Home |Events | Broadcast Schedule | Program Archive | Yoga Styles | Reading | Links | Donation | Contact Us | Events, Workshops & Lectures For additional yoga vacations around the world click Yoga Vacations  April 17 to May 15, 2008 Houston, TX The Art and Science of Meditative Practices.  Explore a variety of meditative practices and examine the evidence for their real physical and psychological benefits in this series.  Discover the growing evidence that contemplative practices can improve physical and psychological well-being in this series sponsored with The Institute for Religion and Health (IRH). It has become commonplace to hear that meditation, mindfulness, yoga, centering prayer, and other techniques are in some way good for us. In this innovative series, participants will experience several of these contemplative practices and will learn about the scientific research into their physical and psychological effects. Location:  The Jung Center.  For more info click here May 6-8, 2008 Houston, TX. "The healing Potential of Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness" with Stanislav Grof, M.D., author, consciousness researcher and developer of Holotropic Breathwork and Tav Sparks, author and director of Grof Transpersonal Training. This workshop is a rare opportunity to experience Holotropic Breathwork with its co-originator and teacher Stanislav Grof, M.D. The workshop will be highly experiential. Through breathing, evocative music and focused release work, non-ordinary states of consciousness are induced, allowing access to the healing potential of the psyche. Mandala drawing and group processing of the experiences are additional important elements used in the holotropic process. Special emphasis is placed on integration of the breathwork experience in a supportive atmosphere. Discussions during the weekend will involve a range of topics, including perinatal experiences, spiritual emergency and the birth/death/rebirth model of transformation. Contraindications for this workshop are pregnancy, heart disease and other cardiovascular problems, epilepsy or a history of severe emotional disorder or other psychiatric hospitalization. If you have any questions about these conditions, call before registering. Location: Renaissance Houston Hotel, Greenway Plaza. For more information email here or call 415-383-8779. May 9 & 10, 2008 Houston, TX. Lecture & Workshop on Bridging Science and Spirituality with Gregg Braden. Gregg is a New York Times bestselling author and is internationally renowned as a pioneer in bridging science and spirituality. For more than 22 years, Gregg, a former senior aerospace computer systems designer, has searched for the understanding to do just that. From the remote monasteries of Egypt, Peru and Tibet, to the forgotten texts that were hidden by the early Christian Church, the secret of the Divine Matrix was left in the coded language of our most cherished traditions. It is verified in today’s science. In this rare extended weekend Gregg shares what he’s found and describes how a change in our perceptions holds the timeless secret to healing, peace, and even reality itself! A growing body of scientific evidence is leading to an inescapable conclusion: that everything from the healing of our bodies to the peace of our world is based upon a simple code—a heart-based code—that we may learn and upgrade by choice. The bottom line: if you know the code, you choose what is possible in your life! To tap the force of this code, we must understand how it works and speak the language that it recognizes. Location: Unity Church of Christianity For more info click here. May 9-11, 2008 (Retreat) Austin, TX. Mother's Day Raja Yoga Retreat Weekend with Charles MacInerney. This Mother's Day Weekend Raja Yoga retreat is set at the Margaret Austin Retreat Center, between Austin and Houston, Texas. The retreat is a combination of hatha yoga classes, meditation and workshops on a variety of topics. Husbands often give this weekend as a gift certificate to stressed out moms. It is also a wonderful opportunity for daughters to attend with their mothers. We have even had a daughter, mother and grandmother 3-some attend last years retreat. Please note that this retreat is open not just to mothers, but to anyone who wishes to celebrate motherhood with yoga, meditation, and community.  Location Margaret Austin Retreat Center, Austin.  For more info click here.  May 10, 2008 Houston, TX. ACUPRESSURE & YOGA WORKSHOP with Dr. M.V. Sridhar. This workshop will focus on using Mudras, Bandhas and Acupressure for Natural Healing, to Strengthen the Immune/ Defense Systems, & Pain Management. Location: Keshava Smruthi, 4018 West Hollow Pky.,Houston. TX 77082. Time 10-5pm. For more info click here. May 9-11, 2008 Houston, TX. SUFI WORKSHOPS with Adnan Sarhan. Exercises, meditation, drumming, movement, chanting, dancing and whirling are used to develop the higher intelligence of the heart with Adnan Sarhan. Location: BambooBodyworks. For more info click here. May 10, 2008 Pasadena, TX. Henna Workshop! More details to come! Location: Yoga Rasa Studio. For more info click here. May 10, 2008 Houston, TX. Didgeridoos & Tibetan Bowls. The musical collaborations are with sacred sound musicians whose intent is making a difference in the world through musical and creative expression. These events are synergistic dances of joy, healing and love. Location NiaMoves, 3221 Houston Avenue 77009. Time: 7:30pm. For more info click here. May 10-11, 2008 Houston, TX. Meditation on the Buddha’s Path with Acharya Moh Hardin. The Buddha—the ‘one who woke up’—taught us how to cultivate mindfulness and awareness through our meditation practice. Mindfulness and awareness, in turn, become the vehicle on which we travel on the path of buddha awakening that transforms confusion into wisdom. On Saturday, May 10, through talks, instruction, meditation practice and discussions, we will explore the development of mindfulness and awareness through the practices of shamatha, or ‘peaceful abiding,’ and vipashyana, or ‘clear seeing,’ meditation. On Sunday, May 11, we will explore the the unfolding of the journey that transforms confusion into wisdom as described in the three vehicles—the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The two days work as a piece, but if your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend the weekend, you are invited to attend either day as a one-day workshop. Location: Houston Shambala Meditation Center. For more info click here. May 15, 2008 Houston, TX. INTRODUCTION TO DEVANAGARI (script of the city of the Gods) with JAGDISH MAHESHRI, PH.D. The Devanagari alphabet descended from the Brahmi script sometime around the 11th century AD. It was originally developed to write Sanskirt but was later adapted to write many other languages. This alphabet is used to write Marathi, Pali, Sanskrit, Sindhi and more. Location: BILINGUAL LANGUAGE INSTITUTE, 8989 WESTHEIMER, #110, Houston 77063. For more info call 281-493-4542. May 16, 2008 Galveston, TX. Heart & Mind Restorative Yoga. Come learn how to allow yourself to melt into restorative yoga. Relieve the body, mind & Spirit. Classes benefit the Happy Home Orphanage. Location: The Yoga Haven in Galveston. For more info click here. May 16-18, 2008 Austin, TX. The Breathing Body: A Weekend Intensive with Donna Farhi.  