Welcome to NOW. Oh, I am excited. What a ride! We spin, the moon spins, clinging to our star, we are all in motion. Can you feel the arrival of our solar celebration? The earth is rotating at more than 1000 miles an hour and 37,000 miles per hour around our sol/sun! I remember my friend Patty’s words in the last month of her life: “I am not afraid of dying; it is just that I have enjoyed living so much.” She is so right. What a gift it is to be alive.
We like to think of ourselves as living in independent time, separate from each other and from cosmic influences. But that is just it. We “think” and create mind play for our thoughts. In a way our minds are like the dominant child within us, the one that steps forward and likes to take over but is not always the most sensitive or intuitive. While our bodies are more like the quiet child within us, the kind that needs patients to listen to but is worth the wait. That is why Lîla Yoga™ is such a powerful harmonizing tool. It is both meditation in motion and philosophy in motion. Through our asana practice we learn to quiet the mind and allow the truths within our body to lead us to a more revealed state of awareness. From this state of being, our true Self is more easily exposed. This process is called Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption). I’m sure to some of you this sounds abstract, unattainable or perhaps even insignificant to your life. It takes great discipline and consistent practice to calm the mind into a tranquil state of stillness for Dhyana. So why bother?
This life offers us the opportunity to learn; understand who we are, how we function/react, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the quality of our time spent. By practicing Dhyana we cleanse our active minds and allow the truths within our heart to shine. The more often we visit this exposed state of Self, the easier it is to access and the more it aids our perspectives in our daily activities.
I, like all of us, dwell in the creative manifestations of the material world, known in yoga by many names: shakti, prakriti and maya. I am deeply involved in this life; happily and knowingly interacting with the illusions of duality. I also know that no matter what cerebral activity I am involved in, I have tasted a deeper unwavering place that continues to intrigue me. My body is not the answer but the rhythmic cycles of my body are connected to larger forces (the tides, the pull of the moon, the sun) and provide me with a sounding board in which I can begin my journey into Dahyana and if I’m lucky, into Samadhi. My plans for this evening are to lie down in the open sky and watch, feel, join, meditate, absorb–will return soon, rested and ready.
Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) is a fantastic way to enrich your practice through the study of how we breathe. Enjoying and embracing the richness of breath is at the forefront of yoga practice.
Come to the All Level yoga class at 5:30pm and then enjoy our 7pm pranayama with Erica,
Author books Raw Foods on a Budget, and Confessions of an East Coast Raw Vegan, is hosting another Raw Food Feast at Lila Yoga Studios. Delicious, nutritious, and fun.
Price: $15 $12 Early Bird Discount before March 25th
Come to a screening of Yoga Unveiled with filmmaker Gita Desai!
Harnessing the colorful commentary of the most prominent yoga scholars, teachers, and medical experts, Yoga Unveiled reveals how yoga began, tells the story of yoga’s passage to the West, describes its numerous branches, recounts the fascinating biographies of the foremost yoga masters, and explores yoga’s astonishing medical potential.
It gives me great pleasure to inform you that I invited the well noted Dr Ray Long to conduct a Yoga Anatomy Workshop Dec 2-4 at Lila Yoga Studios here in State College, PA. He has excepted the invitation and will soon be here.
Dr. Ray Long MD FRCSC is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and the founder of Bandha Yoga
and has studied hatha yoga for over twenty years, training extensively with B.K.S. Iyengar and other leading yoga masters.
Most of the people registered thus far are yoga teachers, and others are simply yoga enthusiast.
By taking the time to study the physical and energetic systems of the body, you will enrich your asana practice and help clarify your alignment. This is a very special offering and I urge you to take the opportunity seriously.
If you are not familiar with his anatomy books, it is worth looking into and if you are familiar then you know how clear and informative they are.
I invited Dr Ray Long to conduct this 3-Day Yoga Anatomy workshop at Lila Yoga in order to support our intelligent yoga community. Come join me for a yoga treat. You can register here.
Join David for an exploration of meditation. Meditation is a holistic approach to taming the body and mind into a non-distracting, non-conflicted, quiet-calm state of being.
Wednesdays @ 7pm starting November 2nd – 30th (no class on the 24th – Thanksgiving week)
Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) is a fantastic way to enrich your practice through the study of how we breathe. Enjoying and embracing the richness of breath is at the forefront of yoga practice.
