Sound And Presence

Recently I facilitated a workshop at the Claremont Colleges. The students were preparing for an art performance piece that will include toning and chant as part of the production. I was invited to demonstrate the power and depth of these ancient modalities, and to teach the young men and women how to FEEL their emotions and BE in their bodies both on stage and in everyday life.

The workshop consisted of two parts. The first portion was an experiential sound bath created with crystal bowls and voice. To hear a sample of the music created click here: Sound

The second half included instruction on correct vocal placement, proper breathing, and body awareness. For many of these young adults it was their first time chanting and it was really difficult to create sound (be heard) in a group. It was beautiful to watch them support and encourage each other.

Here are some photos:



Working with the youth is always an amazing experience. I'm continuously blown away by the wisdom reflected back to me in their open approach and unbiased attitude to experience something new. There is no comparison to witnessing a person tap into their power and experience their greatness.

I hope we can all learn to be more like children.



To inquire about workshops, performances, or one on one sessions you may email me at Sacred.Sound@Live.com

To See As God Sees

Meister Echkart is one of history's great mystics. He was a Catholic monk and scholar who lived from 1260 to 1328.
In his own words,

To SEE AS God Sees

It is your destiny to see as God sees,
to know as God knows,
to feel as God
feels.

How is it possible? How?
Because divine love cannot defy its very self.

Divine love will be eternally true o its owns being,
and its being is giving all it can,
at the perfect
moment.

And the greatest gift
God can give is Her own experience.

Every objedt, every creature, every man, woman and child
has a soul and it is the destiny of all,

to see as God sees, to know as God knows,
to feel as God feels, to Be
as God
Is.

Brilliant Video!

Valentines Yoga!

I would like to invite you to join my partner and I for an amazing Yoga for Couples workshop on Valentines day.
If you've never experienced yoga before this is a great introduction, and if you're a seasoned yogi, this is a fantastic way to share your practice with someone special.
Come move, laugh and love with your honey!

YOGA FOR VALENTINES DAY!

Asana for Couples and the Yoga of Intimacy
with Jaqueline Marie & Geoffrey Earendil

This Heart Centered workshop is appropriate for ALL levels. You and your partner will be guided through a sequence of sweet stretches and strengthening poses with gentle touch and mutual encouragement.

Incorporating guided imagery, simple meditations and focused intention we will introduce you to practical techniques to improve communication, build trust, deepen sensitivity and strengthen your heart connection to begin sharing the journey of Spiritual Self-Discovery.

No prior yoga experience is necessary. Dress comfortably. Please refrain from wearing jewelery and perfume. As with all physical activity, we encourage you to not eat an hour before participation.

Date: February 14, 2010
Time: 3pm-5pm
Location: Aanand Saagar Yoga
1318 2nd St #21 Santa Monica

Cost: By Donation, $25 per couple suggested.

RSVP: by Friday February 12th, 2010
Call: (760) 220-4877 or (805) 453-5878


http://www.tribe.net

Raja Yoga

Image via Wikipedia

I was asked again today if I was a yoga teacher. Just like every time before my "rational" mind freaked out and my nerves got the best of me. Having never taken the traditional yoga teacher training the voice in my head yells, "You're not qualified!".

I forget that Yoga is more then just an asana, or physical practice. I forget that I've been a dedicated student to the path for over 4 years and have studied the art of stillness with reputable spiritual teachers from multiple cultures. I forget I have helped countless numbers of people start their own meditation practice and transform their lives.

Why do I place such value on a piece of paper?

It frustrates me that I fall victim to social pressure to achieve some kind of standardized goal to validate myself. It saddens me that I doubt myself because I have not taken the path laid out in the rule book.

I was expressing my dismay at not knowing how to answer the question,"Are you a yoga teacher?" when my partner, an amazing yogi who has been teaching Hatha Yoga for over 10 years, stopped me mid sentence and proclaimed, "Are you kidding me? You teach Raja Yoga!"

Allow me to set the record straight: In all my years of travel and study I have NEVER heard of Raja Yoga! Not one soul, nor one book had ever mentioned ANYTHING about Raja Yoga. Now perhaps I've just been reading the wrong books (sorry Eckhart Tolle, Barbara Martin, Hafiz, Rumi, and Hazrat Inayat Khan), but I was sincerely shocked to learn I was practicing a "legitimate" Yoga and had no idea.

Raja Yoga, which translates into "Royal Union" or "Royal Yoga", is the Yoga of the mind. It is the art of meditation. Raja Yoga meditation is generally based on directing one's life force to bring the mind and the emotions so into balance that the attention may be easily focused on the object of meditation - the union of Divinity and Self. In the words of Swami Satchidananda,

"Every thought, feeling, perception, or memory you may have causes a modification, or ripple, in the mind. It distorts and colors the mental mirror. If you can restrain the mind from forming into modifications, there will be no distortion, and you will experience your true Self."

Raja Yoga is the INNER work. While other yoga practices tonify and purify the body, Raja Yoga tonifies and purifies the mind. In order to truly raise ones vibration BOTH an inner and an outer practice are necessary.

You would think with all the dedicated Yogis in LA, Raja Yoga would be right up there with Hatha, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Power.

Why isn't it? Good question...

It is my absolute passion and pleasure to practice, and share the practice of Raja Yoga.
Now when someone asks me, "Are you a Yoga teacher?", I'm going to answer whole heartily, "Why, Yes I am!"


*If you would like to learn more about Raja Yoga and meditation, you may contact me at JaquelineMarie.com