Sat Nam everyone!

I have very limited access to the internet so I will not be readily available. Things are awesome here at the Kundalini Teacher Training; the weather is perfect (so sorry to hear of the flooding at home; I hope you and your families are well), and I am learning so much. Have met lots of great people and am looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Have a great day, Shelli
Namaste

Yoga Teacher Training 2008-2009

Yoga Teacher Trainees 2008-2009

This year's Yoga Teacher Training is nearly at an end; everyone has worked so hard! Thank you Trainees for being open, honest, and commited to your practice. You are each special, beautiful, and filled with compassion; I am so fortunate to have gotten to know you and to have been given this opportunity to share yoga with all of you!
Namaste, Shelli

Eternal Health Yoga is many things to many different people; this weekend I get to participate in a variety of things that I really enjoy because of Eternal Health Yoga:

1. Tonight I will be leading a Candlelight Yoga Practice/Meditation/Deep Relaxation with Rhythmic Gong, session (I love leading class and teaching workshops!).

2. Tomorrow evening, some of our Teachers and Teacher Trainees (current and former) will be leading a short yoga session for the audience at Shakespeare in the Park from 7:15 - 7:45 PM, just prior to the performance of Romeo and Juliet. I love Shakespeare, live performances, teaching yoga, being with the teachers and trainees, and being at Central Park! Yoga has provided the most amazing opportunities; I am so grateful and so happy to be able to share yoga with others!!

Three Years of Yoga

I can hardly believe it has been three years since Eternal Health Yoga's doors first opened! As a supporter of holistic health and wellness, I am so pleased to be part of something so special! This week I will be getting the details finished for our upcoming celebratory weekend of FREE activities including our FREE day of Yoga on Sunday April 19th! Be sure to come by and participate in any or all of this weekends fun events!

I look forward to seeing you all there!
Namaste, Shelli

Sadhana coming up: April 19th!

Morning Sadhana: Meditation, Mantra, Asana Practice!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
All donations go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Wow, I have been busy, busy lately - all good things but the days have been flying by! The studio is so filled with positive energy that it seems to be bursting! Thank you everyone as you continue to come and practice regularly!

This Sunday (April 12th), D'Arci and I will be appearing (briefly) on WHAS-TV at 6:15 AM to promote our St. Jude Children's Research Hospital fundraiser which takes place next weekend in conjunction with our three year anniversary celebration. Be sure to join us for our FREE day of yoga on the 19th of April. Details are on the web site.

I am very excited to be leading a Morning Sadhana; those of you who attended Sadhana (see pictures above) in February know that it is a powerful morning experience! Please join us Sunday, April 19th, 5:00 AM - 7:30 AM. All donations go to St. Jude.

Angel

Today was a sad day ; my sweet little dog, Angel, passed away at home. Angel has been an important member of our family for the past 14 1/2 years, and we will miss her very much!

A spunky, little Maltese, Angel lived a full happy life. She had amazing energy, was affectionate, smart, and so attentive to our moods and behaviors. Lately though, she had been slowing down a bit, she couldn't see or hear as well as in the past; but even this morning she walked around outside, ate her breakfast, had some treats, and took a bath. Late in the afternoon she died softly and quietly in her little bed in the living room, so sweet and so gentle. I will miss her very much, but I am grateful to have been fortunate enough to share her life.

Goodbye dear friend; I love you sweet baby!

Support Local!

Support the following LIBA-sponsored event!

Louisville Brewfest
Fri., Mar. 27th, 4pm - 10pm at the Clifton Center (2117 Payne St.)
Free admission * Samples and full-sized beers *

$1 beer and food tickets * $2 souvenir cups:

Bluegrass Brewing Main Street* Cumberland Brews * New Albanian

* Bluegrass Brewing Company* Brownings

Yoga Bowling!

Sat Nam!

Lots of exciting things to talk about; remember I mentioned that we are now a part of LIBA (Louisville Independent Business Alliance)? Well, each month a different business owner hosts a meeting so that we can get to know one another, develop a stronger sense of community, and come up with ways to bring more awareness about the importance of buying local - amazing group of people who really care about this community; I am so proud to be a part of this group!

Two weeks ago we met at Vernon Bowling Lanes, http://vernonclub.com/

What an awesome place! we talked, bowled, and supported this local business; check out Vernon Lanes when you can (Frankfort Ave. to Story Ave., turn left on Story, Vernon Lanes is on the right); they even have salsa dancing on Wednesday nights in the "ballroom" downstairs!

Of course, I did have to try a little "yoga bowling" (While having some fun with the settings on my camera)!

Hope to see you on the lanes!

Namaste

Costa Rica this Summer - there's still space!

Retreats are really amazing! When you find yourself away from your everyday life, it is much easier to get in touch with your self. No distractions from work, TV, or whatever it is for you, so you can simply be.