Come to the Level 1 yoga class at 5:30pm and then enjoy our 7pm pranayama with Erica,
Today marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish calendar. It is an ancient lunar calendar honoring the year 5772. For those of you celebrating, Happy Rosh HaShanah! (Hebrew for Happy New Year.) The traditional celebration is practiced with joy & reflection. It is a time to face the imperfections of our thoughts and action over the past year, along with recognition of our highest potentials.
Any ritual can numb us into rote or awaken us. A new year can encourages us to reflect on our life as it relates to the all of everything—from the impact of our thoughts to the interactions of our choices, within solar rhythms of 12, all within vast cosmic pulses.
As I celebrate this holiday, I am reminded of the importance in demarcating time and the significance of inner reflection and introspection. There are many ways of recognizing a beginning without isolation ourselves from the past and the opportunities to learn from it. When we take the time to honor the past as part of the future and the present, it nurtures us without binding us—dancing the new with the power of the timeless.
Wishing us all Great Dances in the days to come.
With Love, OM Shanti, ~Erica
Author of the upcoming book, Raw Foods on a Budget (Release date: July 2011), and Confessions of an East Coast Raw Vegan, is hosting another Raw Food Feast at Lila Yoga Studios. Delicious, nutritious, and fun. Register on Brand’s website.
Title: Pranayama with Erica Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) is a fantastic way to enrich your practice through the study of how we breathe. Enjoying and embracing the richness of breath is at the forefront of yoga practice.
Come to the yoga class at 5:30pm and then enjoy our 7pm pranayama with Erica, Start Time: 7:00pm Date: 2011-08-29
Title: Pranayama with Erica Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Pranayama (Yogic Breathing) is a fantastic way to enrich your practice through the study of how we breathe. Enjoying and embracing the richness of breath is at the forefront of yoga practice.
Come to the yoga class at 5:30pm and then enjoy our 7pm pranayama with Erica, Start Time: 19:00 Date: 2011-08-08
Title: Movie Night – Enlighten Up Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Filmmaker Kate Churchill is determined to prove that yoga can transform anyone. Nick Rosen is skeptical but agrees to be her guinea pig. Kate immerses Nick in yoga, and follows him around the world as he examines the good, the bad and the ugly of yoga.
Vegetarian Potluck (bring some goodies) – no drinks needed… Start Time: 7:00 Date: 2011-08-01
Title: Pranayama with Erica Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Join Erica for a Pranayama workshop on Monday the 18th of July. Pranayama is the breath of yoga – this workshop will focus on reinvigorating the energy of the breath and will have you feeling refreshed and alive. Start Time: 7:00pm Date: 2011-07-18
Title: Raw Food Feast with Brandi Rollins Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Author of the upcoming book, Raw Foods on a Budget (Release date: July 2011), and Confessions of an East Coast Raw Vegan, is hosting another Raw Food Feast at Lila Yoga Studios. Delicious, nutritious, and fun. Register on Brand’s website. Start Time: 7:00pm Date: 2011-07-25
Dr. Ray Long MD FRCSC is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and the founder of Bandha Yoga. Ray graduated from The University of Michigan Medical School with post-graduate training at Cornell University, McGill University, The University of Montreal and Florida Orthopedic Institute. He has studied hatha yoga for over twenty years, training extensively with B.K.S. Iyengar and other leading yoga masters. Dr. Long is the author of 3 user friendly anatomy books designed for yoga teachers and practitioners. Dr. Long is a board certified orthopedic surgeon. He has studied Hatha Yoga for over 20 years , training extensively with B.K.S. Iyengar and other of the world’s leading yoga masters
Dates:
Dec 2nd – 4th 2011
Fri 6-8pm
Sat 11-1:30pm & 2:30-5pm
Sun 9-11:30 & 12:30-3pm
AN INVITATION OF A LIFETIME:
Dear fellow Yoga Practitioners and Teachers,
This year I had the great pleasure to travel to India and study at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM). Krishnamacharya — the most influential yogi in establishing what yoga has become today. His students include Pattabhi Jois the founder of Asthanga yoga, BKS Iyengar, Indra Devi, and his son Desikachar (who now runs the mandram).
It was the trip of a lifetime – extraordinary and exuberant on all levels. I came home committed to sharing these experiences with others. Now I organizing a trip for fellow practitioners and teachers to join me at KYM in Chennai, India for two weeks of study in Spring 2012.
