| October 9th, 2016 |
Morning Decision |
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So _ ya wake up in the morning...............facing a decision......... do I pursue the material or the spiritual world. So .... you check in with your 8 or 9 senses and decide .. well, I'm already in the material world so lets pursue the Spiritual world...... So you do your 5 tibetans with internal OMming.... 3 mudras from the pradapika... your Kurma Mudra hand gesture and Analoma Valoma, Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing or whaever you want to call it........... then go make some daily bread!
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| June 29th, 2016 |
Yoga of the Internet |
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Think about the place where Europe and Asia connect and post positve things about that border area on social media, because there is so much pain there right now.
Focus the energy of your practice there.
Cindy Simmons and Karen Sapia
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| June 27th, 2016 |
Join us the weekend of Arts Fest ~ July 16th and 17th |
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YOGA ME Workshop - A self portrait of a Yogi. This workshop focuses on "Capturing the Essence of your personal yoga expressions. A reflective yoga practice, meditation and guided writing that concludes with a photograph of you in your intimate yoga posture and statement in writing. 2 hours of Love and Self Understanding. At Yoga in State College, PA 220 S. Allen Street.
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| June 16th, 2016 |
Just Good to know |
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Try not to let your personal issues get in the way of your real work ~ i.e. your service to others. If you are living the plan of the universe; it's like having your buttons pushed by the universe. # who is pushing your buttons?
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| June 6th, 2016 |
Just Good to know |
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Don't expect rewards as a result of your actions ~ experience rewards in the actions themselves. |
| May 31st, 2016 |
FREE Outdoor Hatha Yoga |
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Come join the over 400 yogis and yoginis at the Berks County Heritage Center off Route 183 near the PSU St. Joe's Hospital.
It's held every Sunday from May 15th thru September starting at 11am. The class lasts for about 1 hour; and it's FREE. Bring your friends and neighbors
for a chillaxing hour in the Sun. I have been doing this for 8 years now and have loved every minute of sharing this beautiful ancient science of bringing the mind to stillness. For more info call me at 610-780-9821 or email me at dwhnano@gmail.com. I wish you health , happiness , and prosperity, right now! Doug
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| May 31st, 2016 |
Always look on the bright side of life |
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| April 15th, 2016 |
Dance of the Chakras by Jamie Roth |
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For my last module before I am a RYT, I would like to put together an educational yoga/dance performance. The show be at 7pm on Wednesday, May 4th in room 119 of the Visual Arts building on campus (next to Palmer Art Museum - the one with the paws!). It will consist of 7 pieces, with varying levels of complexity in choreography (but most will be pretty easy!) and will illustrate each of the Chakras through movement. I am looking for anyone and everyone who would like to participate. There is no experience required for most of the pieces, and you can choose to participate in as few or many as you like - no one will be required to be in all of them. If you have been watching dancing with the stars and are now motivated to get in there and dance yourself ~ well ~ here is your chance Email Jamie
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| April 1st, 2016 |
A new way to lose weight |
Chew till the flavor is gone! |
Eat Less! OK that's understood. Now, how do we accomplish that? chew more! OK that's understood. Now, how do we accomplish that?
Taste more! OK, that's understood. Now, how do we accomplish that? I am proposing a theory that one of the main reasons that food was given flavor is to tell us when to swallow. In as much as most all foods and liquids have flavor when it enters the mouth, that flavor dissipates as we chew, churn and allow the saliva to mix in. As we chew the flavor begins to dissipate. We should continue to chew until all the flavor is gone, then, we swallow the food. It is ready for the stomach! Exceptions? of course! But as a general rule ~ try this theory out for one meal. I can almost gaurantee that you will eat less and feel more full. Eat less ~ lose weight!
Let me know how it works. Email Doug
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| March 28th, 2016 |
Mantra for Joy |
Savitri |
Sometimes things just don't go that well and you wonder what you can do about it. You try one thing and it doesn't work ~ you just can't QUIET the mind. Well usually its just an overactive imagination using fear as it's fuel. Put the fire out this way : Repeat this mantra for a minute or two.
Breathe thru it
See thru it
Be in JOY
Breath thru it _ meaning _ notice the breath, begin to flow the breath thru the concern by conciously being aware of the feeling of the inhale and sound of the exhale. Slow the breath down and let in find the spaces between the thoughts. Have it widen the gap a little.
See thru it _ meaning _ thoughts and mental images are obviously transparent. They are not solids! We can see right thru the actual thoughts and see the impasse for what it is. What's truely bugging you? What you think is going on generally isn't! Heh, sometimes it is, but generally not.
Be in JOY _ meaning _ pick a great feeling to immerse yourself in and be it! It can be JOY, HAPPINESS, TRUTH, GRATITUDE, pick from an assortment of higher aspirations and surrender to that feeling.
Let me know how it works. Email Doug
This meditation was given to me on Easter Sunday by a healer and good friend SAVITRI.
