor memory, inability to think clearly, and backache.  In Tending the Root of Life you will embody ease in your kidneys through meditation, breath exercises, movement, and asana practice, enhancing and supporting their positive attributes: wisdom, rationality, clear perception, gentleness, and self-understanding.

 

 

 

globe-on-backMovement & Memoir
Facilitated by Dana Killmeyer
January 30, 2010

2:00 to 4:30 pm
$25 pre-registration, $35 at the door (space allowing)

Movement and Memoir is a hybrid class blending elements of yoga and somatics with creative expression, primarily autobiographical writing or journaling.  We will focus on observing our environments, both internal and external, as a catalyst for releasing tension and broadening our awareness.  Finding inspiration in our senses and perceptions, anatomy, literature, performance, music, art, meditation,and social critique, we will explore various aspects of observation and expression, stillness and animation.  Expect a gentler, more introspective yoga practice with an emphasis on breathing, as well as wrists, shoulders, and lower back–areas that tend to get overused and neglected after long periods of sitting.  Please bring a notebook and an open mind.

Dana Killmeyer is a Pittsburgh-native and University of Pittsburgh graduate.  She has written two books: Paradise, or the Part that Dies and Pendulums of Euphoria, both published by Six Gallery Press.  Currently pursuing training as a yoga teacher with Joanne VandenHengel (3rd Street Yoga) and as a Somatic Movement Educator with Mark Taylor (BodyMindMovement), Dana draws from a well of experience as a teacher, researcher, writer, and organic farm apprentice. 

 

 

green-treeANUSARA THERAPEUTICS: UPPER BODY

Facilitated by Elsie Escobar
Sunday, January 31st from 12:30 to 2:30 pm
$25 pre-registration/$35 at the door (space allowing)

Have you been suffering from shoulder, neck, jaw, elbow or wrist pain?  Come learn how to get out of pain through the Anusara™ Principles of Alignment™, an elegant system based on the biomechanics of the body.  Get ready to uncover the possibilities to feel GOOD!  No prior knowledge of yoga is required.

 

 

  

shadow-dancerELSIE’S BIRTHDAY BASH

Friday night, February 5, 2010
6:00 to 8:00pm, BY DONATION

PARTY after class! 

What better way to celebrate life than to give the best of ourselves to the community?  An up-tempo and mixed-level class taguth by Elsie Escobar—-full of ENERGY and FUN to raise money for a local Pittsburgh charity!  Plus, share some birthday cake with Elsie after class. 

 

 

 

3827978_thumbnailLOVE YOGA

Facilitated by Elsie Escobar
Friday night, February 12, 2010
6:00 to 8:00 pm
$25 pre-register or $35 at the door (space allowing)

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we receive a lot of messages about expressing love through exchanging gifts, sweets and flowers to our romantic loves.  This approach to matters of the heart put pressure on those in relationships to express love through material gifts and those who are not in relationships to feel lonely.  We advise a NEW approach to Valentine’s Day where we honor the energy of our hearts through a delicious workshop with a focus on heart openers and back-bending—YUMMY!  Join Elsie for some Love Yoga  and experience the bliss, joy and contentment of your heart center.

 

 

 

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CIRCLES of STRENGTH
A Workshop for Women
Facilitated by Linda Meacci, RYT

February 20, 2010
2:00 to 4:00 pm
$25 in advance/$35 at the door

Does a fog of unworthiness shroud your spirit?  Does courage elude you when the going gets tough?  Do you see life as a timeline that is full of obligations and pressures? Do you struggle to be fully present in this moment? 

This workshop, designed just for women, will guide you to:
*  Learn safe ways to build overall body strength
*  Integrate the dance of stability and freedom
*  Channel emotional energy in healthy ways
*  Increase self-confidence
*  Tap into your creative source
*  Appreciate the circular nature of life experiences on and off the mat

This well-balanced practice will blend the yin and the yang–flexibility and strength.  Proper alignment will be emphasized in strength poses such as Caturanga-Dandasana (half plank), and Vasisthasana (side plank) and also in flexibility poses such as Setu-Bandhasana (bridge) and Urdhva-Dhanarasana (wheel).  We will move through sun salutes and warrior postures with stira (steadiness) and sukham (ease).  Backbends will be explored with a focus on stability.  Hip openers will coax the emotional body to release.  We will quiet ourselves with a restorative Savasana.  Find what supports YOUR practice and frees your spirit.  Step into courage.  Bring what you discover into all circles of Life.

 

 Dandelion

 SPRING CLEANING YOGA PRACTICE
 DETOX & RENEW w/Linda Meacci, RYT

March 6, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
$25 pre-register/$35 at the door (space allowing)

Balancing out body, mind and spirit through the seasons is an important step in maintaining homeostasis.  In this modern age of twitter, texting, blackberrys and IPhones, it is often forgotten that human beings reflect cycles of nature.  As we move from winter, a time of conservation, rest, storage and reflection, and into early spring, a time to shed and renew, the spirit begins to lift and fly again.  Springtime is a season to detox and rejuvenate!

In Chinese medicine, winter works with the balancing energy in the kidneys, bladder, adrenals, ears and bones.  In the springtime, the attention shifts to liver, gallbladder, nervous system, ligaments, tendons and eyes.  The movement continues season to season with the intention of finding homeostasis, or balance.  Yoga is one tool to aid in this cyclical process.

