2011-2012 Yoga Teacher Training Program

Align with the Divine is a successful 200 hour teacher training program that prepares stu­dents to teach yoga. This ten month pro­gram will deepen your understanding of the art and science of the ancient tradi­tions of yoga. Dr. Paula’s many years of a dedicated, daily yoga practice will season your practice and support the development of your own skills, both as an advanced student and as an aspiring teacher of yoga. We will journey into the wisdom teach­ings of the yoga tradition as introduced by B.K.S. Iyengar and more recently devel­oped in ANUSARA yoga with her beloved teacher, John Friend.

Classes are held just one one weekend per month, beginning September 2011 through June 2012.

Class Times

• Friday: 4pm – 6pm
• Saturday: 10am – 6pm
• Sunday: 11am-6pm
• 10 weekend dates (16 hours per weekend)

Dates

September • 2-3-4, 2011
October • 7-8-9, 2011
November • 4-5-6, 2011
December • 2-3-4, 2011
January • 27-28-29, 2012
February • 24-25-26, 2012
March • 23-24-25, 2012
April • 27-28-29, 2012
May • 25-26-27, 2012
June • 22-23-24, 2012

Fee

Cost is $2,300. Payment must be made in full by February 1, 2012. ($200 discount if paid in full by June 1, 2011)

Applications due July 15, 2011 with non-refundable deposit of $350 (deposit held toward full tuition).

For application, curriculum, reservation/refund policy and more information, visit our website here: http://clearyoga.com/index.php/yoga/yoga-teacher-training

 

Heart Benefits of Yoga

A recent article published by Harvard Medical School indicates that yoga may be especially beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, and other forms of heart disease. The combination of gentle exercise, stretching, breathing and meditation work together to create a balanced mind and body while providing special benefits to your cardiovascular health.

So what exactly is helping your heart’s health during a yoga session? For starters, any sort of activity that works your muscles is helpful to your cardiovascular system and increases muscles’ sensitivity to insulin, important for controlling blood sugar. Moving between different physical postures gently exercises muscles in a low-impact workout that can be adjusted to fit your level of ability.

The combination of postures and controlled deep breathing yield the benefits of physical meditation that focuses and clears the mind. Meditation and the mindfulness of yoga have both been shown to help people with cardiovascular disease. In addition, by taking fewer but deeper breaths and slowing the breathing rate, a person can temporarily lower blood pressure and calm the sympathetic nervous system (the generator of stress hormones.)

The research into the connection between yoga and cardiovascular disease is still in its scientific infancy, but several dozen studies suggest that yoga may

• reduce high blood pressure
• improve symptoms of heart failure
• ease palpitations
• enhance cardiac rehabilitation
• lower cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and stress hormones
• improve balance, reduce falls, ease arthritis, and improve breathing for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

While yoga can’t guarantee magical protection or a cure for heart disease, yoga could be a useful method for coping with it. Since heart disease is often accompanied by other health issues such as arthritis or osteoporosis that limit flexibility, it’s best if people with these concerns work with a yoga instructor who offers individualized attention and tailoring to their yoga routine to fit their limitations and abilities.

Our own Dr. Paula Barros, DC, offers private yoga therapy sessions to provide personal attention to your unique needs. For the month of May, book a one hour session for $60 (standard yoga therapy fees are $100 for one hour initial consultation, $75 for follow-up sessions.) To schedule an appointment, call 530-894-8756.

 

Anusara Immersion

Sunday, June 26 • 11am-6pm
Express your dedication and support each other’s personal growth.

We come together in the spirit of YOGA. Come learn the Anusara  basic principles for developing a safe and effective YOGA practice that will serve each of us for years to come.

Dr. Paula has 35 yrs experience in the careful instruction of YOGA asana and pranayama. From an extensive background of challenging life experiences and years of personal training with B.K.S. Iyengar and John Friend, founder of Anusara YOGA.

My intention is to renew your interest in YOGA: one of the most powerful healing practices of our times which are rooted in the ancient wisdom traditions. YOU will feel supported  in every way, with a deeper connection to self and others!  Come join us in building a YOGA community with heart!

To register:

Call : 530-894-8756

Fees:  $110 due by June 15th to hold your place.

Namaste!

 

Align with Divine

Special Events

Align with the Divine with Dr. Paula’s Interns:

You are invited to attend a yoga class taught by the interns graduating from Dr. Paula’s certified YOGA ALLIANCE teacher training program, Align with the Divine.
These are the upcoming dates:

Saturday, April 9 Sunday, April 10 Saturday, April 23 Sunday, April 24 Saturday, May 7 Sunday, May 8 Saturday, May 14 Sunday, May 15 Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5	11:30am-1pm 4pm-5:30pm 11:30am-1pm 4pm-5:30pm 11:30am-1pm 11:30am-1pm 11:30am-1pm 11:30am-1pm 11:30am-1pm 4pm-5:30pm
Please consider attending this “complimentary” class to enjoy this YOGA experience. We need your commitment to attend because we will have only 10 students in each group. Please call Dr. Paula Barros to sign up, and hold your spot for any particular date. You are welcome to attend more than once; so just call! 894-8756.

