Should we hold our breath?  Ever?

The great sages and seers of yoga science say that there is a proper and precise method to use breath retention for perfection of one’s meditation.  While there are many do’s and dont’s in this science, tonight we will explore them, explain them and learn what is useful to practice right now.

This class is for all students of meditation and the yogic sciences.  However, it is also designed to prepare the sincere yoga student and meditation practitioner in the science and prerequisites for breath retention (kumbhaka).  The Hatha Yoga Pradipika lists eight types of breath retention and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describes only four types.  We will start with Patanjali’s guidance.

Your questions and your curiosity are most welcome!

Suggested Text:
Path of Fire and Light- advanced practices of yoga by Swami Rama
Science of Breath – a practical guide by Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine, MD and Alan Hymes, MD

“The advanced stages of pranayama involve retention of the breath, and one can harm himself irreparably if he attempts retention without guidance and without disciplining his diet, sleep and sex.  Only a competent teacher can advise one to start practicing retention when he is ready… through such pranayama one achieves perfection in action, speech and thought.”
- Lectures on Yoga by Swami Rama

• Location:
  The Mat Yoga Studio
  670 N. Coit Road Suite 2381
  Richardson, TX 75080
  972-497-YOGA (9642)

This will be a community gathering led by Blair Lewis. Come learn more about the yogic science of how to develop a personal philosophy and worldview. This foundational process is supported by lifestyle habits that you choose to awaken and nurture – including, diet, breathing, sleeping and meditation patterns.

Whether your role model is Nelson Mandela, Gandhi or Mother Teresa, you can learn to light the lamp of love in your heart without burning yourself or others. Please bring your questions and your curiosity and join us for an enjoyable and interesting evening!

A gentle morning greeting to the mind with simple stretches, proper breathing and a time for meditation as taught by the sages and seers of yoga science. All traditions are welcome. Cushions and comfort items recommended.

Old Fashion Yoga is bringing back the comprehensive science of yoga that encourages and supports kindness, clarity and courage. Please join us for a delightful morning and experience the powerful benefits of group meditation.

Class size is limited to 24… because we only have 24 cups of chai waiting for you. Chai alone will make it worth the trip!

It is time to come home, to yourself, to collect the scattered pieces of our lives and learn how to gain deep rest under the guidance of an expert holistic physician and yogini, Theresa Oswald, MD. She is Dallas’ newest holistic doctor and meditation teacher. Dr. Terri will teach both the philosophy and technique of profound relaxation while sharing the medical benefits of this life-changing skill.

Please come prepared to rest and renew your body, breath and mind. Pillows, mats and blankets are strongly encouraged.

Come study with physician and yogini, Theresa Oswald, MD and learn the power and practices of yogic breathing. In this class you will learn a special tantric version of prana dharana as mentioned in the Yoga Sutras and used for systematic rejuvenation of the mind and body.

Dr. Terri is Dallas’ newest holistic doctor and meditation teacher, she will teach both the science and methodology of this powerful tantric technique. All traditions are welcome. Cushions and comfort items recommended.

Using Yoga Psychology and the Philosophy of the Sages, you will activate a process of awakening that will cause you to become more and more conscious in your experience of life.  You will learn to use simple inquiry techniques to identify and challenge the beliefs that are driving your negative reactions, feelings, patterns and situations.

This evening we will explore the subtle points of tantra methods for self-transformation.  When the beast within you can no longer be tamed nor suppressed, tantrics invite you to harness these disruptive forces in the mind with systematic techniques that keep you safe and vibrant. Pandit Lewis, a tantric student for over 35 years, will share with you living solutions and unveil the secrets of tantric wisdom for personal growth and global healing.

A free copy of the book, Touched by Fire, will be given to the first 24 registrants. Touched by Fire by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD, the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, will help you continue your study.

Discover the unconscious roots of recurrent situations and patterns in your life that are keeping you from having the life you want and deserve. This very effective model of therapy will help you to gain freedom from these unconscious beliefs about yourself starting from the very first session.

If you are ready to finally to let go of that which does not serve you and move on in your life with self-acceptance and understanding, then this is the class for you!

Change Your Brain, Change Your Mind, Change Yourself.

Ancient wisdom tells us that with our thoughts we create the world. Science now has shown that we create new brain cells every day. Our brains can change in both structure and function in response to both stress events and personal guidance – you get to choose, does your brain follow you or does it follow the chaos of the day? Learn how the science of neuroplasticity facilitates changing unproductive or unhelpful behaviors and habits into powerful productive actions.

Discover the unconscious roots of recurrent situations and patterns in your life that are keeping you from having the life you want and deserve. This very effective model of therapy will help you to gain freedom from these unconscious beliefs about yourself starting from the very first session.

