Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Teacher Training  250hr and 500 hr

 offered by Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton  &  Faculty of  Island Yoga Vista

Have you been practicing yoga for a while now and are looking for your next step?

Are you a yoga instructor looking for more skills to offer your clients?

Can you see yourself taking your knowledge and experience out into your community

to diverse groups of  people who would benefit from what you know? 

Are you inspired by yoga and want to share it?

Consider joining me for an in depth exploration of what yoga and ayurveda have to offer everyone.

Island Yoga Vistaʼs 250 hr Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Teacher Training  program was born out of 16 years of my own experience and studies and a deep desire to bring this simple clear wisdom to people who might not find themselves going to a regular yoga class.   I have presented this information to hundreds of people over the years and seen their lives change in the most beautiful ways.  The 250hr program is designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to do the same.   I will guide you through how to set up your business and make your offering a useful and productive part of your life as you inspire others to bring these timeless tools and wisdom into their lives.   You will learn to work one on one with individuals as well as design and teach group classes for people with health conditions or other special considerations.

The program is designed in 10 modules to make it as affordable and flexible as possible.  You can complete the entire program in one year or you can spread it out over two years.  You can even just take a few of the  modules for interest and not complete the teacher training curriculum.   My intention is to have this appeal to all serious students of yoga wishing to learn more about how to apply this information therapeutically and effectively both in their own lives and to share with others.

These are the basic modules: 

ONE; Introduction to Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy

TWO; Ayurveda in General

THREE: Yoga Psychology

FOUR: Meditation Mantras Yantras Mudras

FIVE; Yoga Nidra

SIX;  Anatomy, Physiology and Energy Systems

SEVEN: Ayurveda in Practice

EIGHT; Cycles of Stress & the Kleshas

NINE: Taking AYT into Your Community

TEN: Home Study

 The programs will all be held at the beautiful Saltspring Centre on Saltspring Island British Columbia Canada

http://saltspringcentre.com/

As well as myself, Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton, the faculty will include Sannyasins from the Bihar School of

Yoga, an Ayurvedic MD from Jaipur, local Ayurvedic Practitioners and Yoga Teachers.   The 500 hr Mastery level

training will be offered in Jaipur India in 2015 at Chakrapani  Ayurveda under my guidance.

The dates and costs will be announced very soon

“Know who you really are.

Make decisions that are in line with your deepest needs.

 Harness your anxieties and fears to make profound life changes.

 Live a more fulfilling, authentic life

Friday March 29    7- 9pm $30  at Island Yoga Vista Nanaimo

 The Bhagavad Gita is a classic text about taking the principles of yoga into daily living. Start your journey toward true happiness and peace with this introductory lecture.”

 Bhagavad Gita From The Heart

The Bhagavad Gita, a classic of world and yogic literature, is used by millions as a guide to more spiritual living. It provides practical guidance on how to face the conflicts of daily existence while examining the deepest questions of life – Who am I? Why am I here? What happens to me when I die?

Your instructor, Sannyasi Atmadarshan, has presented many programs on the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. She has a rare ability to breathe life into the Eastern classics through her inspirational story-telling and humor. Whether you have studied the Bhagavad Gita in-depth or have never heard of it before, you will gain a profound insight into its wisdom – and yourself – through this weekend program.

Sannyasi Atmadarshan is a Level 2 teacher in Satyananda Yoga® and assistant director of the Atma Center in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a senior faculty member of the Yoga Academy of North America, an international organization providing advanced training in yoga theory and practice. Atmadarshan has a keen interest in global mythology and especially enjoys teaching the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. She has been a yoga instructor since 2001 and is a published author.

“My business is not doing very well. I love my work but there always seem to be more expenses than income which makes expanding on new ideas or even saving for the future impossible. Are there things that Vastu can do to help with this situation?”

Vastu Shastra can definitely help with this situation. Firstt though lets consider something that a wise friend told me recently. All of the external changes you make will have an impact but the biggest change must come from within. What this means is that regardless of doors and mirrors being incorrectly placed, if we hold beliefs that limit our success or thought patterns that do not support growth, or any sort of thinking that is limiting, it will eventually have to manifest in our environments and businesses as behaviors that are not supporting our growth and expansion.

