Virginia Natural Living News - February 2007

In this Edition

*Y Open University Classes
*Arts in Healthcare Project Exhibition
*Partner Yoga
*Sound Bath with Tibetan and Crystal Singing Bowls
*Labyrinth at Virginia Tech
*YMCA Watershed Hike
*Yoga Workshop – Personalizing Your Practice
*Dances of Universal Peace
*Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and Self-Study Program

Featured Listing

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore - a building supply outlet that sells donated home supplies (new and used) at discounted prices. All proceeds from the Restore will be used to enable Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley to build homes for families in need of affordable housing. See the Roanoke Times article at: http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/102572 or the ReStore website http://civic.bev.net/hfh/HfHNRVRestore.htm

Upcoming Activities, Classes and Events

Y OPEN UNIVERSITY CLASSES, WINTER-SPRING 2007

There are some great classes being offered by the Y this semester including Tai Chi, Healthy Homes, Relaxation, Hybrid Cars, and Backyard Wildlife, to name just a few. Check them out on the Open University Classes page at http://www.vtymca.org/Courses.asp.

ARTS IN HEALTHCARE PROJECT
"Finding the Creative Fire: The Experience of Cancer"
Both healing and enlightening, creative expression enhances one's ability to cope with illness and treatment. Under the watchful eyes of Carole McNamee, research professor in Human Development at Virginia Tech, an unusual offering of art from cancer survivors will be exhibited in the Armory Gallery in downtown Blacksburg. The eight-week workshop was developed to promote the healing uses of the creative arts in healthcare. Individual and collaborative activities including collage, drawing, painting, soapstone carving, writing, and music were used to explore the individual's relationship with the challenges of cancer. "As an adjunct to medical treatment, creative expression can open the door to a more fully lived life," said McNamee. "Individuals and families coping with illnesses or chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, infertility, or aging, may find a new source of growth or comfort. No training in art is necessary to participate. It is the process of art making that is healing, not the final product."
Dates: 2/13 – 2/16, 12-4pm
Location: Armory Gallery, Admission is Free
Contact: Carole McNamee, 540-449-4421

PARTNER YOGA
Friday Feb. 16th, 6:00-7:30 p.m., $25 per couple, pre-registration required by Wednesday, Feb. 14th.
This class will blend partner yoga (yoga postures performed together with
another practitioner) and assisted yoga (postures performed with the help
and support of another practitioner). No previous yoga experience necessary.
Come enjoy the learning and fun you can experience when practicing yoga
together with a partner. It feels great! You can attend with a partner, friend, fellow yogi or yogini - anyone with whom you wish to share the fun and joy of yoga. Jennifer Speiden will teach this class. Class held at Akke's Yoga Place, 2401 South Main Street, Suite J, Blacksburg, VA, 953-2553

SOUND BATH FOR STRESS REDUCTION
Saturday, Feb. 17 from 3:30-4:30pm, Akke's Yoga Place in Blacksburg. Come enjoy a sonic massage that will soothe your mind, body, and spirit. Focused, deep listening will quiet your conscious, chattering mind, and restore your physical, emotional, and mental balance. Featuring Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, played by Andy Matzner. The cost is $10 per person, please pre-register by 2/14, 953-2553.

THE LABYRINTH AT VIRGINIA TECH
The labyrinth here at Virginia Tech is based on the one that used to be in Reims cathedral. It was constructed of canvas by Janene Roberts, with the sponsorship of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Everyone and anyone is welcome to walk the labyrinth. Labyrinth’s are not mazes and are not intended to trick you. Most follow a simple path in which you don't have to make any choices at all. In our (Reims) labyrinth, there is one choice to be made at the 3rd resting area. Release your stress as you enter, rest in the center, then integrate that calm into your life as your exit. Please wear comfortable socks, as no shoes are allowed on the labyrinth.
Location: Commonwealth Ballroom, Virginia Tech
Time: 11am-3pm
Admission: free
Contact: Matthew Gabriele, 540-231-2293

YMCA HIKE
Sunday, 1/18, 1:30pm. Watershed Hike (rating - easy). This hike will explore issues to do with Blacksburg's watershed and the condition of its creeks. Hike and learn at the same time. Visit www.vtymca.org for more details. The YMCA at Virginia Tech offers free hikes every Sunday (and some Saturdays) to the New River Valley community. Hikers meet at 1:30pm in the YMCA parking lot (403 Washington St.), carpool to hikes and aim to return by 5pm. Bring water, snacks, and sturdy shoes.

YOGA WORKSHOP – PERSONALIZING YOUR PRACTICE
Saturday Feb. 24th, 9:00-12:00 and 2:00-5:00
$65 per person, pre-registration required by Wednesday. Feb. 21st.
The Yoga Alliance offers 6 CEU's for this program.

In this workshop you are invited to find your own optimal way of moving,
building strength or increasing flexibility. Mukunda Stiles' Joint Freeing Series (JFS) moves each joint gently and systematically through its full and natural range of motion (ROM)

• You will learn to evaluate your posture using the JFS to determine possible imbalances.
• You will receive a chart to keep a record of your ROM across some of the major joints of interest in yoga postures.
• You will learn to distinguish the feelings of contraction from those of stretch to refine your awareness.
• You will learn to realign your posture using specific poses to balance flexibility and strength in areas that need attention
• You will learn to isolate movements of major muscle groups so that your asana practice can be done with a minimum of effort.

Class held at Akke's Yoga Place, 2401 South Main Street, Suite J, Blacksburg, VA, 953-2553

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE
The Dances of Universal Peace are joyous, participatory circle dances which honor and explore the world's spiritual traditions through sacred song and simple, heartfelt movement with live musical accompaniment. No experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. Dances will be held on Feb. 24th at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1301 Gladewood Dr. Blacksburg. For further information, contact Paula Markham at 953-5587.

HATHA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING AND SELF STUDY PROGRAM
Anna Pittman is offering her 15 session, 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Blacksburg, VA beginning the weekend of March 3rd and 4th 2007. This program includes a variety of pertinent topics ranging from asana to nonviolent communication skills to subtle anatomy and is intended to take the practitioner into deeper, personal practice as well as prepare the student for teaching. This program is Yoga Alliance approved. To contact Anna, visit her webpage.