 

Delicious and Healthy?!?

Healthy dark chocolate? Yes! It is Chocamaca!

This chocolate is not only delicious it is also beneficial for your health! It is also combined with many antioxidants and macro-nutrients. It contains Cacao, which is most common for being known in chocolate. Cacao is linked to studies that show it helps with cholesterol control and heart health. Chocamaca also has 11 healthy botanicals, including camu camu, kiwicha, jatoba and suma. Some of which aid in energy, cardiovascular health, increased libido, stomach disturbances and much more! Last but not least in contains fewer calories than more nutritional bars! What’s to lose?!

http://www.amazonherb.net/Chocamaca-Products.aspx

 

Love & Yoga

Love and yoga require some of same principles; commitment, trust and courage. Although these two terms may not seem to relate, they actually are very similar in their beliefs, as well as how they influence each other.

Commitment is one of best ways to demonstrate your love. In most loving relationships, commitment is key in order to benefit from a relationship and grow both together and personally. Commitment to a partner shows that you’re set on expanding and experiencing your life only with them.  

The same is true with yoga. You have to be willing to commit to your practice so that you can benefit from it and also grow as a person because of it. For both love and yoga, commitment is not something you can only do half way; you have to commit to this lifestyle choice with your whole heart.  

Trust is difficult when it comes to others and even yourself. When you’re in love, sometimes it’s hard to completely trust someone, even if they’ve earned it. In yoga, it’s hard to trust yourself in knowing your own body and what it’s capable of. However, in both instances, if you can try not controlling every situation and just let go, you may stop questioning and start gaining more trust in yourself and others.

Courage is something we encounter when faced with something new or different. Love is a scary emotion for many people. It requires completely letting someone into your life and sharing all you have to offer with them. Yoga too can be daunting when you first begin your practice or challenge yourself with a new asana. However, being brave enough to try something new and put yourself out there is courageous.

Love and yoga both require courage; for love, it’s the courage to let someone into your life and allow yourself to be venerable with them. For yoga, courage is what helps you expand your practice.

As you can see, love and yoga share similar principals and guidelines, and they also benefit each other. Whether it’s yoga benefiting your self-love or the love of yoga, both have transformative powers that will make you a stronger individual and partner.

If you’re interested in expanding your self-love with your yoga practice, join me February 12 at Clear Creek Healing Center for Love of Yoga from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a companion or just bring yourself for this special yoga solutions. Call Dr. Paula Barros at 530-894-8756 or e-mail at drpaula@clearyoga.com to reserve a spot.

 

Time for You

Taking time for yourself is one of the best things you can do for your wellbeing. Just last night, I was bouncing between dinner, research, and laundry when I realized that I just needed to pause. At that moment, I laid on my bed and turned on some relaxing music, while breathing deeply. It was wonderful, it completely took me out of my frenzy and helped me relax and wind down.

This proved to me one simple thing; listen to yourself and to your body. Sometimes you just need to unplug and allow yourself to breathe. You might be thinking, ‘Yeah right, I have kids, a demanding job, never-ending chords, etc.’ But the beauty of checking-in with yourself is that you only need a few minutes. My little mind retreat only lasted the length of a song, and the effect it had on my lasted for the rest of the evening.

So tonight, tomorrow, this week, whenever, take a minute (literally) to focus on you. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Visit www.clearyoga.com for more ways to take some  time for yourself.

 

A Recipe for Longevity

Ayurveda is the science of life or longevity. This holistic discipline from India is more than 5,000 years old and is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence, influencing all others thereafter.

 Ayurveda’s three main focuses are healing, prevention and health care. Ayurvedic cooking personalizes food for each person’s healing process, keeping in mind the dietary needs of an individual based on different body types.

 Ayurvedic foods are full of flavor and aromatic, and offer love and healing when served in an inspiring atmosphere. The ideology is that when we eat the right amount and/or array of food, it gives us a longer life. However, if we eat too much and/or not the right assortment of food, it increases the production of harmful toxins that can shorten your life. Therefore, preparing the right combination and proportion of food is essential for an individual to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

 The basic principles of Ayurvedic Cooking are the five Elements, the three Doshas, the three Gunas, the seven Dathus and the six Tastes.

Other aspects of Ayurvedic cooking  are the methods of cooking, the quality of the foods, the importance of the vibrations of the cook, the surrounding atmosphere, the compatibility of foods, the time for cooking and eating, the cycle of the seasons and the effects of foods on the consciousness.

In order to expand and educate people about the benefits of Ayurvedic cooking, as well as how to do it, I have decided to bring these ancient cooking practices to Butte County.

I am hosting a day-long retreat at Clear Creek Healing Center called Nurture your Nature. It will begin with an invigorating yoga class in my intimate yoga studio. Then we will get into the kitchen and learn how to prepare healthy meals with Ayurvedic cooking. Call me, Dr. Paula Barros, at 530-894-8756 to reserve your spot for Saturday, January 29 at 10 a.m.. Make this year the healthiest one of your life!