On the bright side, our beliefs also override even the knarliest bad Vastu. Just recently I was in a business that had very little good Vastu going for it but the owner was an amazing young woman with so much energy and positivity, as well as tons of family and community support, that she was doing quite well. With the Vastu changes we made to the business premises I expect she will blossom into more of her natural strengths and when she does move to a better oriented location I am sure she will flourish. Yes, she does yoga.

When we do everything we can to keep our environments balanced and in harmony with nature we will experience more flow and abundance. When we keep ourselves balanced and positive through yoga and meditation our clarity of intention sets the foundation. Here are a few simple things you can alter in your business environment then see for yourself if they make a difference to your bottom line:

– no heavy objects in the Center of the room or area

– raw materials should be stored in the SW, anything you want to hang on to, long terrn stccks and bonds

– communications, conference room in the West, good place to complete transactions

– things you want to sell or to move quickly (like garbage) put in the North West

– face North at your desk for accounting

– face East for creative pursuits

-keep valuables in the North

 “ The direction from which you enter your home or office and the direction you face while preparing meals.while working at your desk, or even while sleeping will have an impact on the quality of the energy you experience during those activities.”

Michael Mastro, Vastu Architect and author of “The Way of Vastu’

Let Go and Let Change

By Paramahamsa Niranjanananda Saraswati, from YOGA Magazine, January 2003. Visit www.yogamag.net for more articles by Swamiji.

A time for change comes in everyone’s life. It is human nature to hold on to what we have. We are subject to the three gunas, and tamas is the most predominant quality in our life. One attribute of tamas is holding on to what we feel satisfies our needs, emotions or desires, and not letting it go. In such a situation, we need to keep wisdom in mind and let go of the hang-ups.

Change comes about spontaneously and naturally, but if you become fearful and apprehensive of the change, if you doubt the change, then there will be resistance. Why should there be resistance to change? Logically, there is no reason. It is a case of mental conflict. On the one hand, you know you will benefit from the change, physically, psychologically or spiritually, and on the other hand, you do not want to let go of anything.

However, there comes a time when it is important to let go of the excess baggage. This is a natural law. Our body doesn’t retain excess waste, it always maintains its harmony, but we are unable to do the same with our mind. We accumulate and lock away everything, thinking it useful and beneficial, and there is no elimination of the excess from the mind.

When we are not used to removing things from inside, we become fearful of the change. When we go through a process of sadhana, we realize what is waste material and what is useful, and we begin to unclutter the mind. Eighty percent of things in the mind are useless. The anger, the ill will, the hatred and jealousy, the grief and dissatisfaction that you carry inside affects no one but you, because you are the one experiencing it. So there has to be a process of elimination.

Aparigraha, the yama meaning do not accumulate, indicates this process. Some people think it means living in poverty and not accumulating the things one enjoys. That can be a social outlook, but aparigraha is also a mental attitude. Do not accumulate the unnecessary stuff which has no relevance or meaning in your life. Release it through self-awareness, sadhana and reflection.

another blog post being republished from 2007 . . . . . will add to this soon!. . . .  Sagarmurti. . . . . . . Happy New Year!

What is Yoga?

now you ask. . . well this is how I am understanding it so far. . .I still have lots to learn. . .

First lets establish what it is not. It is not some fitness fad, this is a science, philosophy and practice that has survived many thousands of years because it has provided tangible results to thousands of people. It is consistency and dedication to the practices and principles that bring these results.

It also is not a religion though it may well support and encourage anyones connection to their spirituality, it crosses all philosophical and theological boundaries and therefore is practiced worldwide by people from all faiths.

It is also is not an easy fix or a commodity that can be bought. This is a practice that requires work and dedication to see and feel the benefits.

Yoga is a systematic science of self discovery, with the ultimate purpose of growing towards enlightenment. Through consistent  practice the body achieves maximum health at any age, while the mind is purified and the emotions are stabilized.  These achievements however are only the beginning of what yoga offers.  It is a dynamic pathway to awareness of one’s own true self. Yoga helps to release energy blockages in the body, clear the mind, relieve stress and induce a sense of harmony.

