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    “Remember Thich Nhat Hanh”

    ByElizabeth

    My boss with whom I’ve worked for over 20 years and who has an unfortunate tendency to get agitated (gentle understatement here) at the workplace has just discovered Thich Nhat Hanh.  My boss was intrigued by Thich Nhat Hanh’s suggestion that when you find yourself getting angry, “don’t.”  Knowing that he is still going to have to take action in response to the things that tick him off (and, as I would add, that not getting angry is distinct from disengaging, failing to act, or being apathetic), my boss still invited us to say to him when we see him getting worked up, “remember Thich Nhat Hanh.”   I liked that.  I like that he recognizes a need to change and grow and is starting to take steps after years of appearing not to be aware of the impact of his tendencies on himself and his co-workers.

    One of the best ways I know to shift our reactiveness is to develop a steady meditation practice.  If you don’t already have one, I invite you to begin to develop a daily meditation practice, which could include conscious breathing or visualizations.  If your practice is only sporadic, notice how much better it is when your meditation is part of your daily routine.

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    Seva

    ByElizabeth

    Today, instead of going with the group to visit a Hanuman temple a couple of valleys away (which entailed at least two hours each way of hairpin turns and going through a construction zone so dusty tying a t-shirt or scarf around my head would be necessary and having almost no opportunity to take care of biological needs), I chose to stay back. I honored the spirit of Hanuman with seva in the form of a morning helping tend the grounds.

    In the afternoon I will walk into the village with two others who are in residence here. One a Canadian Indian who is a Kabir scholar, the other a Dutch woman who has been spending a month or two every year for the past decade.

    There is a Siva festival going on. It is loud even up here on the hill. I will have my earplugs.

    I am appreciating getting to connect to the space and the people who live and serve here in a way that I could not when surrounded by the rest of the group. It was very grounding for me, too, to spend a few hours gardening.

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    September News (web copy of newsletter)

    ByElizabeth

    News from Rose Garden Yoga With Anusara (R) Yoga Instructor Elizabeth Goodman

    Dear Friends,

    A cool breeze is blowing through my window as I write, giving a foretaste of glorious fall weather to come.

    Although already fully immersed in the throes of work after last week’s study trip to Oregon with John Friend, I am brimming from the teachings and comraderie.  Such a trip reminds me of how crucial it is to study and connect to help bring the benefits of yoga off the mat and into my daily life.

    This week is free class week at Willow Street Yoga.  It is a great way to try out new classes or teachers or to bring  friend who is been shy about starting or returning to yoga.  I’ll be teaching both my 8:30am Level II and my noon Gentle and Therapeutics classes this Saturday, September 12th.  Bring a friend and come check it out.

    Looking for an extra class or one great to bring a drop in friend?  Come join us for the Tuesday night class at William Penn House.  All levels of practitioners welcome.  Special prices for public interest workers, students, and seniors.

    Wednesday night advanced/intermediate group practice proceeds are still 100% for charity.  This month’s cause is “Yoga Salutes Non-violence” a yoga sun-salute practice that raises money for local domestic violence shelters.  For more information, check out my friend Cheryl’s website at: http://www.heartofgraceyoga.com/YSNV.php

    Upcoming Workshops:  Next Saturday, September 19th is the next Serenity Saturday at Capitol Hill Yoga.  Get ready for the shift into Fall with a sweet afternoon of deep relaxation and nurture.  Can’t make it this month?  Put October 17th and November 21st into your calendar for a great way to ease through Fall.  To register, please go to:  www.capitolhillyoga.com

    Looking Ahead:  Already trying to make your Thanksgiving plans?  If you will be in town, plan to share your gratitude at the 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day fundraiser for Oxfam, which I will be leading at the Willow Street Yoga Center’s Takoma Park studio.

    For more information on classes and workshops or to enjoy the blog, visit:  www.rosegardenyoga.com or join me on facebook.

    Peace and light,

    Elizabeth

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