(Teachers, please note: This program is recognized by Yoga Alliance and is worth 100 Hours of Continuing Education credit.) For more information please contact me at erica@lilayoga.com or 814-531-5452 OM Shanti, ~Erica
Program:
Lila Yoga Trip with Erica Kaufman to India Spring 2012
Someone asked me today–what does yoga mean to me?
I only had a few minutes to write back but here is what came out:
You ask me ‘what yoga means to me’–this is a huge question but I only have a few minutes. I am curious what I will write within the confines of such a short time. Here it goes…
I love yoga. I am thankful for being introduced to the great science of yoga at such an early age and thankful for being a personality that was receptive to the concepts and philosophies. When I think of those early years, I think of my mother and for her unwavering patience in teaching me with love and persistence. When I think of yoga, I think of life. Within yoga practice, there are many elements that I call tools. When we practice the tools of yoga, we have opportunities to refine our lives, our awareness, our choices. Within yoga practice, there are moments of yoga–true integration beyond the limited body/mind. These moments can be rare, but are so potent that they are not forgotten.
Description: Erica Kaufman, founder of Lila Yoga, and Brandi Rollins, author of Confessions of an East Coast Raw Vegan and Raw Foods on a Budget, are teaming up to offer summer nights of Lila Yoga Classes and Raw Food Dinners! Imagine a night of doing amazing, revitalizing yoga, followed by eating some of the best, most nutritious food in the world.
Yoga at 5pm, Dinner at 7pm
Menu: Strawberry Ambrosia Green Smoothie, Brandi’s New Spring Pizza, Donut Holes, and Amazing Company
RSVP and PAY by May 21st
Cost
$10 for Dinner Start Time: 7:00pm Date: 2011-05-23
Brandi Rollins
Brandi Rollins is author of the upcoming book, Raw Foods on a Budget (Release date: July 2011), and Confessions of an East Coast Raw Vegan. Using a holistic approach, she has taught people how and where to buy inexpensive, high-quality produce, how to prepare and store raw foods in ways that stretch their dollar, and even how to embrace the abundance and joy a budget can bring to their life!
Here at Lila Yoga several of us have been excited about starting a Lila Yoga Community Garden.
There are two plots that have sprung: one at a friendly fellow Lila Yoga practitioners home and
the other at the Friends Meeting House.
Hope to see you with your gardening tools Saturday at 1pm--remember email us for location.
Title: Lila Yoga™ Teacher Training 300 Hour Location: Lila Yoga™ Studios Description: Info Session Sunday 6:30pm – Please come to this meeting with any questions. Also open to practitioners looking for a deeper practice. Start Time: 6:30pm Date: 2011-05-22
Title: Free Movie Night – Weeping Camel Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: When a Mongolian nomadic family’s newest camel colt is rejected by its mother, a musician is needed for a ritual to change her mind.
Join us after the Sunday class for Weeping Camel and a vegetarian potluck – please bring a vegetarian dish to share (non messy, please). We have bowls and cups for water available at the studio. No drinks needed.
Title: Pranayama Workshop with Erica Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Pranayama is the extension of life energy or prana through our breath. In this course we investigate the methods of cultivating breath with differing focus resulting in a deep and richly rewarding experience for the practitioner.
The continued practice of pranayama has shown to be of great benefit for those with various levels of stress, improves autonomic functions, relieves asthmatic symptoms, and reduces signs of oxidative stress. Start Time: 4:30pm Date: 2011-04-30
Title: Raga at Lila Yoga: An Evening of Carnatic & Hindustani Music Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Lakshmi (Vidya) Anand, Carnatic vocal, accompanied by Umamahesh Srinivas, mridangam (tabla).
Sanghamitra Neogi, Hindustani vocal, accompanied by Murali Haran, (tabla).
This evening is a fund raiser–all donations will go to a school that Erica visited in India–It is a marvelous private school that needs more funds for low income families to attend.
Charitable giving is part of what Erica has chosen to do through Lila Yoga. Last year Lila Yoga made a donation to the Woman’s Resource Center–it was the single largest donation they received that year. Let’s keep this beautiful generous work going. Join us Saturday April 30th at 6pm for a benefit concert of
classical Indian music. Start Time: 6:00pm Date: 2011-04-30
Riding the pulse of millions, swelled with tears of love, I settled into collective consciousness and awoke to a deeper knowing.