Through this ancient art of renewal we learn to listen to our own inner guidance as well as work creatively with the classical postures and timeless instructions passed down through the ages.

Island Yoga Vista’s dynamic and graceful approach to yoga emphasizes a balance between theory and practice as well as strength and flexibility, while building endurance and developing self awareness.  Through care in alignment and attention to the breath, subtly married to the philosophy behind the practice,  we are dedicated to increasing the health and vitality of each individual, while supporting their unlimited potential as spiritual beings.

Yoga is a complete system that takes us from wherever we start to our ultimate goal . The process is systematicaaly well organized and defined by the ancient sages from long ago.  This is a way of life that offers a cultural revival of wholistic wellbeing for individuals, families and communities.

You can start anytime from wherever you are and begin to remember and experience your own wholeness.

this article is being republished from my blog from 2007. . . .Sagarmurti. . . .Happy New Year!

. . .  well let me say a few things and we will talk more about this later . . . .

Basically iit is a natural system of health care based on Vedic Science.

Alll  Ayurvedic knowledge is based on the philosophy of Samkhya .  The sanskrit word

samkhya means sat: truth and khya: to know.  To know the truth about creation.   Ayurveda

is also a sanskrit word and its meaning is Ayu: life or daily living and Veda: knowing,

meaning , the knowing about daily living or more commonly called the Science of Life.

Today this information is more relevant and accessible than ever as our western

science proves what the rishis or seers of yoga saw clearly thousands of years ago

through intensive meditation practices. This understanding of creation applies to our

daily living and as such is not just a system of knowledge like an intellectual pursuit but

rather a very practical presentation and understanding of manʼs relationship to nature

and the cosmos. A veritable ʻhow toʼ manual on living in harmony with the natural world

and with each other.

These rishis realized how cosmic energy was the source of all

manifestation. This healing system has been practiced in India for over 5000 years. It

teaches us that we are a universe within a universe, that man is a microcosm of the

universe around him, indivisible from the whole.    Ayurveda has described in detail the

capacity for each indivdual to heal themselves.

Five Elements?

The concept of five elements is at the heart of the Ayurvedic understanding. The rishis

or seers perceived that the cosmic energy manifested in everything through these five

elements; space, air, fire, water and earth.    The story goes something like this, first was

this unmanifested state of consciousness that produced the sound Om, the vibrations

from this sound created the most ethereal element,  space,  and as it began to move it

became air,  which is either in action.   This movement created friction which generated

heat and it was from this heat that intense light was formed which became fire.   From

here certain elements dissolved and liquified becoming water,  then solidified to become

earth.  That’s the short version of the story.  So in this order Ether manifested into the

other four elements.  It is these five elements that exist in all of matter and are the basis

for the theories in Ayurveda.

So how is this relevant to me?

This vast yet simple resource of self care guidelines and remedies can help anyone stay

healthy and feel good by understanding the needs of his or her own body and mind.

Ayurvedic treatments include skin care, diet recommendations, herbal remedies,

massage and yoga, meditation and lifestyle guidlines (routines) that are customized to

suit each persons unique needs.

Typically Ayurveda is part of everyday life in many Indian households and they may not

even know it, for example, many people drink water that is stored in copper vessels

because Ayurveda recognizes that copper detoxifies the body, assists digestion and

boosts the immune system.  Also in the kitchen, herbal remedies form a natural part of

the Indian diet using common items like tumeric and ginger both to cook with, for beauty

treatments and to heal minor ailments.  It is very simple to incorporate these healing

herbs and routines into ones daily life.

How does it work ?

Ayurveda teaches us that our health is the result of a powerful energy within us, often

called prana , chi or in Ayurveda, called ʼ Ojasʼ. The more Ojas we have, the better we

look and feel.   Ojas means “that which invigorates” and it is this force that makes us feel

happy and alive.   Signs of Ojas are shining eyes, a glowing complexion, a clear mind

and feelings of bliss and happiness.

Ojas is present in every aspect of life, connecting people to each other and to all living

things. When this force is low we feel tired and worn out becoming susceptible to

illness both emotionally and physically.

