photograph "soul vision" © J. Merideth 2011
In this way, through the breath, everything conceived has vital manifestation as world energy. With these thoughts divisive matters of difference begin to dissolve and the possibilities for becoming in fullness, for living dynamically through the manifest energies about one can be realized. This knowing, that I am breath and that breath is energy and that energy is what propels all things into being, is the eternal aspect in all being; it is true, timeless history, it is Divinity. In this way everything all the time is causing everything else (and so each thing can offer itself as an image of this constant Divine state.) - J. Merideth
1 + 1 = 3
In life and in yoga perspective is everything. Without perspective one can easily lose the context for understanding the process. I wrote an article several years ago about perspective as it relates to the concept of Samāpatti from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Samāpatti stands for correct (samyag) acquisition (āpatti) of Truth. Loosely translated Samāpatti represents the yogic principle of coalescence, whereby the subject - object relationship falls together or coalesces. Samāpatti is where yoga begins and "ordinary" seeing, seeing dependent on placement, ends.
Acquire an 8.5 x 11” piece of paper and a black writing pen. Draw a line across the page so that your piece of paper is divided into two separate spaces (it doesn't matter where you start or whether it is a vertical or horizontal line as long as it bisects the page). Now draw a circle near but not touching the line (it doesn't matter how large or small the circle is as long as it fits in one of the two spaces on the page). Place the paper in the center of a table you can walk around. Pick a side and stand facing the drawing. Describe the relationship of the circle to the line. Moving clockwise, walk around the table stopping in turn on each side to describe the relationship of the circle to the line. Continue around the table until you end up where you started. Notice how the relationship of the circle to the line changes. Sometimes the circle will be above the line, sometimes below. Sometimes the circle will be to the left of the line and sometimes to the right. Now ask yourself the following question:
“What changed the relationship of the circle to the line?”
The relationship of subject to object is an artifice of the mind relevant only as long as we insist on maintaining our perspective of up versus down, left versus right, inside versus outside, hot versus cold, black versus white, etc. What does this have to do with anything? Well, as long as we maintain a perspective that places us in opposition to our subject, we are separate from it. Placing ourselves in opposition to our subject makes sense if we are attempting to stay out of the way of the MARTA bus, but it begins to cause problems when we make ourselves the subject of our inquiry. How can you both be yourself and be separate from yourself simultaneously? How can you be in opposition to you? Trying to hold this kind of mental space is the root of dysfunction. It is easiest for me to conceive of this concept in terms of music. To experience music is not to read notes on a page or say out-loud the words of a song. To experience music is to hear or play or sing the notes and the words, to actively participate in the process of making the musical language into Being. To experience the Self, in yoga atman, or to experience God, in yoga samadhi, requires the same kind of active participation. God is not a conceit of the mind to be grasped but rather a continual act of non-placement where subject and object coalesce into a third "non-thing". My first teacher, Gayle, enjoyed explaining the process as 1 + 1 = 3…
With great affection,
John Merideth - Autumn 2011
Acquire an 8.5 x 11” piece of paper and a black writing pen. Draw a line across the page so that your piece of paper is divided into two separate spaces (it doesn't matter where you start or whether it is a vertical or horizontal line as long as it bisects the page). Now draw a circle near but not touching the line (it doesn't matter how large or small the circle is as long as it fits in one of the two spaces on the page). Place the paper in the center of a table you can walk around. Pick a side and stand facing the drawing. Describe the relationship of the circle to the line. Moving clockwise, walk around the table stopping in turn on each side to describe the relationship of the circle to the line. Continue around the table until you end up where you started. Notice how the relationship of the circle to the line changes. Sometimes the circle will be above the line, sometimes below. Sometimes the circle will be to the left of the line and sometimes to the right. Now ask yourself the following question:
“What changed the relationship of the circle to the line?”
