Balanced Rock
Yosemite journeys for mind, body, and spirit
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Friday, December 28, 2012

SEASONAL SUTRAS ~ Winter 2012


The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali can be read as a road map on the path towards connection to our own greatest Light. Each of the 196 sutras has a lesson that could be used on any day of the year. Here we will choose one sutra and reflect upon it with a seasonal perspective.

II.39 aparigraha-sthairye janma-kathantâ-sambodhaï
Freedom from wanting unlocks the real purpose of existence.

Sutra II.39 is a great teacher during this time of year because it reminds us that when we are firmly rooted in freedom from being acquisitive we become settled into the understanding of why we are here. The opposite of wanting more is being content with what you have. This is the essence of the season as we reflect with gratitude on the many gifts we have been given. Indeed our physical existence and ability to enjoy our connection with food, friends, and the natural world is our greatest gift. If we find ourselves greedy for more we invalidate this gift of physical existence that we share with all other people on the planet right now.

Actively practicing the freedom from wanting can unlock the real purpose of existence because we ease the tension of the mind towards acquisitiveness. This can give us more space for connection with immaterial and spiritual aspects of our lives. By no means is this sutra asking us to renounce all of our possessions and go live in a cave. We all have certain basic needs to meet, and in many cases this will require us to own a car, a home etc. However acquisition always implies a transfer of resources; usually while we are gaining something we are losing something else. It is our choice to determine which resources best serve our purpose on the planet at this time.

Some things to contemplate this season:
  What truly feeds me?
  When do I feel deeply happy, and secure in my happiness?
  What do I really want? Why?
  How do I practice aparigraha (non-grasping) in small daily ways?

We'd love to hear from you! Please comment below. 

Thursday, December 13, 2012

January Community Yoga Schedule


Monday         January 7          6:00pm-7:15pm            Jon-Paul Salonen
Wednesday   January 9           6:30am-7:15am            Paula Wild

Monday         January 14         6:00pm-7:15pm            Arin Trook
Wednesday   January 16          6:30am-7:15am            Paula Wild

Monday         January 21         6:00pm-7:15pm            Holiday, No Class      
Wednesday   January 23          6:30 am-7:15am           Schuyler Greenleaf

Monday         January 28          6:00pm-7:15pm            Marya  Carr
Wednesday   January 30           6:30am-7:15pm            Eliza Kerr


December Community Yoga Schedule


Monday December 3                     6:00pm-7:15pm                 Marya Carr
Wednesday December 5                6:30am-7:15am                 Eliza Kerr                  

Monday December 10                   6:00pm-7:15pm                  Arin Trook
Wednesday, December 12             6:30am-7:15am                  Schuyler Greenleaf

Monday December 17                   6:00pm-7:15pm                   JP Salonen
Wednesday December 19              6:30am-7:15am                   Paula Wild

December 24 -January 2nd          Holiday, No Class       

Friday, November 9, 2012

November Community Yoga Schedule


November Teaching Schedule


Monday Evenings 6:00pm-7:15pm
Wednesday Mornings 6:30am-7:15 am



Monday November 5                     6:00pm-7:15pm         Heather Sullivan     
Wednesday November 7                6:30am-7:15am         Schuyler Greenleaf 

Monday November 12                   6:00pm-7:15pm          Heather Sullivan     
Wednesday, November 14             6:30am-7:15am          Eliza Kerr      

Monday November 19                   6:00pm-7:15pm          Holiday, No Class
Wednesday November 21              6:30am-7:15am          Holiday, No Class

Monday November 26                   6:00pm-7:15pm         Jon Paul Salonen    
Wednesday November 28              6:30am-7:15am         Paula Wild       


                                              Location: El Portal School Multi-Purpose Room


Come join the growing yoga community of Yosemite at our ongoing series of yoga classes. Classes take place bi-weekly, and every class is open to and geared towards all levels of yoga, from absolute beginner to seasoned practitioner. Classes are donation-based. All donations received go to support the El Portal Community Yoga program as well as the scholarship fund of the Balanced Rock Foundation.