Maximizing Ojas is the main goal of Ayurveda and living in balance is the key to

achieving that goal. To attain balance, Ayurveda teaches us that we are each unique

in the foods and activities we like, how we react to stress and in every other way.

Therefore, for each of us balance will be different.    Determining your preferences and

general makeup is the start and then learning what to do or not to do to achieve balance

based on that knowledge is the next step.

Where did this information originate from?

This holistic medical system was a vision of the Vedic Rishis, the oldest physicians,

theologians and physicists of all time.  These Rishis understood the spiritual anatomy of

the universe and how it related to the human anatomy.   This knowledge is called the

Vedas and dates back over 5000 years making it the oldest known holistic healthcare

system and medical model. Its principles are rooted in our living in harmony with nature

to fully integrate mind, body and spirit.  By staying aware of the rhythms of the natural

world and living in harmony with the cyclical, daily, seasonal, lunar and solar changes

we connect to the potential for self-healing and blissful peace. When we fully realize

that we are one with this whole then we reach our optimal potential of health.

Where do I start?

Using food, massage, herbs, sound vibrations, yoga practices and breath awareness,

we connect with the healing power within us and become empowered through positive

changes in our lives.

In our modern times this process is often guided by an Ayurvedic Practitioner or if we

are fortunate to know one an Ayurvedic Medical Doctor called a Vaidya. These people

are trained to assess your constitution and provide seasonally appropriate dietary and

wellness guidelines which are uniquely suited to your constitution and lifestyle. Herbal

formulas are often prescribed as well as massage and other purifications practices.

Island Yoga Vista is fortunate to have a Vaidya visiting from India who is available

for you to begin this journey. Dr. Rajesh Kotecha has a thriving clinic in Jaipur and also

finds time to travel internationally speaking and offering individual consultations.

Sandra Shotton has studied with Dr. Kotecha both in India and in Canada and is

Certified to support your journey to wellness.

Together we are a team inspired to support you in your wellness and healing.

Call today for an appointment  250- 754-0939

Dear Readers

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine which helps us to stay healthy and disease free. Chakrapani Ayurveda clinic and research center is serving people with this natural science from last 14 years and spreading Ayurveda and its simple ways of health care around the globe.

Joint pain is one of the common disorder which restricts our movements making us helpless during important events of our life.

Amavata or Rheumatoid arthritis is one of such disorder. Ayurveda has its easy and simple ways to fight back and prevent RA through its preventive and promotive care. This article on Amavata or Rheumatoid arthritis by Dr. Rajeshwari singh, will make us more aware about what Ayurveda says about this disease. After reading this article you will have clear view about certain specific types of joint pains and their Ayurvedic management.

So enjoy reading…..

Best Regards and Namaste.

Dr. Rajesh Kotecha ‘Vaidya’, M.D. (Ayurveda)

Director, Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic and research centerer

Article from CHAKRAPANI AYURVEDA on ARTHRITIS

AMAVATA is correlated with modern diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is a condition involving multiple joints of the body. In modern medicine It is considered as an autoimmune disease giving rise to deformities of joints in extreme conditions. It comes as attacks of shifting or pricking type of pain, stiffness particularly in morning hours, person may feel comfortable for many days and has sudden active phase of the disease. As per modern medicine, there is symptomatic cure available for this condition.

 Ayurveda has remedies for cure and preventing the further progression of the disease. There are effective and safe herbs as well as therapies available in Ayurveda for this conditions. The Ama or toxins present in the body, which are responsible for causing the disease can be removed and vitiated Vata can be pacified with the help of Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies.

Let us know what Ayurveda says about this disease:

Etymology of Amavata :-

According to above derivation the words Ama (toxins from undigested food or undigested food juice) and Vata combine to form Amavata. It means, Vata Dosha along with Ama is termed as Amavata. It indicates the propulsion of Ama by vitiated Vata in the entire body and getting lodged in Sandhisthana (joints) producing Amavata.