If you are ready to finally to let go of that which does not serve you and move on in your life with self-acceptance and understanding, then this is the class for you!

This will be a hands on, experiential workshop where you will learn acupuncture point sequences to tap out emotional trauma trauma and stress. You will learn how to eliminate phobias, relieve anger, guilt and shame, grief and anxiety BY YOURSELF.

Our bodies function best when they are flexible and move freely.
Knowledge of muscle anatomy enables simple stretches to become effective tools for muscle relaxation and stress reduction. Explore firsthand the benefits of prolonged deep stretching. We will develop an easy effective stretching program to target the main muscle groups that store the most tension. Come enjoy the science of stretching.

Expand your options for fighting pain and inflammation. We will explore the plant-based nutrients (phytonutrients) as your best ally in managing pain. You will also learn the tremendous health benefits of exercise, stretching, rest, relaxation, stress management, massage and other evidence based therapies.

If the health benefits of exercise came in a pill; it would be prescribed to every one in the country. The power of exercise cannot be underestimated. You can easily learn how to optimize your exercise program to get the most out of the time you spend exercising each day. Come and learn how to experience ‘total wellbeing’ from a strong, flexible and nourished body.

Relaxation is our natural state. When the mind is quiet, one is able to hear the body’s internal wisdom. Get to know yourself using self observation techniques, discover your body’s own ability to rejuvenate and heal and explore new tools for managing stress and tension.

You will receive instruction and guidance on techniques of breath awareness, relaxation and quieting the mind. Class may also include some gentle stretching.

Location:

• Alive and Healthy Institute
• 14114 Dallas Parkway, Suite 260
• North Dallas Tollway and Spring Valley Road

The foods that fight pain are known and easily available.  Targeted nutrients and simple menus can supply safe solutions for pain management and this class will teach you how to re-discover how to use food as medicine.

You will learn how to get your diet on your side!  Depending upon what you eat, you can than either resolve or promote pain and inflammation in your body.
Tonight we will explore the plant based nutrients (phytonutrients) as your best ally in managing pain.  We will also discuss the pathway of action of herbal supplements for pain and inflammation.

Registration:
To register for classes, please call Judy at Alive and Healthy, (214) 405-0838, or email her at:  Judy@AliveandHealthy.com

Instructor:
Dr. Theresa Oswald, MD – an Integrative Medicine Physician and Pain Specialist

A seasoned expert in brain science and the treatment of pain, Dr. Oswald combines conventional medical treatment options with Yoga Science, nutrition, movement, massage, homeopathy, herbal medicine and Ayurveda for lasting results.

Her specialties include:

• a holistic approach to the management of persistent pain
• comprehensive brain health programs for memory, alertness and focus
• yoga and meditation as therapy

She gives her clients targeted information and resources regarding their diet, exercise, breathing, stress management and life style modifications.  Dr. Oswald has found that the more information or tools people have, the more successful they are on their healing journey.

Dr. Oswald works in cooperation with her clients, their family and referring healthcare providers.  Learn more at: http://www.aliveandhealthy.com/Theresa-Oswald-MD.html

You can reach Dr. Oswald, MD at the Alive and Healthy Institute in North Dallas at 972-774-0221 and by email at: Terri@aliveandhealthy.com.

Watch for her upcoming classes and BLOG entries posted online at – www.aliveandhealthy.com

Location:

• Alive and Healthy Institute
• 14114 Dallas Parkway, Suite 260
• North Dallas Tollway and Spring Valley Road.

Registration:
To register for classes, please call Judy at Alive and Healthy, (214) 405-0838, or email her at:  Judy@AliveandHealthy.com

This is a class on how to feel better and to continue feeling better using your home kitchen as a pharmacy for your emotions.  You will learn how to maximize the positive effects of food on your moods and emotions.

Foods and nutrients are the building blocks for all the neurotransmitters in your brain.  If your diet has a shortage of these building blocks, then your happiness and charm will be at risk. Tonight you will learn how the main neurotransmitters effect your mood and how to increase them.

We will explore the relationship between how and what we eat and how we feel.  You can maximize the nutrition in the food you eat and use targeted supplements to boost levels of necessary nutrients not readily available in food.

Instructor:
Dr. Theresa Oswald, MD – an Integrative Medicine Physician and Pain Specialist    http://www.aliveandhealthy.com/Theresa-Oswald-MD.html

A seasoned expert in brain science and the treatment of pain, Dr. Oswald combines conventional medical treatment options with Yoga Science, nutrition, movement, massage, homeopathy, herbal medicine and Ayurveda for lasting results.

