Dear Yoga Friends,

This is an unconventional mailing as we approach the Election.
Politically, I respect everyone's right to determine their own choices without pressing my own views onto you, but..

I remain hopeful that everyone reading this will vote for the outstanding leader of our time with heart and vision, Mr. Barack Obama, and please vote "NO" on Prop. 8 to protect equal rights for all!

If you don't agree, here is your Yogic opportunity to practice "upeksa" or disregard of the above opinion..! Regardless of how you vote, election fairness is everyone's concern. As for accountability in the voting process, we seem to have not quite cinched things up after the questionable voting tallies of two elections past via electronic voting, absentee ballots, and the heist and concealment of African-American votes in decisive Florida 2000. We cannot afford to be cheated or duped again at this critical time by the same rote! Please consider voting by good old-fashioned pencil ballot, or if you must vote alternatively, be aware of the following:

Watch: Electronic voting machines shown to be rigged in W. Virginia.
It could happen anywhere! If you must use an electronic voting machine, INSIST ON CONFIRMING YOUR BALLOT.

Read: Exposing voter suppression, state-by-state

*Important news concerning absentee ballots*
Special postage oversight nationwide- it costs 59 cents, not the usual 42, and there is only a tiny slip of paper to inform you before you mail it. Regular first-class stamps will result in returns, too late for many voters. Many counties in our state have agreed to pick up the extra postage to ensure votes are counted. Does yours?

The lung is the master and mediator of what is called Prana or vital life/Spirit by Yogis, Ruach by the Hebrews, Pneuma by the Greeks, and Qi or Chi by the Chinese.

"It is in charge of inhalation and exhalation, and, in more general terms, the flux of coming in and going out."

-From Shen Jin'ao, Doctor Shen's Compendium of Honoring Life (Shen Shi Zunsheng Shu), 1773.

The lung is associated with the metal element, the color white, the direction West, and the season of autumn. Lung focuses in on the release of grief and deep- seated emotions that are inhibited from release by lack of vital breathing, resting patterns, and how well we take care of ourselves through the changes of season--including keeping the body warm (especially head, chest and feet) and eating warmer foods.

We carry over the effects of our proactive or repressive expressions of the late summer afflictions of worry into autumn, where the concerns that were abandoned or put on a shelf "for later" often get stuck as damp Lung conditions. Late autumn can source these maladies out of us by creating the conditions for release, either through colds and respiratory infections, the desire to cry (which can be a blessing), or depression. Many find that they are affected also by the lower incidence of sunlight that is starting to happen and struggle to keep regular mind-body health practices in sync. However, it can also provide deeper self-reliance to discover through that same struggle that there is the commitment and willpower within, revealed through keeping a rhythm of practice and self-care. We are able to be a greater resource for ourselves and others through this noble effort (abhyasa), burning in order to shed Light (tapas) and faith (sradda).

In autumn, the seasonal energy available to us turns crisp and clear and the potency of change is visible in nature--through the changing colors of the trees, the final letting of leaf and seed in its' yearly cycle, and the power of new cooling winds, which presage the autumn rains. All living things rely on its force to become ripe and complete.

Precious Practices: Pranayama for Autumn (read more...)

Class Locations

Tuesday and Wednesday
Pleasure Point Fitness and Dance
911 41st Avenue, Capitola
(831) 295-0953
ppfdc.com

Friday
One Yoga Center
846 Front Street, Santa Cruz
oneyoga.org

Saturday
Pacific Cultural Center
1307 Seabright Avenue
pacificcultural.org

All classes are ongoing and can be dropped-in on or done with a series discount.