NH link in the Global Mala Project: yoga for peace in action!

Yogic Suksham Vyayam: Subtle yoga for Rejuvenation with Ajay Gupta, YogaCaps, Inc.
Enjoy this tip-to-toes subtle warm up exercises from the Himalayas to very gently rejuvenate all organs of the body from tip to toes. Not taught anywhere else in the USA that we are aware of, these are scientific exercises that make us strong and supple, but also help remove impurities from our bodies and improve the memory, concentration and will-power. A yoga mat is not required. May be practiced while sitting in a chair.

Presenter: A co-founder of YogaCaps, Inc., a 501(c) nonprofit organization, Ajay learned yoga at Vishwayatan Yogashram in India in 1983 and has been exploring the depths of yoga ever since. He has endeavored to achieve a scientific understanding of yoga and nature cure practices. He has traveled from the Himalayas to Kerala learning a variety of yoga and nature cure practices. He teaches classes and workshops internationally and is on the faculty of several Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs, including an Advanced YTT program. Jay is a licensed pharmacist with an M.Pharm. from University of Delhi and M.Sc. in International Marketing from University of Strathclyde. He previously had a career in international marketing of Ayurvedic and Pharmaceutical products. He is a student of Guruji Swami Swayamanand Giri.

Choice 1: Finding Your Playful Yoga Self with Rosemary Todd Clough, Director, Moving Spirit: The Center for Yoga, Dance & Wellness
Come join us in this experiential playful workshop for adults, where we will have fun discovering that part of ourselves which often is forgotten in our adult lives. We will explore yoga and movement in a variety of ways using techniques which are creatively stimulating. Re-awakening this playful part within each of us will open more opportunities to better understand, connect and play with our children.

Presenter: Rosemary has been teaching, exploring and creating through yoga and creative dance for over 30 years. A teacher to students of all ages, Rosemary brings a depth of experience and a playful approach to all of her classes. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University, and a Professional Level Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification. She is a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, a Stott Pilates Teacher, and an experienced dancer. Rosemary has been on the teaching faculty of colleges, schools and nationally certified Yoga Teacher Training courses and was elected a teaching fellow at Harvard University. Rosemary is a mother of five and a grandmother.

Choice 2: Japa Meditation: 108 repitition of the Gayatri Mantra with Gretchen Carmel (Rajeshawari), The Yoga Space
"O Self-Effulgent Light that has given birth to all the lokas (spheres of consciousness) who is worthy of worship and appears through the orbit of the sun, illumine our intellect." Among all the millions of mantras recorded in archives, the Gayatri Mantra is the essence of all mantras. The Sanskrit words contain essential vibrations of the upper luminous spheres of light. All spiritual powers and potencies are contained within them. For accumulation of the highest spiritual light and attainment of enlightenment, nothing else compares to the Gayatri. We will chant 108 repetitions of the long form of the Gayatri Mantra. In addition, four seed sounds will be added to honor Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles), Lakshmi (goddess of abundance), Saraswati (goddess of spiritual knowledge, music, science and the arts), and the Hrit Padma (the self, soul, jiva and the three-fold flame). All levels welcome. No experience with mantra is necessary. Handouts of the Gayatri Mantra will be available.

Presenter: Gretchen Carmel (Rajeshwari) earned a B.F.A. in Dance Performance from SUNY Purchase in New York. After many years in the professional world of dance, Gretchen became a certified Kripalu and Vinyasa Flow Yoga teacher. She also is a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and a Traditional/Usui Reiki Master, as well as owner/director of Om Shanti Yoga (a division of THE YOGA SPACE in Keene N.H.). Gretchen has been practicing, studying, and living Yoga since 1993. She brings to her teaching a high level of committment, love for her students, and the joy of mantra, inspired by her teacher Namadeva (Thomas Ashley-Farrand). Gretchen is currently studying to be a Teacher of Mantra under the direction of Namadeva, working toward his Pujari program.

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Bharatanatyam (Vedic temple dance) and Mohiniaatam with Kumari Neha Parikh & Students, Chidambaram Nritya Kala Academy (Kids welcome)
Bharatanatyam is made up of three letters: Bha, Ra, and Ta, which stand for Bhaava (expression), Raga (musical modes) and Taala (rhythm). It is one of the oldest, richest and most popular of classical dance styles of India, emerging from Tamil Nadu in the South. Originally performed in the temples by Devadasis, it is a 2000 years old sacred dance drama. It is the embodiment of music in visual form, a ceremony, and an act of devotion. Mohiniattam is a dance of love and devotion to the Divine. Enjoy several stunning segments of the dances and then, a rare treat, Guru Parikh will teach all of us several of the mudras (hand gestures) and their meanings.

