Yogaraj

Hooray! New Yoga for 2009!

2009-01-09T15:57:00.002-05:00

Classes to resume at Tellcio Harbour Clubhouse!

Thanks to all my wonderful yogis down south 411,
class will begin again on Monday Jan. 12th ,9:00am.
This gentle class will continue on the path of reviewing standing poses
(asana), increasing flexibility, feeling our strength ( inner and outer)
as well as always working with kindness, awareness, breath and
plenty of smiling, I hope!

Thursdays at Greenback Cancelled

2008-09-01T19:53:00.002-04:00

Just a sad reminder, that for now the Thursday night class in Greenback is no longer.
Still holding the Monday night, as well as classes at Honey Rock.
Hopefully, will start back up in the new year, will be here before we know it.
Thanks to all.

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2008-02-28T10:05:00.004-05:00

This is what I need plastered, or should I say, lightly tattooed (theoretically) to my being at all times. I take teaching Yoga with such a huge weight and responsibility I often feel I take on the stress I try to teach students to rid themselves of!
Aren't Yoga teachers supposed to be upheld in the most high light? Calm in all situations, able to cure themselves of all physical and emotional ailments with pranayama ( breath) asana (posture), quiet turbulent minds sitting in meditation with absence of thought?
I only know that I am so very human, and in that, capable of experiencing all things that cloud my path to joy and happiness that I strife to live and experience EVERYDAY. So, even in my ego holding at times self, I do turn to yoga. I will sit in my comfy chair to quiet the mind a bit, I will go to the mat and spend even 10 minutes there to release my self doubt and judgements. Yoga does help me keep calm and carry on. Being gentle on myself and sensing what by body needs to free up my mind from the negative chatter we all let in way too much. If you continue with your yoga practice, I KNOW you will begin to feel yoga healing in your own body/mind as well.
And as I continue to teach I can only deeply pray that you, whomever reads this, whether you are a student of mine , or a practitioner of yoga in any of its many enlightening forms-can begin to KNOW and FEEL that you can keep calm and carry on too. Thanks to all that come to my classes, I learn most from you. Peace, Diane

What is GABA? And What Does Yoga Have To Do With It?

2008-02-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

While many studies are taking place using Yoga practice as a healing agent and an expressway to pain relief, one recent study I've read deals with depression. Dr. Chris Streeter in Seattle Washington found that the levels of GABA ( okay, that is code for the brain neurotransmitter GAMMA -AMINOBUTYRIC ) were signifignatly higher after a Yoga session, whereas the control group showed no increased level.

So, that does GABA have to do with anything? Low levels of GABA are linked to mild depression and anxiety, as well as PMS symptoms. Dr. Streeter also noting that epilepsy patients are given drugs to boost GABA to calm anxiety attacks which often bring on seizures.

Can practicing Yoga twice a week calm us, make us happier, help us to deal with stress with a peaceful heart, keep our GABA levels high ( those of us/you that want scientific purpose to your yogic health benefits) to continually lift our spirits?
YES! All of this leading to a deep wellness within, always there and constant. Yogis have known this for ages, but most western minds want proof. Can we not have faith in these benefits? Just keep doing your yoga, and you will notice the difference.
Here's to high GABA GABA GABA levels and may we all be smiling more often.!!
Namaste' Diane

Funny Funny and Funny Some more!!

2008-01-24T13:40:00.000-05:00

Allrighty then, Let us practitioners of Yoga not take ourselves to serious. Check out this site www.yogadawg.com I still need to spend more time there...Laugh, have fun, see yourself and me too and keep in truckin', somehow slightly askew with your yoga, and I in my teaching.HHHAAAAUUUUUHHHMMMMMMMMM.

" All Is Not What It Seems"

2008-01-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

So,
I was watching The Karate Kid the other day, and the young charge gets angry and frustrated after having to paint a huge wooden fence with certain arm stokes as directed by his teacher. He finally walks away in disgust thinking he is just being used as a maintenance man. Then the teacher leads him in a mock karate dance and the charge uses all these movements he unknowingly soaked up in his waxing on and off, painting up and down& side to side ect... " All is not what it seems." the teacher says.
I thought that Yoga can be similar. That so many of the small and foundational movements that we practice over and over have a huge long term benefit that we don't even notice right away. But, deep within changes are taking place. Immunity is strengthened, the heart is nurtured, flexibility is returning, stress that is seated deep in our cells is being squeezed out and replaced with fresh oxygen and blood flow. These are just a few Yogic benefits that are slowly taking place in the body mind.
We might wonder why we practice some of the same poses over and over. But keep the open mind, take every move and breath in without doubt that all is not what it seems.
Most of all, thank yourself for choosing Yoga, knowing that you have made the most healthful and fulfilling choice.