The relationship of subject to object is an artifice of the mind relevant only as long as we insist on maintaining our perspective of up versus down, left versus right, inside versus outside, hot versus cold, black versus white, etc. What does this have to do with anything? Well, as long as we maintain a perspective that places us in opposition to our subject, we are separate from it. Placing ourselves in opposition to our subject makes sense if we are attempting to stay out of the way of the MARTA bus, but it begins to cause problems when we make ourselves the subject of our inquiry. How can you both be yourself and be separate from yourself simultaneously? How can you be in opposition to you? Trying to hold this kind of mental space is the root of dysfunction. It is easiest for me to conceive of this concept in terms of music. To experience music is not to read notes on a page or say out-loud the words of a song. To experience music is to hear or play or sing the notes and the words, to actively participate in the process of making the musical language into Being. To experience the Self, in yoga atman, or to experience God, in yoga samadhi, requires the same kind of active participation. God is not a conceit of the mind to be grasped but rather a continual act of non-placement where subject and object coalesce into a third "non-thing". My first teacher, Gayle, enjoyed explaining the process as 1 + 1 = 3…
With great affection,
John Merideth - Autumn 2011
Autumn Schedule • October - December 2011
monday
5-6pm - Hustle & Flow - John:
This 60 minute class opens with the Ashtanga Sun Salutations as a warm-up, followed by sets with core balls, light weights, standing postures and abdominal work at the end. The class is a full body workout designed to elevate the heart rate, tone the muscles and create balance and stability. (all levels)6- 7:30pm - Primary Series Level 1/2 - John:
An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro and foundation level classes. All standing postures and most seated postures are covered covered with the inclusion of a full closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. Students should have an understanding of the Ashtanga Sun Salutations A/B, as well as exposure to the standing and seated sequence. This class is tailored to intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 Ashtanga Basics & Practice Fundamentals. (intermediate)tuesday
5-6pm - OY Aerial Yoga - John:
These small classes utilize a soft, fabric, yoga inversion swing that is used to relieve compressed joints and bring greater alignment to the spine. Every class will explore a series of postures meant to elicit a sense of weightlessness while forming new relationships with gravity. Classes are small and pre-registration is required. Only 4 - 6 students per class. Please email the studio for additional information. Pre-registration is required. (all levels)6- 7:30pm - OY Prana Flow - John:
At onlYoga our prana flow classes are built around the concept of moving fluidly and continuously with the breath from one asana to another. Take your muscles and your inner warrior to a whole new level in this class designed with swimmers, runners, bikers and athletes of all types in mind - this is an endurance focused practice. The class will open with a series of sun salutations designed to heat up tight muscles and loosen the joints. The remainder of the class will move through a series of postures that target the major joint/muscle complexes in the legs and hips and sometimes the upper back and shoulders. Classes may contain inversions and arm balances - posture variations are provided for beginning students. (all levels, beginner - experienced)7:30 - 9pm - OY Basics & Practice Fund. - John:
Suitable for all levels, these foundation classes offer new students a thorough and safe introduction to learning the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. New students will build the strength and confidence necessary to move into more advanced classes in the studio. For more experienced practitioners, the course provides a tool for reviewing and strengthening the fundamental concepts that make the Ashtanga form so dynamic. Postures are held in an effort to build strength, develop muscle memory and generate proper alignment. Invocation, Vinyasa, many standing and some seated/closing postures are introduced. (new students welcome!)wednesday
6 - 7:30pm - Primary Series Level 1 - Various:
An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro/Basics and foundation level classes. All standing postures are covered with the inclusion of some seated postures and a modified closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful but not required. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. This class is tailored to beginning and intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 intro/Basics classes. (new/intermediate)thursday
5-6pm - Hustle & Flow - John:
This 60 minute class opens with the Ashtanga Sun Salutations as a warm-up, followed by sets with core balls, light weights, standing postures and abdominal work at the end. The class is a full body workout designed to elevate the heart rate, tone the muscles and create balance and stability. (all levels)6- 7:30pm - LSD (long, slow, deep) - John:
These classes will open with a series of sun salutations and then move into postures that are held from 1 - 3 minutes, assisted stretching and Thai Yoga techniques. The primary focus of the class is deep release of the major muscle/joint complexes through static long duration holds. These classes are great for athletes and students looking for deeper activation of the muscles and connective tissue in the body. (all levels, beginner - experienced)7:30 - 9pm - Primary Series Level 1 - John:
An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro/Basics and foundation level classes. All standing postures are covered with the inclusion of some seated postures and a modified closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful but not required. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. This class is tailored to beginning and intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 intro/Basics classes. (new/intermediate)The Autumn Schedule goes into effect Monday, October 3rd, 2011.