Pathophysiology of Amavata as per Ayurveda:-

When Ama and Vata simultaneously gets vitiated and enters the Trika (Pelvic girdle) and Sandhi (Joints) finally leading to stabdhata (stiffness) of the body, the condition is known as Amavata. To our opinion Trika can also be taken as joints where more than two bones unite to form an anatomical structure and Sandhi can be taken as where two structures unite to form an anatomical structure.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs and muscles, but principally attacks the joints, producing a non-suppurative proliferative synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joint.

Definition of Ama and Vata :-

The word Ama is derived from the Ama Dhatu with the Suffix A. It means improper or partially digested matter. Due to poor strength of Agni (Jatharagni/digestive fire), Rasa the first dhatu is incompletely formed and remains of this incomplete & undigested remains of Rasa in Amashaya (digestive system) is known as Ama.

Other meanings of this word (Ama) found in Ayurvedic literature are

• Incompletely, fermented and unripened substances (Ch.Su.25)

• Unbaked and incompletely developed substances (Ch.Sha.8)

• Unprocessed substances or unprocessed metabolites in context to the body (Ch.Su.4.)

Vata is the chief functional operator of all types of bodily movements. All type of movements whether voluntary or involuntary are possible only under the influence of Vata Dosha.

NIDANA OF AMAVATA (Etiological Factors)

Acharya Sushruta has emphasized that the simple baseline of treatment is to exclude the Nidana. It is rightly said ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Hence the knowledge about Nidana (etiological factors) is very essential to provide proper guidance for therapy as well as in the prevention of the disease.

• Viruddha Ahara (unwholesome diet)

• Viruddha Chesta (erroneous habits)

• Mandagni (diminished Agni)

• Nishchalata (sedentary habits),

• Any type of exertion immediately after taking Snigdh Ahara (oily food) are the main etiological factors responsible for production of Amavata.

• Excessive indulgence in Guru Ahara (heavy food) and Kandashaka (tuberous vegetables).

These above said causative factors responsible for Amavata affect the body in following ways:-

1. Viruddha Ahara (Inimical Food)

Those articles of diet which are inimical to the body elements (Sharira Dhatu) tend to disagree with the system are known as Viruddha. Viruddha Ahara is one of the most important factor responsible for Amavata. Eighteen types of Viruddha Ahara or inimical food combinations have been described in Charaka.

• Desha Virrudha (Habitat opposed)

• Kala Virrudha (Time or season opposed)

• Agni Viruddha (Power of digestion opposed )

• Matra Viruddha (Quantity opposed )

• Satmya Viruddha (Homologation opposed)

• Dosha Viruddha (Against Vatadi opposed)

• Sanskara Viruddha (Mode of preparation opposed)

• Virya Viruddha (Potency opposed)

• Kostha Viruddha (Bowel tendency opposed)

• Avastha Viruddha (State of the patient opposed)

• Krama Viruddha (Order opposed)

• Parihara Viruddha (Things to be avoided opposed)

• Upachara Viruddha (Prescription opposed)

• Paka Viruddha (Cooking opposed)

• Samyoga Viruddha (Combination opposed)

• Hrita Viruddha (Palatability opposed)

• Sampata Viruddha (Richness of quality opposed)

• Vidhi Viruddha (Rules of eating opposed) (Ch. Su. 26/86-87)

Excessive indulgence of any of these Viruddhahara leads to production of Ama and vitiation of Vata, ultimately leading to Amavata.

2. Viruddha Chesta (Erroneous habits)

As per the Ayurvedic classics following should be considered as Viruddha Chesta.

• Exertion soon after taking unctous meal.

• Taking Ushana and Sheeta substances immediately one after another.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Suppression of natural physiological urges (Vega vidharana)

• Day time sleeping (Diva svapa)

• Awakening at night (Ratri jagarana )

• Performing such acts which are beyond one’s capacity (Sahasa)

• Excessive indulgence in sexual act. (Atimaithuna)

• Any type of physical involvement just after taking meal viz exercise, sexual act,

horse riding etc.

• Cold water bath (Sheetodaka Snana )

•Exposure to excessive winds due to excessive traveling or excessive indulgence into adventurous hobbies like sky diving, scuba diving etc

• Sleeping on an uneven bed.

3. Mandagni (Low appetite)

Sluggishness of Agni takes place due to its own causes which results in production of Ama.

