Okay, this keeps popping up. Is it a lotus or is it a water lily and is there a difference? By some accounts and some common uses, a lotus is a special water lily. By other accounts, there is no difference. By other accounts they are totally different. So, what's correct???

As far as I can tell, Egyptian and European lotuses are Nymphaeaceae, a type of water lily (with notched lily pads). Egyptian lotuses appear to bloom much farther above the water than European ones. Another type of water lily, Nuphar, also is sometimes called a lotus; it's a small cousin of the Egyptian lotus. Apparently, some other types of water lilies are not commonly referred to as lotuses.

Nymphaeaceae are different from Chinese and Indian lotuses, Nelumbo, which are not water lilies (although they have lily pads that are full circles, along with the lotus seed pod). Therefore, the classic lotus familiar to most in the yoga world is not a water lily.

So ... I have decided to be inclusive and include flowers referred to both as red lotus and red water lily in the "bric-a-brac" listings in this blog and in items I purchase.

That leads to another question!! Is a red lotus red? Actually, many species referred to as "red lotus" are a deep pink. Therefore, you are likely to see some deep pink lotuses referred to here as red.

I haven't checked it out yet, but I'm guessing the book Waterlilies and Lotuses has some of the answers, and it has tons of great photographs. You can preview it with google.

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Tai Chi Easy™ and Qigong Classes
6:15 - 7:45 p.m Mondays
at Elizabeth Seton Women's Center
with Melissa Elstein

Tai Chi Easy™ and Qigong is a simplified, yet healing and meditative, version of Tai Chi created by Roger Jahnke, OMD in order to make Tai Chi and Qigong accessible to everyone. The five flowing sequences can be practiced seated, standing, or walking, and aim to increase balance and coordination, as well as a peaceful state of mind in order to promote inner healing. Simple Qigong self-healing techniques, such as self-massage, breath work, gentle repetitive movement, laughing exercises, spontaneous Qigong, and meditation may also be employed in the class. (See www.taichieasy.org for more information.) Pre-registration is required. Note that a class for Gilda's Club members also is offered there, every other Tuesday.

Labels: in town workshops

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This stunning red lotus photograph, Lotusteich (Lotus Pond), is by photographer and author Bruno Baumann. He has made this breathtaking work (and other amazing photographs from his travels) available as a poster, as (very high quality but affordable) cards and postcards, and as a wonderful blank book notebook. He also was very helpful in setting up so people can easily order from the United States.

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Prime of Life Yoga: Optimum Health for the Second Half of Life
November 14 - 16
at Esalen (in CA)
with Larry Payne & David Allen

Prime of Life Yoga reflects the adaptations recommended for people in the second half of life. The workshop will have a balanced format of lecture and movement. This year's lecture topics, taught by Allen, include the latest concepts on nutrition, mind-body medicine, and longevity. The Yoga, taught by Payne, offers a safe, gentle, breath-oriented approach, based on the needs of participants and inspired by the teachings of T.K.V. Desikachar. The workshop also will include stress-reduction techniques, breathing methods, biomechanical reeducation, healthy lifestyle tools, and guided meditation.

Labels: out of town workshops

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I had a suggestion to include more of the yoga workshops for creative types in the blog, so ...

The Journey from the Center to the Page: Yoga and Creative Writing Workshop
Saturday, September 6, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
at East West Yoga
with Jeff Davis

Jeff Davis' "Journey from the Center to the Page" was the first book to show how yoga can help create better writing. There will be a booksigning for the new,' revised and expanded edition the night before the workshop. The book discusses ways to: harness and more fully explore your creative faculties; immerse yourself in your writing process; hone your craft; develop discipline; write with an authentic voice; craft convincing stories, dialogue and characters; write with more imagery, detail, metaphor and rhythm; convert fear and anger into powerful stories and satire. The author's website, where a free (with postage) introductory CD is available, is www.centertopage.com.

Labels: in town workshops

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A few places have posters with red (or deep pink, depending on the photo of the poster) lotuses by J Nemo (Sevilla on the left and Grenada on the right). I have not been able to find out anything about this artist. A few other flower-themed posters also are available. If you have information, please email me.