Her specialties include:

• a holistic approach to the management of persistent pain
• comprehensive brain health programs for memory, alertness and focus
• yoga and meditation as therapy

She gives her clients targeted information and resources regarding their diet, exercise, breathing, stress management and life style modifications.  Dr. Oswald has found that the more information or tools people have, the more successful they are on their healing journey.

Dr. Oswald works in cooperation with her clients, their family and referring healthcare providers.  Learn more at: http://www.aliveandhealthy.com/Theresa-Oswald-MD.html

You can reach Dr. Oswald, MD at the Alive and Healthy Institute in North Dallas at 972-774-0221 and by email at: Terri@aliveandhealthy.com.

This will be a community gathering led by Blair Lewis. Come learn more about the yogic science of how to develop a personal philosophy and worldview. This foundational process is supported by lifestyle habits that you choose to awaken and nurture – including, diet, breathing, sleeping and meditation patterns.

Whether your role model is Nelson Mandela, Gandhi or Mother Teresa, you can learn to light the lamp of love in your heart without burning yourself or others. Please bring your questions and your curiosity and join us for an enjoyable and interesting evening!

Please call for additional information on this ongoing Study Group being held every Thursday at the Alive and Healthy Institute in Dallas, TX.
The study group begins Thursday May 5th. PLEASE NOTE: We will not being hosting the study group on May 13th or May 20th

Women and girls are most powerful when moving in a feminine manner. What does feminine strength look like? It may look a lot like Mother Nature, nurturing, accepting, at times quiet, accommodating and supportive and at other times tempestuous, wild and seemingly chaotic. I am still learning and exploring what a truly powerful woman would look like but I know it involves love in fact fierce love, loving until it’s uncomfortable or unfashionable or unpopular. For men strength is presence and stability; for women it is love and fluidity. What would our world look like with strong leaders both men and women living to their full potential naturally and comfortably in their own skin? All it would take is a broader appreciation of power in both its masculine and feminine forms. It definitely would be worth a try.

In every case, the teachings were about how to live. The style was experiential. The manner was kind, mutually respectful and filled with gentle guidance. I loved it. Forty years later, I still love it.

If you have read my books, you know I boarded a Greyhound bus after high school to seek out teachers. At that time, I barely knew the word ‘guru’ but that’s what I wanted. A ‘Merlin’ or ‘Yoda’ as a guide and me as the young King Arthur or Jeti Knight, full of curiosity and wanting to succeed and serve.

In my college years, a movie I adored for its content, but more so for its title, was “Meetings with Remarkable Men.” That’s what I was seeking…and by that time, I had finally found some remarkable men.

I still study with my teacher and he still sends me off to study with others. Only a few days ago, I returned home from my 12th trip to India.

As I read the poor outlook for the futures and mental health of young men in the current medical and pop literature, I see a niche. A unique niche for me.

While I am still a work in progress, my own studies in the oral tradition have been the most serious priority in my life for 38 years. Filled with successes and failures, incredible immaturity and errors, and yet balanced by growth, forgiveness and adaptability – I pushed on.

My heart is filled with stories of my own teachers as well as the lives of the great seers and sages – I think it is time to share these stories and teach the techniques referred to in the stories.

How wonderful it would be to sit down with young men and women and tell them the stories of remarkable men and women that have influenced my life and the lives of many. The wisdom contained in the stories can give guidance and direction for seekers of happiness and freedom.

While it is true that Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, the Chronicles of Narnia have birthed numerous trilogies filled with similar stories. However, there is a difference.

My life was not fiction.

Neither is the life of your son or daughter.
I hope they will join us.

Classes will be starting soon:
• Bright and Shining Armor – the yoga of self-esteem for boys
• Radical Self-Esteem Makeover for Girls

Please be sure to visit our Events Page for more information.

How the Himalayan sages and adepts introduced and taught the science of yoga. If you ever wondered how the yogis started their day, this is the class for you. It is filled with ancient stories, techniques and modern medical explanations of the benefits of yoga. This is a class for adults and teens who wish to travel back in time. We will return to the days when the sages and rishis walked among us, providing inspiration and practical advice.

• We will explore and discuss the concepts of vital energy (prana) and space. We will move, stretch, meditate and contemplate together.
• Pranayama – the science of expanding and controlling prana – will be explored from both an anatomical and energetic perspective.

The goal of hatha yoga is to gain freedom from the body and to create more space around your vital organs. We will stretch our minds and our understanding of how and why hatha is the gateway to the higher practices of yoga. When you are feeling stressed, creating more space within your body will diminish tension, improve your health and make sleeping much more restful. If you are looking for hotbox yoga with pain and sweat, this is not for you. However, if you are looking for maximal stress reduction and love the idea of finding steady, stable joy and self-esteem, then enroll immediately.