This summer's yoga retreat in Costa Rica will offer you sanctuary from life's constant barrage of distractions. Various yoga and meditation sessions will be offered at least twice per day, you can participate in all, some, or none of them - totally your choice. Most important - just relax and go with the flow, you will feel awesome!

This will be the third Yoga Trip/Retreat for Eternal Health Yoga. Mexico in 2007 was incredible; England 2008 was brilliant; Costa Rica 2009 is going to be the best of all! (Click on the photos tab on the Eternal Health Yoga web site to view pictures from previous trips)

Please check out our web site for more retreat information: http://www.eternalhealthyoga.com/

Also, click here to view the Luna Lodge web site: www.lunalodge.com
Be sure to watch the video on the home page; it is really beautiful!
There is still space, so register soon - this is a trip not to be missed!
I hope to see you there!

Ayurveda

February 27 - March 2, Ayurvedic Advisor, Madhavi Rathod was here to see clients.

Ayurveda is the ancient healing medicine that has been practiced continuously for over 5000 years. It is the "sister science" to yoga and emphasizes prevention of illness and health promotion by restoring balance to the mind, body and spirit. If you would like to learn more about Ayurveda, click here for Madhavi's web site: http://www.vedichealing.com/

Also, if you would like an individual consultation, Madhavi will be returning to Louisville in June; I will post the exact dates as soon a they are confirmed.


Namaste

Kundalini Yoga Workshop Sunday February 22, 2009

This past Sunday was intense and transformative! We began at 4:30AM with Sadhana (see previous post), which was incredible! Later that afternoon, Dan and Paulette Coma led a Kundalini Yoga Workshop with an emphasis on stress management.

We had many participants and the energy in the studio was astounding! Thank you everyone who attended Sadhana, Workshop, or both! For more information about Kundalini Yoga, please see the official web site: http://www.3ho.org/

Also, we are considering having Sadhana once a month at the studio, if you are interested in this happening, please let me know - you can respond in a comment to this blog. Thank you!

Sadhana - amazing!

Morning Sadhana, Sunday February 22, 2009: Led by Kundalini instructors, Dan and Paulette Coma, our pre-dawn meditation, chanting, and yoga practice was nearly indescribable! The studio began filling at 4:00 AM.

Once the practice began there were seventeen of us chanting, meditating, and singing joyfully as we practiced Kundalini Yoga together and welcomed the new day!

There is something very special about gathering together in a sacred space with a group of open, compassionate individuals!After Sadhana: Smiles everywhere!

Our teacher, Paulette, brings around Prashad, an edible gracious gift served with love and gratitude; on this morning, Prashad is a delicious date placed in our upturned palms which we accept appreciatively and mindfully.

The morning has served us well; our sense of connection with one another, with the Earth, and with the Universe feels intensely deeper than before we began the day.

We have made new friends.

And shared a wonderful experience with those we have known longer.

All in all it was a transformative morning; I cannot wait to do this again!

Thank you everyone for coming together as a community!
It was an amazing day!
Sat Nam

It was a full weekend!

Saturday, February 14, 2009:

Sharon Gannon Workshop, Cincinnati, Ohio

The workshop in Cincinnati was intense and wonderful! Here we are surrounding Sharon Gannon as she discusses her new yoga book.

Sunday February 15, 2009:

Reiki Training, Eternal Health Yoga

Led by Reiki Masters, Shelli Carpenter & Tracie Anderson

Happy, new practitioners!

Our new group of Reiki practitioners shared a beautiful weekend with one another as they learned the soothing, non-invasive healing technique, Reiki.

Once they understood the intention of exchanging loving energy with the client, our intuitive trainees didn't need much direction as they practiced on one another.

The training was an all day amazing experience; if anyone is interested in scheduling and receiving a Reiki session, please contact the studio through email or phone.

If you are interested in learning this technique, let us know that as well.
Namaste

Yoga and Food - what's up with that?

This Saturday, February 14, 2009, some of our teachers and former teacher trainees will be heading to Cincinnati, Ohio for a yoga workshop and book signing with Sharon Gannon, founder of the JivaMukti yoga style. Sharon is an amazingly inspiring yoga instructor who strives to promote peace and compassion in the world through yogic living.

A year ago, I was fortunate to travel with friends and my awesome husband to San Francisco for a yoga conference and participated in some of Sharon's classes. Her asana sequences were challenging, but invigorating; I was pushed a bit beyond where I am normally comfortable in my practice, but the confidence of this teacher and her caring manner took away any sense of intrepidation; I was lulled into Yoga Heaven!

