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Namaste and welcome to the September edition of Conference Connection.
- With only one more week before the Estes Park Conference, you can already feel the energy building at the Yoga Journal offices. With over 1,400 yogis and yoginis already registered, 42 of the most respected yoga teachers teaching, and an incredible line-up of events and activities,
this week will be an unforgettable experience. If you're planning on coming but haven't registered, we strongly advise you to not delay any longer!
While a limited number of single class and day passes are still available, many classes are full or close to sold out.
- Living "off the grid" at both their home and yoga studio, Maya Yoga teachers Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane are this month's teacher spotlight.
- Also this month contributing editor Nora Isaacs looks at how the simple lessons of planting her first vegetable garden have helped her yoga practice.
Namaste,
The Yoga Journal Conference Team
Elana Maggal, Conference Director
Renee LaRose, Conference Manager
Heidi Hill, Conference Marketing Associate
Alden Conant, Conference Coordinator
Sara Mesing, Conference Marketing Coordinator
12th Annual Colorado Conference
YMCA of the Rockies
September 23-30, 2007
Due to the tragic death of Carter Albrecht, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians will not be performing at the conference.
We are pleased that David Wilcox (davidwilcox.com) will be performing our YouthAIDS benefit concert in their place.
Our thoughts are with Edie, the New Bohemians, and all of Carter's family and friends during this difficult time.
"Drop Back Into Nature" Estes Park Conference T-Shirt
Yoga Tribe & Culture has teamed up with Yoga Journal to bring you the "Drop Back Into Nature" Colorado Conference Tee.
If you haven't already pre-ordered one, stop by the Yoga Journal booth in the Yoga Marketplace before they're sold out!
Click here for more information and registration.
5th Annual San Francisco Conference
Hyatt Embarcadero
January 18-21, 2008
Registration is now open for our 5th annual San Francisco conference.
In addition to our celebrated Main Conference, we will offer a Beginners Conference, All-Day Intensives, Continuing Education for Teachers, Kids Yoga and a 2-Day Business of Yoga Workshop.
Plus, this year we've added all-day Yoga As Medicine Intensives.
Our highlight events this year include an opening keynote with Michael Franti and a Friday night YouthAIDS and Power to the Peaceful Benefit Concert with Michael Franti.
And for the fourth year, we are pleased to present on Saturday night Shiva Rea's Yoga Trance Dance with DJ Dragonfly. Kicking off the evening will be a Kirtan with Suzanne Sterling.
Click here to register and for more information.
by Nora Isaacs
For the first time in my life, I planted a garden. It seems like a strange miracle, but where there had been only weeds and rocks now grow healthy, vibrant zucchini, basil and tomato plants.
Such bounty doesn't just happen spontaneously, of course. To make my vegetables grow, I had to first make sure the ground was fertile, pick out the weeds, and mix the soil. Not to mention clearing out the pests and rocks. Once this groundwork was finished, I planted the seeds .
My foray into gardening has really got me thinking about the need to set a strong foundation in other areas of life: It's hard to get work done with a messy office. It's challenging to think straight when hyped up on sugar and caffeine. It's difficult to be productive without enough restful sleep. Just like my garden needed, we all need a strong foundation from we can bloom to our full potential.
For me, the conflict arises between wanting to live life spontaneously versus taking the time and planning it takes to set a strong foundation. Cleaning the office, preparing healthy food, doing what it takes to get to bed at a decent hour all takes time and planning.
Often, I just want the quick fix, the easy way out. Thoughts like "I deserve this!" or "Life is short!" float through my mind when confronted with a big piece of chocolate cake or the temptation to watch an old movie that starts way past my bedtime.
Of course, I'm all-too-human human and sometimes go for the quick fix. But other times, I think of a phrase someone once told me: "Part of being an adult is not giving in to all of your urges." I love this, because it doesn't deny that we have these urges, but helps us to remember they are just urges and we don't need to succumb to them all of the time. I know that if I don't submit to them, it will strengthen my foundation: more quality time with my family, better health, more peace.
The fall is the perfect time to fortify your foundation before the momentum of the holiday season kicks in, tempting us and throwing us off-balance at every twist and turn. Use the next two months wisely: set a strong foundation so you can blossom.
4 Ways to Set A Strong Foundation
Think Ahead
When looking for ways to set a strong foundation, first understand what you want to create. Architects have their plans; writers have their outlines. Sometimes it helps to work backwards: What to you want to build? What will it take to get there? How can you make your foundation as strong as possible to reach your goal? Write it out in a journal, make a collage, tell a friend. Once you have a vision of this goal, do what it takes to reach it.