Tapas, Change and Grace

2008-01-04T09:28:00.000-05:00

I was thinking about 2008 and of course, New Years Resolutions. What this means is, what does it take for me to resolve to do a few things differently?
It takes self-effort, or TAPAS in Sanskrit and the willingness and openness to change. Tapas is sacrifice in order to achieve something much better at a deep level. Tapas is making a choice to step on to the Yoga mat for 20 minutes even though i want to watch Matt Lauer on the Today show.
Opening up to change, letting the grace flow through your Yoga practice, into the daily life and having the tapas or heat (inner fire) to make better decisions. Allowing the flow of grace into your life. To quote Rama Berch "Yoga is the science of Grace. You open up your body and quiet the mind so that you can tune into grace...Grace softens the edges and opens the heart. Tapas makes you able to hold the grace."
So as we head into 2008 I know I will be thinking about Grace, Change and Tapas, and using my Yoga to invite all into my being. Hopefully becoming a better teacher, parent and human being. Oh yes, and remembering to step onto the mat when i really want to see that Britney Spears story....
Peace and Namaste'

" Is Your Yoga Nuturing?"

2007-12-23T10:50:00.001-05:00

I was asked the question, "do you teach a nurturing yoga or the workout kind?" the other day. This simple thought has not left my mind since.
Here in America, we are so driven to be busy, always moving, always talking, always connected in one way or another...lest we are seen or feel like we are not achieving. Yoga too, as taken on this kind of movement. But, if done with pure intention, cultivated awareness, and some knowledge of yoga philosophy this 'workout' yoga can be nurturing too. I too realize workout yoga that DOES NOT nurture the spirit, and is practiced ONLY for the benefit of a better body is just an exercise and not YOGA.
So, as a teacher and lover of how a yoga practice has made me feel, surely i want to cultivate the sweet centering this practice has to offer. Learning to love the slow and stillness in our asana(pose) movements and creating the bliss of sitting with eyes closed with only our breath to listen to.
Is my teaching a nurturing kind? I can only pray it is, that i will always look to the student and remind myself to impart teaching from the heart not the ego...and maybe along the way we all be nurtured by yoga.

New Class Times at Honey Rock and Greenback

2007-12-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

*YOGARAJ CLASSES*

Starting Monday, January 7th 2008 :
Intermediate Beginner Class at Greenback Yogaraj
Time : 6:00 pm - 7:30

We will continue building on alignment and new asana. As well as flow being incorporated into the class. Call me regarding this class. Some yoga experience with alignment recommended. Though we are always going back to the basics and always learning to let go of the ego in our continual Yoga practice. Always laughing and having fun along the way.

Starting Thursday, January 10th 2008:
Beginners Class at Greenback Yogaraj
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30

I welcome you all to this sweet beginners class to Yoga. We will start exploring poses from the way we stand from the base of the feet to the crown of the head. This is a learning journey. We will use any props necessary to begin. Mindfulness of movement, learning to listen to our own bodies and cultivating peace of the heart center along the way are all a part of this practice.
I always try to have fun, laugh and enjoy every class..Yoga is not supposed to be an intimidating experience or practice. See you there!

*HONEY ROCK CLASSES*

Starting Tuesday, January 8th 2008
Beginners to the "Gentle" side Yoga class :) At Honey Rock Herb Farm
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am

As your week begins, step onto your Yoga mat and invite the 'wellness within' as we awaken the body/mind. This class with incorporate a gentle approach, as well as learning poses with plenty of props to go easy on the body. Learning to pay attention to our bodies, limitations and how we FEEL in our Yoga will be a continual journey. This is not a 'workout' class. We will explore the nurturing of the self, while bringing openess and awareness to our minds and hearts.

Starting Wednesday, January 9th 2008
Beginners Class at Honey Rock Herb Farm
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30

Welcome to a sweet Yoga experience. This class will be learning asasa (poses) and their distinct beautiful alignments. Cultivating this as second nature. As we progress, learning to put poses together into a flow, such as the Sun Salutation. Breath work and meditation will be addressed. Becoming aware of our bodies, our minds , how we stand and FEEL in our Yoga practice will be an on going theme. I always invite laughter and smiles in my practice, as Yoga should be this deep, happy and fulfilling journey. I continually learn from my students along the way. See you there.

PRICING FOR BOTH LOCATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

8 Class Package - $89.00 ( to be used within a 66 day period)
5 Class Package- $ 60.00 ( to be used within a 45 day period)
Drop in Class - $ 13.00

E mail me regarding private lessons as well.
dianewells@hotmail.com
write yoga in subject
865*274*1278

New Classes, Greenback and Honey Rock Herb Farm

2007-11-28T13:53:00.000-05:00

Allrighty then, let us do more yoga in 2008! I will be teaching 2 , new to yoga, classes at a wonderful site in Louisville Tn. , Honey Rock Organic Herb Farm. At this location, i will have a morning class, ( time still being pondered) and an evening class. Most likely, the morning class will be tuesday, and then a thursday evening class. We will be using props here too, beginning slow and easy. Learning alignment, learning how to slow down our internal hectic pace and just exploring the fundamentals of a yoga practice. All with a soft heart, acceptance of where we are at that moment and a smile within ( hopefully outward as well!).