 

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Yoga for Well Being is offering a 500-hour teacher training course, starting in September in Florida, NY (which is accessible from NYC, MA or CT) with Fran Ubertini and others. The school is is associated with the Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation and the training is in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar. The approach focuses on adapting practices to suit individual needs, using breath and movement to facilitate stillness in the mind, all aspects of Yoga practice, asana, pranayama, ritual, meditation and chanting. The training program equips students with the tools to teach group classes and general individual sessions, perfect or change methods for those who already teach, deepen knowledge of yoga for personal practice. Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the graduate may apply separately for certification with KHYF and Yoga Alliance (at the 500 hour level).

Labels: out of town workshops

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Integral Yoga is holding a Healing Dynamics of Yoga weekend retreat at Mount Paul Retreat Center in NJ, Friday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5. The description includes, "Begin the day with meditation and hatha, followed by insightful talks, both morning and afternoon, on fundamental ancient Yogic truths and how to put them into practice in our daily lives. Also included are the practices of silence and selfless service that will be vital components of each day." Scheduled talks include, "How Yoga Heals Using Sound", "How Yoga Heals Emotion", "How Yoga Heals Using: Shat Kriyas, Mudras, Bandhas, Visualizations, and Deep Relaxation", "How Yoga Heals the Mind", and "How Yoga Heals: Pranayama". Bus and taxi transportation are available from NYC.

Labels: out of town workshops

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Here's another healing-related workshop.

Shamanic Techniques for Healing and Transformation
Saturday, September 27, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
at East West Yoga
with Mary Anne Flanagan

The world of the shaman is one of connection to all things - oneself, spirit, nature and each other. Participants will learn basic shamanic techniques to access personal power and receive insight and spirit guidance on life experiences and transitions. Participants will: work with the elements and the shamanic breath; discuss the three worlds of the shaman; explore our deep sensual energy and power; learn to perform a power animal retrieval ceremony; explore the healing aspects of shamanism; explore the directions of the medicine wheel for personal healing, and drum, rattle, whistle and celebrate.

Labels: in town workshops

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Isn't this tiny antique piece (which includes a red lotus) enchanting? It's only 3.5" x 1.5" x 1". The figure is Kannon, a god/goddess of compassion (Avalokiteshvara or Quan Yin), and the object is a portable shrine. (No, this is not an item I've purchased; with an antique gallery price, it will stay at home in the Robyn Buntin Gallery of Honolulu for now. :)

Sho Kannon Zushi with Lotus Doors

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Two upcoming out-of-town workshops with Hala Khouri focus on learning to teach yoga to at-risk youth and adults.

Teaching Yoga To At-Risk Youth and Adults 4 day Workshop
July 31- August 3
at Exhale Spa, Venice, CA
with Hala Khouri

This 20-hour teacher training provides the skills and tools to work with those considered "at-risk" due to poverty, violence, abuse, accidents or neglect. Participants will gain understanding and confidence in addressing the challenges that can arise in settings such as community centers, juvenile halls, and hospitals. A similar, 3-day workshop will be offered in Indianapolis starting October 31.

Note that, if you are interested in this work, you might want to check out Vajra Yoga's social action teacher training, here in NYC.

Labels: out of town workshops

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As promised, here's another red lotus photograph available online from the artist (signed, matted, etc.), Matt Schrier. I also have a print of this one. Many more to be featured soon!

Red Lotus, Churchville Nature Center, PA
Fine Art Photography by Matt Schrier

Labels: bric-a-brac

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It's been a while since I featured an option for free online yoga classes

Yoga Today offers free online yoga classes daily, keeping some them available (with the help of a variety of sponsors). These are not specific needs classes, but some of them are for beginners and/or can be adapted (if you're good at doing that). Therefore, the classes might be helpful for someone who does not need a lot of adaptation and wants options for home practice.

Click here if a sample video does not appear below.

Labels: misc nice ideas, misc yoga

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I've been on a bit of an art shopping spree, so you'll see several red lotus art-related posts in the next several days.