Practice on the Mat
On the sticky mat, it's easy to see the difference creating a strong foundation makes. In Warrior I, we can engage the thighs and root the feel firmly into the ground and allow the pose to grow from there-or we can let our legs go floppy and use only our iron will to stay in the pose. We don't feel the same power or strength. We can practice in these poses and see the difference. But other times it's a more serious matter: In headstand, for example, not setting a firm foundation can have serious consequences, from falling to neck injuries. It's that important. Practice setting a strong foundation with yoga, and see if you can translate this into feeling your everyday life.
Become a Witness
It's common to feel that you can't set a strong foundation because you want a quick fix. But often, this is just a pattern or habit of the mind. We think we can't change it because we've been doing it for so long. A practice like meditation can help to see this; meditation helps to develop a "witness" so we can step back and watch our mind, instead of just immediately reacting to thoughts and situations. Give it a try and see how it can help you create a stronger, more solid base.
Reap the Rewards
After many days spent out in my garden, grooming my plants, removing the weeds, watering the soil, I can see the fruits of my foundation: Tomato soup for lunch, stir fry for dinner, and bowlfuls of fresh food to share with people I love.
Nora Isaacs is a freelance magazine writer with a specialty in health, wellness, yoga and the author
of Women in Overdrive: Find Balance and Overcome Burnout at Any Age.
Editor's Note: Nicki Doane and Eddie Modestini will be at next week's Estes Park Conference and the upcoming San Francisco Conference.
Click here for more information: Estes Park | San Francisco.
Devotion to yoga and the desire to share with and give back to the world are what motivate the teaching of Maya Yoga with Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane. Yoga is spirit in action, and as Eddie and Nicki teach, they inspire people to find a place of spirit inside themselves, recognizing the profound connection between the self and spirit. Eddie and Nicki have been studying yoga in India for years and have been deeply influenced by the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar. Their unique approach to vinyasa yoga strengthens all aspects of your being through dynamic structural alignment and practical yogic philosophy, helping students find the deeper life of yoga. Too often in the west, spirituality is extracted from the practice of yoga, denying practitioners its' greatest gift - the opportunity to truly get to know ourselves. Eddie and Nicki strive to teach each student that yoga is about being fully present in the moment and discovering that we are truly all One. One Love. One People. One Heart. One Destination - Our Higher Self.
Eddie and Nicki live on Maui with their two children and teach around the world, promoting eco-awareness through sustainable living and responsible consumerism. Both their home and yoga studio are completely off-the-grid, with solar power and rainwater catchment. An organic permaculture garden feeds the family as well as participants in their teacher trainings. Maya Yoga is a beautiful cedar planked studio, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Their loyal students gather from all over the globe to sip fresh young coconuts while basking in the Maui sunshine after class.
More information can be found on their website at www.yogaonmaui.com.
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The Boulder College of Massage Therapy
Broaden your awareness, deepen your understanding.
The Boulder College of Massage Therapy is pleased to offer our 2008 Natural Energy Flows and Foot Reflexology courses at a special rate of $75 each.
These courses are open to all and are taught by our skilled and accomplished instructors. For more information
click here.
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be present
be present is excited to sponsor this year's Estes Park conference.
Located in our backyard, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this breath-taking setting is the perfect place to find your center, awaken your soul and be present.
Be sure to stop by our booth to receive a complimentary re-usable grocery bag with each purchase.
be present: clothing for the yoga lifestyle.
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$350 off Yoga Works Teacher Training
Yoga Works is a proud partner of Yoga Journal's 2007 Conference Tour. We offer Teacher Training programs at both the 200- and 500-hour levels in New York and Southern California. Our 200-hour program is also offered at satellite locations worldwide.
Visit our website at www.yogaworks.com/ teachertraining
Conference Connection readers who register for one of our programs by November 1st, 2007 will be eligible to receive $350 off the base 2008 tuition. Please contact the teacher training department at teachertraining@yogaworks.com or call 310-664-6470 x126 to sign up. Make sure to reference the following promotion code: ESTESPARK
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YJ Directory
Quickly and efficiently connect your products and services to our audience of more than 1.2 million yoga enthusiasts.
Get listed!
For the 10th year in a row, the Yoga Directory will provide a powerful way to source local and national studios, teachers, workshops, retreats, training courses, and associations.
Yoga Journal's 2008 Directory is both a pullout, keepsake guide bound into the January 2008 issue & a comprehensive online database.
A print and web package creates year-round results, increased visibility, and targeted reach. Listings start as low as $160.
Order, sign up, renew, find rates, and more at: YJDirectory.com
Hurry! Advertising Close is October 5th!
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Upcoming Conferences
Estes Park 2007
YMCA of the Rockies
September 23 - 30, 2007
Registration Now Open
San Francisco 2008
Hyatt Embarcadero
January 18-21, 2008
Registration Now Open
Save the Dates
Boston 2008
Sheraton Boston
May 16-19, 2008
Estes Park 2008
YMCA of the Rockies
September 21-28, 2008
South Florida 2008
Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
November 14-17, 2008
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