4. Nishchalata (Hypo activity)

Any type of physical inactivity or state of inertia is responsible for Kapha Vriddhi which results in Agnimandya (reduced digestive fire) and consequently results in the formation of Ama.

5. Snigdha Bhuktvato Vyayama (Indulgence into heavy physical activity just after eating unctous or heavy food)

Though exercise just after any type of meal is unhealthy, but exercise after taking unctous meal (Snigdha Ahara) has been specially mentioned in causation of Amavata. Here exercise means any type of rigorous physical activity. Normally a good blood supply is very essential in gastrointestinal tract for the digestion of heavy meal. But when a person indulges in any type of heavy physical activity just after consuming meal, blood circulation to the skeletal muscle increases resulting in decrease of blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract comparatively. By this act the process of digestion, absorption & assimilation gets seriously hampered. Therefore improper digestion leads to formation of Ama, which is the foremost pathological factor of Amavata. Thus table manners, regular timings and showing respect towards the eatable food by eating by sitting quietly at one place, etc. play a vital role for maintenance of good health.

6. Miscellaneous Causes

• The habit of eating tubers and roots frequently in food (Kandamula Sevana) has also been mentioned as the causative factors of Amavata.

• Other pathological factors (Nidanarthakar Roga) :- Many other disorders such as Garbhasrava (frequent Miscarriages),Garbhapata (Frequent Abortions), Unnatural or surgical delivery of baby in women, Pandu (anemia) etc. may play as a causative factor fo Amavata.

• Psychological factors :- In state of Atichinta (excessive stress), Atishoka (excessive Grief), Krodha (excessive anger), Bhaya (excessive fear) if a person is habituated to take meal, then proper digestion will not take place because for improper secretion of intestinal juice. A healthy mental state is very necessary to avoid Amavata.

PRATAYATAMA RUPA – (Cardinal signs & Symptoms of Amavata)

i. Sandhi Shoola (Pain in Joints)

ii. Sandhi Shotha (Swelling in Joints)

iii. Stabdhata (Stiffness in joints)

iv. Sparshasahatva (Tenderness in joints)

v. Sashabda Sandhi (Crepitation on movement of the joints)

Apart from these cardinal symptoms Angamarda (generalized body aches), Aruchi (anorexia), Trishana (thirst), Alasya (laziness), Gaurava (feeling of heaviness in the body), Jvara (fever), Apaka (indigestion) , Angasunnata (numbness) are also found.

CHIKITSA SIDHANTA (Line of Treatment)

1. Langhana (Fasting)- Intake of very light food

 2. Svedana (Sudation therapy) :- Svedana is the process which causes perspiration, destroys stiffness, heaviness of the body and cold. Rukshasveda (dry fomentation) is indicated meaning without use of steam or oil massage. Other type of Svedana which is good in case of Amavata is internal administration of Ushana Jala (hot water).

3. Tikta-Katu and Deepana Dravyas:- Bitter,& Pungent tasting foods are useful in igniting the appetite and help digest Aama e.g- Shunthi (dry ginger), Chitraka, Guduchi, Pippali (long pepper), Maricha (black pepper) etc.

4. Virechana:- Virechana is a therapy which is indicated in Ayurvedic Panchakarma for detoxification.

 5. Snehapana :– The therapeutic measures so far employed are likely to cause Rukshata (dryness) in the Dhatu and provocation of Vata which may result in further aggravation of disease process in a chronic stage. This can be well controlled by administration of Sneha (unctuousness) as per the advice of the Ayurvedic physician

6. Basti :– In Amavata both Anuvasana (oil enema) as well as Asthapana Basti (decoction enema) are recommended. Chakrapani Ayurveda recommends Saindhavadi Taila for Anuvasana Basti and Kshara Basti for Asthapana Basti.

Dr. Rajeshwari Singh is M.D. in Ayurvda and she can be contacted at : drrajeshwari_2@yahoo.com

Interpretive Translation by Joseph Le Page  (Integrative Yoga Therapy)–

2.22 The Seer and the Seen

Even though the seer is free, he/she still shares a world with others who don’t see that it has only a relative reality.

