Present Power, Meditation, Pranayama, and Yoga Nidra

Yoga is not synonymous with asana, even though most of the general public thinks so. Yoga is about learning to pay attention. All the practices direct us to focus our attention on one thing, and as we practice and breathe and learn to focus, our minds get quieter. We begin to see things that were previously too clouded by the busy-ness of the mind to see. We like this. We feel more centered, more relaxed. And one day, maybe all at once, and maybe little by little, we “get” it, we wake up. And what do we wake up to? The realization that there really is only ONE of us here. And that is the experience of yoga – the connection with the True Self. We cannot conceptualize, define, or explain it. We can only have it. It is an experience of boundlessness, and it is born of practice.

No one can teach us yoga, really. Teachers can only pass along a set of instructions to follow, and if we follow those instructions, perhaps that will lead us to the experience. Once that happens, a transformation occurs, we change. We become more conscious, more aware, more compassionate, more, well, connected. And that is the point of all the work – to recognize there really is no such things as “other.” It becomes impossible to ignore the suffering of the world and we realize that the whole point of our life is to serve. Seva isn’t something you do part time, or only on Wednesday afternoons – it’s a lifestyle. It’s an awareness you bring into every aspect of your life. Everything you do is with compassion and awareness – and this comes from years of practice and paying attention.

Friday, March 15: 6:00PM – 8:30PM
WHY ARE YOU HERE?
Our first evening with Beryl will begin with yoga philosophy discussion, light asana and complete the evening with a yoga nidra session.

Saturday Morning with Beryl
Saturday, March 16: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
DETOX FOR BODY AND MIND – Meditation and Present Power asana sequence (a combination of 1st and 2nd series postures) – variations and modifications welcome for all body types and abilities – This cleansing and balancing practice will focus on building agni and burning samskaras.

Saturday Afternoon with Beryl
Saturday, March 16: 1:30PM – 4:30PM
YOGA SUTRA DISCUSSION & MEDITATION – Pranayama practice and philosophy (no asana) – lively interactive discussion with the sanga (gathering) – bring a copy of The Yoga Sutras (extra books will be available).

Sunday with Beryl
Sunday, March 16: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
WHY ALIGNMENT MATTERS – Meditation and Present Power asana sequence – focus on alignment and movement of prana throughout system, via the nadis. A group Q and A with Beryl and book signing, photo op to finish out the weekend.