Beginner and advanced practitioners, as well as yoga teachers are highly encouraged to attend this program. We will be practicing asana, breath exercises, meditation and contemplation. Please bring your yoga mat and meditation cushion if you have them. Otherwise, a few thick blankets will suffice.

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Stop criticizing yourself and enjoy the blessings in your life. Give yourself the gifts of gratitude and compassion. Come and join Anne Schanz, Ph.D. as she begins a four week crash course in self acceptance.
Understand where your negative beliefs come from and let them go. Begin your journey to compassion for yourself and others today.

In 2010, the Alive and Healthy Institute is going to begin a revolution in the way family members relate to one another.  Our mission is to create a place where families can find the resources and tools they need to be a loving and supportive family in this digital age.

Today, families need a double income requiring both parents to work, leaving a major void at home.  With families constantly on-the-go, neither the children nor their parents are faring very well.  This is quite evident when:

•  Divorce is at an all time high.

•  Parents are chronically stressed and exhausted, often impatient and angry.

•  There is an increased use of prescription medications and street drugs in younger and younger children.

•  The list is ongoing, including signs of growing gang affiliations, rising teen pregnancies rates, and more parents and children feel lost and adrift.

Alive and Healthy is committed to reversing this trend. We have gathered a core team of professionals to make this a reality.  Each team member brings a wealth of experience that offers targeted and systematic solutions for family stress.

Where will we focus?

With families and individuals that are overwhelmed.

Foundationally, we begin with communication skills, personal and family stress management techniques, nutrition and offering sustainable solutions for physical and mental health problems with natural medicines.

We have developed tools to create a custom ‘map’ of the issues facing each family.  These tools make it easy to prioritize the problem areas and ‘map’ the solutions.  This results in a concrete plan of simple, specific action items to make the changes needed.

Once your family has a ‘map’, our staff will identify and provide the people, skills, education and coaching needed to help your family to a greater sense of unity and well-being.   Can you imagine having time to talk with one another and live and love together as a family?  It is possible and you can start learning how to do this right now.

What is the challenge for Alive and Healthy?

To increase our services, we will soon need a larger facility.  We need a place for our community to have fellowship, to learn cooking, eating together, talking together, solving issues, and supporting each other.

We need benefactors and supporters who share our passion for this revolution.  Some of our families will be able to pay for services, some will not.  We do not want to deny services to anyone.

Becoming the change we wish to see in the world…

A world of healthy and happy families and individuals is our goal.  We believe our entire world will change if we just start here.  Please join us.  We look forward to seeing you at Alive and Healthy.

Our core team to make this happen includes:

Blair Lewis, is our spiritual director and classical homeopath.  He is also a well-known author and expert in yoga science and Ayurveda.

Theresa Oswald, MD is our medical director and offers holistic, integrative solutions using natural and conventional medicine.  She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine and is also board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management.  Since she is a wife and mother, she knows the challenges of blending family and work priorities.

Anne Schanz, PhD is a psychotherapist, educator, speaker, who has developed many targeted behavioral treatments for improved interpersonal relationships with compassion for self at the core.  She is a mom, grandmother and wife.

Fritz Petree is an expert in learning strategies, brain science and our family ‘Map Maker.’  He is an expert in leading a person or organization from being overwhelmed with complexities to specific action-oriented solutions.  A wonderful dad and husband, Fritz helps all of us get things done.

As Fleetwood Mac used to sing, “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow, it will soon be here.”

Please join us today and walk into a tomorrow that is bright and shiny.

I am interested in health care transformation. While healthcare reform seems like a daunting task of immense proportion; healthcare transformation involves each person evaluating their own health and reclaiming their body’s innate power to heal and to be healthy.  Have we forgotten the immense power our bodies have to heal?

Our bodies know exactly what to do to mend our skin after a cut.  Vast arrays of chemical reactions are occurring within us daily to keep our internal ecosystem in balance.  When given the needed ingredients; fresh whole food, clean water, rest, shelter and a clear and calm mind, our bodies can do amazing feats to maintain balance and repair any damage.

How about an experiment of health care transformation where you are the captain of your own health care team, knowing we all come outfitted with all the needed equipment?

I feel Happiness Revolution in the air as we all are empowered to treat ourselves and our health with tender, loving care.

All that we are arises with our thoughts.

With our thoughts we make the world.

Speak or act with a pure mind

And happiness will follow you

As your shadow, unshakable.

From the Dhammapada

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

from “The Road Not Taken”

(Hamlet  Act 2, Scene 2)