Commentary: The Seer and the Seen

The seer, recognizing that the seen never touches our essential being, no longer experiences limitation and suffering, and resting in freedom, achieves life’s deeper purpose and meaning.

Although free, the seer lives with others in a world of duality, where “happiness” is the nectar squeezed from the seen in a never-ending struggle to succeed.

To live in this world of duality requires both wisdom and compassion; the ability to see that all beings, within the limits of their understanding, seek the same freedom, peace and unity.

Those who seek material possessions are ultimately chasing the shadow of their own inherent safety; looking for security within the seen that will only be revealed by awakening the seer’s true identity.

Those who seek satisfaction through approval, success and degrees are actually searching unconsciously for a mirror in which to perceive the essential wholeness of their true being.

Those who manipulate the seen to transform dreams into reality never find the results fully satisfactory because no how much they achieve, it will only be a dim reflection of their limitless true being.

Those who seek freedom through relationship have chosen the right path, but not in the way they believe, for relationship will set them free only by revealing all the beliefs that limit their awakening.

Those in despair and poverty, climbing toward the light of opportunity should continue their climb, but also see that their journey is ultimately a metaphor for the dignity of their true being, possessed by all equally.

And those that are suffering are in some ways closest to freedom and peace, for although their minds may be clouded with grief, they know best of all that the seen will never provide the happiness they seek.

And every human being is, in some way, waiting for an opportunity to leave behind the complex issues that crowd their minds to begin the hard but simple climb to awaken their essential self inside.

And along this journey, everyone struggles with a thousand different drives, desires and perceived needs that are the legacy of an animal body whose priorities are survival, procreation and hierarchy.

But beyond these survival needs, our inner being is always waiting to be revealed as wisdom and clarity; the ability to perceive that the melodramas are not life’s meaning, but only a field for awakening.

And even before awakening, we can journey more lightly, by recognizing that everything within the seen has only a relative reality and nothing needs to be taken so personally.

And when the seer is finally free, suffering is destroyed, but the seen continues to exist as the field of learning for all other beings, while the seer holds the lamp of liberation for all to see.

And once free, the seer wants and needs nothing from the seen, no unfulfilled longing or need to succeed, just an ever-present experience of unity within creations infinite beauty and mystery.

Testimonials:

Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Classes

Sandra leads us in a journey towards wellness and harmony with her gentle and very precise instructions and recommendations in yoga asanas, breathing, daily routine and lifestyle changes for better health at all levels. She makes it all so easy and attainable, always respectful of our limitations and choices. A change for life!   Rachel Goguen, Nanaimo

“Being a rather overweight male with a restricted range of movement, I have always been intimidated by the thought of a regular Yoga class, despite knowing how desperately I actually need to act to regain some flexibility. I was recommended to Sandra’s course by a friend and decided to give it a try. What an excellent decision that turned out to be! The other people in the session were extremely nice with everyone there motivated and friendly. The course teaches you to become more aware of your body and methods for improving your daily life on an ongoing basis. The exercises were low impact and manageable for everyone in the group.

I learned SO much in during these sessions including techniques I have incorporated into my daily routine. The Ayurvedic way leads one to a place of balance and peace, where your body and mind are in harmony as well as with the world that surrounds you.

Sandra is a superb instructor; very experienced and a wonderful presence in the class. The sessions were fun…this wasn’t something I had entirely expected when I started the course. I highly recommend this program to anyone wanting to begin a journey to healthiness and happiness..

I hope this goes a little ways to capturing some of my impressions about the course. It really has made a fundamental and profound difference in my life and I look forward to continuing.” Phil Groves, Nanaimo

“It was very enjoyable and comfortable to participate in Sandra’s Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy classes. So much so I made an effort not to miss one if possible!

I appreciated how each class was well planned and each added onto the previous one. If you missed one there was always a sharing at the beginning of the next one by the participants how they made the information practical in the past week so one could catch up if need be. Also the handouts were particularly helpful in educating myself and gave direction for action I could take if desired to enhance my life further with what was shared by Sandra and everyone else.

