yoga newsletter

april 2005

yoga workshops, retreats & trainings
maui • oahu • hawaii • usa

Aloha

A couple of weeks ago I, and a couple of other Western students, were invited to the ancient temple at Chidambharam, 3 - 4 hours south of Chennai. This historically famous place is where Lord Shiva danced in the form of Nataraja and where Patanjali first came to witness and enjoy his dancing. Here, in the big halls of the temple, is where Patanjali shared the teachings of Yoga, which is evident by all the scriptures still written on the walls. My teachers had arranged the family priests of the temple to meet us and perform several puja, honoring the small lingam which self formed at Chidambharam, to Shiva's wife Shakti and to Patanjali, who both faithfully served Nataraja.

This wonderful experience brings me closer to our first teacher Patanjali, free of all coloring who unconditionally gave us a roadmap to human existence. When I arrived in Newark Airport a few days ago I looked up at the words 'Welcome to United States of America'. I felt blessed to be living in the States and having this opportunity, with the support of many people who, directly or indirectly, are helping me to share these precious teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda.

This feeling of support was reinforced last weekend after teaching a workshop at The Breathing Project in NYC. A year ago I showed up and asked the directors, Leslie Kaminoff and Zack Kurland, if I could start workshops twice yearly for my students living on the East Coast. They also have a background in the Krishnamacharya lineage and without hesitation gave my the keys to their studio. Yesterday, as I was leaving, Leslie offered that The Breathing Project become my 'home' in NYC.

With this kind of sincere support, both from my teachers in India and my hosts in the US, how can one not feel blessed?

The next one day workshop in NYC is scheduled September, Sunday 25: http://tinyurl.com/6qzdo. I will be staying at The Gershwin Hotel on 27th and Broadway, just across the street from The Breathing Project and Penn Station is on 32nd. If anyone is traveling into the city for the workshop I recommend this hotel, it's really cool. Private rooms are $99 and dorms are just $33 per night: http://www.gershwinhotel.com.

Today I'm off to Chicago and will be doing a workshop this coming Saturday, April 02: http://tinyurl.com/62oad. Again, my hosts in Chicago are extremely supportive and keen to have me come twice a year to Chicago.

I'm committed to building a network of like-minded studios / hosts in NYC, Chicago, LA and Hawaii. It may take time to gain greater exposure but I feel that this slower approach of personal networking offers more for students. Traditionally Yoga is taught one-on-one so let's not make Yoga too commercial, loosing our individuality and personal student / teacher relationship with these teachings.

The next workshops are:

CHICAGO, IL
Saturday, April 02 at Yoga State School & Studio (5 hour workshop) TRAINING

MAUI, HI
Saturday, April 09 at The Studio Maui (3 hour workshop) TRAINING

KONA, HI
Sat & Sun, April 16 - 17 at Pilates & Yoga Center of Kona (5 hour workshop)
FITNESS & HEALTH

HONOLULU, HI
Saturday, April 23 at Purple Yoga Hawaii (3 hour workshop) FITNESS

KAILUA, HI
Sunday, April 24 at Three Paths Health Spa (3 hour workshop) HEALTH

Hope to see you soon !
Mahalo, Ted

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