Vital Yoga

The Universal Story

vitalyoga — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:39:49 +0000

I have a wooden jewelry box from India. It’s too large to place on an armoire so I put it on the floor in my closet. The other day I thought to myself, “I should clean that out and get rid of the old jewelry that has accrued over 30+ years.”

Yesterday, James talked me into giving a presentation on Africa to his niece’s 4th grade class. I mentioned how nomadic lifestyle is different from ours, and asked the children if they would have as many toys if they moved consistently and had smaller houses. What would it be like to pack up everything you owned and put it on a camel’s back? They agreed they would have few things, but hopefully the same happiness.

James brought his memorabilia to show the kids. Spears, shields, calabash, necklaces, camel bells-things that might not mean anything to anyone else, but that James treasures. He was putting them in the back of his pick-up and I said, “James, you should put those inside the vehicle. People steal strange things from others.” This is a very uncharacteristic statement from me. I rarely look to the future with doubt or fear. It amused us both. But he put the articles in the cab anyway.

Twenty minutes later I drove home, let myself in, and stood in awe as I looked around the front room.

Every cabinet, every drawer, even the refrigerator doors were wide open, the contents spread in disarray across the floor. My house appeared opened, vulnerable, and somehow beautiful-as though there were no stone left unturned-all open for everyone to see. It was transparent-clear. My underwear and lingerie on the floor, a few items that had fallen out of the jewelry box scattered, and all doors opened. The jewelry box was missing.

Lepakiyo, from Kenya, sent a text message asking, “How is your home?” He has never asked that.

The universe tells stories through us. My home was vandalized, my jewelry robbed, you could say that my space was violated. But, I don’t tend to see it this way. I’m fascinated by the moments leading up to this event-all the lines that when traced back, led me exactly here. And I choose to trust that it is for our highest evolution, our brightest version of self. There were many synchronicities all along, many places to connect the dots-not to learn a lesson, not to forewarn, but simply to remind me that each moment is connected to the one previous and post. It’s a giant, glistening web of interrelated material, and energy. I am part. That’s all. Often what I experience is positive. Sometimes it’s negative. My perspective and enjoyment of this life are what matter most to me. No one can rob that. I’m too adept at practicing it. Live the story fully. Watch the moments wax and wane. Life is always magical! And we are life!

Farm to Table

vitalyoga — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:27:35 +0000

Teri Rippeto, owner/chef of Potager Restaurant and Wine Bar in Denver, strives to decrease her mark on the environment by simple cooking, simple eating and simple living. Teri says, “It’s never about trends, but about doing what’s right.” Please join us for the third annual Farm to Table Cooking Classes with Teri Rippeto, cooking begins at 6:30pm with dinner served at 8PM. For more information about Teri and Potager, please go to: http://www.potagerrestaurant.com/Kitchen.html.

When: Saturdays, June 16, August 11, September 29

Cost: $210 for all three sessions or $80 per session.

Yoga Rocks the Park 2012!

vitalyoga — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:00:05 +0000

Now in its fourth season the gathering has blossomed into a full-blown wellness festival attracting hundreds each week complete with massage, integrative therapy exhibitions, vendor booths, organic food and drink vendors, and even more live music along with National and local yoga teachers-lead classes for adults and children.

Vital Yoga co-owners Micah and Desi Springer will open the YRTP event, Sunday, June 3rd. We hope you’ll join us for this fabulous community event – barefoot in the grass, yoga under the open sky, getting together with fellow yogis, meeting new yogis…

When: Sundays throughout the summer, the event kicks off 9:30 am – noon (registration opens at 9am, 9:30 music starts; 10 am yoga!)

Where: Please click on the “register” button for different Denver Park locations each week.

Hanuman Festival, Boulder Colorado

vitalyoga — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:44:36 +0000

Are you an Inspiration Junkie? Are you interested in community and heartfelt experience with like-minded yogis? Join Richard Freeman, Kathryn Budig, Amy Ippoliti, Beryl Bender Birch, Noah Maze, Suzanne Sterling, Desert Dwellers, DJ Drez, Durga Das and over 30 other teachers and musicians in yogic heaven`s Boulder, Colorado. It’s happening at the foot of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains in celebration with world-class yoga instructors, mind-blowing music, inspirational experiences and a deep, nourishing community. Immerse yourself in body, mind and heart as you relax and rejuvenate, dance and devote, connect and expand, have fun and just be…

We hope you’ll join Vital Yoga’s co-owners Desi and Micah Springer as they will guide the Vital Roots series, Saturday, June 9, 3:30-5:30pm.

