In This Issue Reward for referrals! Continuing for the month of April, refer (or bring) a friend who takes a class or a Reiki session, and get
$10 off your next Reiki session or class fee. (Multiple referrals welcome and rewarded!).
Also, schedule a Reiki session on Sunday before Restorative Yoga (at 7pm) and
get your class for free! Noticing the small blessings Sometimes in our quest for big changes
and big happiness in our lives, we overlook the little things: a child's smile; the sun bursting through the clouds; stepping
into a warm room from the cold; the sparkle of the snow as it falls (on the 2nd day of Spring!). Maybe it is the little things taken together that make that big happiness. Maybe what we've been looking for
has been here all along...
Keep In Touch! I'm always open to feedback, comments or questions on anything
in the newsletter, or in classes, so please keep in touch.
If you know someone who might enjoy this newsletter, I'd be grateful if you would pass it on using the link
below. Other stuff...
The photos in this newsletter were taken
by my friend and very talented photographer, Jacqui Damasco. They
were taken right here in Chicago at North Park Village (on Pulaski & Peterson) last summer.
| Opening our hearts to Spring Once upon a time (in my younger days) I spent a
winter in Rochester, New York. That winter dumped a huge amount of snow and people walked around with heads down, hunkering
down against the cold. But on the first day of Spring everyone changed. That first warm day,
people smiled at strangers, heads up, eyes bright, hearts open. You could almost hear the sighs of contentment as you passed
people on the street.
What is it about Spring that brings such a transformation? Maybe
it's the warmth, the opportunity to shed our heavy coats and be free outside in Nature? Maybe it's the return of color
to our little piece of Earth. Maybe it is the promise that even when things look bleak and hopeless, still there is hope for
change. It isn't long, though, before the heat of summer turns smiles to frowns. But does
it have to be so? Can we hold on to that openness, that hopefulness that comes with the first flush of Spring? Can we choose
to hold Spring in our hearts even when Summer burns and Winter rolls around again, greeting each day with the spirit of renewal?
The yoga sutras speak of santosha which is translated as "contentment."
In early Spring you can often spontaneously (though often briefly) experience santosha - as you step out into a just-right day; as you see the first flowers; as you
breathe in Spring. It is as if time slows down and nothing else matters except that one moment. Be mindful to notice that
moment when it happens. Be in that moment. Enjoy it. Happy Spring! (It's
coming!!)
Metta practice to open our hearts
Pema Chodron, in her book When Things Fall Apart describes the Metta meditation as the antidote for fear. This practice cultivates that soft spot within each of our hearts,
and like working a muscle, encourages us to open to equanimity and release judgement. Judgement is the obstacle that keeps
our hearts closed, and separates us from our fellow humans.
To practice the Metta meditation, sit quietly and allow
yourself to relax. Begin by wishing the following for yourself (or for a person or pet that you find it easy to love):
May you be free from suffering;
May you be healthy;
May you be happy;
May you live with ease.
If these phrases don't quite fit, feel free
to change them so that they feel more comfortable - or choose some other intentions.
Offer these intentions first
for yourself ("May I..."), then for a loved one, then for an acquaintance, then for a stranger, then for a "difficult"
person (you know who I mean!). End with wishing these intentions for all sentient beings.
Work up to each one
- like building a muscle. You may even have to work up to offering these intentions for yourself!
Namaste.
Earth Hour 2008 When we talk
about saving the Earth, let's be very clear - we're really talking about saving ourselves. The planet will most likely
survive any damage we do to Her, and eventually repair Herself. We, on the other hand, might not be so fortunate. Last year, thousands of folks in Sydney, Australia turned out their lights for
one hour - all at the same time - in a local effort to positively impact climate change. This
year, on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 8pm, we're invited to join in a global effort. If you're interested in joining,
sign on for Earth Hour 2008!
 | 
New session starts
April 15!
Join us for the next 8-week session of All About Yoga
at 7:30pm on Tuesdays. This series will focus on the chakras. A different chakra will be explored each week, through poses,
mudras and guided meditations.
Space is limited, so email me or call 773-531-8513 to register and make sure you have a spot. 8-session
fee - $80
4 or more classes - $12 each
Individual (drop-in) class - $14 each. Restorative Yoga continues every Sunday at 7pm.
Mystical Meet Ups
We're planning to start a monthly
meet-up on a Wednesday evening to discuss matters of mystical interest. Translated into action
that means a pot-luck dinner with some like- minded folks to discuss topics you may not be able to bring up, say, at
work...LOL! For example we might talk about yoga philosophy, energy (chakras & such), 'alternative'
healing, 2012, crazy dreams... whatever comes up.
If you're interested, let me know. The plan is to start in May. Any ideas/ suggestions/ input would be appreciated. 
Fun links: Snatam Kaur concert this week at Portage Park Center.
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