Bicycle-stuff.com

In my May 5th, 2010 Reflections on the Practice post, I mentioned how we can use some community-based push for quality, safe bike lanes. Well, fortunately, the Department of Transportation (DOT) created exactly what I had in mind along the entire length of Prospect Park West (PPW). This is great news!

The lane is much like those used in the Netherlands, whereby traffic moves in the center of a roadway; moving away from the center is a lane for parked vehicles; further from the center is the bike lane, and then farthest-most from the center is the sidewalk for pedestrians. This way cyclists never have to worry about cycling alongside moving vehicles or having double-parked cars blocking the bike lanes currently employed throughout most of the city. This new bike lane model being used (and hereby championed) along PPW is much safer not only for cyclists, but also for:

1. pedestrians, because cyclists won’t fear motorists and thereby ride on the sidewalk; and,

2. motorists, because they will not have to worry about cyclists in their blind spots.

Without discounting this great step forward, it is far more important to utilize this new (for NYC) bike lane model on routes like the major roadways of our neighborhood (e.g., 5th & 7th Avenues). After all, we can always ride in the park; the park’s loop is one big bike lane already. We don’t really need the new bike lane model there, on PPW as much as on our increasingly congested, and highly dangerous roadways — at least, for cyclists.

In summary, great work DOT! Now, let’s see these bike lanes all over our neighborhoods. So, my fellow community of practitioners, I invite all of you to join me in championing these new bike lanes for all of NYC’s roadways.

With the breath,

Vivekan

Vivekan

June is Great Outdoors Month

As someone who has solo hiked and camped the Grand Canyons for 4 days/3 nights, and who has done a lot of other hiking and camping, I know the healing powers of the Great Outdoors. It should be noted that I have had the fortune of being introduced to the outdoors with a sense of appreciation, respect, and an invitation to come to balance and harmony with it. This has given me the eyes to witness and experience the sublime majesty of the Great Outdoors.

Whereas, if we approach the outdoors as a barren or dangerous wilderness which is only to be conquered we will miss the unspoken messages pristine, outdoor areas whisper to those who enjoy Her in silence.

The New York tri-state area (and many regions of our country, and others) abounds in overlooked ecosystems. Even if its to your local park, get out and listen!

On the path,

Vivekan

Photo: Camila Vergara

Now, for some words from our president:

President Obama’s thoughts

In these difficult economic times, renewing our commitment to our natural places will foster jobs in the tourism and recreation industries while conserving our great outdoors. Moreover, as Americans, we are responsible for protecting our heritage, including the raw beauty of our lands and waters. Together, let us rise to meet that responsibility and safeguard our cherished outdoor spaces for our children and grandchildren.
–Barack Obama, in his Presidential Proclamation of June 2010 as Great Outdoors Month

Dear Yogins,

We hope your summer is kicking off wonderfully!

In this newsletter:

-NEW SUMMER SCHEDULE
-EXPRESS SUNRISE YOGA SERIES
-5% OFF SUMMER YOGA RETREAT
-DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE/TEACHER TRAINING INFORMATIONAL MEETING

In preparation for the new season, we are making some schedule adjustments here at the studio. All are effective immediately~

New in the line-up!

• Open Flow, Wednesday, 7:30-9pm
• Express Sunrise Yoga Series, Tuesday/Thursday, 7-8am (July/August)

For the Summer Schedule these classes are suspended:

• Sunday’s 4pm Open Flow
• Wednesday’s 7pm Express Basics
• Wednesday’s 8:30pm Advanced class (Stay tuned for invitational criteria re: the fall re-introduction of our Advanced class.)

Stay tuned to the July newsletter for any additional class changes and as always, refer online for the most up-to-date schedule. Kindly remember, online pre-registration is required for all class attendence as is arriving before class’ start time.

And if you’ve been looking to fit in an early morning yoga practice, we’ve got a fun new series in store! (More below.)

Health + Happiness,
Team Bodhisattva Yoga

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Express Sunrise Yoga Series with Jess
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8AM, July 6-August 19, 2010

Early morning is an ideal time to fit in your practice. Mentally, we are in a space of more clarity—and physically, we can use a boost to start the day the right way. Enjoy a comprehensive class including energizing sun salutations and fresh fruit to nibble on as a post-class treat! Pre-requisite: Basics class experience.

There is a one-time registration fee and each class is normal cost (i.e., you can use your existing class series, unlimited pass, or drop-in.) The registration tiers are as follows:

• Early Bird Yogin–$100 Registration fee. Entitles you to take all 14 Sunrise Yoga classes. Deadline to register: June 30.
• Sleepy Yogin–$75 Registration fee. Entitles you to take all Sunrise Yoga classes including and after July 22. Deadline to register: July 22.
• Groggy Yogin–$55 Registration fee. Entitles you to take all Sunrise Yoga classes including and after August 5. Deadline to register: August 5.

The Sunrise Yoga Series will be based on a minimum number of practitioners registered by the June 30 deadline. Sign up today!

E-mail Jessica@bodhisattvayoga.com, call (718) 499-9642 (YOGA) or inquire in person.

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Garden to Plate: Summer Weekend Yoga Retreat

There’s still time to save some $ on our upcoming summer yoga retreat! Register by June 30 for 5% off. Read more about the fabulous food, fresh air, company and retreat center (did we mention yoga instruction?) here.

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Deepen Your Practice/Teacher Training Informational Meeting

If you’ve ever wished to immerse yourself in your yoga practice in a structured setting– or have maybe considered getting certified to instruct yoga, mark your calendar! In preparation for our next Teacher Training program, we’ll be hosting an informational meeting on Sunday, September 12 at 2:15pm. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by August 31.

Do your best to practice at least once a week!

You deserve health.  It is your birthright.  Give it to yourself.

Whatever happens, recognize, accept, and then let go.

-Ani Tenzin Palmo