For years I have enjoyed learning, practicing, and teaching yoga.It is a great honor to be a teacher–a responsibility I take seriously and with great care.
Sometimes our teachers are animals, plants, situations, strangers we meet, and other times a mentor that you trust through years/a lifetime of study. My gratitude to my teachers, is without boundaries.
Being in India, living among the millions, my friendship with David & Vijay, studies at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India were all monumental experiences–I realized that I too am aligned with this beautiful heritage and I am humbled & honored to be part of this historic lineage of studies and teachings.
This trip was a blessing of joy. I fell in love with India–happiness was abounding within me–it still is!
As you know, I am a passionate person, but still I have rarely experienced such depth of emotion–the complex rhythms of life falling into an order so succinct, intricate and graceful, that inspiration easily took hold and flight was within me. I was home and happy.
Here is a 10 minute yoga YouTube of me practicing on the beach in Chennai. After my practice, I taught a brief impromtu pranayama and asana session to onlookers. If you’d like to share your thoughts on YouTube, I would be honored.
Title: A Yogi’s Journey Into Mystery – Erica’s Trip To India Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Come join us for Erica’s first class back from India at 5:30pm on Wednesday the 30th of March followed by an in depth look into her Journey Into Mystery – Erica’s Trip to India at 7pm. Erica will be discussing the sights, sounds, colors, practice, and illuminations of her experience. Come join us as we welcome Erica back and enjoy her passionate words and intelligent insight.
Chai tea and samosas will be offered
For some pictures of her journey check out our facebook fan page at http://facebook.com/lilayoga Start Time: 7:00 Date: 2011-03-30
Title: Kirtan with Mridanga & Bada Hari Das Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Wednesday 7pm at Lila Yoga…Two musicians from Mayapuris will join Bada Hari Das at Lila Yoga, Wednesday 7-8pm with LOVE , HONESTY, PEACE, HEALTH, & HAPPINESS Start Time: 7:00 Date: 2011-03-02
Title: Intro To Yoga Series Returns! Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Brand new to Yoga? or looking for some focus on each asana (pose)? This course is designed to keep you safe and happy in our community classes. Start Time: 7:00 Date: 2011-04-07 Cost $60
Title: Wednesday Meditation with Gary Weber Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Satsang with Gary Weber
Chanting, meditation, pranayama/breath control, inquiry, talks (ranging from the Bhagavad Gita to the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience), and open discussions to support personal practices leading to fewer and less intense thoughts, enhanced awareness, lower stress and perhaps, awakening. Start Time: 7:00 Date: 2011-04-06 Cost: $60
Title: Sunday Meditation Series Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Meditation is a holistic approach to taming the body and mind into a non-distracting, non-conflicted, quiet-calm state of being, which in turn opens us up to experience peace. Runs for 5 sundays 10am Starting april 3 (no class easter sunday april 24) Start Time: 10:00 Date: 2011-04-03 Cost: $60
Title: Accessing the Brilliance Within: A Lîla Yoga® Retreat with Erica Kaufman Location: Shambhala Mountain Center Link out: Click here Description: For new and returning participants alike, this annual retreat is a precious time to explore the possibility of living in brilliant ease through interweaving yoga postures, meditation, and breathing practices. Start Date: 2011-06-10 Start Time: 2:00pm End Date: 2011-06-12 End Time: 12:30pm
Title: Free Movie Night – What the Bleep Do We Know Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Sunday the 27th of February at 7pm, we are hosting a Free Movie Night featuring the film What the Bleep Do We Know. An extraordinary film exploring quantum physics and spirituality with some of the worlds most respected scientist and scholars and spiritual leaders. Also Samosas ($3 each) and tea will be available for purchase. Movie is free! Come to the 5pm class, build some warmth, and stay for our movie night and snacks! Start Time: 7:00pm Date: 2011-02-27
Title: Poetry Night Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Saturday, February 19 @ 5:00 PM
Readings by Penn State Poetry MFA candidates Daniel Story, Sarah Blake Schoenholtz, Emily Anderson, and Alyse Bensel followed by an Open Mic opportunity for audience members.