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| March 11th, 2016 |
New Brain Yoga |
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In his new book "Your Brain on Yoga" Sat Bir Singh Khalsa gives us a Brain meditation and Mantra to activate the left side prefrontal cortex of the Brain. It goes something like this: Sit comfortably Turn the timer on to 7 minutes
Sitting Posture ~ hands on knees.
Focus on Eyebrow center
Inhale and hold the breath.
Mentally repeat ~ Healthy I am ~ Happy I am ~ Holy I am ( 3 times )
Exhale ~ Say out loud once Healthy I am ~ Happy I am ~ Holy I am
Repeat. Give it a try! For a more thorough explanation and an abundance of more great Mantras and info use the following link to Amazon
HERE
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| February 29th, 2016 |
Mantra for Prosperity |
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A few years back I was reading Yoga Journal and they had an article about our dream for prosperity in our lives.
Not necessarily just financial, but an overall feeling of abundance which we would likely share with others.
So ; the article gave instructions on repeating the mantra 108 times a day for 40 straight days. Not an easy task!
I developed a website to help you keep track of the 108 repetitions.
it can be found
HERE
Perhaps you would like to try it. There is no charge.
If you don't want to do it ~ perhaps you know someone who could use a little boost right now.
I wish you health, happiness, and prosperity; right now
Doug Hayward dwhnano@gmail.com
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| January 11th, 2016 |
Frankincense |
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I have been suffereing from what one professional has called Tendonopathy. Physical therapy was prescribed and 4 visits were made to the Physical Therapist. Some exercises were then taught and I performed them for a few weeks. The long term impact of the PT has been fairly minimal. This condition has been going on for about 2 years so far. I have used massage, accupuncture, chiropractic and an orthopedic doctor and Physical Therapist.
One additional thing I have tried is the rubbing of Frankincense on the affected area two times a day. That treatment has been the absolute most effective treatment to date. When I go without rubbing the Frankincense on the affected area for a period of up to one day the symptoms of pain from the tendonopathy re-appear. More info
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| December 26th, 2015 |
Fertility Online |
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Please use this link to a very valuable resource as relates to fetility and the newest work being done by Lucy Coleman. It is a directory of her latest Fertility articles published. Includes news on infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and much more. The website
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| December 8th, 2015 |
Happiness or Grudge |
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When it comes right down to it, there is very little that we can do to change something that has already happened to us.
We place an emotional perspective on the things we feel, what has been done to us, what we have done to others, etc. I do believe that we can alter the way we carry our long term perspective. We have the ability to decide HAPPINESS or GRUDGE!!!
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| November 26th, 2015 |
The power of controlling the breath |
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Although we can control the motions of the mind and nerves that lead to a sense of inferiority, envy, self pitty and jealosy, etc. we often feel as if we would like to do this but don't know how! One method that others have used not only in the past but presently is the control of the Form Force (Prana) . " Maintaining a balanced infusion of the Form Force ( thru pranayama exercises ) over the body ensures psych-physical co-ordination, when emotional complexes are relieved, and no longer does the individual become influenced by such unnatural products of an inharmoniously working mind as inferiority, envy, self-pitty, jealousy, etc ." Yogi Vithaldas The website
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| August 21st, 2015 |
New Dimensions Radio |
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New Dimensions Radio produces the longest-running and most successful independently produced interview program in the history of public radio. We feature leading-edge thinkers, scientists, artists, healers, ecologists, spiritual leaders, and social architects in award winning, deep dialogues. We have over a thousand MP3 programs that you can purchase and download. The website
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| August 20th, 2015 |
Berks Mont News covers Detox Hatha Yoga |
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Karen L. Chandler of Berks-Mont News Came to the Hatha yoga one Sunday to see class participants strike a pose at the Berks County Heritage Center. The Article
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| August 19th, 2015 |
Astronomy Picture of the day |
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Absolutely amazing photos from Nasa that you may want to look at when you have a spare moment. See what all your tax dollars are being spent on and also some of the amazing research that is being done within our universe The Website
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| August 17th, 2015 |
Yoga at Blue Marsh Lake ~ Vista Overlook |
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Sometimes during the week we have a special class at various locations throughout Berks County. This photo was taken at the Vista Overlook at the Dry Brooks Day use area of Blue Marsh Lake. Within the top triangle is Blue Marsh Lake.
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| August 8th, 2015 |
Advanced Yoga Practices
Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living
Home ~ FREE and Paid ~ You decide |
 Yogani |
The Website This website introduces the nearly 500 easy-to-follow lessons that have been developed and enhanced since 2003. Join the thousands of people who have been using these "plain English" teachings, and begin to incorporate powerful advanced yoga practices into your daily life in a practical, safe, and results-oriented way.
The resources of AYP are threefold, consisting of this website introducing all aspects of the AYP system, the 15 AYP books (available in paperback, ebook and audiobook editions), and the AYP Plus expanded and interactive online subscription service. Links to all of these can be found in the left and right side borders of this website. AYP retreats are also available, as is face-to-face training.
