A Retreat in Review:

Quotes from our last Women’s Retreat at Shambhala Mountain in Colorado:

“Thanks again for the great retreat. It was THE Best”    J.W.

“This retreat was a treat.  A safe place to heal.”     D.L

“What a wonderful time we all shared at Mt. Shambhala.  The weather was great; the scenery a delight.  It was nice to re-connect with fellow yogis and meet new yogis.  Special memories were definitely made.  I also extend a “Special Thank You!” to Savita.  Your planned yoga events, personal care to all of us and making it a most pleasant retreat for everyone to share.  I had a great time and look forward to next year’s retreat.                    S.F.

“The Buddha” watching over us

The Women!

kitchen duty, a bonding experience

In Stillness

Walking Meditation

on top of our world…

Happy Holidays.    May your Holidays and the New Year be filled  with  Joy, Peace and good Health.  It seems like 2008 was a year of pivotal changes (significant elections, global financial and economic developments, climate, etc).  It also looks like some of these changes will bring more uncertainties for all of us.   And uncertainty always presents an opportunity to look inward and explore what truly sustains us.   Personally, I am discovering that the less I resist what life presents each moment, the less struggle there is within.   Thank God for yoga and meditation.   In our last meditation group we discussed  Patanjalis Sutra 23 “Ishvara-pranidhanad-va” (by devotional surrender to God samadhi or self-realization can be attained).   The question was raised what does Patanjali mean by this?  In the sutras that precede this one he gives us clear guidance as to all the different ways one can practice to remain a steady internal focus and gain peace of mind.   And then  Patanjali says, “or by devotional surrender to God”.   What I have been learning from this more and more is, as Joko Beck calls it:  “A choice less welcoming of all of life”.    This past year life presented a few opportunities that really invited me to put that into practice.   While it can be quite challenging, I can report when one does practice such “choice less welcoming”, the load becomes lighter and from underneath reveals itself a certain at ease ness with oneself and the world at large.  

  And as we are entering the year 2009 I wish for all of us, that we continue to find Ease and Joy in life as we apply our practice to all situations.  And I look forward to continue supporting you on your journey through meditation groups, retreats, classes and private sessions.   At the same time I’d like to share my gratitude and appreciation for  your continued support of my workshops and counseling practice by referring your friends and family.   And this year  I am happy to be able to offer you a $50 retail  coupon for any private client referral who purchases a 3 or more session series through Yoga Works.    If you are able to refer clients to my Carlsbad and San Clemente locations, I will offer a ½ price session (value $50) for your referral.

Om shantih yours Savita

www.theartofnaturalhealing.com

And now let’s look ahead to what’s to come in 2009….

Calendar

Wed Jan 14^th+ Feb 18th– Meditation Group interim sessions in Carlsbad.

Anyone can join in for these two evenings of meditation, pranayama, readings, discussion.  We will meet from 7-8:30pm.  There will be a carpool from Mission Viejo.  Sugg. Donation $10

In March  NEW Meditation

  Series in Mission Viejo

Mar 6^th, Mar 20^th, Apr 10^th, Apr 24^th, May 8^th, May 22nd

This group meditation series is particularly designed to support your daily sitting practice.  You will have an opportunity to review techniques that help you stay more focused and aligned with the benefits of a regular practice.   You will review and learn new pranayama breathing techniques, explore different spiritual texts  and have ample time for questions and sharing.  

Costs:  $84/ 6 sessions, $16/drop-in

Register at YogaWorks  949-380-9642

NEW Mar 7th –  Finding Relief from Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome:   Learn essential asanas that help release tensions from the piriformis muscle, throughout the hip joint, pelvis and up into the lumbar spine to help create relief from pain and chronic tightness.   You will discover how the foundational poses of Svaroopa yoga allow you to experience profound physical changes throughout your pelvis and along your spine.  Resulting in release and relaxation throughout your whole body.   This workshop is for all levels.

Location: YogaWorks Mission Viejo

Time:  Saturday, Mar 7  2-5pm

Costs:  $45 pre-registration $55 day of

  NEW a Meditation Retreat in the Mountains Jun 5^th-7^th

 Please mark your calendars   for our first all gender (as opposed to women only) meditation retreat.   The focus will be on practices that help us quiet the mind and deepen our meditation practice.  We will draw on the unspoiled wilderness of the San Jacinto mountains as well as different yogic practices.   Including yoga asanas, other physical yogic activities,  pranayama breathing practices,  extended periods of silence, discussion groups and more.  Our retreat location will be the Zen Mountain Center located on 160 acres of unspoiled mountain terrain and striking beauty in the San Jacinto mountains near Idyllwild.  More details will be posted on website soon or contact:

Savitag@theartofnaturalhealing.com