Fruit, cheese, and tea will be served
Free (but any donations appreciated
Title: Partner Yoga Friday!! Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Join us for Partner Yoga at 5:30pm this Friday – Idea: come for the 4pm to build warmth and extend your practice into the partner yoga. and Happy New year!! Start Time: 5:30 Date: 2011-01-14
Title: Yoga + Kirtan with group ONELOVE Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Sunday January 23rd A wondrous event starting at 5pm with a Mixed Level Yoga Class taught by Erica featuring the music of the kirtan group ONELOVE. Then join us for a Kirtan with ONELOVE at 7pm.
Cost: $25 for Yoga class at 5pm & Kirtan at 7pm (individually $15 each) Start Time: 5:00 Date: 2011-01-23
I happened upon an inspiring story about a woman in Melbourne, Australia who is still practicing yoga at the age of 83. Just like what Erica mentions in class, Mrs Calman says “I can do more now than I could 50 years ago”.
SPONTANEOUS EVENT!! Partner Yoga this Friday at 5:30pm – It is truly a gift to explore yoga with a partner, share your energy!
Come out to our Level II/III first and build your warmth and then right into our Partner Yoga class – perfect for any level. You may of course bring a partner but it is not necessary.
Great News for all you full time PSU students, Lila Yoga is offering free classes during Finals Week, the 13th – 17th! Get prepared for your exams by enjoying an invigorating, cleansing, and restoring vinyasa yoga practice.
If those exams have got you stressed then yoga is the way to revitalize your body and mind, bringing harmony to your life.
All classes from Monday – Friday the week of the 13th – 17th are free to full time students. You must bring your valid Penn State ID.
Title: Yoga with Live Music Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Come to Lila Yoga Studios for Yoga and Live Music with Andy Tolins and Eli Byrne. An all level class with Erica!!! Start Time: 4:00pm Date: 2011-01-21 End Time: 5:30pm
Title: New Year Meditation Course – 5 Weeks Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Meditation is a holistic approach to taming the body and mind into a non-distracting, non-conflicted, quiet-calm state of being, which in turn opens us up to experience peace.
This 5 session course is designed for those who are interested in practicing in the company of others in the beautifully supportive environment of the Lila Yoga Studio. Each session includes a pranayama session, guided meditation and silent meditation.
Experience the joy of a focused mind. Take the time to be quiet and at peace. Meditation is a skill that is attainable with practice and is a gift that will last a life-time. Come join Erica & David for this wonderful series.
Classes Start Jan 16th. If you need to miss a session, you can make it up in any of the yoga classes we offer at the Studio. Start Time: 10:00 Date: 2011-01-16 End Time: 11:00
Title: New Year 6-Week Family Yoga Course Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: A series of 6 Saturdays 9:30-10:30am Saturdays, starts Jan 15th Family Yoga Class— quality yoga for parent & child to share with a focused and playful approach to yoga postures, music, movement, and relaxation cost: $75 includes parent and child (each additional sibling $25) Description: Ages 3-11 Start Time: 09:30 Date: 2011-01-15 End Time: 10:30
Title: Intro to Yoga !!! 6-week course… Description: This 6 week course covers ALL NEW asanas! – whether you are brand new or want more clarity through your practice, this course is for you! http://lilayogastudios.com/announcements/intro-to-yoga-6-week-course Start Time: 7:00pm Date: 2011-01-20 to 02-24 End Time: 8:15pm Cost: $60
This 6 week course covers ALL NEW asanas! – if you were with us for the previous 6 week course this will cover completely different asanas. If you’re brand new to yoga this will get you prepared and ready for our weekly Level 1 classes.
Up Dog
Warrior 1
Chataranga Dandasana
Tree
Child
Crow
Dancer
Abdominal Press
Boat
Paschimottanasana
Fierce Pose, and more.
Enjoy this beginners crash course to jump-start your yoga practice and welcome to Lila Yoga.
Registration
——————
The Intro to Yoga class runs Jan 13th – Feb 17th. You can pre-register by sending a check to:
Lila Yoga Studio
103 E Beaver Ave
State College, PA 16801
Please make checks for $60 payable to Lila Yoga Studio and specify in the memo section of the check Intro to Yoga.
Purchase online through Paypal ($5 processing fee added = $65)
Please complete by adding your name, email, and phone number and submit the form below to register for this course.