An open and integrated system of advanced yoga practices is offered here which will unfold lasting inner peace and natural ecstatic radiance. The techniques act directly through heart, mind, body, breath and sexuality. Practices taught in the lessons include deep meditation using an efficient universal mantra, advanced spinal breathing pranayama methods, samyama, self-inquiry, and an integration of hatha, kundalini and tantra techniques, all for steadily cultivating inner peace and enlightenment through daily practice. Everyone is encouraged to go at their own speed in taking on new practices. Much attention is devoted in the lessons to developing skills in "self-pacing," with the aim of assisting every practitioner to become self-sufficient in yoga.
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| August 1st, 2015 |
Yoga in The Park ~ Sundays 11am til September ~ Berks County Heritage Center ~ and it's FREE! |
 Doug Hayward |
Going Strong for 7 years ~ we do Hot Yoga, Moon Salutations, The 5 Tibetans, Zodiak Yoga, Sun Salutations, Pranayamas, Mudras, Philosophy of Yoga and the History too. Join us at the Heritage Center off Route 183 near the Reading ( Berks County, PA ) Airport every Sunday at 11am from mid May to the end of September. |
| July 31st, 2015 |
Lectures with Joseph Campbell |
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| July 19th, 2015 |
Altoona Showtwirlers |
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The Altoona Showtwirlers, led by P. J Meierhofer and her mom are headed to Notre Dame this week for their annual National competition.
Last year the senior were crowned national champions and this years show is looking amazing as well. Best of luck kids. ~ the photo shown is the Showtwirlers and I along with Kim Harris after our annual Yoga class held at the Summit Fitness facility on Plank Road in Altoona in preparation for the big competition! Americas' Youth on Parade at Notre Dame every year.
  3 ~ 1st places ~ a 2nd , a 3rd and a 5th ( in the Country ) ~ way to go everyone! |
| June 29th, 2015 |
21 Day meditation Challenge |
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21 Day Meditation Challenge Participants! Starts July 1st ~ but you may join in at anytime!
I wanted to say a quick hello and congratulate you on committing
to 21 Days of Self Exploration!
Meditation has improved every single aspect of my life and I am absolutely
certain that it can do the same for you.
So far we are a group of 33 participants!!!
But there are still a few more days left so please encourage
your friends and loved one to join you on this self discovery adventure.
Before we begin there are some simple things that you can do to make sure
that you can stick with your daily practice. Setting up a meditation space is key!
Please watch this short video that I just made for you guys on how to get started...
Short video
I also created a 21 Day Meditation Challenge Facebook Group
in order for everyone to connect and share questions, experiences and insights.
So click on the link below and say hello to your meditation pals ;) To join
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Email Anna
"Be the change that you want to see in the world" |
| June 16th, 2015 |
United Nations has declared June 21, 2015 the First International Day of Yoga |
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the Pagoda
Reading, PASunday June 21st ~ 1pm
second ever Yoga in the Pagoda since 1908 |
| June 8th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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Today we are going to explore "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. First comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ The work which is performed,
because it is necessary, obligatory, and proper, with all self-interest therein put aside and attachment to the action absent, is declared to be of the quality of truth
and goodness. "rajas" ~ The refraining from works because they are painful and from the dread of annoyance. "tamas" ~ The abstention from works which
are necessary and obligatory is improper; the not doing of such actions is due to delusion. over the next couple of days I will contribute another quality of all three!
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| June 9th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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2nd day of exploration of the "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. Second comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ Know. that the wisdom which
perceives in all nature one single principle, indivisible and incorruptible, not separate in the separate objects seen. "rajas" ~ belongs to passion, and he who
thus leaves undone what he ought to do shall not obtain the fruit which comes from right forsaking. The knowledge· which perceives
different and manifold principles as present in the world of created. "tamas" ~ that knowledge, wholly without value, which is mean, attached to one object
alone as if it were the whole, which does not see the true cause of existence. over the next couple of days I will contribute another quality of all three!
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| June 11th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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3rd day of exploration of the "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. Third comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ The action which is right to be
done, performed without attachment to results, free from pride and selfishness. "rajas" ~ That which is done with a view to its consequences, or with great
exertion, or with egotism "tamas" ~ That which in consequence of delusion is undertaken without its regard to consequences, or the power to carry it out, or the harm it may cause, is of the quality of darkness. over the next couple of days I will contribute another quality of all three!