In this workshop, we will first unwind and then invigorate our practice by:
*  tuning into the eyes–the sense organs of springtime
*  mobilizing our skeletal and muscular structure with fluid slow movements
*  stabilizing and moving into Sun Salutes and Warrior postures
*  vigorously twisting in lying, seated and standing postures
*  toning the kidneys with backbends and the liver with forward bends
*  opening the hips to encourage movement of the emotional body
*  practicing long holds in inversions (such as sarvangasana) to facilitate drainage of the lymphatic system.

Our practice will come full-circle and close with a restorative savasana.  Join us for this rejuvenating practice!

 

 

 rocket-lurch

Calming the Core: Finding the Space Between
Facilitated by Mark C. Taylor

Sunday, March 14, 2010
1:00 to 3:00 pm
$30 pre-register/$40 at the door

Many of us carry excess tension in our backs or in our frontal organs as a result of inefficient weight flow through the torso.  In Calming the Core you will embody your quiet central spine as a way to allow your core to expand, allowing space for a joyful heart, easy breath, and an unencumbered digestive tract.  As your core releases you will find a more intimate relationshiop with the earth, greater access to sensory awareness, and increased pleasure of movement through your body.  You will strategize ways to sustain an expansive core in your personal practice and in daily life.

 

Posted by Sharon Fennimore Rudyk, Owner and Director of Yoga Matrika located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15217.  https://www.yogamatrika.com/

 

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, December 5

December 2, 2009
Posted by Sharon
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You know you’re curious—-what’s going on in there at 6520 Wilkins Avenue? 

Here’s your chance to check out Yoga Matrika’s new studio spaces, share some sweet holiday spirited refreshments and shop for some hand-crafted gifts.  There are many items that are under $10 that are great for office presents, gift exchanges, hostess presents and stocking stuffers.  This is a great craft sale with NO CROWDS, NO PARKING PROBLEMS and great snacks and activities for children!

EVERYTHING for sale is locally made and includes: jewelry, aromatherapy, herbal and green teas, eye pillows and scented sachets to create passion, promote peace and some even keep moths out of your woolies!  We have herbal products for pregnant and new moms like lactation support teas, belly balm and vegan nipple creams.  Fleece and knitted hats for babies and young children and felted wool hats—even some handspun and dyed yarn by our lovely local Cosy! 

You can also purchase discounted gift certificates and class cards during the open house or purchase a new yoga mat for a friend or yourself! 

Gift certificates make PERFECT gifts for expectant and new moms—we offer the only Prenatal Pilates and Exercise class in the city, two postnatal classes a week and five prenatal classes a week.  Moms can also use gift certificates for massage, childbirth preparation workshops and to shop for all natural items to keep them comfy and relaxed during pregnancy and after birthing.

We have some coloring pages and toys for young children to play with while you shop.  Sharon Rudyk, the studio owner will be around all afternoon to answer questions you might have about yoga in general or the studio. 

Hope to see you on Saturday!

Posted by Sharon Rudyk, Owner of Yoga Matrika located in Point Breeze, 6520 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.  Check out our website: https://www.yogamatrika.com/

A Great Healing

November 12, 2009
Posted by Sharon
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About 2-weeks ago now, I went to the emergency room in some of the worst pain I have ever been in.  The back of my throat was blistered and I had a deep pain in my upper chest.  For three-nights I had been up with this terrible pain that did not respond to Ibuprofen or any of the over the counter treatments I had to try.  In the emergency room, I was told that I had acid reflux and was given some very powerful medications—-including one that has irreversable neurological problems as one of the common side effects.

I had a suspicion that I actually had a viral infection and made an appointment with acupuncturist Melissa Sokulski at the Birch Center.  In addition to the viral infection, I suspected that recent headaches and some of my complaints were related to stress and grief.  I had responded well to acupuncture before, so I had high hopes for this treatment and my recovery.

To my absolute amazement, the morning following my treatment, the blisters in the back of my throat were almost completely gone and I had a good sleep.  There was obviously a profound shift in my health and well being.  The Birch Center is a very comfortable and warm place and does not feel clinical.  Melissa provided a unique treatment that was adapted during the treatment based on my response and changes in pulse.  There was a great kindness in the entire experience and I highly recommend the Birch Center both for the sweet environment and the obvious technical skill of Melissa Sokulski.

I have a great admiration for healers in all forms—-biomedical doctors, acupuncturists, therapists of body and mind, shamans, nurses—all kinds.  There is a certain kind of release that happens when we get the sense that we are in good hands and this peace and trust opens the gate to the healing experience.  Part of our yoga practice is being present with both the energetic and the physical body.  Disturbances in the energetic body manifest themselves as dis-ease in the physical body and we should actively use our intuition to seek out healing from people that we relate to with a sense of peace.

Pittsburgh is home to many types of healers and we can open to the experience of being healed when we remain open to our intuition and seek healing experieces that are in alignment with our personal truth.  While not every healer is the best healer for every person or every problem, I can honestly make this referral to the Birch Center for anyone seeking acupuncture or other alternative treatments.  It’s also great to get on the Birch Center newsletter list! The last newsletter had some great information on acupuncture and alternative treatments for H1N1 and for recovery from the flu.  

Melissa and David Sokulski, Licensed Acupuncturists
The Birch Center for Health, LLC
1931 East Carson Street, 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 381-0116
www.BirchCenter.com
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