Title: 5-Week Family Yoga Course
Start Date: 2010-11-06 Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: A series of 5 Saturdays(no class Thanksgiving wknd) 9:30-10:30am Saturdays, starts Nov 6th(and if your interested: free storytime at Schlow Library at 11am) Family Yoga Class— quality yoga for parent & child to share with a focused and playful approach to yoga postures, music, movement, and relaxation cost: $75 includes parent and child (each additional sibling $25)Description: Ages 3-11 Start Time: 09:30am End Time: 10:30am
Meditation is a holistic approach to taming the body and mind into a non-distracting, non-conflicted, quiet-calm state of being, which in turn opens us up to experience peace.
This 4 session course is designed for those who are interested in practicing in the company of others in the beautifully supportive environment of the Lila Yoga Studio. Each session includes a pranayama session, guided meditation and silent meditation.
Experience the joy of a focused mind. Take the time to be quiet and at peace. Meditation is a skill that is attainable with practice and is a gift that will last a life-time. Come join Erica & David for this wonderful series.
Classes Start Nov 14 (no class thanksgiving weekend). If you need to miss a session, you can make it up in any of the yoga classes we offer at the Studio.
Title: Partner Yoga Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Partner Yoga works with two people together to heighten balance, energy, and alignment. Bring a friend or meet someone here! Start Time: 5:30pm Date: 2010-10-08
Title: Film Night: Yoga Unveiled Location: Lila Yoga Studios Link out: Click here for more info Description: Yoga Unveiled is a feature length documentary. The film reveals how yoga began, tells the story of yoga’s passage to the West, describes its numerous branches, recounts the fascinating biographies of the foremost yoga masters, and explores yoga’s astonishing medical potential. Start Time: 6:30pm Date: 2010-10-17
Title: Poetry and Readings Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Poetry and Readings from Prof. Richard Doyle, Prof. Robert Yarber, Melissa Klein and more Start Time: 8:15pm Date: 2010-10-21
Title: Yoga with Live Music Location: Lila Yoga Studios Description: Back by Popular Demand: LILA YOGA WITH LIVE MUSIC—ANDY TOLINS & ELI BYRNE
Join yoga master Erica Kaufman for an inspiring Lila Yoga Class with Live Music—guitar, vocals, percussion and wind instruments. Feel the power of a deeply focused practice with the vibrations of live music. It is truly a marvelous experience. Start Time: 4:00pm Date: 2010-09-24
Last night we had an amazing practice. It is both wonderful and without surprise that when we gather to practice Lila Yoga, we strengthen not only our individual self but a collective strength that supports and nourishes a pure so golden that it marvels each of us and rocks us into a deeper knowing. We are in awe and our breath is not taken away. Wow, I do love yogic journeys.
For more then twenty five years now I have been teaching classes, seminars, and workshops focusing on the intuitive wisdom within. As I teach and practice yoga, I am energized by the inclusive nature of this truth— illuminating deep connectivity and transcending differences such as religion, age, nationality, ethnicity, and personal histories. I am so enjoying Lila Yoga at Lila Yoga Studio–a perfect and natural union of intentions and qualities.
As an ancient spiritual practice, yoga has crossed continents and millenniums, providing a common ground in which diverse religions and ethnic traditions can experience the majesty of tamed body/minds and the gift of unity. Within Lila Yoga I focus on joining currents in order to Accessing the Brilliance Within. It is the type of wise clarity that becomes accessible when all layers of being yoke as One—without distractions of analysis or narrative–asanas (postures) become ways to connect into energies that flow through body/mind and continue beyond the limits of our skin into the larger webbing of cosmic prana. Lila Yoga is a philosophy and a meditation in motion. Come join the ride.
Please let me know what you think.
Om Shanti, Erica
Lila Yoga Studios Proudly Presents A Spontaneous Benefit Kirtan with internationally renowned musicians Kamaniya & Keshavacharya Das.
Come join me for this great event.
FRIDAY, Aug 27th (!!TOMORROW!!) 7PM at LILA YOGA STUDIO!
103 E Beaver Ave, 2nd floor
State College, PA
THERE IS NO ENTRANCE FEE, but IF YOU CHOOSE TO DONATE, ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE CENTRE COUNTY WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER!
Please join me for this extraordinary evening, dedicated to such an important cause. This is a good cause and it feels right to support what is good in the world.You can read about the Centre County Women’s Resource Center below.