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| June 13th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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4th day of exploration of the "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. Fourth comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ The doer who performs necessary
actions unattached to their consequences and without love or hatred. "rajas" ~ The doer whose actions are performed with attachment to the result, with
great exertion, for the gratification of his lusts and with pride, covetousness, uncleanness, and attended with rejoicing and giving ~ passion and desire. "tamas" ~ The doer who is ignorant, foolish, undertaking actions without ability, without discrimination, with sloth, deceit, obstinancy mischievousness, and dilatoriness. over the next couple of days I will contribute another quality of all three! Questions or Comments
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| June 15th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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5th day of exploration of the "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. Fifth comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ The discerning power. that knows
how to begin and to renounce, what should and what should not be done, what is to be feared and what not ~ what holds fast and what sets the soul free. "rajas" ~ That discernment, which does not fully know what ought to be done and what not, what should be feared and what not, is of the passion-born. "tamas" ~ That discriminating power which is enveloped in obscurity; mistaking wrong for right and all things contray to their true intent and meaning, is of the dark quality. over the next couple of days I will contribute another quality of all three! Questions or Comments
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| June 18th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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6th day of exploration of the "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. Sixth comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ That power of steadfastness
holding the man together, which by devotion controls every motion of the mind, the breath, the senses and the organs. "rajas" ~ that which cherisheth duty, pleasure,
and wealth, in him who looketh to the fruits of action. "tamas" ~ that through which the man of low capacity stays fast in drowsiness, fear, grief,. vanity and rashness. over the next couple of days I will contribute another quality of all three! Questions or Comments
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| June 20th, 2015 |
Sattva ~ Rajas ~ Tamas |
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7th day of exploration of the "gunas" of which there are 3. All of these three gunas are present in everyone and everything, it is the proportion that is different. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone. Seventh comparison of the three are as follows. "sattva" ~ Now hear what are the three kinds
of pleasure wherein happiness comes from habitude; and pain is ended. That which in the beginning is as poison and in the end as the water of life, and which arises from a purified
understanding. EX: Lust to pleasure to ecstasy to bliss ~ or Greed to material wealth to philanthropy to bliss "rajas" ~ That arising from the connection of the senses with their objects which the beginning is sweet as the waters of life but at the end like poison. "tamas" ~ both in the beginning and the end arising from sleep, idleness, and
carelessness, tendeth both in the beginning and the end to stupefy the soul. These excepts were taken from an old copy of the Bhagavad Gita given to me by a friend named Savitri Questions or Comments
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| May 28th, 2015 |
Yoga in K-12 |
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Reading Eagle Article
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| May 10th, 2015 |
Happy Mothers Day ~ Orange Blossom Special done by a few of my friends |
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Questions or Comments
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| May 4th, 2015 |
Yoga on the Mountain |
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Kristen Boccumini led a group of State College Yoga Instructors and practicing yogis and yoginis up the Tussey Mountain on Saturday for a Yoga excursion called "Yoga on the Mountain" ~ The numbers are in!! We had about 80 yogis present on Saturday at Tussey Mountain , and together we raised $624! THANK YOU ALL!!!
The donations will be split 50/50 to a global and local charity....half to Doctors Without Borders for Nepal, and half to the Philipsburg YMCA Food for Kids Program...where many children are from families in poverty, some so deep that they only get food in school and then to go without food over the weekend. This program provides backpacks of food for those kids so they can have meals over the weekend, and not just Monday through Friday in school. Look for more events conducted by Yoga for Unity at www.yogaforunity.com
Questions or Comments
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| April 27th, 2015 |
Laura Promiscuo |
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While living her dream ~ Laura belts out this song for our entertainment!
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| April 3rd, 2015 |
Be Here Now |
Doug Hayward |
The nice thing about living in the moment is that you get to Love in it! |
| March 30th, 2015 |
Overcoming Fear meditation |
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Do this Meditation to instill a sense of security in your life. Note the picture to the left. That is called Kurma (tortoise) Mudra. Females have right hand on bottom; Males have left hand on bottom. It may take a few moments for the recording to start. You will see a blank screen. Assume an easy sitting pose or sit upright in a comfortable chair. It will last for 6-10 minutes.
Click here to listen |
| March 27th, 2015 |
The Largest and Most Comprehensive FREE Meditation & Yoga portal on the web today! |
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Become a Yoga Instructor for as little as $47
Click here for more info There are now over 700+ amazing techniques, videos, MP3s, e-books and articles on the website, so to help out those who are new to yoga, and meditation or for advanced practicioners as well |
| March 16th, 2015 |
The Effects of Yoga on Mood, Anxiety, and Brain GABA Levels and other Yoga Research |
the Pagoda
Reading, PA |
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Click here to read Fee Involved |
| April 19th, 2015 |
Yoga in the Pagoda ~ Sunday April 19th 1~3pm |
the Pagoda
Reading, PA |
Experience the wonderful atmosphere of Yoga in the Pagoda ( second floor ). The funshop will last about 2 hours and will include Asanas, Pranayamas and Mudras to invigorate the Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Space elements within us ~ to energize and align the chakras ~ and to awaken some of the dormant mental faculties available for our use. Also practice to experience a sublime state of bliss that is inherent in the Ecstatic Hatha and Meditation practice. Class size is limited to the first 25 signups. Class fee ~ $ 20 prior to April 10th, $ 25 thereafter - up to day of class. Preregistraion is required. Thank you to Cindy Kauffman and the City of Reading for making this possible. Use the following to register.
