Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the sister science to Yoga; and actually, one does not exist without the other. Ayurveda provides the pathway to optimal health by holistically treating ailments, diseases and discomforts by balancing our diet, routine, exercise and lifestyle according to our own personal constitution.
Ayurveda aims our attention inward starting from the outer body, into the tissues and organs, next, the central digestive tract which provides the pathway for eliminating toxin and finally into the subtle and casual body where the seeds of our existence and Consciousness are located. And once here we can continue our Yoga practice of chanting, prayer, mental investigation, raja, and karma yoga to finally merge with that force of creation. Ayurveda relies on Yoga’s understanding of the mind and our Divine consciousness to create a program specific to our deeper selves. Our work with our bodies is considered Divine work. And with knowledge of Ayurveda, as the balancing practice of Yoga, we can truly begin our healing and transformation.
For those of you interested in a personal consultation to better understand your own physical nature and how best to balance what is deranged within I suggest making an appointment with Richard Haynes of Ayurveda Plus. To read what I have written about Richard please click here.
Vedic Athletics
This training will increase your ability to remain focused, relaxed and mentally prepared for any competitive or athletic event.
Joining Mindfulness, Ayurveda, Yoga and exercise we prepare you for an event by changing the way you view exercise. Relaxation, deep breathing, concentration and physical alignment (form) have been correlated with higher quality of life (reduced stress and anxiety) and faster race times (lowered heart rate and increased lung capacity directly affect performance).
We train individuals who want to integrate elements of their spiritual practice within their exercise or athletic routines. We offer private sessions for MMA fighters, triathletes, swimmers, marathon runners, rock climbers, and dancers. Private sessions start at $60 per hour and are held in Contra Costa County and the East Bay. Michael is a triathlete and has used this system of athletic training for over four years.
The training includes breathing and concentration exercises, a focus on Yogic lifestyle and purposeful postures, and access to our library of books and training tools.
Initial sessions are 2 hours,with subsequent sessions running around 1 hour and can be booked on a weekly or biweekly basis, with a free consultation before beginning training.
If you are interested in signing up for an athletic event please check out usaproductions.org for a selection of amazing races in Northern California.
Mindfulness Therapy
Mindfulness and Life Balance Therapy with Michael combines elements of breath work, concentration activities and a basic Ayurvedic consultation. These sessions provide clients with the tools necessary to feel connected to their body and mind even during the most stressful experiences in life. Mindfulness approaches to healing focus the mind on the actual Experience of the Present (feelings, sensations, emotions) rather than the story created as a reaction to or result of the thoughts about that experience. Here you can learn to be present with pain and discomfort rather than ignore or avert from that which causes suffering. And in the long run, you can be left in control of your experience rather than being controlled by the whirls and whims of an untamed mind.
These sessions last one hour. The rate is $60 per hour. Please contact Michael at 503-962-9025 to set up an appointment. His home office is in Pleasant Hill, CA and he also holds sessions at private homes for your convenience.
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