Evening classes begin at 5, 6 & 7:30pm.
For the most up to date class and eVent information, visit the schedule page.
*** = New Class/time
Evening classes begin at 5, 6 & 7:30pm.
For the most up to date class and eVent information, visit the schedule page.
*** = New Class/time
Quarterly Specials
20 Classes $199 - Regularly $221 - Save $22
50 Classes $499
friday
9:30 - 11am - Friday Flow - John:
A light hearted practice designed to restore energy and balance the spirit - a great way to start the weekend! All levels welcome and no previous yoga experience is required.5:15 - 6:30pm - Music Yoga Flow @ Exhale - John:
This class is geared for students looking to have a great time in a consistent flow from pose to pose. Set to great music, including rock, reggae, hip hop, blues and world beats, each flow class offers an inspiring message and a deeply relaxing finish. Please note that this class is not held at onlYoga. The class is held at Exhale Spa in Midtown at 12th and Peachtree in the Lowes Hotel in Midtown. (intermediate)saturday
9 - 10:45am - OY Prana Flow - John:
At onlYoga our prana flow classes are built around the concept of moving fluidly and continuously with the breath from one asana to another. Take your muscles and your inner warrior to a whole new level in this class designed with swimmers, runners, bikers and athletes of all types in mind - this is an endurance focused practice. The class will open with a series of sun salutations designed to heat up tight muscles and loosen the joints. The remainder of the class will move through a series of postures that target the major joint/muscle complexes in the legs and hips and sometimes the upper back and shoulders. Classes may contain inversions and arm balances - posture variations are provided for beginning students. (intermediate)11 - 12:30am - OY Basics & Practice Fund. - John:
Suitable for all levels, these foundation classes offer new students a thorough and safe introduction to learning the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. New students will build the strength and confidence necessary to move into more advanced classes in the studio. For more experienced practitioners, the course provides a tool for reviewing and strengthening the fundamental concepts that make the Ashtanga form so dynamic. Postures are held in an effort to build strength, develop muscle memory and generate proper alignment. Invocation, Vinyasa, many standing and some seated/closing postures are introduced. (new students welcome!)5:15 - 6:30pm - Prana Yoga Flow @ Ember - John:
Prana Yoga Flow is a sweaty, challenging vinyasa flow yoga class set to up tempo music. A creative and energetic set of yoga poses will explore the edge of strength, flexibility, concentration and balance. Vinyasa, the coordination of movement with the breath, creates an intense heat in the body, producing sweat and melting mental and physical resistance (you also burn tons of calories!). This class is designed to push muscles toward greater endurance through long, deep sets of postures. Students of all levels should come prepared for an original class designed to challenge on a multitude of levels! All levels are welcome but students new to yoga should be aware that some previous experience with yoga will be helpful. Please note that this class is not held at onlYoga. The class is held at Ember in Woodstock. (intermediate)sunday
9:30 - 11am - Sunday Flow & Hip Opening - John:
An onlYoga original. These classes focus on building strength and flexibility in the low back and hips. Although a basic knowledge of yoga is helpful it's not required. In each class a unique sequence of asana's are blended in an effort to reach toward the full expression of more intricate postures such as pigeon or eka pada sirsasana (one leg behind the head). These practices are particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from injury. All levels welcome.5:15 - 6:30pm - Slow Flow @ Exhale - John:
This class is open to any student with a previous introduction to yoga. Set your own pace and enjoy a great music set as you build strength and flexibility. Class will focus on dynamic postures: get ready to open your heart, engage your practice, and discover new possibilities. The challenge is up to you.Please note that this class is not held at onlYoga. The class is held at Exhale Spa in Midtown at 12th and Peachtree in the Lowes Hotel in Midtown.