Come show your love of yoga, music, goodness and good causes TOMORROW Friday Aug 27th, 7pm at Lila Yoga Studio. Space is limited.
Love and Blessings Abound.
With Gratitude and
Om Shanti, Erica
This 6 week course covers all the basics necessary for understanding a typical yoga practice. The basic course covers Breathing Techniques, Proper Alignment, Lila Traditions, an introduction to Sun Salutations, and Asanas including:
Down Dog
Up Dog
Warrior 1
Warrior 2
Plank
Triangle
Tree
Child
Crow
Cobra
Earth Touch
Mountain
Fierce Pose, and more.
Enjoy this beginners crash course to jump-start your yoga practice and welcome to Lila Yoga.
Registration
——————
The Intro to Yoga class runs Sept 15-Oct 20th. You can pre-register by sending a check to:
Lila Yoga Studio
103 E Beaver Ave
State College, PA 16801
Please make checks for $60 payable to Lila Yoga Studio and specify in the memo section of the check Intro to Yoga.
Please complete by adding your name, email, and phone number and submit the form below to register for this course.
Course Title
————
Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
6 Week Introductory Course
Course Description
——————
Perform low impact postures developed by the Yang Family to help relieve stress, strengthen the body, improve energy flow, and learn self defense. Yang style Tai Chi Chuan is the most widely practiced style in the world, and is characterized by slow, graceful, flowing movements.
Bio
—-
Sandy first became interested in martial arts as a teenager, experimenting with a variety of styles. In college, he began practicing the ‘softer’ martial arts styles such as Judo and Aikido, and began his study of Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan in 2003. Since then, he has studied with many different teachers.
Sandy holds a Gold Eagle (2009) ranking from the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association and continues further study with them, while also studying Baguazhang, Wudang Kung Fu, Qigong, submission grappling, and other styles of Tai Chi.
Registration
——————
The Intro to Tai Chi class runs Sept 12-Oct 25 (with no class on Oct 4). You can pre-register by sending a check to:
Lila Yoga Studio
103 E Beaver Ave
State College, PA 16801
Please make checks for $60 payable to Lila Yoga Studio and specify in the memo section of the check Intro to Tai Chi.
Please fill out the form below with your name, email and phone number.
Some Loving Thoughts from Erica (these thoughts are not connected to any specifics, just awakenings within me through my practice)…
~lila yogasana is an extended study of understanding and regulating the breath
~regulated breath tames the mind and prepares you for meditation
~meditation opens us up to live beyond the limits of a scheduled life
~life is a gift
~dare to allow change
~we are part of each other by the simple fact that we both exist
~your presence is not private–it is felt by and impacts on all who share space with you and even then it rolls on through time
~negativity is self serving. dare to be selfless
~give to give–the return is when the giving is authentic
~dare to dream and support good dreams
~our lives are one chapter in a very long tale. leave goodness in your tracks
~yoga is a practice not an arrival
~practicing takes disciple
~yoga teaches us about life and the inter-connectivity of phenomenal self and world and the glory of uniting into our true home of oneness
~the light in me does honor the respect the light in you–how glorious it is!
Keep yourself practicing. Yoga is such an amazing reflective and enlightening tool. You are magical people and each time I see you in the Studio, I am moved by your presence. I am exciting to share these inspirations with you in our Lila Yoga classes.
Love and Blessings Abound.
With Gratitude and Om Shanti, Erica
This past weekend 40 of us took the time to take the time–we met in the Rocky Mountains and practiced Lila Yoga. At our Opening Circle I said that we were like a pot-luck gathering. We came from NYC, PA, WY, CO, CA, MN, AK, UT, RI,(where else?). As we joined together for the Lila Yoga Retreat, our diverse body-mind stories melted, revealing the strength of our commonality. We are humans, living through the flux of life, remembering to cherish the gift of the phenomenal, and studying the possibility of quietly trusting the intuitive Self.
Together we exposed, challenged, released, gathered, dared, ‘opened windows’, ‘bloomed colorful bouquets’, ignited energetic pathways through and beyond our bodies and thoughts while practicing asanas as one small part of a cosmic energy web,…AND…considered ‘good’ as something that vibrates in a nutritious way not only within us and our chosen company but with the All of Everything–Amen!
