What Does Namaste Mean?

February 18, 2010

Namaste is the greeting we use at the end of yoga class.  What does it mean?  And how can the use of this word improve our lives, our relationships, and the state of our world?

This month Yoga Journal Magazine (March 2010 ) featured an article on Pastor Eddie D. Smith Sr. who introduced the word ‘Namaste’ to his congregation in Georgia.  He saw how so many of the young black men in his community were killing each other.  He instructed them to begin to greet each other with the word ‘Namaste’ which means: “The Divinity within me salutes the Divinity within you.” He suggested that by seeing the spark of Divine in one’s self and in the other, a natural respect arises.

Our yoga practice invites us into a direct experience of connecting to a deeper part of ourselves where we feel our own Divinity, worthiness, and fundamental essence.  From this connection to The Source of Life within us it becomes easier to connect to that same place within the other.  To paraphrase Pastor Smith:  If Namaste were really understood, the world would be a better, more peaceful and safer place.

Click on the link below to watch the (2 min.) video clip of Pastor Eddie D. Smith teaching his congregation the word Namaste.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzNFCtFyyY

November 19-21, 2010
Asheville, North Carolina – Yoga Anatomy, Physiology, and Practice

February 15, 2010

A selection of classes on the science and practice of yoga. Specific topics to be announced.

Co-sponsored by Lighten Up Yoga (info@lightenupyoga.com, 828-254-7756) and OneCenter Yoga (info@onecenteryoga.com, 828-225-1904).

Go back to Roger’s workshop schedule

November 13-14, 2010
Hollywood, Florida – Yoga Journal Conference

February 13, 2010

Saturday, November 13
Introduction to Stretching: Physiology and Practice
Learn the basics of using stretch reflexes and other principles of physiology to safely and efficiently increase muscle length and strength. We’ll alternate between physiological explanation and active practice. No prior knowledge of physiology needed.
Two-thirds lecture and one-third asana practice.

Yoga Anatomy for Beginners
This introduction to anatomy will explain what makes various yoga postures work. We’ll learn to see, feel, and understand the asanas from the inside out, making practice safer and more effective. Then we’ll translate what we’ve learned into action.
Lecture and asana

Sunday, November 14
Inversions from the Ground Up
Dramatically enhance your inversions by improving their foundation and then working up your body to align your whole posture. Poses will include Headstand, Shoulderstand, Handstand, and Forearm Balance. Preparatory poses or alternatives will be offered for students who have limitations.
Asana practice

Breathing: Physiology and Practice
Learn the basics of breathing science, from the molecular level to its effects on consciousness. We’ll explore and practice breathing mechanics and physiology that apply directly to both pranayama and everyday life.
Lecture and breathing practice.

For information and registration visit www.yogajournal.com/conferences
Go back to Roger’s workshop schedule

October 15 -17, 2010
San Francisco, California – Sacred Thread of Yoga Festival

February 13, 2010

Roger will teach four classes as part of this Festival of Yoga, which will be held at the beautiful Fort Mason Center on San Francisco Bay:

Shoulders: Mobility And Strength
Learn simple, effective ways to mobilize, strengthen and align your shoulders with yoga. You’ll safely get the most out of your postures by using anatomically precise technique and personalized modifications.

The Art Of Twists
Twists relieve back tension, free your spine and massage your internal organs. Learn to use forward bends, backbends and side bends to systematically prepare yourself, then experience how easy it can be, and how good it can feel, to twist deeply.

The Art Of Balance
Balancing poses build focus and strength. In this lively asana class, you will learn to apply principles of yoga, neurophysiology, kinesiology, and physics to enhance your ability to balance on your feet, head, and hands.

Science And Stretch
Enrich your asana technique by learning how to use stretch reflexes, mental control, and other principles of neurophysiology to safely and efficiently increase muscle length and stretngth. The class alternates between scientific explanation and active practice.

For information visit www.sacredthread.net

For discount registration visit https://www.sacredthread.net/secureapplications/participantpurchases.php?StudioID=1140, or enter “presenterreg” in the Coupon Discount box half-way down the registration page.

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October 1-3, 2010
Atlanta, Georgia – Yoga Anatomy, Physiology, and Practice

February 8, 2010

Hips and Knees: Anatomy and Practice
Shoulders: Anatomy and Practice
Back and Trunk: Anatomy and Practice
Backbends: Anatomy and Practice
Relaxation: Physiology and Practice

Stillwater Yoga Studio
404-607-9090
www.stillyoga.com

Go back to Roger’s workshop schedule

October 29-31, 2010
Columbus, Ohio – Workshops: Yoga, Anatomy, Sleep

February 4, 2010

Friday, October 29, 2010
A Day for Teachers:
Breathing: Physiology and Practice 9:00a to 11:30a
Relaxation: Physiology and Practice 1:00 to 4:00p

Evening Lecture
How to Sleep Better for yoga students and general public 7:30 to 9:30p

Saturday, October 30
Shoulders: Anatomy and Practice for yoga students, all levels 10:45 to 1:45
Hips: Anatomy and Practice for yoga students, all levels 3:15 to 6

Sunday, October 31
Backbends Anatomy and Practice for yoga students, all levels 10:00a to 1:00p

Yoga on High
1081 N. High St. in the Short North
Columbus, OH 43201
614-291-4444
www.yogaonhigh.com

Go back to Roger’s workshop schedule