A key focus of Sharon Gannon's philosophy, is her interpretation of the yogic principle, Ahimsa (Non-violence) as it relates to food choices; we will each be receiving a copy of her new book, Yoga and Vegetarianism: The Path to Greater Health and Happiness, in which she addresses this idea, at the workshop. "Drawing on both the author's extensive studies of Vedic traditions and her longtime interest in animal rights, Yoga and Vegetarianism shows how the physical and spiritual practice of yoga is historically and structurally tied to a vegetarian lifestyle." http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Yoga-and-Vegetarianism/Sharon-Gannon/e/9781601090218

The subject of food is a challenging one for many yogis; the subject of food is a challenge for most people. Ponder these questions:

• If vegetarianism is part of the yoga practice, are those who eat meat not "real" yogis?
• If practicing non-violence in regard to your food choices is a yoga prerequisite, does that mean veganism is the only "true" path?
• If yoga is open and available to anyone regardless of his/her religion, color, creed, orientation, etc., then does it matter if one hunts and kills for food?
• What about the individual who eats meat, but takes the time to prepare food with his/her family members each evening while talking pleasantly, and then mindfully sits down at the table sharing the evening meal as a family?

Tricky questions.

Let me know what you all think about these ideas. Answer in the blog - just click on "comment" at the bottom right; you can answer anonymously if you choose.

I feel that it is important that we are able to discuss our feelings where it concerns food, religion, politics, family choices, etc. without defensiveness and judgement. We each have a voice that should be heard. At the same time, remember the saying, we have one mouth and two ears; perhaps listening to others is just as important as speaking to them.

So ponder what others have to say; you don't have to change yourself based on what someone else believes. But even if you disagree, respect one another's right to express his/her thoughts, ideas, and feelings; and who knows, perhaps you will learn something that will help you on your journey.

Respect one another; that is how to promote peace and compassion in the world. I look forward to hearing from you! Namaste, Shelli

Go local ...

Tonight was the monthly meeting of Eternal Health Yoga's Advisory Board; this board was formed last year with the purpose of developing and upholding our yoga community's intention and presence, in the community and the world, with integrity. Current Board members are (rear, l to r), Shelli Carpenter, Nancy Clinton, Susan Schroeder, (front l to r) D'Arci Freeland, and Marie Coma.

A recent decision of the AB was for the studio to become a member of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance; we feel that it is important to support local businesses and to educate citizens in the importance of this support. The mission of LIBA, consistent with our ideals is, "to preserve the unique community character of the Metro Louisville area by promoting locally-owned businesses and to educate citizens on the value of shopping locally". Visit the LIBA web site here and support your local community: http://www.keeplouisvilleweird.com/index.htm

We are a community center!

Book Club met tonight; we discussed, The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell. Karen Watson brought a delicious pasta dish which we enjoyed during the discussion and all in all it was a very enjoyable evening.

In addition to yoga classes, Book Club is is one of the many ways we come together as a community at Eternal Health Yoga. We have regular meditation sessions, nutrition and health workshops, and free yoga classes; we host guest teachers, travel to foreign countries on retreat together, and just hang out drinking tea in the kitchen. We train teachers, help pregnant women prepare for birth, and tell yoga stories to children in our kid's classes. Eternal Health Yoga is an amazing, welcoming, environment in which to practice yoga, to make friends, and to deepen our practice and spiritual way of living. Thank you everyone for letting me and all of the teachers share yoga with you. Thank you for being open and real and caring. Thank you for making Eternal Health Yoga the wonderful place that it is.

And thank you as well for having and expressing your awesome sense of humor!

Namaste!

Specific Gravity Ensemble is…

"Theatre beyond the norm. Polished, innovative unconventional shows performed in "found spaces"-- factories, public squares, parks, homes, junk yards—environmental theatre is the mainstay of SGE's work.

Specific Gravity is a Louisville-based collective of theatre artisans that produces adventurous professional-level productions with high standards of excellence."

Our talented yoga instructor, Susan Schroeder (seen here with me following one of her performances as "Wondergirl"!), is performing in Elevator Plays 3, currently showing at the Hertz Starks Building. These plays are fun, funny, poignant, and one is even a bit frightening.

Please support our amazing arts culture; come and see Elevator Plays 3!

Click here for showtimes and ticket information.

Yoga is for Everyone!

I had the best time tonight! I just got home from Field Elementary, where I lead a family yoga session at the school's annual Family Fun Night; it was 30 minutes of smiles, laughter and lots of good breathing!

Children really "get" yoga. It is very natural for them to sit on the floor, twist and stretch and pretend they are camels, dogs, and snakes. Check out the smiles on this forest of trees.

First Blog for Eternal Health Yoga!

Dear Eternal Health Yoga students and supporters!

Today is the first day of our studio blog; I am very excited about this and see it as an opportunity for our community to grow and connect with one another outside of the studio space. I will share items that I feel are important concerning the studio, yoga, and life in general. Please contribute in any way that you see fit. I am looking forward to hearing from you and am sure that this blog can only enhance our intentions of leading a positive life of peace and contentment.

As an additional method of recording the happenings of Eternal Health Yoga, I recently purchased a new camera (I am very excited!). Please enjoy these new pictures of the studio.

Additionally, thank you for all that you do, and thank you for practicing and sharing yoga; have a wonderful day!

Sat Nam, Shelli