Click here to register |
| March 9th, 2015 |
using Mantras to create out Life Dreams |
Ashley Szlachta |
Please enjoy this article published in Elephant an online blog
dedicated to a mindful life
Read, learn, comment
Click here to read Ashley Szlachta's article
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| February 26th, 2015 |
Yoga from the Gita |
Doug Hayward |
The person who desires to succeed in Yoga must be balanced between undue asceticism on the one hand and disruptive indulgence on the other. |
| February 23rd, 2015 |
Yoga from the Gita |
Doug Hayward |
The students of Yoga
The first student of Yoga was the Sun.
The second student of Yoga was the reigning spirit of the sensual universe
The 3rd student of Yoga was the founder of the Solar Dynasty.
It was then taught to the Royal sages , then it was lost.
Then it was taught to Arjuna by Krishna. |
| February 5th, 2015 |
Yoga from the Gita |
Doug Hayward |
Equal mindedness is called Yoga. In reference to our actions ~ Let the motive for your actions be in the actions themselves. Do not be incited to actions by the hope of their rewards, nor let your life be spent in inaction. Firmly persisting in Yoga; perform your duty and lay aside all desire from any benefit to yourself from your actions. Make the event be equal to the object of your devotion, whether it be success or failure. |
| January 26th, 2015 |
Open Studio |
Doug Hayward |
Yoga in State College hosted it's first Open Studio last Thursday from 2-4pm. It started with Samatha and her friend coming with their hoops to practice and discuss a hooping workshop. Then Mike from the band Lotus showed up to do his Astanga A series ~ undisturbed by the hooping. Next Alana showed up to work on some postures while Samantha was working on her easy sitting posture. If you join the open Studio on Thursdays from 2-4 there are only a couple rules. 1. While in the studio space; please keep your conversation and practice to hatha yoga or meditation. If you feel the need to talk social, just go into the changing room outside the studio. 2. Ask questions. 3. Have fun. |
| January 19th, 2015 |
Yoga from the Gita |
Doug Hayward |
When I went to college I studied the Bhagavad-Gita for a class in World religions. It was a small version like a Penquin Classic style. I had to read it , annotate it, turn it in for comment and then get it back and read the comments to my annotations. Good college work! Then roll forward a few decades ~ I become very interested in Yoga; so much so, that I practice every day ( Hatha and mantra ) and teach it on a fairly regular basis. I became curious?
Certainly, the word Yoga was mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. How did I miss it? Why wasn't I as curious then as I am now? So I was recently given a Bhagavad Gita - again a small book! The word Yoga was used at least ten times in that little book. Here is what I found... In this system of Yoga there are no evil consequences. Even a little of this practice will deliver you from great risk. Yoga is the practice of devotion. Stretching FREE on all sides. |
| December 28th, 2014 |
A Yogic Christmas Story |
Doug Hayward |
A Yogic Christmas
It starts off with a mantra ~ HO HO HO
representing happy and festive.
Then comes the journey, one that seems impossible to accomplish.
Some laws need to be ignored ~ one of them being gravity.
Then comes the devoted animals and a task ~ to give everything away by
moonlight before dawn appears.And imagine the positions one needs to put themselves into while entering every household and at the same time, spreading sprinkles of Hope
to those who may not have a roof.
Pranayama is practiced with a finger beside the nose.Whether the recipients be happy or sad is not the issue;
the act of giving in and of itself is the real gift.
Cherish that ability.What a meditation that must be to originate a World FULL of Peace,Love and Joy in such a brief period of time.Then comes the BLISS........................
Baba Anada
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| December 23rd, 2014 |
Why Yoga seems to have some religious implications |
Doug Hayward |
In order to perfect a Yoga posture ~ it must become an expression of devotion to your God. i.e. the God within you. But then again ~ isn't life something like that, i e. if we want to experience perfection? |
| December 14th, 2014 |
The Secret Spot Where I Found Love: A Lesson in the Law of Detachment |
| Maria F Lodeiro
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An Article written in the Huffington Post by our own Maria F Lodeiro
A Lesson in the Law of Detachment
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| December 9th, 2014 |
Some Sayings |
 Doug Hayward |
Yoga is not a science of WHO TO WORSHIP; but does give you some insight ~ some methods of HOW TO WORSHIP WHO YOU WORSHIP! Allow the benefits of your energy to be shared with the cosmos like suger blends with water; ~ Yoga and enlightenment feel like sugar being dissolved in water;
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| November 30th, 2014 |
Some Sayings |
Doug Hayward |
~Another way of looking at it~ God is a corporation and we are independent contractors that get bought out
~ Enlightenment is life as meditation!
~Melt down in LOVE ~In the ocean, you can not raise one wave without making a hollow somewhere else |
| November 24th, 2014 |
Some Sayings |
 Doug Hayward |
~Yoga is a method of trimming your body and sharpening your mind. It is not the science of what to do, but how to do it.
~ We all possess a bucket of love- would you like a scoop? ~ you wouldn't believe the flavors!