Spring’s Wisdom

vitalyoga — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:04:26 +0000

Desi’s back! She’s been working on the Vital Roots Series. When we first created it in 2008, we were on the floor, in her kitchen. We had a clear objective. We wanted a practice that was sustainable, therapeutic as well as challenging- a series with a grounding effect-more meditative than invigorating. Apparently we did it. The Vital Roots series continues to inspire and heal this community. We have heard you. But along with all living systems, the Vital Roots series will evolve. That’s its genius. Spring reminds us that if we’re not growing, we’re dying. Watch the buds and you’ll know the health of your plant.

Desi asked for guidance and she didn’t stop short of the top-she got counsel from Anusara Yoga’s founder, John Friend! When she told me that he liked the series and saw room for revision, I said, “Desi, that’s like Orville Redenbacher saying it’s good popcorn! Wow!” To say the least, we’re honored that the initial series was good enough to gain his approval as well as his interest in refining it.

We know change is challenging- we also know it’s essential. Vital’s investment is in a healthy, evolving community which means that we will sometimes transform even the foundation. Get Excited! John offered his expert and insightful opinion and has helped us revise the Vital Roots series so that it is more intelligent, accessible, and transformative! We’ll lead you through the changes June 1st studio wide, though Desi, will be teaching the new series Monday nights 6:30pm at the Highlands. Sneak preview for those who are too curious!

We’re proud of this community. You have exceptional practices and exceptional hearts! You have trusted us with your bodies and minds and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Continue to grow with us! ‘Tis the Season!

Dharma of Eloquence

vitalyoga — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:40:36 +0000

How much of the Divine can we have available? How can we speak and write and move, holding in our heart and minds that we are a part of the cosmic re-cycling of the Divine back to the Divine? And how can we access and bow with beauty, from this place of deep knowing? Please join the dynamic Dharma Queens: Madhuri Martin and Judyth Hill as they demystify and uncover our innate ability to reach and touch soul to soul, turning our words and movement into deep connection.

When: Sunday, May 20, noon-4pm

Cost: $45 early bird thru May 19, ($50 after)

Location: Vital Yoga Highlands

Dharma of Eloquence

vitalyoga — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:30:04 +0000

“Speak a new language so that the world will be a new world” Rumi

How much of the Divine can we have available? How can we speak and write and move, holding in our heart and minds that we are a part of the cosmic re-cycling of the Divine back to the Divine? And how can we access and bow with beauty, from this place of deep knowing, so that others might hear? Please join the dynamic Dharma Queens: Madhuri Martin and Judyth Hill as they demystify and uncover our innate ability to reach and touch soul to soul, turning the movement of our yoga practice and our words into deep connection.

When: Sunday, May 20, noon-4pm

Cost: $45 early bird thru May 18 ($50 after)

Location: Vital Yoga Highlands

Madhuri Martin has trained in yoga since 1986 with Shri K Patthabi Jois and Richard Freeman. In 1990, she began her studies with John Friend. and in 1999 began training with Martin’ Prechtel. Madhuri’s teachers guide her passion for authenticity, nobility and cultural legitimacy. “Yoga sits in a historical and cultural nest of immense beauty ~ when we practice with the knowledge, gifts and understandings that the holy has prearranged, we ourselves become Divine.” To find out more about Madhuri and her teaching, please go to www.muddyoga.com.

Judyth Hill, a stand-up poet, has published six books of poetry and is the recipient of numerous grants, endowments and awards for teaching and writing. Judyth is described by the St. Helena Examiner as, “Energy with Skin”, and by the Denver Post as “A tigress with a pen.” To find out more about Judyth, please go to: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/04/the-dharma-of-eloquence-language-that-shines-from-soul-to-soul-judyth-hill/ or www.judythhill.com

50 Hour Anusara Yoga Teacher Training

vitalyoga — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:06:13 +0000

Each time Jai me Allison steps onto her mat; she brings with her the wisdom that Anusara Yoga offers. The Universal Principles of Anusara Yoga truly are a road map to the heart, a road map for skillful living, and a way to embrace and maximize one’s potential. When we make changes in the tangible outer form of the body we make huge shifts in the heart and mind as well. Anusara Yoga is based in the science of biomechanics. There is an optimal way to place the bones of the body in relationship to each other. This optimal alignment goes beyond the body to affect all the subtle energies of the heart and mind. Does it take work, dedication and consistency? Yes. Is it worth it? More than you can imagine!