Pranayama can mean learning to create a consistency in the way the life force moves though the body and harnessing this vital energy to serve our purpose. In this weekend intensive we will explore the conditions that need to be present for a liberated experience of breathing, not only when we are practicing asanas, but in our everyday life. We will explore how the relationship between the body, earth and gravity is intimately tied to the freedom of the breath and the free flow of prana throughout the body. We will also look at the crucial relationship between the fluid systems of the body and the ability for prana to circulate throughout the body delivering its nourishment to each and every cell. Location: Yoga Yoga Westgate, Austin.  For more info click here. May 16 & 17, 2008 Dallas, TX. Awakening Yoga, the Emotions & Transformation in Consciousness with Arthur Kilmurray. Arthur Kilmurray has been studying yoga and meditation for over 30 years. A longtime student of B.K.S. Iyengar, and Ramanand Patel, his teaching has also been inspired by the non-dual teachings of Vedanta with Swami Dayanda Saraswati, Big Mind /Zen with Genpo Roshii, and Dzog-chen with Lama Surya Das. Open to all yoga students who are open, curious and ready to explore the known, the unknown, and ultimate mystery. Location: Dallas Yoga Center. For more info click here. May 17, 2008 Houston, TX. Mindfulness: Moving from Doing Mode to Being Mode.  Therapist and popular instructor Micki Fine shows how cultivating present-moment awareness can help us experience true rest. This workshop offers a day of instruction, practice, and discussion, in which participants will learn how to foster the practice of mindfulness meditation and the intentional focus on moment-to-moment experience. Location:  The Jung Center.  For more info click here.  May 18, 2008 Austin,TX. Everyday Sensuality for Women: Meditation, Movement, Magic and Laughter with Dr. Deb Kern. In this introductory workshop Dr. Deborah Kern takes you on a meditative journey to connect with your sacred sensual self using Qi Qong and Yoga. From this empowered place, you will learn how to move more sensually and experience the magic, laughter, joy and power of embodying the fullness of your sensuality. Although many women will want to share their new dance with a partner, the focus of this workshop is not performance. Instead, the focus is learning how to fully embody your divine feminine power. No previous experience necessary. All ages, level, sizes and physical capabilities welcome. Location: JoyMoves, 2501 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746. Time: 1-3pm. For more info click here. May 18, 2008 Houston, TX. Thai Yoga Partner Class with Greg Petitti. Greg was initiated in the art of Nuad Borarn (Thai Yoga) by his teacher Michael “Mukti” Buck of The Vedic Conservatory. Come and discover the joy of giving and receiving as you are guided through a healing and relaxing Thai Yoga session. Bring a friend or come alone and you will be paired up with someone for the class. Sunday, 1 pm – 4 pm Mat sequence: Prone postures. Sunday, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Mat sequence: Supine postures Location: Sundance Yoga. For more info click here. May 19-20, 2008 Austin, TX. Integrity: The Balance of Flexibility and Strength - a 2-day Clinic with Donna Farhi.  Flexibility without strength causes instability and injury. . . even in the beginning student. In this seminar we look at some of the common problems caused by unsound technique, especially those that develop after many years of practice. These include overstretching ligaments that support joint integrity, creating hypermobility in areas of the body that require stability, overemphasis on the origin and insertion opening of the muscle bundle causing tendonitis and pulled muscles. Even if you consider yourself a "tight" person, this seminar will give you insight into how to work effectively without forcing the body beyond it's natural limits. Additionally we will explore how to differentiate between working with intensity and forcefulness with one mind state leading to focused clarity and the other to self-aggression and frustration. Location:  Yoga Yoga, Austin.  For more info click here. May 21, 2008 Austin, TX. Moving Outside the Square with Donna Farhi. We usually think of twists and side-bends as counter-poses for the practice of back bends. They are often practiced incorrectly after the back is a little irritated from backbends. In this clinic we will look at the powerful application of lateral extension movements as preparations before moving the spine into extension. When the intervertebral spaces are open this creates the conditions for moving into extension with ease and agility. We will explore adding lateral extension variations into the classical Sun Salutation cycle as well as other asanas that move the spine in multiple planes of movement. This is a class for anyone wanting to learn how to gently but effectively prepare the spine for deeper movements and will be of particular relevance to teachers foroffering safe classes. For more info click here. May 23-25, 2008 Galveston, TX. Sean Tebor Workshop on Twisting & Sacral Integrity. Twisting and revolved asana postures are among the more sacred in yoga for their powerful capacity to purify the diaphragm, kidneys, heart, and lungs. And yet the sacrum and her union with the spine and pelvis are often compromised in a multitude of ways. Immersing ourselves into the art and science of twisting, we will look deeply into the nature of the spiral body and the reality of sacral structure and stability. We will explore the value of twisting with innovative asana techniques that stabilize the sacrum while opening and strengthening the spiral body. Learn to use twisting postures to ground the pelvis and low spine while freeing the house of the heart, upper chest, shoulders, arms, and neck. Location: The Yoga Haven in Galveston. For more info click here. May 23-28, 2008 Austin, TX. Spinal Integration: A 25-hour Yoga Training with Donna Farhi.  