The Class is Presented in Conjunction with Turning Point Yoga Center, Madison, CT
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Location: VFW Post 2096, 85 Lovers Lane,
Madison, CT 06443
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Dates and Time: Not yet scheduled for 2012.
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INSTRUCTOR: John L. Smith
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COST: The course is presesnted free of charge.
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REGISTRATION: Just click on CONTACT in the pull-down menu above to send John an E-Mail.
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The classes have finished for 2011. Notices of future classes will be posted here as well as via email. Have a great remainder 2011. John
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ALWAYS CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST BEFORE COMING FOR CLASS. IN CASE OF SEVERE SUMMER STORM WARNINGS, THE CLASS WILL BE CANCELED IF THE WARNINGS ARE FORECAST IN THE BRANFORD TO MADISON SHORELINE AREA FROM 5:00 PM UNTIL 9:00 PM. EMAILS WILL BE SENT OUT IF POSSIBLE SHOULD THERE BE A CANCELATION. A NOTICE WILL ALSO BE POSTED ON THIS SITE IF POSSIBLE. Please note: Class will not be canceled for normal inclement weather such as localized thunderstorms.
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For current weather, there is a NOAA weather link page in the upper toolbar.
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CLASS INFORMATION : The focus of instruction and practice will be on Dzogchen (pronounced “zo-gin”) style meditation. Dzogchen is a Tibetan meditation practice for perceiving ordinary awareness and integrating our life in the world as well as deepening one’s intimacy with universal presence or cosmos. Dzogchen is often described as “the direct path.” The specific Dzogchen practice taught employs an "eyes open, soft gaze,' known as "Trekchod" or "Skygazing" practice. The basis of the practice is to allow emergence of the "natural state" or, "rigpa" in Tibetan which is open, blissful and unconditioned.
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We will also employ several tantric practices such as the Tara Chant to help with certain areas of realization. Also, certain energy balancing and raising practices such as Vase Breath will be taught.
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The class “structure” will be somewhat different this year.
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I “Preparing the Body”
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This will be an initial 15 minute time for us to stretch and bring ourselves and our bodies into a place where we can more easily sit in comfort. Please wear non-binding comfortable clothing if possible. Bring your own bottled water for “sips.” The stretches will be directed and there will be a short time at the end of that period for you to stretch intuitively. Many of us will have had a busy day and both the body and the mind need some attention to depart from the distractions of everyday life and start to bring the body and mind together. There are yoga mats available at the center for you to use. Those who cannot do the stretching may sit and watch to gain the effect vicariously.
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II “Preparing the Mind”
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This will be a short sitting meditation with time for instruction and letting the mind come more into play now that the body is relaxed. The mind will be allowed to surface and calm itself along with the body as it will have started during the stretching. The mind and body will have a chance to become one again. There are sitting cushions available but you might want to bring your own.
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III “Sitting with the Body-Mind”
This will consist of two periods of Dzogchen sitting meditation with a short break in between the two sessions. This may include chanting instruction and practice and some visualizations from time to time.
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IV “Asking ”
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Some time will be allowed at the end of the class for questions related to meditation technique and experience.
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John L. Smith Biography
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John has studied meditation for over 25 years. He has attended extensive meditation retreats in both dzogchen and vypassana meditation. He taught classes in meditation and development of concentration skills at the Shoreline Center for Wholistic Health in Guilford for over 10 years. John is also a certified Rubenfeld Synergist, a Reiki Level III Master and also teaches fundamentals of Emotional Freedom Therapies (EFT).
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