If you haven’t been to Ella’s 10 am Friday morning class  at EMC, I encourage you to take this class. Ella teaches a style of yoga called Jivamukti which is basically yoga that connects us to the Earth.
Those new to yoga – and many seasoned yogis –  are probably familiar with chanting an Om or two at the beginning or end of class. Some people don’t care for this aspect or even shy away from yoga because of this. At its essence, however, it is a powerful unifying aspect – more like singing a hymn in church or a cheer at a major league sporting event. Simply put – it  creates community.
Ella begins her class with a Sanskrit chant in a call and response format.  Without delving deep in yoga philosophy, the Sanskrit language is directly related to the vibration and tonal sounds of the subtle energy it represents. Understood as such, chanting can be seen as a tool to invoke the meaning of the words – somewhat like creative visualization with sound.  By beginning with a short chant in class, the subtle energy of each individual has already begun to change before students get into the more familiar and understood energy of asana (the physical posture) aspect of yoga practice.
After chanting and pranayama (breath work) the class moves into to a vinyasa  flow and Ella guides her class well. Yoga instructors make assists according to students needs. Sometimes it’s alignment – what the student can’t detect themselves , sometimes it could be to show the student how much more is possible – even though their own muscles or mind can’t take them there yet  and other times it to let you know you are on the right path. Ella is confident with her assists and in tune with each of her students –  if you are uncomfortable, opting out of being assisted is always an option.
Though Ella’s class and style might be just a little be different than what you are used to in your regular practice, she comfortably brings in an awareness to your own sound energy.

Yoga
Fridays 10a-11:15a

The body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I’d like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs.

The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water or more love in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs.

No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our lives, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body’s cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance.

The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness. Try these tips to respond to your body:

• Have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.
• Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables.
• What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?
• When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.