In this intensive we will explore the anatomy, kinesiology and functional movement of the spine, learning how to practice Yoga postures with greater efficiency and thus less strain on the back. We will focus intently on the correct transmission of force through the sacro-iliac joint and how to both prevent and alleviate discomfort in the lower back and pelvis. We will also investigate the way in which human developmental movement patterns can offer central support for the spinal column and how engaging these patterns can create ease and fluidity not only in the spine but throughout the whole body. This training is for anyone who has been practicing Yoga consistently for at least a year and is especially recommended for teachers working with others. The focus of this workshop will be on creating spinal health through integrated movement throughout the whole body. Participants can expect to come away with new insights for how to both create and maintain a healthy back. Location:  Yoga Yoga Westgate, Austin.  For more info click here May 24, 2008 Austin, TX. Living Yoga Workshop with Lauran Janes & Deborah York. This workshop is designed to help students LIVE what they practice on the mat. In this two hour workshop you will: Explore how yoga (asana) helps you recognize mental, physical and emotional patterns; Practice witnessing your thoughts without judgment (and laugh at the often impossibility of this!); Learn to tune into the specific guidance of each unique breath (and laugh at the often impossibility of this!); Better understand the language and wisdom of your emotional body; Learn simple partner yoga poses to practice with your friends/lovers; Examine how your diet affects your yoga practice and vise versa; Develop a five minute daily home practice. Listen to stories and poems to awaken the heart; Share your experiences, ask questions and connect with others. Bring a journal and a pen. This workshop is for experienced beginner, intermediate and advanced yoga students. It will encourage deep introspection and authentic self-reflection. Location: JoyMoves, 2501 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746. Time: 2:00 - 4:00pm. For more info click here. May 24, 2008 Houston, TX. Mandala Coloring and Journaling with Carla Bazemore. Mandala in Sanskrit means sacred circle. The original purpose of creating mandalas was a meditation device, a way to direct the attention inward and upward and redirect the creative energies. Journaling is not writing a diary or much less creative writing. The journaling that we will do is a means of healing and spiritual growth. This event is open to all. No creativity is required just a willingness to expand yourself. Location: Yoga Lotus. Time: 1-2:30pm. For more info click here. May 27 - June 1, 2008 Birmingham, MI. 9th Annual Midwest Yoga Conference. We are pleased to present over 90 workshops this year, which is certainly a testament to the diversity of our community of yogis who have varied yoga practices and needs. Yoga is for anyone and everyone and it is not unusual for a 20-year-old to practice next to an 80-year-old. In an age where we are so busy and expectations are so high, it is a luxury to come to our mats and observe our true nature – not to compete or be something we are not ready to be. So, Come As You Are to the Midwest Yoga Conference and celebrate the uniqueness that is you. Fore more info click here. May 29, 2008 Houston, TX. Yoga For The Feet with Julie Byrd. Location: The Center for Health & Healing, 230 Westcott #208, Houston, 77007. Time: 12:15-1:30pm For more info call 713-660-6620 or click here. May 29–31, 2008 Houston, TX. Dharma Talk and One Day Sitting with Daigaku Rumme, Zen Priest and member of the Soto Zen outreach program. Daigaku returns to Houston to offer dharma teachings and lead a one-day sitting. For more info click here. June 6 -7, 2008 College Station, Texas Guided From Within: An introduction to Freedom Style Yoga with Carie Garrett. Infuse your practice and your life with spontaneity, creativity, fun, and a deep sense of purpose by learning to listen for inner guidance. Explore your ever-changing array of options and choices as you play with your "lines of energy." This workshop will include discussions, story telling, meditation, and asana (poses) designed to help you discover how to cultivate inner listening and begin discovering your yoga. Open to teachers & all levels of practitioners-- Anyone wanting to deepen his/her personal practice. Location: Friends Church, College Station. For more info click here. June 6-7, 2008 Sugar Land, TX INSIGHT MEDITATION RETREAT: A Day of Mindfulness with Mary Rees. Experiential in nature, this retreat and meditation course welcomes beginning meditators and those already practicing meditation. Insight Meditation Community Houston, and Stillness in Action Yoga Sugar Land, will host this event. Please register ASAP before May 26, as space is limited. Applications will be accepted after this date depending on availability. For more information click here. To register or to inquire about this event, please email Charmaine van Niekerk here. June 7-8, 2008 Houston, TX. Vata Management Treatments...individualized oil massage with shirodura (oil drip to the third eye), with Gerhardt Horstman. Gerhardt is the Director of the Vinayak Ayurveda Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he treats over 50 medical illnesses with Ayurvedic medicine using ayurvedic herbal medicine, nutrition, natural supplements, nasaya, shirodhara and aromatherapy. He is also a member of Ayurvedic Foundations, an organization that conducts workshops and custom training (US and abroad), produces audio cassette tapes, and provides Ayurvedic lifestyle counseling. Gerhardt is a long time student of Dr. Sunil V. Joshi, M.D.