onlYoga Holiday Schedule
Autumn 2011
Thanksgiving
November
Thursday 24th - No Classes
Friday 25th - No Classes
Saturday 26th - See schedule
Sunday 27th - 10am Sunday Hip Flow
Christmas & New Years
December /January
Friday 23rd - No Classes
Saturday 24th - No Classes
Sunday 25th - No Classes
Monday 26th - No Classes
Tuesday 27th - See schedule
Wednesday 28th - See schedule
Thursday 29th - See schedule
Friday 30th - No Classes
Saturday 31st - No Classes
Sunday 1st - See schedule
Upcoming events and activities
onlYoga In Piedmont Park
(Oct. 10th/24th & Nov 7th • 6 - 7:15pm)
Join us on the following Mondays for an ALL LEVELS onlYoga Ashtanga class in Piedmont Park. All classes will be taught by John Merideth. Classes will meet on the steps leading down to the active oval at the 14th street entrance. In the event of inclement weather, classes will move indoors at onlYoga. Please note that we use our Facebook page to alert students to venue changes as well as the onlYoga website. Cost is $10/class - Free for unlimited students.
Monday October 10th 6 - 7:15pm
Monday October 24th 6 - 7:15pm
Monday November 7th 6 - 7:15pm
Monday October 10th 6 - 7:15pm
Monday October 24th 6 - 7:15pm
Monday November 7th 6 - 7:15pm
The Dance Of Inversions
(December 4th • 1 - 3pm)
Going upside down can be a flight of fancy or a trip of terror. Join John Merideth as he explores the dynamics of flight and practical methods for turning your practice upside down. Arm balances and inversions are not only fun and playful ways to challenge your body, they are also insightful teachers int he quest to bring stillness to the body and mind. Join John as he explains how to build the core strength and concentration needed to approach these poses with confidence and proper alignment.
Date: Sunday December 4th 2011 Time: 1 - 3pm
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 day of event, Free for Unlimited
Instructor: John Merideth
Everyone is welcome register now
min 8 - max 25
Date: Sunday December 4th 2011 Time: 1 - 3pm
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 day of event, Free for Unlimited
Instructor: John Merideth
Everyone is welcome register now
min 8 - max 25
108 Sun Salutations
(December 5th, 2011 6 - 7:30pm • onlYoga)
This very special class is offered four times each year in recognition of the changing seasons...and is a long standing onlYoga tradition. Part endurance, part meditation - completely empowering. Utilizing the magic of Vinyasa we will continually move through many Sun Salutations and end with Kirtan. Stay after for healthy nibbles and conversation. I hope you can attend. All levels welcome! Knowledge of Surya Namaskara A is helpful but not required.
The number 108 is a mala (Sanskrit for garland) and is a tool used in meditation. Used to count the number of mantra repetitions completed per sitting, repetition using a mala is an effective way of keeping your mind focused, and can make meditation more relaxing and soothing. Historically, malas have been used as a part of an integrated spiritual practice that may also contain hatha yoga. A mala contains 108 beads and a larger "meru" bead. The tassled "meru" bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. The significance of "108" is related to the Brahmand (universe), which is said to be made up of 108 elements so 108 represents the universe.