~It is the soul or the spirit that levitates, not the human body. This levitation of the soul occurs during meditation. One may notice the beginning of this occurrance when; after concentrating on an object and you close your eyes; you may percieve the reverse coloration. EX: lights become dark, darks become light. Then, you may percieve a rotation of stars about the speed of the planet earth. If you go far enough, you may catch a glimpse of the Earth. |
| November 2nd, 2014 |
Campfire Yoga at Halfmoon Hollow |
 Elle
Morgan
Host |
It was pouring the rain when the first Halfmoon Hollow visitors made their way down the dirt road which was getting muddier by the minute.
Still, they came...and more, and more until twenty people showed up, with wet Columbia jackets dripping, yoga mats and sleeping bags in tow, entering the little cabin in the woods in Curwensville where my husband and I welcome people to experience the joy of being “away from it all.”
The cabin, which is under construction and barely ready for this windfall of adventurous humanity, was nonetheless welcoming with a fire going in the woodburner, and ratatouille dip and sweet herb tea sending steaming, sweet aromas into the wooded, vaulted ceiling.
At 9:00 pm, by some miracle, the rain stopped and a group of intrepid boy scouts from a former life, took up the challenge of making a fire in the fire ring down in the hollow. Within minutes a bonfire bellowed. The cabin was quickly abandoned. Mats were flipped out, placed, here and there, and everywhere around the glowing center. A tea light was lit at each mat. At least forty sweet shining eyes reflected the glow of the embers. These yogi, these strangers to one another, seemed to sparkle with anticipation of joining in community.
All stood in Tadasana, mountain pose. Some thought they had taken hold and grown straight out of the earth, I do believe. The breathing in unison with the breathing of the leaves-- exchange of carbon dioxide with oxygen was actually palpable. The arms rising to the sky sending out points of light to join the stars, the hearts opening into the ether of swirling white cloudy mists of heaven. The creek running high from the rains, singing joyfully.
Instead of getting away from it all, we became all. |
| October 21st, 2014 |
April May's Glow in dark Yoga Party |
 April May's Glow in the Dark Yoga Party |
Just one heck of a good time combining Yoga, Dance, a Playlist, and some glow in the dark body paint, blacklights and accessories |
| October 21st, 2014 |
Yoga on Horseback |
 Anne Williams |
 
More Yoga on Horseback photos |
| July 19th, 2014 |
The Pranayamas |
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Click here to practice about 20 different pranayamas
in an easy to follow and understand audio format. The benefits of each pranayama are explained on the following page. Enjoy. The page is being added to on a regular basis ~ so check back if your favorite Pranayama is not yet uploaded for practice. |
| July 19th, 2014 |
Altoona Showtwirlers |
 Doug Hayward |
Every year for the last four years I am invited to Altoona to teach a yoga class to a wonderful group of kids led by P.J. Maeirhofer and her Mom. The twirlers are getting ready for their annual competition being held at Notre Dame where they are competing with other clubs throughout the USA. They have won some top honors over the years and are practicing hard to stage a good show once again this year. |
| July 1st, 2014 |
Prism Meditation |
| Doug Hayward |
Click here to listen to a 20 minute meditation. This meditation takes you thru an internal awarenes of the breath moving from the extremities thru the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In addition it stimulates the constructive use of the imagination to feel the colors of a prism from the area behind the forehead to the areas along the spine and throughout the body. Be prepared for a srong finish and blissfull feeling. It takes a little while to load; so be patient! |
| July 1st, 2014 |
Meditation for desires |
| Doug Hayward |
Click here to listen to a 9 minute meditation to assist in the fullfillment of desires. |
| June 14th, 2014 |
Jonathan Quick |
 Doug and Jonathan Quick |
Hob Nobbing with celebrities is great fun; especially when you are raising money for a good cause. Here we are in 2008 when Jonathan was playing for the ECHL Reading Royals. ( last night, his team, the LA Kings, won the Stanley Cup ) We were raising money to combat breast cancer after a pink in the rink hockey game. Things went well that night. We raised about $30,000.00 by selling the game worn jerseys. I knew at that time that this player was destined to greatness and that the fans in the audience should take advantage of this opportunity to own his jersey. I think we sold it for about $700. So far in my auction career I have helped raise over $1,000,000 while working with BCTV and the Reading Royals on a volunteer basis. It's good to give back! Do it!
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| June 1st, 2014 |
Bilgers Rocks |
 Bilger's Rocks outside of Curwensville, PA |
Talk about a day of adventure and fun ~ take a drive out to Curwensville ~ about an hour from State College , and visit Bilgers Rocks!
This fascinating place is operated totally by a local non-profit group and is just a fascinating array of smooth rocks to scamper, cross, jump and climb.