(Ayu). "Currently, many people are focusing on a person's constitution (Prakruti) in order determine the proper foods and lifestyle that an individual should follow in order to become more balanced. However, we believe that it is one's current state (Vikruti) that should be emphasized in order to determine the proper Ayurvedic protocol. Think about it ! If you want to become really healthy on all levels, what is more important? Who you were when you were born, or who you have become today? In Ayurveda we have little potential to change your underlying constitution; however, there is a great deal we can offer in terms of managing your current state." Gerhardt is also available to speak at interested yoga studios at no charge. Contacts are Jody Lidsky, 713-218-8263 and Dottie Swann, 713-827-1503. June 13, 2008 Houston, TX. Chakra Dance Jam Concert with Bill Protzmann on keyboards & Jodi Roberts on Tibetan Bowls and Gongs. Join Bill - traveling from California and Jodi in this unique chakra opening event. Location NiaMoves, 508 Pecore Ave Houston TX 77009. Time: 7:30pm. For more info click here. June 13-14, 2008 SugarLand, TX INTRO TO FORREST YOGA Weekend Workshop with Charmaine van Niekerk. No experience necessary. Beginners (anyone with less than one year of regular practice) and those new to Forrest Yoga will benefit. Gain a better understanding of the basic yoga postures and their benefits. Using Forrest Yoga techniques and breath awareness you will learn how a mindful yoga practice can give you more energy and help you develop greater strength, flexibility and inner awareness. You will explore the safe and correct way to work with each asana. This is an invitation to begin your personal journey into yoga. Location: Stillness in Action Yoga, Sugar Land, TX. To find out more about this event please click here. June 14 - 21, 2008 (Retreat) Corfu Greece Iyengar Yoga Retreat with Dean & Rebecca Lerner at the Alexis Zorbas Retreat Center (www.alexiszorbas.com).  Come experience yoga on one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, Corfu, with senior Iyengar instructors Dean and Rebecca Lerner.  You will be immersed in Mediterranean sunshine, silent olive groves, clean beaches with crystal clear water, excellent Greek food & fabulous hospitality. Top it all off with two yoga classes per day (Sunday - Friday) - Dean and Rebecca will each teach a daily class. Then off to explore the island, relax at the beach, shop in town, or treat yourself to one of the many healing arts & massages that the Alexis Zorbas has to offer.  For more info click here. June 20-22, 2008 (Retreat) Austin, TX. Summer Texas Yoga Retreat. Immerse yourself in a fun, relaxing weekend of yoga and ashram living with yoga enthusiasts from across Texas. Discover a community of like-minded students and teachers who wish to strengthen their connection with one another and share ideas, information and inspiration from all styles and schools of yoga. Join us in celebrating the rich diversity of yoga in our state as we lay the foundations for creating a strong and vibrant yoga community throughout Texas and across the globe.The retreat is held at Barsana Dham, a beautiful ashram and retreat facility located in the Austin Hill Country. The retreat features teachers from all across Texas who represent many distinct styles of Yoga. Classes are suitable for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced / teacher / aspiring teachers. Classes begin Friday afternoon, and continue through Sunday afternoon. Location: Barsana Dham, Austin.  For more info click here. June 21-28, 2008 (Retreat) St. John, US Virgin Islands Sacred Warrior Retreat with Tracie Brace. Join Tracie and the Yoga Rasa Kula as we set out on a pilgrimage to become our most conscious Self. Embracing our Inner Sacred Warrior we are empowered to live courageously and profoundly, affecting our destiny by making choices from a place of strength, stability, focus and power...the home of The Sacred Warrior resides in you!!  For more info click here.  June 27–29, 2008 Austin, TX. Wake Up Now: Discover the Joy of Your True Self with Stephan Bodian. According to the non-dual wisdom traditions of Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta, the spiritual journey involves awakening from the dream of separation and realizing the peace, love, and joy of our essential spiritual nature, which is pure oneness. Only by awakening to our essential nature can we experience complete relief from suffering and dissatisfaction. Through guided meditations, self-inquiry, talks, dialogues, and dyadic exercises, spiritual teacher Stephan Bodian will guide you toward experiencing this spiritual awakening in yourself. Once you’ve awakened to who you really are, your life will change in significant and powerful ways. You don’t have to exert tremendous effort or spend years on a meditation cushion to awaken—you just need to have the willingness to look deeply into your own heart and mind. Location: The Crossings in Austin For more info click here. June 27-29, 2008 Blanco, Tx. (Retreat) Weekend Retreat for Women with Sojourn Retreats at the Luz de Blanco Retreat Center. We create a fun, safe, and respectful environment, add in daily hatha yoga classes; Yoga Nidra deep relaxation; creative projects; time to listen to other women share their stories and wisdom; time for you to share your insights (if you wish); journaling; free time to do whatever you would like (read, chat, nap, knit, take a Jacuzzi, hike); good food; good companionship; and a beautiful locale. We believe that you will leave the retreat feeling re-energized, jazzed about your life, and ready to take your next steps! Location: Luz de Blanco Retreat Center, 122 Red Rock Road, Blanco, Texas. For more info click here. June 27- July 4, 2008 (Kids Camp) Colorado Rockies Shoshoni Teen Yoga Camp.  A free-spirited week of inner & outer connections at the Shoshoni Yoga Retreat in the Colorado Rockies near Boulder.  Spread your wings and broaden your horizons! Dive in to a week of new experiences and new perspectives this summer. At Shoshoni Teen Yoga Camp for ages 11- 17, you can feel free to be yourself and make your own choices. Choose from an amazing array of activities in Fine Arts, Outdoor/Adventure, Contemplative Arts, and Music.  