To Jai me there is no completion to the journey. She unfolds and reaches new levels of understanding, moment to moment. This practice is a tool for personal growth. It restores balance in mind, body and spirit. Her desire for her students is self-empowerment so they can practice safely and live deeply. Having an understanding of the Anusara Yoga Universal Principles of Alignment allows students to take responsibility for their health and well being. As the physical body opens and heals, there is opening and healing on all levels. It is an on-going process of learning and opening, of seeing and owning the radiance within. This path of yoga continues to unfold in all ways possible. Great souls met along the way guide, sustain and uplift. To be blessed with good company on this journey of life is something Jai me offers her deepest gratitude toward everyday.

For more about Jai me, please visit www.jamieallisonyoga.com

When:

Part I: The More you Know, the More you See. Being able to see the energetic flows in the body is a hallmark of a successful teacher. A keen capacity to observe allows you to offer optimal verbal and manual adjustments.

July 28-29, 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday) Focus – cultivating observation skills and enhancement skills (verbal and manual adjustments) from the waist down.

August 4-5, 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday) Focus – cultivating observation skills and enhancement skills (verbal and manual adjustments) from the waist up.

Part II: Sequencing for Success and Speaking Heart to Heart. The art of inspiring the heart combined with the science of sequencing.

August 11-12, 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday) Focus – sequencing and theme creation beginning with the apex pose. Practicing what we learn in the workshop.

August 25-26, 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday) Focus – sequencing and theme creation beginning with the theme. Practicing what we learn in the workshop.

Cost: $500 early bird by July 15, or $550 after.

Location: Vital Yoga Highlands. Refunds available as Vital Yoga credit only.

Continued Evolution

vitalyoga — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:15:10 +0000

One way I know that I am growing and expanding my capacity as a human, is that the quality of my love, and loving ability grows deeper and expands further. I test it regularly. Humberto Maturana said that the only root emotion which has the ability to expand our intelligence is love. When we love, rather than love’s opposite in fear, our perspective opens and we are suddenly privy to concepts and connections that weren’t previously visible. We are able to understand, literally to stand under and observe all that surrounds us. Our minds stretch and our bodies heal. We can see many solutions as opposed to feeling victimized by the circumstances in our lives. We also see one another and genuinely want the best possible outcome for everyone. Maturana’s working definition of love was that love allows another being to simply be who they are-at all times, in all instances. We allow love, not impose it or use it to imprison self and other-that would be fear. About lovers Humberto said, “not like two ships passing in the night, but two ships that travel side by side for a certain time, always bound for different ports.” Our differences in perspective, in evolution, create the healthy and essential diversity of the world. Yearning for control of one another, or homogenization of the entirety, isn’t healthy. Divinity wants to be expressed in its entirety-which means diversely. The practice is, then, to allow. As we learn to witness, rather than judge, we are able to witness, rather than judge the loves in our lives. We allow one another to simply be, without constraints, without rigidity, with God. We become more intelligent. And fear dissolves.

Back from Kenya!

vitalyoga — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:55:38 +0000

Twelve people travelled, twelve people returned safely, and with expanded vision. A few expressed they would like to stay, weren’t ready to come back home. I brought them to the land of dirt and sticks, and trees with nasty thorns as well. The people are impoverished by our standards, but they would never know it, if it weren’t for our apparent wealth, clothing, watches, and shoes. They are illiterate, though I’ve never been read so well by anyone. Lepakiyo in his visits to the United States has never expressed wanting to stay. The United States Immigration Department makes it difficult to acquire a tourist visa for fear that the applicant won’t return home, will get lost in our system and become a drain on our resources, a liability. But they’re not accustomed to interviewing nomadic pastoral peoples. During the greeting in Samburu at one point the response to how is everything, how is your land, is “my land is good, there is milk, there is honey from honey bees.” Nomads are still connected to source, to the land that raised them, their food, their communities. There’s no pavement. Transportation is still two feet. And they know their land because they walk it. They will defend it, though they may not possess it.

How can we know our land? It’s Spring here. It’s beautiful. Take time to walk your block. Smell the lilacs, for this season belongs to them and especially this year. They are experiencing a full bloom, an exquisite and refined expression of potential. It would be a shame not to notice. I’ve been back less than a week and I’ve walked more than two times a day. It’s how I reintegrate, know my home again, and honor my friends in Kenya. To connect with the land that we live on, live with, is healing. Walk. Garden. Smell the lilacs.