Also, i will be adding a new class at the Yogaraj in Greenback on wednesday night. PLEASE , stay tuned for more details.
REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN GIVE THE GIFT OF YOGA THIS CHRISTMAS, WITH A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR CLASSES AT EITHER LOCATION. CONTACT ME AT DIANEWELLS@HOTMAIL.COM. PLEASE WRITE YOGA IN THE SUBJECT.

Step onto your mat and you will be nurturing your *wellness within*

Greatest Asana After a Feast

2007-11-20T19:15:00.000-05:00

Supta Baddha Konasana and Thanksgiving!

Here is this wonderful time of the year where we allow the nurturing of family, food and festivities to fill our every level. Hopefully really taking in the grace and deepest thanks for all we have , right now.
When you have had your fill , this is one of my most favorite belly opening restorative asanas. You don't need bolsters or even the blankets we use at Yogaraj...grab some quilts, some pillows ,a few quite moments and you will find the space in the pelvis and belly release and open. Keep the heart open and allow reclined cobblers pose to awaken your sincere thanks for the most dearest loves in your day and nights.

Peace to all, Diane

Things are Happening

2007-11-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

View from YOGARAJ

YOGARAJ had a birthday!
We have been the luckiest yogis, to have had a year in this beautiful 'garaj'.
With 2008 quickly eyeing us, I plan on a adding one or even two new classes.
I would love to share Yoga with many others, and I know they are out there!
More Yoga, more wellness within.
A HUGE thank you to Janet, for the generous gift of her space on her lovely hill in the country.
Here is to another year of practice.
Namaste', Diane

Omega 'BEING YOGA' Conference

2007-11-07T17:44:00.000-05:00

I just returned from Fort Lauderdale after attending a long weekend of Yoga immersion.

Being Yoga, the title of the event , brings up the question, how do we LIVE our yoga off the mat? How do we live with the heart, move with awareness, watch our intentions in everything we do, remain open to change, breath deeply, watch our words that exit the mouth , notice our choices , relate to our fellow spirits on this planet.
You, by attending Yoga classes every week, are taking the first step. The more you practice, the more Yoga becomes a lifestyle. You begin to feel the effects of a certain asana off the mat. You feel the cooling, the heating , the calming ,the discipline, the stamina, the openess, the love, the self.
We will begin to delve into why we are finding the practice of yoga fullfilling . What do we feel? Can we hold back in a pose so the ego does not take over? Can we slow down enough TO feel .
Let's take our yoga practice deeper. I mean, just alittle at a time. You cannot feed a baby a porkchop, you have to start her out with milk.

For the new year, I would love to work with more meditation, more breath awareness, looking into FEELING the asana...but continue being disciplined in the alignment, until it becomes second nature.
Take out your mat, step onto it with reverence, and practice something you can remember, 10 minutes...sit or lay quietly afterwards, and just notice how you feel afterwards.

YOGARAJ has now celebrated its first year. My most deepest thanks to all students that have come to class in heat and in cold. You have all taught me and continue to teach me to serve you in the most nuturing way. How can we all BE YOGA?
Peace to all. Diane

Dean Lerner yoga workshop

2007-10-23T15:12:00.000-04:00

I just attended a weekend workshop with Master Iyengar teacher, Dean Lerner. Dean is an Advanced Iyengar Instructor, just so you know, this is NOT an easy thing to achieve. He has been teaching since 1980 as well. Having studied directly with Mr. Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar , i feel it a great honor to be taught by him.
As always with an Iyengar practice, attention to the beautiful, precise details of the body were constantly addressed, all the while remaining soft and passive in the mind, eyes and heart.
We worked on foundational asana (poses) over and over. Like Tadasana ( mountain pose) , Trikonasana (triangle), Virahabdrasana 2 (warrior 2), Uttanasana ( standing forward bend), Ardha Chandrasana (half moon) and of course Sarvanghasana (shoulder balance) and Sirshasana (head balance).

These are just a few of the asasa that were addressed over the course of the weekend. With each instruction, you are expected to know the Sanskrit name for the asana as well as give your full and undivided attention. Dean will walk around the room, giving adjustments ....then stopping us to come and watch as he guides a student into the pose properly. All the while, using humor, analogies, anecdotes to further bring us all into our yoga beings. Dean has a light, but stern side, as i was admonished for touching another yogi while working on an asana in pairs. But his advice was so on and correct that i had to move forward and take his words, as if they were coming straight out of Mr. Iyengar himself.

This was my second workshop with Dean, and i will study with him again when possible. Having held my longest inversions ever, i know i grew over the weekend into a better teacher and even more dedicated to my home practice.

I would LOVE for my students to one day attend one of these deeply organic yoga learning workshops. Let us work towards more yoga in our daily lives, taking to our mats at home for even 5-10 minutes. You will see how your body/mind begins to change in positive ways. Your yoga deepens and each asana you practice, will help you in other areas of your life. It has happened to me, and with your continued practice, it will happen to you too....and we can all attend a master teacher workshop together.

peace, and namaste,
Diane