For more info click here. June 28-29, 2008 Austin, TX. Yoga for Transformation: Erasing Personal and Collective Karma with Deva Powell. In this weekend special event, Deva will use the powerful technology of Kundalini Yoga and the vibrational healing of the Gong to neutralize personal and collective karma, to transform destructive patterns into healthy ones and to share tools for awakening the healer and leader within.Learn to heal the karmic energies that can trap you in familial and cultural imprinting, inherited ancestral dysfunctions, past-life traumas and unconscious fear patterns. Discover your interconnectivity with Nature and the innate power that each of us has to purify and clean the collective whole through our own yoga practice. You will learn what a single individual can accomplish through compassion, service and dedication to the web of Life. Deva (James) Powell teaches Kundalini Yoga with a strong intention to create a neutral and sacred space that promotes self-reflection and growth and provides practical techniques to deal with the stress and confusion of everyday living. With a strong spiritual element, his classes are designed to test boundaries, confound limitations, and transport students into the higher expressions of the mind, emotions, and body. Location: Yoga Yoga North Austin. For more info click here. June 29-30, 2008 Addison, TX. Ammachi also known as Mata Amritanandamayi Devi is an Indian spiritual leader revered as a saint by her followers, who also know her as "Amma", "Ammachi" or "Mother". She is a widely respected humanitarian and is known as "the hugging saint". Ammachi was a representative of Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago, a keynote speaker at the Global Peace Initiative of Women in Switzerland, and was presented with the Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence by The World Movement for Nonviolence at the UN General Assembly Hall in Geneva in recognition of her lifelong work in furthering the principles of non-violence. Ammachi was born fully enlightened and has embraced the entire world with love and compassion of indescribable dimensions. Millions have come and experienced the wonderful healing and rejuvinating effect of the equal love that she showers on all. Deepak Chopra says,"Ammachi is the embodiement of pure love. Her presence heals." The Chicago Tribune says, "She has been called saint, mystic, guru, avatar and master...someone sent to the world in an enlightened state to uplift humanity through unconditional love". Amma's presence reminds us to express compassion and humilty with our divine selves and to share love through service and charity. Location: Hotel Intercontinental, 15201 Dallas Parkway, Addison, TX 75001. For more info click here. June 29-July 5, 2008 (Kids Camp) Hempstead, TX. Children's Camp at Blackwood Educational Land Institute. Enrollment limited to 25 campers. Those ages 14-17 may seek internships as camp helpers. Diversity is prized, and there is accommodation for special needs children. For more information and on-line registration click here. Or contact Cath Conlon, 713/768.3422 cath@blackwoodland. July 6-12, 2008 (Kids Camp) Hempstead, TX. Children's Camp at Blackwood Educational Land Institute. Enrollment limited to 25 campers. Those ages 14-17 may seek internships as camp helpers. Diversity is prized, and there is accommodation for special needs children. For more information and on-line registration click here. Or contact Cath Conlon, 713/768.3422 cath@blackwoodland. July 11, 2008 Houston, TX. Tibetan Meditation with Healing Sounds with Scholar and popular teacher Alejandro Chaou. Alejandro introduces participants to the timeless wisdom of the Tibetan Bon meditation tradition. Explore the intimate connection between healing and the sounds of particular syllables, as expressed in ancient Tibetan texts. Tibetan meditative sounds can affect us on all levels—physical, mental, and spiritual. In this workshop, participants will learn how to meditate using these ancient Tibetan sacred sounds and apply that state of mind in everyday life. Meditation methods will include awareness of breath, visualization and concentration. While producing the sounds, participants will focus on the meaning associated with each sound and visualize its corresponding color of light and location in the body (chakra). Working with particular circumstances from everyday life, this practice can help cleanse and release inner obstacles, connect with a sense of completeness and, if needed, retrieve a positive quality (e.g., love, joy, or peace of mind). That quality and sense of completeness are then brought to manifest and integrate into daily life, and to be shared with others. All are welcome. No previous experience with meditation is required for this unique workshop. This practice can be done sitting on a chair or cushion, whatever is most comfortable for the practitioner. Location: The Jung Center. Time: 10 am - 4 pm. For more info click here. July 12-19, 2008 (Retreat) Costa Rica Costa Rica Retreat with Valerie Immore and Elysabeth Williamson.  Join Sundance Yoga with Valerie and Elysabeth for an amazing experience in a tropical mountainside paradise at the Pura Vida Spa and Resort in Costa Rica. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of nature, we will deepen our connection to ourselves, each other and the Divine. Together, we will flow between the power and grace of individual practice and partner practice allowing each to inform the other. Daily Yoga and meditation practice in this lush, tropical setting will help connect you to nature, nurturing and embracing you. You will come away renewed, rejuvenated and inspired.  For more info click here. July 16-20 Houston, TX. 5-Day Yog Science Camp with Swami Ramdev Maharaj.  This is Swami Ji's first visit to Houston!   As more and more people around the world become health conscious, Swamiji decided to spread his knowledge to the masses.  His message of wellness, health and humanity are the core beliefs of his yoga practices. The reason for the popularity of Yog is that it's not bound by gender, religion, status, caste, community or language. Anyone can benefit from Yog in one way or another. Yog is complete in every aspect because it touches every sphere of human life. It is a complete lifestyle, a complete body therapy and above all a complete spiritual insight. Location:  George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas 77010 .  Time:  6-9am daily.  This one will sell out fast so register early.  For more info click here or for flyer click here. July 17–20, 2008 Austin, TX. Heavyweight Yoga Retreat with Abby Lentz. Realize the benefits of yoga regardless of your body size during this nurturing weekend retreat for women only. HeavyWeight Yoga® founder Abby Lentz puts women of size on the yoga mat using her unique HeavyWeight Yoga approach. With gentle flow, modifications and the use of props, Lentz creates a safe environment for plus-sized women to learn and practice yoga. This workshop will cover the 24 foundational yoga postures, the Efficient Warm Up Series, Sun and Moon Salutations plus private consultation with Lentz for a personal assessment. Also included are handouts and instructions for building your own yoga practice at home. Explore the limits of what your body can do without judgment or self-criticism. This workshop is good for all experience levels, including beginners. Location: The Crossings Austin, TX. For more info click here. July 18-20, 2008 Houston, TX Celebrate Guru Purnima Sri Pada Puja with the Divine Mother, Sri Karunamayi.  