The exercises were pleasantly simple, relaxing and energizing. They are something I now incorporate into my daily life as a senior for healthful living. Definitely there is a feeling of well- being because nourishment is given for mind, body, and spirit connection for healing. “ Gwen McGregor, Nanaimo

Testimonials:

Regular Weekly Yoga Classes

Hi, my name is Connor and I am a student at VIU. I have been practising with Sandra at YogaVista for almost a year now. I started doing yoga about three years ago and like most beginners I was drawn to yoga because of the physical aspects of the Asana poses. Yoga is much more than that, and Sandra was the first teacher who taught me that Yoga is not just done simply for physical exercise, but also for cleansing the mind, so that your true self (soul) can be reached. Her knowledge of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra’s is incorporated into every class with lessons on the different Petals of Yoga. Lessons on the Yama’s (living with true ethics) and Niyama’s (self-purifications), as well as pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) and pratyahara (sense control/withdrawal exercises). Each week I learn something new from her class. She has a great way of applying these old teachings into a very new practical way, so that everyone can relate to or understand the different Sutra’s or teachings. B.K.S. Iyengar says, ‘confidence, clarity and compassion are essential qualities for a teacher’. Sandra’s experience of teaching Yoga is always evident during class where she gives great demonstartions of the Asana’s and is always helping each individual student in different poses to help them get the full benefit of the pose to their capacity. Sandra is one of the most compassionate person I have met and I believe this is the most important quality that everyone should try to live by. I would recommend anyone young or old to attend one of Sandra’s classes because she has made such a significant impact in my life and I hope that everyone can experience the beautiful teachings of Yoga.    Connor Derry, Nanaimo

“On the advice of my physician, I began to see Sandra Shotton to address a variety of health problems through yoga. I feel that Sandra and yoga have been instrumental in regaining my sense of balance and well being.

Mark Pessin,Nanaimo

I love my weekly yoga class!  I like the welcoming atmosphere where I can learn about the philosophy and psychology of yoga, along with the asanas and pranayama. Practicing with Sandra once a week helps me to take care of myself  thus helping me to live a more balanced life!                          Heather Sanrud,  Nanaimo

“Sandra’s faith in the inherent goodness of life is reflected in her way of being with others, and in turn, when I am with her I am reminded of the great wonder of the world and my journey in it”       Maggie Louise Card, Nanaimo

A suitable environment is one starting point for Yoga Therapy. The next is a connection between the instructor and the client. This is where it starts. Essentially the therapeutics of Yoga involve a fertile ground for self awareness and a change of life style. People are healed, they do get well. They get well when how they live supports their health.

This is not exclusively a movement oriented approach though movement is part of the approach. There is far more to Yoga than just exercise. Yoga has existed through time because it addresses the wholeness of each individual, it provides a fresh perspective as well as practices that help us to live in harmony with natural laws.

Some of the practices involved are body scans, sharing with others, daily routines that support health, diet for body types. breathing exercises, deep relaxation practices such as Yoga Nidra, Asanas ( postures) meditation practices and so much more. It is an experience just to be with the group. What matters most are the benefits of the experience.

In the last series of classes there was one woman who took herself off the list for knee replacements after the third class, another who stated after the second class that she already felt she had gotten her money’s worth and the program had significantly changed her life. One fellow said that anyone would gain from attending this class..

I have focused on people with Arthritis or Diabetes because I know for certain that Yoga Therapy has much to offer to turn these challenges around. I welcome anyone who would like a transformative experience that will educate and gently introduce Yoga and Ayurveda as a lifestyle. This program is designed to equip each client with tools and practices that are practical and attainable. Practices that become naturally a part of ones life in an integrated and harmonious way in a short period of time. After 12 weeks these new skills are ingrained. It works. Local Doctors are now referring their patients to this program confidant that they are in good hands. The program will run in Nanaimo and in Qualicum twice a year in the fall and the spring. Do not hesitate to call even if it has already started as I try to be as flexible as possible. There are morning and evening classes in Nanaimo to accommodate as many people as possible. I welcome anyone to give this a try.

Change your life, embrace your health!

Sandra Sagarmurti Shotton E-RYT 500

Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist

www.islandyogavista.com