In addition between the rocks there are caves and niches to fascinate your imagination and curiosity. Very interesting similarity to Stonehenge as there are rooms and gulleys and just places to explore. Take a picnic lunch along to the pavillion with restroom facilities, volleyball, playground, stage and abundant widlife. See the beaver dams and enchanting little waterfalls. Oh yeah ~~ Practice some yoga while you are there!!! More info can be found here ~~ http://www.bilgersrocks.com/index.htm
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| April 13th, 2014 |
Mindful self-compassion |
 Kami Dvorakova |
The basic principle of self-compassion is to learn a healthier way of relating to ourselves in our daily life. So often we beat ourselves up for not being perfect, for not reaching all our goals, for feeling badly, etc. Many of us have never learned that we could be kind to ourselves when we are suffering. We usually treat others kindly when they are in distress but become harsh to ourselves when we make a mistake, feel stressed, or in pain. Mindful self-compassion brings the light of kindness onto our own experience and we practice treating ourselves as we would our best friend, a child, or a beloved pet. By practicing self-compassion, we learn that we can make the choice and bring kindness into our daily life experiences
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| February 9th, 2014 |
Be Love Now |
 Padmasambhava |
There is a book published called "Be Love Now" written by RAM DAS talking about his life with his Guru Neem Karoli Baba. In that book he speaks of love and many of it's components. One statement that struck a chord with me was the following:
Instead of needing and object or a person to love ~ Find where love resides in you ~ then you will be in love! In a later chapter he mentions some of the greatest Gurus of all times i.e. Christ, Buddha, Mohammed, etc. He also mentions one Padmasambhava who was considered the second Buddha
and lived around the 15th Century. He was a practitioner of tantra, builder of some of the Temple in Tibet and ~ as the story goes ~ hid 18 treasures to be found at some future point by some future people. These treasures hidden in the earth, the air and in the minds of others - to be discovered when the earth needed them. He also spoke of a rainbow body. ... more to follow
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| Doug Hayward |
A person works for various motives; there cannot be work without a motive. Some people want to get fame, and they work for fame. Others want to get money, and they work for money. Others want power, and they work for power. Others want to go to heaven, and they work to get to heaven.
Work for work's sake. There are a few who are really the salt of the earth in every country and who work for work's sake, who do not care for a name, or fame, or to go to heaven. If a person works without any selfish motive in view; what becomes of them? Do they not gain anything? Yes, they are the higher gainer. Unselfishness pays more, only people do not have the patience to practice it. It is more paying in physical value also. Love, and truth, and unselfishness are not only moral figures, but are the highest ideals, because they are the manifestations of power. ~ Excerpted from "Karma Yoga" by Swami Vivekananda, 1896 |
| December 27th, 2013 |
A Wonderful Time |
| Doug Hayward |
May Peace and Happiness be ever with you in the moment. |
| November 25th, 2013 |
America's First Yoga Ashram |
 America's First
Yoga Ashram
as it appears today
it closed in the 1950's |
Unknown to many people, America had a (modern) Yoga Ashram around the turn of the 20th Century. It was located in Nyack New York and catered to the very wealthy and elite. It was called the Clarkstown Country Club. Many of the people that practiced there actually built homes close to the ashram so they could be close by. It was a fun place, circuses, elephants, ball games, yoga classes and yoga lectures into the wee hours. If you are intrigued you can read all about it here or in the book "The Great OOM"
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| November 13th, 2013 |
Allison K with Ping Pong |
 Allison
& Ping Pong |
Allison and Ping Pong have been together for quite some time and have developed a mutual trust. This trust can be very endearing as show by the partner yoga being displayed in these photos taken last Thursday at the horse's home in Unionville, Centre County.
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| November 13th, 2013 |
Allison K with Ping Pong |
 Allison
& Ping Pong |
Allison and Ping Pong in meditative union that we call YOGA.
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| October 20th, 2013 |
Pranalogy |
| Doug Hayward |
There is a new science developing out of the yoga practices tradition. It is the fourth limb of Yoga called Pranayama.
Prana is the force that started your lungs when you were first born. It stays with you throughout life. Pranalogy is the study of that life force and its respective methods of maintaining it. Naturally it waxes and wanes similar to the moon; however, there are practices to sustain it to the benefit of the practicioner.
It has been researched and shown to improve many of lifes health related discomforts such as high blood pressure, poor circulation, headache cessation along with a myriad of other uses. Mostly thru the regulation of the breath are these benefits enjoyed. Those who study and then teach these methods are referred to as Pranologists. There is a 30 hour certification program being developed to be offered at the studio in the near future.
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| October 6th, 2013 |
a Poem |
| Doug Hayward |
Another sunrise, another day, Should we work or should we play?