Please join us on Guru Purnima as we show our gratitude and appreciation for all the wisdom, blessings, and motherly love Amma constantly showers on us all. Revered by many as the embodiment of wisdom, peace and unconditional love, Sri Karunamayi will be giving discourses on the fundamental truths that support all faiths as part of her fourteenth World Tour in 2008. All are invited to hear her inspiring message, join with her in singing devotional songs, and receive the blessings of her divine knowledge and love. Location:  Sheraton North Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, 15700 John F. Kennedy Boulevard 77032.  For more info about her schedule click here.  July 18-20, 2008, Austin, TX. A Weekend with Seane Corn. In this special weekend, Seane Corn will help you explore how making conscious and responsible choices in all aspects of your life can help purify your body, mind and spirit, and support optimal health. You'll learn specific yoga sequences to stimulate the productivity of the vital organs and encourage the release of accumulated toxins. Location Yoga Yoga Westgate.  For more info click here. July 20 - 25, 2008 (Retreat) Rose Mountain, New Mexico.  Yoga and Meditation Intensive Retreat with with Raye Lynn Rath and Becky Jordan of Sacred Art Yoga.  Come and immerse yourself ... Explore extensive practices of yoga and meditation, hiking, amazingly delicious vegetarian meals, and being on the mountain, held within the majestic beauty of nature.  This retreat is a multi level intensive for students and teachers that are looking to take their practice to the next level ... to juice it up and explore new possibilities.  Join us for this profound experience. Location:  Rose Mountain Retreat Center in New Mexico.  For more info click here. July 25, 2008 Houston, TX. Summer Mindfulness Workshop with Therapist Micki Fine. Micki shows the practical value of cultivating present-moment awareness in this one-day workshop. Mindfulness for Mental Health Professionals. Discover how mindfulness can be a powerful adjunct to the practice of psychotherapy. Whether practiced personally by the therapist or used as an intervention in session, mindfulness can benefit the quality of our work with our clients. The practice of mindfulness provides a way of living that can help people develop self-awareness, access and process emotion effectively, reduce reactivity to thoughts and urges, and open to internal compassion and intuition. Research shows significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress-related physical symptoms for those who practice mindfulness. In this course, we will learn about the basic concepts of mindfulness, practice mindfulness meditation, discuss the practical application of these concepts in our own lives as mental health professionals, and explore the application of mindfulness to counseling/psychotherapy. Location: The Jung Center. Time: 10 am - 4 pm. For more info click here. July 26-27, 2008 Austin, TX. Yoga and Astrology with Mehtab of Yoga Yoga. In ancient India, the yogis were masters of the three sister sciences: Yoga, Ayurveda (Healing), and Jyotish (Astrology). The yoga teachers taught their students these three sciences together to aid in their development and transformation. Ayurveda was used to help heal the physical body while Jyotish (astrology) was used to guide the seeker on their spiritual journey. Jyotish (literally meaning "the science of light") was especially helpful in understanding each person's purpose in life, what they need to work on and fulfill, when they needed to take the next step of their journey, and what yogic techniques and methods would be especially useful to practice based upon their karmas and destiny. Each person has a unique physical, psychological and psychic makeup as revealed in their astrological birth chart. Through the science of astrology, you can use your gifts to overcome challenges and realize opportunities in your own yoga practice. Location: Yoga Yoga Westgate. For more info click here. August 1-3, 2008 Houston, TX. Nritya Yoga with Amrita Choudhury. Amrita is an extraordinary performer, choreographer and dance therapist. Her journey began at a young age in India where she was classically educated and trained in the yogic arts. Indian Sacred Classical dance and Yoga share common roots that go back thousands of years and it is believed that the sacred scriptures were handed down to us through expression, movement and the rhythm of dance. Experience this dynamic form of yoga for yourself, all are welcome! Come immerse yourself in the full weekend of motion that is truly spiritually inspiring and soulfully uplifting. Location: Jennyoga, 3733 Westheimer, Suite 6, Houston, TX. 77027. For more info click here. August 1-8, 2008 (Retreat) Chappell Hill, TX. Summer Retreat with the Nichiren Buddhist Sangha of Texas along with the Nichiren Order of North America. This will be the first week long retreat offered by Nichiren Shu in North America. It will be focused mainly on practice with some discussion and Dharma Talks. Please consider attending this historic event to learn more about your practice and yourself. If you are new or curious about Nichiren Buddhism, this will be a wonderful week to learn about the practices of our lineage. It will be a perfect time to deepen faith and make friends in the Texas area and from around the continent of North America. Location: The Margaret Austin Center For more info click here. August 2, 2008 Pasadena, TX. Fundamentals Mastery Clinic with Tracie Brace, E-RYT 500. Join Tracie for this Extended Workshop & Develop Mastery! The Fundamentals Mastery Clinic is an opportunity to study yoga fundamentals in a workshop setting.The objective is to allow students of all levels with specific needs and/or students who would like to study the building blocks of yoga in-depth in a way that truly empowers them to apply yoga to their everyday life. This Course leads to not only the mastery of yoga but the mastery of self and true application of yoga to everyday life. The Course will cover the