It is a great honor to teach yoga–a sacred state of being trusted and trusting. I am continually amazed at how the powerful calm of yoga patiently sits, without nagging, ready at any moment for our revelations. It was marvelous to share this Retreat with you and to know that together we made the time to make it happen
– With Love and Gratitude, Om Shanti, Shanti,
Erica (now sitting in moist PA with bubbling rhythms of my family)
We like to think of ourselves as living in independent time, separate from each other and from cosmic influences.
But that is just it.
We “think” and create mind play for our thoughts.
In a way our minds are like the dominant child within us, the one that steps forward and likes to take over but is not always the most sensitive or intuitive. Our bodies are like the quiet child within us, the kind that needs patience to listen to but is worth the wait. That is why Lîla Yoga is such a powerful harmonizing tool.
It is both meditation in motion and philosophy in motion. Through our asana practice we learn to quiet the mind and allow the truths within our body to lead us to a more revealed state of awareness.
From this state of being, our true Self is more easily exposed. This process is called Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption). I’m sure to some of you this sounds abstract, unattainable or perhaps even insignificant to your life. It takes great discipline and consistent practice to calm the mind into a tranquil state of stillness for Dhyana.
So why bother?
This life offers us the opportunity to learn; understand who we are, how we function/react, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the quality of our time spent. By practicing Dhyana we cleanse our active minds and allow the truths within our heart to shine. The more often we visit this exposed state of Self, the easier it is to access and the more it aids our perspectives in our daily activities.
I, like all of us, dwell in the creative manifestations of the material world, known in yoga by many names: Shakti, Prakriti and Maya. I am deeply involved in this life: happily and knowingly interacting with the illusions of duality. I also know that no matter what cerebral activity I am involved in, I have tasted a deeper unwavering place that continues to intrigue me.
My body is not the answer but the rhythmic cycles of my body are connected to larger forces (the tides, the pull of the moon, the sun) and provide me with a sounding board in which I can begin my journey into Dhyana and if I’m lucky, into Samadhi.
My plans for this Summer are to lie down in the open sky and watch, feel, join, meditate, absorb..
There’s a Hasidic tale about a famous rabbi who was on his way to teach a village that was very interested in his ideas. This was going to be a very big event, and each Jew in the community made great preparations, pondering what question he or she might ask the wise man.
The rabbi finally arrived and, after the initial welcome, he was taken into a large room where people gathered to ask their questions. There was tremendous anticipation and excitement all around.
The rabbi walked silently around the room and then began to hum a Hasidic tune. Before long, everyone started humming along with his soft voice. As people became comfortable with his song, the rabbi started to dance. He danced everywhere in the room, and, one by one, every person danced with him. Soon everyone in the whole community was dancing wildly together. Each person’s soul was healed by the dance, and everyone experienced a personal transformation.
Later in the night, the rabbi gradually slowed the dance and eventually brought it to a stop. He looked into everyone’s eyes and said gently, “I trust that I have answered all of your questions.” — Jon Carlson in American Shaman: The Odyssey of Global Healing Traditions
Come dance with me at the Lîla Yoga Retreat at Shambhala Mountain Center!
Love & Peace,
xoErica
In the name of goodness for the world…
Erica and I wanted to find a productive way of channeling our compassion and concern for the Gulf oil spill. She asked me to see if I could research and find an organization that is helping with the cleanup that is worthy of our support. After researching several possibilities, this is the one I presented to Erica. Below you will find the link to donate – all the money will go directly to the organization. Thank you so much for your help in this effort.
OM Shanti.,
Ashley and Erica
Help Audubon Make A Difference
Audubon is:
Marshalling volunteer resources to help with wildlife rescue, clean-up, and to support heroic emergency responders – you can sign up here
Monitoring response efforts and guiding them toward designated Important Bird areas and sites in need of special protection
Researching bird and habitat impacts to inform recovery efforts
Leading restoration of Louisiana coastal resources for the long-term
Alerting the public to risks to birds and fragile resources
Katie and I last Sunday (@5pm) conducted a class focused on Touching your Surroundings, and realizing that the space around us is a fluid and it is affected with our intent. This was all spawned by the video below of an Atlas V rocket passing the sound barrier through a Sun Dog, which is a prismatic bright spot produced by ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. Very cool….
follow:
Lila Yoga Gardening Party & Veggie Pot Luck
Lila Yoga Studios Proudly Presents A Spontaneous Benefit Kirtan with internationally renowned musicians