Instructor: John • Cost: $10 (Free unlimited students)
The number 108 is a mala (Sanskrit for garland) and is a tool used in meditation. Used to count the number of mantra repetitions completed per sitting, repetition using a mala is an effective way of keeping your mind focused, and can make meditation more relaxing and soothing. Historically, malas have been used as a part of an integrated spiritual practice that may also contain hatha yoga. A mala contains 108 beads and a larger "meru" bead. The tassled "meru" bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. The significance of "108" is related to the Brahmand (universe), which is said to be made up of 108 elements so 108 represents the universe.
Instructor: John • Cost: $10 (Free unlimited students)
Metaphor Of Trancendence - Anahata & Vishunddha
(January 29th, 2011 1 - 3pm • onlYoga)
The chakras are symbols in an ancient metaphorical language. Their meaning pertains to the ever evolving consciousness as it travels from one frequency to another. The wheel, the spiral, the flow of energy from one state to the next, the symbols of the chakras innervate the subtle body and bring about union with the universe at large. In this workshop we will explore the shape, sound and texture of the fourth and fifth psychospiritual "organs" - Anahata: the heart chakra, green, seat of empathy and love & Vishunddha: the throat chakra, sky blue, communication and creativity. This workshop is the second in a series of four exploring the chakras through metaphor, movement, visualization and guided meditation.
Date: Saturday January 29th 2011 Time: 1 - 3pm
Cost: $35, $40 day of event, Free Unlimited
Instructor: John Merideth
Everyone is welcome register now
min 8 - max 20
Pumpkin & Fresh Heirloom Tomatoe Soup
Aprox. (6 servings)
Ingredients
1 medium yellow onion, chopped fine
1 stalk celery, chopped fine
1 large orange sweet potato or yam
Olive oil
1 tbsp sweet paprika
1 tsp ground chili pepper plus a tad of nutmeg, allspice and cinnamon
3 cups roasted pumpkin flesh (see below)
3-4 large heirloom tomatoes ( these should be blended well in a food processor or blended and set aside)
Vegetable stock as needed
Optional: a touch of smoked paprika or pimenton
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes: (optional) sour cream, herbs, croutons, hot pepper flakes
Directions
Saute the onion and celery in oil over low heat until soft. Add yam or sweet potato and stir to coat, cooking the ingredients without browning for about 5 minutes. Add paprika and chili powder and stir to combine. Add pumpkin and tomatoes and cook at a simmer, covered for 45-50 minutes, until everything is soft and thoroughly cooked. Add water if the soup is too thick. Puree in food processor and taste for seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnishes.
Roasted pumpkin
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash the pumpkin then cut in half and remove the seeds. Cut into chunks, brush with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt, then roast skin side up for about 40-50 minutes, or until soft. Cool, then remove the flesh to a bowl.
an autumn mix 2011
To preview or download the songs in this playlist, FOLLOW JOHN on PING in iTunes. You will also find a selection of other studio playlists on ping
poem
After The Alphabets
By W. S. Merwin
I am trying to decipher the language of insects
they are the tongues of the future
their vocabularies describe buildings as food
they can instruct of dark water and the veins of trees
they can convey what they do not know
and what is known at a distance
and what nobody knows
they have terms for making music with the legs
they can recount changing in a sleep like death
they can sing with wings
the speakers are their own meaning in a grammar without horizons
they are wholly articulate
they are never important they are everything
By W. S. Merwin
I am trying to decipher the language of insects
they are the tongues of the future
their vocabularies describe buildings as food
they can instruct of dark water and the veins of trees
they can convey what they do not know
and what is known at a distance
and what nobody knows
they have terms for making music with the legs
they can recount changing in a sleep like death
they can sing with wings
the speakers are their own meaning in a grammar without horizons
they are wholly articulate
they are never important they are everything
Residing in Hawaii, he writes prolifically and is dedicated to the restoration of the islands' rain forests.
Merwin has received many honors, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (in both 1971 and 2009) and the Tanning Prize, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Academy of American Poets, as well as the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings. In 2010, the Library of Congress named Merwin the seventeenth United States Poet Laureate. more...
from all of us at onlYoga, enjoy this Holiday Season