 

Tom Haseltine's site has photographic prints, cards, and more featuring his work, which includes these two wonderful red lotus photographs. Prints are available signed, matted, etc. I have a print of the very unique Raindrops photograph, shown to the left. (Waterlilies is at the right.)

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Here's more red lotus-themed inspired work.

Roter Lotus (translated as Red Lotus) is an organization dedicated development of the Gyuto Tantric University Hospital in northern India. The hospital was founded by Dr.s Hedda and Claus Blumenroth with the support of H.H. Karmapa and H.H. Dalai Lama. The hospital serves the poorest of the poor from all backgrounds. The next nearest modern hospital is 250 km away. The Roter Lotus web site is in German (the language of the organization's founders).

Another organization in Australia, Maggie’s Dreamcatcher Dharamsala Hospital Project Inc. (MDDHPI), has joined with Roter Lotus to support the hospital. Their web site is in English and has in depth information about the project.

Labels: for a good cause, red lotus businesses

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Here's another healing-related workshop that might be of interest ...

The Healing Power of Breath
Tuesdays for 4 weeks, July 29–August 19, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
at New York Open Center
with David Alkalay

The workshop is described, "... learn about the physiology of breath and the benefits of breathing practices ... learn time-tested, powerful techniques from yogic, Chinese and Kabbalistic traditions that use breath to reduce stress, enhance immune function, manage mood and pain, and harmonize the body, mind and spirit."

Labels: in town workshops

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This is an interesting healing-related event coming up locally in September.

Sacred Sound and Inspirational Sound Healing Circle
Friday, September 12, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
at East West Yoga
with Barry Goldstein (BarryGoldsteinMusic.com)

They describe it as, "Take a beautiful musical journey with Barry as he assists you in clearing blocks using sacred sound, guided visualization and inspirational songs. Experience the healing aspects of music and sound and embrace your own healing gifts in a safe and heart opening space. Music is a universal language that is created and received in our hearts. It goes beyond explanation and has the power to assist in reactivating a remembrance of whom we truly are! It's time to remember!"

Labels: in town workshops

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Black Princess-multi [rare] by Buu Mon Temple

Soon, I'll post about creative places to find art from both artists and non-artists. One of the places to find art and to make your own postage stamps is Zazzle. Check out this great red lotus postage stamp. The picture is of a rare Black Princess lotus taken at the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple in Texas, which hosts an Anuual Lotus Gardens Festival. I've written to ask if they have the image on other items, but they do not seem to have prepared them yet.

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Integrative Yoga Therapy Professional Yoga Therapist Training Program Modules 1 and 2 will be offered this summer at Kripalu. Combined, the two modules lead to 500-hour IYT Yoga Therapist certification and allow participants to work in professional settings and begin a private yoga therapy practice.

Module 1 includes: specific yoga practices, benefits, and contraindications for each system of the body and for specific health conditions; the use of asana in healing musculoskeletal injuries, along with modifications and use of props; evaluation skills and techniques for assessing imbalance at the physical, energetic, psychological, and spiritual levels; movement techniques for developing strength and flexibility, including somatics, PNF, hands-on assisted stretching, and the use of the Theraband; introduction to the essential principles of Ayurveda for yoga therapy; in-depth understanding of the energy body, using prana vidya, pranayama, mudra, and the chakras; practical tools and techniques for supporting clients at the psycho-emotional level, including stress management, relaxation, concentration, meditation, and yoga nidra; and yoga-based awareness methods-such as body mapping, mandala drawing, and guided imagery-for unlocking doors to healing. The two-week module also will introduce you to specific Integrative Yoga Therapy programs, including the Integrative Healthy Heart program, the Integrative Healthy Back program, and Repainting the Rainbow of Your Life, a yoga and wellness program for depression.

Module 2 includes: reading the body at physical, energetic, and psycho-emotional levels and responding with appropriate yoga practices for maximum integration and healing; expanding yoga therapy tools and techniques to provide a complete practice for each individual or group; practice in developing and implementing complete yoga therapy programs that cover a wide variety of health conditions; therapeutic sequences that apply the essential principles of Ayurveda in the context of yoga therapy; asana modifications and variations, mudra, and pranayama to balance each of the pranavayus and chakras; listening and dialogue skills to assist in opening clients to their own resources of inner healing; and workshops on specific health conditions with individuals who have used yoga in their healing journeys.