 

Self-Care for the New Year

A new year is like a rebirth. It gives you the opportunity to reflect and find what it is that makes you truly happy and healthy. In the midst of the craziness in your life, it’s important to find your oasis; the thing that calms and allows you to refocus your attitude and intentions in life.

I can help support a commitment toward a conscious life styling. This involves the right foods, activities and mindfulness to help move into this new year of 2011 with your spirits held high and self purpose clearly directed for the highest possible outcome.

I am offering an array of programs and events throughout the year at Clear Creek Healing Center and in Butte County to help you achieve and maintain your self-care for the New Year. Here are some of the programs offered in January 2011 to get you started;

Nurture Your Nature: An Ayurvedic day-long retreat with Dr. Paula Barros and guest, Jennifer Andrews. We will begin by embracing the day and New Year with a life-affirming Anusara asana yoga practice led by Paula in Clear Creek’s warm and intimate yoga studio.

Then we will get in the kitchen, where Jennifer will instruct us on how to prepare healthy, Ayurvedic meals throughout the year. She will also discuss how to build a balanced trioshic lifestyle, which begins with good food, friends and alignment.

The cost of this day retreat is $85, which includes lunch preparations and an invigorating yoga session. This retreat is Saturday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Paula to reserve your spot at 530-894-8756 or e-mail drpaula@clearyoga.com.  

Eye of the Tiger: This 3-hour intermediate to advanced yoga practice is playful and up-tempo, and will inspire you to take your yoga practice to the next level. It includes a full spectrum of asanas to strengthen your body, open your heart and expand your mind. It requires strength, stamina and knowledge of the Universal Principals of Alignment.

The cost is $40 in advance and $45 at the door and is on Sunday, January 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call Paula to reserve your spot at 530-894-8756 or e-mail drpaula@clearyoga.com.  

Documentary Film; Anusara Yoga: The Heart of Transformation: Come join Dr. Paula at Beyond Fitness in Paradise, Ca for an uplifting 50 minute documentary film, Anusara Yoga; The Heart of Transformation. The film encompasses the beauty, grace and heart-opening world of Anusara yoga by telling stories of transformation from around the globe.

The event is free and includes Rainforest Treasure Tea and a snack to nurture yourself! This event is Sunday, January 23, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. RSVP to Beyond Fitness: 877-7500 or Paula at 894-8756.

I hope you set your intensions on self care for the new year and always remember to breathe!

 

The Breema Healing Experience

Many people ask me, ‘What’s a Breema Healing Session?” Although I could describe its principals and health benefits that are outlined in a previous blog, I thought it would be better if I describe it as if I’m receiving one.

The Breema Healing Experience

When you enter the warm, inviting yoga studio at Clear Creek Healing Center, you immediately notice a large, padded mat with plush pillows at the head and foot of it. The subtle scent of lavender ignites your senses with each step and the sound of soft music immediately calms you as you approach the mat. All of these elements combined set the mood for a truly relaxing experience.

After removing your shoes, you lie on the mat, placing your head on one pillow and your feet on another.  As you lie on your back, with your eyes closed breathing deeply, you’re given a gentle foot massage with essential oils. Each foot is generously massaged and then slipped into a clean, soft sock so that the oils can absorb into your skin.

Then your arms are placed slightly away from your body, with your palms turned up and you are asked to take several deep breaths. Then the Breema Bodywork begins at your feet.

You are put in several positions that stretch your legs and feet as the practitioner extends both legs, swings them back and forth and bends them towards your body. They also stand on various parts of your legs and feet.

Then the practitioner will focus on your core; gently massaging your midsection in a side-to-side motion, then resting their hands in the middle of your core.

Moving up the body, the practitioner will stretch your arms across your body as you lie on your back and will apply pressure to certain parts of the arms and hands. Your arms will also be extended and stretched. Your chest will also be engaged as they knead and apply slight pressure to it.

Then after an invigorating hour of this unique experience, you will be left to rest for 10 minutes on the mat. After this time, the practitioner will reappear and check in with you and provide information about the principles of Breema and also some everyday meditation techniques.

The key for enjoying and getting the most out of your Breema Healing Session is to completely let go. Although this may be hard for some, if you can let go of your thoughts, insecurities, doubts and fears, the effect that Breema will have on you will be much more profound and beneficial.

After your Breema, it’s best to take a nap or relax, but if that’s not possible, remember to breathe deeply throughout the day in order to relax and promote overall health and wellbeing.

I have never had an unsatisfied Breema recipient and many of my clients who have received a Breema, now have routine sessions.

One of my most recent clients benefited greatly from her Breema Healing Session. She was recovering from a serious surgery and was feeling depressed, tired and out of sync with her body. However, after she experienced a Breema Healing Session, she said her energy went up, she started being more positive and was finally feeling like herself again.  “I don’t know where I would be now without the Breema,” she said.

Breema Healing is a truly unique experience that provides amazing results to those who are willing to let go and experience the moment.

I offer Breema Healing Sessions at Clear Creek Healing Center and would love to schedule one for you or someone you love. Give the gift of healing.