foundations and fundamentals of yoga asana (breathing, alignment, and form), cultivating an overall sense of strength and stability while acquiring the true skill of yoga. We will practice and learn in a way that provides the student with similar benefits to individual private yoga study and therapy with Tracie. Location: Yoga Rasa. For more info click here. August 2-7, 2008 (Retreat) St. John in the Virgin Islands Yoga Retreat in the Virgin Islands with Yoga Lola. Why Florian Villa? The villa is owned by a yoga instructor and was purchased specifically for yoga retreats. The villa has a beautiful yoga space with spectacular views of the ocean and islands, and provides privacy and has a private pool. Vegetarian meals are provided by a local chef and there is an organic farm just up the road from the villa. Florian Villa is your oasis in the Caribbean. For more info click here. August 4, 2008 Houston, TX. Partner Yoga Workshop with Nicole Haagenson of Nia Moves. This workshop is ideal for couples, family and friends interested in exploring deeper levels of connection and intimacy through yoga. Time: 3-5 p.m. Location: NiaMoves Studio, 3221 Houston Ave. in the Heights For more info click here. August 8-10, 2008 Chappell Hill, TX. Women’s Hatha Flow & Yin Yoga Weekend with Jenn Wooten. Join us as we explore the relationship between yin feminine energy & yang masculine energy as it relates to our yoga practice & to our lives. Find the balance between inspiration & effort, surrender & strength in this empowering & healing weekend. Some prior yoga experience is recommended, but all levels welcome. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info click here. August 15-19, 2008 Austin, TX. Viniyoga for Optimal Health Weekend with Gary Kraftsow.This will be an experiential weekend, with time for teachings, dialogue and deep practice. It is designed for any individual interested in exploring the depth of the Yogic tradition as a means to deepen their own self-understanding and achieve their potential. It is appropriate for both teachers and students. Participants will learn how to create integrated practices adapted to their unique needs and interests and relevant to their daily lives. Location: Yoga Yoga Westgate. For more info click here. August 28-30, 2008  Atlanta, GA. 2nd International Kriya Yoga Congress and Meditation Seminar with Roy Eugene Davis.  Kriya yoga is a concentrated approach to Self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment: complete awakening to full knowledge of the Infinite and of cosmic processes. It includes the most effective processes of all systems of yoga, with emphasis on wholesome, constructive living and superconscious meditation practice.  Location:  Atlanta Marriott Century Ceter Hotel.  For more info click here Sept. 4-7, 2008 Chappell Hill, TX. Insight Meditation Houston with Lila Kate Wheeler. On this silent 3-day retreat, we will gently inhabit this moment, allowing direct understanding to arise, free of opinions & judgements. The retreat is open to beginners & advanced students. Scholarships are available. Lila Kate Wheeler, of Massachusetts, has been practicing Buddhist meditation since 1977 and is also a published writer. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info click here. September 6, 2008 Houston, TX. Practicing Mindfulness with the Dark Emotions: A Radically Different Way to Transform Emotions with Micki Fine. Can we be mindful in difficult moments? It brings great pleasure to be present for happy moments. But difficult moments challenge us. We wrestle with difficult emotions by pushing them away, denying them, or judging them. All the while, this struggle actually makes the process of working through them even more difficult. Join us in this exploration of mindfulness and how it can help us experience, learn from, and transform emotions with grace, acceptance, and resourcefulness. Mindfulness, the intentional cultivation of non-judgmental, present-moment awareness, can help us awaken to our emotions more fully, and allow them to be present and to move through us with less struggle. This workshop offers a day of instruction, practice, and discussion, in which participants will learn how to foster the practice of mindfulness meditation and the intentional focus on moment-to-moment experience. Location: The Jung Center. For more info click here. September 9-13, 2008 Dallas, TX. Yoga Sutra: Light on Self-Mastery - A ParaYoga® Master Training and Five-Day Intensive with Rod Stryker. By illuminating the practices, challenges, purpose and potential of Yoga as a spiritual journey, the Sutras map the path to realizing life’s most precious treasures. Man’s supreme potential unfolds in the state of Yoga. Yoga is the revelation of perfect clarity, limitless intelligence, lasting peace, and freedom in action. Yoga practice – culminating in the heights of wisdom and compassion – can be defined as those processes that enable us to become what in our heart of hearts we aspire to be. This five-day practice and Teacher Training Intensive is open to all interested students, and is designed to enrich dedicated practitioners, aspiring teachers, or those already teaching. The training consists of two parts: Open Morning Practices and Afternoon Training Sessions. Location: Living Yoga Dallas. For more info click here. September 26-27, 2008 Nassau Bay, TX. Anusara Yoga Immersion II Workshop with Raye Lynn Rath at the Clear Lake Studio, 18083 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay, TX. For more info call 281 333-1646 October 10-12, 2008 (Retreat) Chappel Hill, Texas Rising Hearts Yoga Retreat with Hanif Hekima. Our weekend will have a wonderful flow to it. We will have morning and evening yoga and meditation sessions, plenty of time to relax and reconnect with nature from the center's beautiful six acres of landscaped grounds and enjoy delicious health conscience meals from one of the best retreat cooks in the country! We will be the only group in residence at the Center that weekend! Students of all levels are welcomed to join this retreat! Location: Margaret Austin Center, Chappell Hill. For more info click here. September 19-21, 2008 (Retreat) Chappell Hill, TX. The 2008 Fall Women's Retreat's theme is "Finding Your Zen". Retreat is a time of getting away from the everyday life to really center and re-group. We believe that every woman deserves the chance to experience a women's gathering to understand the power within themselves and that of a group of women. All of our retreats are