All students must have a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-recognized yoga teacher certificate and at least 50 hours of additional yoga study with a therapeutic focus from IYT, Kripalu, or another institution; participants without a teaching certification can take the course, but they will not be certified as a yoga therapist until they have completed a 200-hour teacher training course and finished Module 2.

Integrative Yoga Therapy Professional Yoga Therapist Training Program: Module 1
August 17 -30
with Joseph Le Page, Lilian Le Page, Beth Gibbs, Cathy Prescott and Maria KaliMa
at Kripalu

Integrative Yoga Therapy Professional Yoga Therapist Training Program: Module 2
August 30 – September
with Joseph Le Page, Lilian Le Page, Chaya Sharon Heller and Beth Gibbs
at Kripalu

Labels: out of town workshops

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Yoga Bear, which offers free yoga classes and yoga class passes to cancer patients and survivors, is setting up a long term yoga class for outpatients at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan! They need 12-15 new or gently used yoga mats. For more information and/or to donate, contact Michelle Robbins at Michelle.Robbins@yogabear.org or 7186125803.

Labels: for a good cause

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YogaHOPE Workshops for instructors include an assisting workshop and compassionate training workshops. The assisting workshop teaches a technique is not about correcting the student, but helping the student feel a sense of safety and ease in their body and on the mat. Through your assists, you will realize a powerful connection with the student that can create shifts in both of your lives. The compassionate teaching workshops explore the meaning of true compassion and awareness of how we are connected with our students. Learn to connect with your students authentically, with true compassion and a clear voice in a supportive and nurturing environment. The workshops are held in Boston. Click here to learn more.

Assisting Workshop
Sunday, July 20, 1 - 5 p.m.
OR
Sunday, October 19, 1 - 5 p.m.

Compassionate Teaching Workshop: Part 1
Sunday, August 10, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
OR
Sunday, November 9, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m

Compassionate Teaching Workshop: Part II
Sunday, September 14, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
OR
Sunday, December 14, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Labels: out of town workshops

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Another red lotus inspired business ....

Red Lotus Tai Chi Qigong (in New Hampshire) takes a non-martial approach to Tai Chi and Qigong, focused to provide each student with a wide variety of immensely helpful tools to reduce stress, create a powerful mind-body connection, improve the immune system, and develop flexibility, strength and confidence.

Labels: red lotus businesses

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Yoga as Medicine - The Yogic Path for Health, Healing, and Personal Transformation
Aug 25-29
with Timothy McCall
at Kripalu

This workshop is for yoga students of all levels, yoga teachers, and health-care professionals. Physician, author, and yogi Dr. Timothy McCall invites you to discover—or deepen—your appreciation of the healing potential of yoga. Explore yoga's vast toolbox, including postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, chanting, visualization, meditation, and philosophical ideas, and learn how these tools can be adapted to meet everyone’s needs—young or old, fit or unfit, healthy or seriously ill. Beyond relieving symptoms or even curing disease, yoga as medicine is a path to high-level physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Areas of focus will include: the ancient yogic formula for changing dysfunctional habits; anatomical principles that deepen yoga practice and make it safer; the vital link between breath, nervous system, and mind; reconciling yoga and modern science; the yogic approach to heart disease, insomnia, depression, infertility, and weight loss; practicing safely with various health challenges; Ayurvedic insights that deepen yoga’s therapeutic potential. The week is an opportunity to cultivate yogic awareness to guide life decisions, and make medical care—alternative and conventional—more effective. (I have signed up to attend this one.)

Note that Timothy McCall also will be offering a short workshop in NYC later this year.

Labels: out of town workshops

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The workshop will focus on an approach to teaching seniors that is grounded in principles from the Viniyoga tradition. Participants will learn a brief framework for understanding the principles of adaptation, sequencing, repetition of movement, and breathing techniques from this perspective. Special needs of geriatric populations and considerations in working with elders will be discussed. The practice itself will be divided into three parts: seated work, standing postures, and floor practice. Hand-outs and class sequences will be provided.