It doesn't matter whether the wallet is empty or the wallet is full
Our steps keep pace with reality, While our mind strives to be still Another sunrise another day; Should we work or should we play
We seek out someone else`s opinion, We seek out someone else`s word
You tell me, please tell me Another sunrise another day; Should we work or should we play
There is a way to combine the two; I`ve Done it in the past
Let me just remember how, I`'ll be at peace that way
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| September 21st, 2013 |
The OM Challange |
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The Om Challange was created about 5 years ago and is held twice a year. The Fall and Spring semester. The object is to develop a steady yoga practice that will continue thru the rest of your life. The original pendant was created by Wayne Werner an award winning jeweler from Maryland. He has often gotten top honors at the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. There was a mold made of the original and those are the pendants that are awarded at he end of the OM Challange. You must attend 45 classes during the semester in order to earn the OM Pendant. They are not for sale ~ this is the only way to get one. I believe there have been about 20 awarded to date. It does take some discipline. Other than your normal class fees ~ there is no extra charge to participate in the OM Challange ~ so sign up today and get started. The new batch is being produced currently and will be here by December. Good luck. ~ Happy breathing! |
| August 25th, 2013 |
Life is what happens when you are waiting for life to happen |
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There was an interesting book written back in the 70's called "Be Here Now". It is still available on Amazon and is a good read for your head. In the meantime I will suggest that you feel the anticipation of your next major life event as the event itself. Don't wait for the event to happen. LOVE the moment you're in! I once heard that anticipation is greater than the event; that is not always true but it does add credence to the notion of being in the moment as the pinnacle of life. We can do this internally or externally. Internally we are constantly discovering our ability to react with stillness to the whirlwind of happenings around us; thus offering some refreshing and restorative advice to a moment of drama. Externally when can display ( within our asana practice ) ~ a peace of mind in the most difficult of postures because we just don't take them to the extreme. We display a contented self as the pinnacle of expression in each asana. Stay focused with the breath to allow the internal or external expression of self to be in the moment " Here and Now" |
| August 18th, 2013 |
Animals can tell jokes also!!!!! |
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Did you hear this one? ~ Three ducks walked into a bar................. |
| August 11th, 2013 |
Change |
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When was the last time you changed something? It's interesting that we are constantly changing. Not only are we changing the mundane ~ clothing, place of sitting or standing, etc. ; but sometimes things change on a dramatic basis and we have to come to grips with those changes whether we like them or not. The practice of Yoga helps with our ability to cope with changes. As we listen to and feel our breath changing from an inhale to an exhale every few seconds and we focus on that physical aspect` we begin to awaken dormant mental faculties which help us cope with more dramatic changes in out life. We don't always have to accept those changes and so we gear up for the difficulties we must face and the challenges we can surmount to be a part of the change that is being forced on us. The practice of Vairagya ~ non attachment ~ becomes a very valuable resource ~ once we master it's beautiful qualities. |
| August 5th, 2013 |
Just an Interesting Photo |
 click here to enlarge |
This photograph was taken at Dusk. It was supposed to be a photo of my dog running towards a cherry tree. there was no blue sky in the background or red colors anywhere. As it turns out from the photo, it appears that the dog is running away from the tree, and as you inspect the photo, one may see in the abstract images a number of different animals ~ elephants, dogs, fish, etc. Enjoy! Could that be Ganesha in the background? |
| July 28, 2013 |
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali |
| Doug Hayward |
The Four chapters (Padas) of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
A couple of thousand years ago a scholar and yogi by the name of Patanjali set down in writing his ideas about how Yoga is achieved, what you can expect to experience, and how you can prepare to handle that experience.
most modern Yoga books make reference to Patanjali somehwere along the line.
Patañjali fills each sutra with his experiential intelligence, stretching it like a thread (sutra), and weaving it into a garland of pearls of wisdom to flavour and savour by those who love and live in yoga... Click here for an audio version of those Sutras done by Taylor Rees;
a student of the Yoga in State College Studio.
She recorded them outdoors at various places throughout Centre County Click here for written version prived by the Church of the Nazarene
it is understandable and the best version I have come across for clarity.
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| July 21, 2013 |
Yoga as a bath |
 Doug Hayward |
Doing Yoga asana is like taking a bath; but only for the inside of your body.
In the same way that you generally don't judge how well you take a bath or a shower; so is the same for doing asanas. ~ You just do them and come out feeling cleaner.
One may want to do asanas about as often as taking a bath or shower. After having gone to a yoga posture class; just pick out the ones you enjoy doing the best and practice them on a regular basis.
It's normal to feel better after taking a shower ~ we feel cleaner!
It makes sense that yoga is having such a great impact in society today
we feel cleaner after a yoga class.
We like feeling cleaner!
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| A Poem |
Interwoven Melodies of a Dream |
 Jaime Balinski |
Life is but a dance of births and deaths with breadth,
of streams that flow within the toe of Earth's now buried chests.
The ripple grows from thoughts we chose to sing a tune, a rhyme,
that dances on, though cradled upon, its manifestation in time.
The seasons change to spark the game to tempt the foolish mind
that seeks to demand of love what can only be determined in time.
The mind, though slow, ultimately knows its place among the whole,
but crippled by fear and the captain will steer to the lands of the sunken below.
The ego, it might, in desperation of flight, land on the shores of another
to discover from there the essence of air and the lessons we learn from the mother.
The tides, they show, though heaven only knows, these faces that lie undiscovered
amidst the broken, battered, abused, and tormented realms of lovers.
Failure to see what the psyche will bring when we swallow the fruit of another
results in a splash, a burning that lasts til' we recognize the face of a brother.
In there it lies, the knowledge of tides.. the source from which we stream.
To sing of such love, to learn from above, is to finally awake from the dream.
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