put together as a spiritual venture. Location: Margaret Austin Center. Register early as this fills up quickly!. For more info click here. October 17-19, 2008 Dallas, TX. Power Yoga Workshop with BERYL BENDER BIRCH. Location: Living Yoga Dallas. Information coming soon! Oct 17-19, 2008 Blanco, Tx. (Retreat) Weekend Retreat for Women with Sojourn Retreats at the Luz de Blanco Retreat Center. We create a fun, safe, and respectful environment, add in daily hatha yoga classes; Yoga Nidra deep relaxation; creative projects; time to listen to other women share their stories and wisdom; time for you to share your insights (if you wish); journaling; free time to do whatever you would like (read, chat, nap, knit, take a Jacuzzi, hike); good food; good companionship; and a beautiful locale. We believe that you will leave the retreat feeling re-energized, jazzed about your life, and ready to take your next steps! Location: Luz de Blanco Retreat Center, 122 Red Rock Road, Blanco, Texas. For more info click here. Oct. 23-26, 2008 Chappell Hill, TX. UT Austin Insight Meditation with Rodney Smith. This retreat will focus on developing mindfulness and compassion, so that the joys and sorrows of life can be experienced with ever-increasing sensitivity, stability and love. This retreat will be held in silence, and is appropriate for both beginning and experienced meditators. Rodney Smith is a Senior Teacher at the Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts and guiding teacher for Seattle Insight Meditation Society. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info email here. Oct. 31, 2008 Houston, TX. Spiritual Gangster Tour with Ian Lopatin & Vanessa Lee. Ian Lopatin has been dubbed by Yoga Journal as one of the Next Generation teachers of 2008. Modern yogis are finding new ways of channeling their spiritual energy, as Ian directs them through his powerful hip hop power yoga class. As Co-founder and President of At One Yoga in Arizona, Ian celebrates over ten years in business, and attributes its success to his evolution from White House employee, to Los Angeles entertainment lawyer, to full-time Yogi. A graduate of UCLA Law, Ian’s formal training allows him to clearly communicate yoga’s powerful message in a practical and modern manner with the goal of making yoga fun and challenging for everyone. Vanessa Lee has graced the cover of Yoga Journal thrice!! She has a powerful and dedicated yoga practice, and an engaging presence. Along with partner Ian, she has created the Spiritual Gangster series of power yoga workouts as well as a line of yoga apparel, whose signature t-shirts express timeless reminders like “be the change you wish to see,” “trust the universe,” and “manifest.” Location: 2929 Unity Drive, Houston 77057. For more info click here. November 7-9, 2008 (Retreat) Austin, TX. Autumn Texas Yoga Retreat. Immerse yourself in a fun, relaxing weekend of yoga and ashram living with yoga enthusiasts from across Texas. Discover a community of like-minded students and teachers who wish to strengthen their connection with one another and share ideas, information and inspiration from all styles and schools of yoga. Join us in celebrating the rich diversity of yoga in our state as we lay the foundations for creating a strong and vibrant yoga community throughout Texas and across the globe. The retreat is held at Barsana Dham, a beautiful ashram and retreat facility located in the Austin Hill Country. The retreat features teachers from all across Texas who represent many distinct styles of Yoga. Classes are suitable for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced / teacher / aspiring teachers. Classes begin Friday afternoon, and continue through Sunday afternoon. Location: Barsana Dham, Austin.  For more info click here. November 8-15, 2008 Maya Tulum (Retreat) Maya Tulum Yoga Retreat. Pam Johnson of the Heights School of Yoga invites you to yoga in paradise for the second annual Heights School of Yoga retreat in the Mayan Rivera. Maya Tulum Wellness Retreat and Spa is an elegant but earthy retreat facility built exclusively for the practice of yoga. The food is amazing, the setting just short of or maybe paradise, the yoga challenging and restorative. All followed by explorative days reading a book on the beach, floating down a fresh water river, having a mystic massage, or exploring the magical ruins. Pam will teach morning vinyasa classes and evening restorative classes. Yoga classes, food and lodging are all included. For more info on the lodge click here. www.mayatulum.com. For more info about the retreat click here Nov. 14-16, 2008 Pasadena, TX. Kirtan Concert & Workshop with David Newman (Durga Das) & Mira. Details coming!!! Location: Yoga Rasa Studio. For more info click here. Nov. 14-16, 2008 Chappell Hill, TX. Acknowledge Your Reality with Susan Gobin. Susan Gobin is the author of Love is the Healer, Death is a Vehicle Impermanence is our nature, yet we forget. The weekend will be a step by step spiral journey to our deepest selves using three distinct meditations including movement, culminating in Self Realizing Breathwork with evocative music and artwork to re-member. Please be ready to work. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info email here. November 14-16, 2008 Houston, TX. Weekend Workshop with Professor Douglas Brooks. A weekend workshop on the spiritual philosophy of Rajanaka Tantra discovering the deeper meaning behind this practice we call yoga.  Location:  The Yoga Institute, Houston. For more info click here. Nov.21-23, 2008 Chappell Hill, TX. Namaste Yoga Retreats with Moniek. Namaste Yoga Retreats are for all who embrace life’s journey rather one practices yoga or not. We offer: Just Exhale, Simply Stretch, & Yoga & Meditation Retreats. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info click here. Dec. 5-7, 2008 Chappell Hill, TX. Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Charles MacInerney. Join one of Austin’s most respected Yoga Teachers for a weekend of Hatha Yoga, Meditation, philosophy, and workshops on the Mind/Body Connection, Breath, Sense-Withdrawal, Improving Concentration, & the 7 Chakras. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info click here. Dec. 30-Jan. 4, 2009 Chappell Hill, TX. Insight Meditation & Wildflower Sangha with Shaila Catherine. This retreat is open to the public. Location: Margaret Austin Center. For more info email here Yoga For Peace, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Yogic Principles, Philosophy & Practice. Namaste'