Labels: out of town workshops

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If you liked the screens, you might like this similarly-themed and similarly-designed red lotus art, too.

Chinese Coromandel Lotus Blossoms Wall Hanging
genuine gold leaf
hand carved and painted

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Yoga for Rejuvenation and Peaceful Sleep is a rejuvenating workshop focusing on relaxing and calming yoga postures that can help induce a sleep state. Participants will learn asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra, and yoga nidra as tools to wind down. The workshop also will include: guidelines for creating good sleep habits, information on pharmaceutical and holistic sleep aids, nutritional support for your body’s natural rhythms, how to choose forms of yoga that support relaxation, and a program to take with you for home practice. The workshop is open to all levels and is for anyone who feels overstressed and depleted, not just insomniacs. Each evening will conclude with a soothing savasana.

Yoga for Rejuvenation and Peaceful Sleep
September 19 - 21
at Kripalu
with Sara Ivanhoe

Labels: out of town workshops

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I was thinking of buying a red-lotus themed room divider. I found these two and they're not quite the same. Hmmmm ... I suspect the first one is the original manufacturer (it's solid birch wood), but the second one seems to have a more consistent color scheme (it's a plywood "wall screen" and also is ready-to-hang). With shipping, they're in the same price range.

For those of you with much deeper pockets, check out the beautiful original art of this lotus-inspired screen.

Labels: bric-a-brac

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Yoga For The Special Child Training is a comprehensive, seven-day training course for a program of Yoga therapy for children with special needs (e.g. children with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD or other learning disabilities). It is designed for parents, educators, health professionals, and Yoga teachers. Using hands-on and video instruction, participants will be guided through each stage of the special child's development. Participants will learn how to evaluate infants and children, how to create the optimum home environment and how to work with specific syndromes and disorders.

Yoga For The Special Child - Basic
with Sonia Sumar
NY Integral Yoga Institute
July 13 - 19
(Wait list only.)

Yoga For The Special Child - Basic
with Sonia Sumar
NY Integral Yoga Institute
July 20 - 26
(Wait list only.)

Yoga For The Special Child - Advanced 1
with Sonia Sumar
NY Integral Yoga Institute
August 18 - 23

Several other workshops in U.S. and international locations are scheduled. Visit the Yoga for the Special Child web site for more information.

Labels: in town workshops, out of town workshops

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Yoga for Health is the International Yoga Therapy Conference (IYTC). This conference explores the ways yoga can aid in maintaining health or recovery from illness. The event also helps bridge the gap between the yoga and medical communities and doctors, therapists, healing arts practitioners, and yoga teachers who want to add yoga or yoga therapy to their practice are welcome. Additionally, beginners who want to learn how yoga can help improve their health are welcome.

Yoga for Health - IYTC
October 3 - 5
in San Rafael, CA

Labels: out of town workshops

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Restorative Yoga Teacher Training
August 25 - 29
at Kripalu
with Sudha Carolyn Lundeen

When the body is fully supported it can let go and release deeply held tensions. Restorative yoga, the yoga of non-doing, focuses on effortlessness and ease, using well-placed blankets, bolsters, yoga straps, and chairs to safely support the body in various postures. This process invokes a natural state of balance, replenishment, and healing rest.

This training is for yoga teachers. Participants will practice a set of restorative postures, complemented with gentle stretching, breathing, and meditation. Through direct experience, practice teaching, and feedback, participants will leave with the ability to confidently teach a primary series of restorative poses as well as incorporate them into their own practice.

Labels: out of town workshops

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The Samarya Center is hosting a learning Yoga Therapy Retreat in Mexico August 29 - September 5. This is an opportunity for yoga teachers, students, caregivers, or anyone interested in using yoga as a healing modality to work with a pioneer in the field. The retreat was designed to provide participants with the practical knowledge, clarity and confidence to work effectively with special conditions. Although participants will learn specific asanas and sequences appropriate for each condition, there will be a strong emphasis on supporting illness, disease, and life challenges in a holistic manner. This will include practical and philosophical strategies for helping and healing on the physical, energetic and emotional levels.

Labels: out of town workshops

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