Presenter: Neha Parihk has a MA in Fine Arts (Classical Dance) from the prestigious Nalanda Institute. She trained under Padmashri Dr. Kanak Rele and eminent Gurus like Smt. Tangamani Nagarajan, Smt. Malati Angishwaran, Shri Vaibhav Arekar and Smt. Ambika Vishwanathan. Neha has played many of the major roles in Nalanda productions and also served as a choreographer and researcher. She has travelled all over India with the Nalanda troupe. In 2005 she opened Chidamabram Nritya Kala Academy in Nashua and she and her students perform at Temple events and festivals throughout MA and NH.

Choice 5: Creative KiDS Yoga (for kids and adults) with Rosemary Todd Clough, Director, Moving Spirit Center for Yoga, Dance & Wellness

Presenter: Rosemary has been teaching, exploring and creating through yoga and creative dance for over 30 years. A teacher to students of all ages, Rosemary brings a depth of experience and a playful approach to all of her classes. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University, and a Professional Level Kripalu Yoga Teacher Certification. She is a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, a Stott Pilates Teacher, and an experienced dancer. Rosemary has been on the teaching faculty of colleges, schools and nationally certified Yoga Teacher Training courses and was elected a teaching fellow at Harvard University. Rosemary is a mother of five and a grandmother.

3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Silent auction winners announced and Closing Ceremony featuring sacred chants by Davida Rubin- Baker and Rahel Limor
When we experience ourselves as connected, peace emerges naturally and effortlessly and our true essence is revealed. Through the transformative vibrations and pulse of sacred melody and movement, Rahel and Davida will invite us to celebrate and connect in the richness of the micro and macro communities that we create today and every day. We’ll experience a peace chant in many languages, accompanied by a unity dance to acknowledge and express gratitude to the Source of Life and to the experience of being alive.

Presenters: Davida Rubin-Baker has been energized by the transforming power of yoga, meditation, and kirtan for over fifteen years. As a attorney who left legal practice to devote herself to the spiritual practice of parenting, she is dedicated to helping others experience the divine essence which connects us all using music, dance, journaling, meditation, yoga, and the practice of conscious relationships.

Choice 1: THIS SESSION IS FULL / CLOSED Agni: Igniting the Sacred with Lauren Jay Toolin
Agni, or fire, is the force behind the world as we know it, and as we can envision it. Agni is the force that catalyzes manifestation, assimilation and transformation. By building our sva agni (our personal fire) we can affect change in ourselves, and in the world. We will use hatha yoga practices to cultivate Agni and use it to light our way toward peace in action. A yoga mat is required.

Presenter: Lauren Jay Toolin, E-RYT, is a nationally recognized yoga instructor and a senior student and teaching assistant of Yogarupa Rod Stryker. She has completed his Para Yoga Master Training, which is one of the most intensive and advanced trainings in the country. She also studied closely with and was a lead teaching assistant to Rodney Yee for many years. Lauren has been teaching for 15 years and is an initiated practitioner in the tradition of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Her instruction is an engaging synthesis of the clarity and precision of the Iyengar system and the joyful, energetic inquiry of Tantra. Always insightful, inspirational, and infused with humor, Lauren's teaching conveys her passionate belief in Yoga's boundless potential for creating a healthy, successful and loving existence. Lauren's classes often include instruction in kriya, mantra, bandha, pranayama and meditation-profound techniques which are rarely taught in group yoga classes today. She teaches public classes in the Spencer, Mass. area and is a respected mentor to other yoga teachers. She directs teacher training and leads workshops and retreats regionally and in Belize and Puerto Rico.

A workshop for children to discover a playful innovative approach for moving yoga off the mat, integrating yoga postures and movement concepts. We will learn more about the many ways our bodies can move. We also will create opportunities for confidence building, explore our own special creativity with songs and games, as well as learn appropriate relaxation techniques.This workshop is experiential and fun!

PLUS: KiDS Yoga with Christine Boucher, Merrimack YMCA & Kimberly Savoie, Barefoot Yoga
Children will enjoy specific yoga poses that foster: structure, continuity, social interaction and language stimulation. We will also work on ability to self-calm and build self-esteem.

Presenters: Christine is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the National Yoga Alliance and is also YogaFit certified at four levels. She has immersed her practice into teaching kids, seniors and meditation, as well as yoga to help relieve depression and anxiety. This wonderful Mom also has an MS in Accounting and a BS in Business Administration.

Kimberly is a Certified ChildLight Yoga Instructor for Children, Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Aesthetician, Reiki Practitioner and Personal Trainer. Her underlying passion is assisting in bringing health and happiness to adults and children with "inner peace" as the result. She specializes in children with Autism, ADD, ADHD, LD, PDD, Aspergers, as well as children with unspecified, undiagnosed Developmental Challenges.

Choice 2 : Exploring the Space in the Joints of Our Practice with Bethany Reed
A one hour facilitated group discussion will creatively and thoughtfully provoke each participant to personally explore the freedom found in fully embodying our yama and niyama practice(s). Drawing upon an ancient Chinese poetic rendering, mindful contemplation will be given to how we can move more authentically into union or reunion with self, others, and Self on and off our mats.

Presenter: Bethany Reed, B.A., R.N., L.M.T., studied Ashtanga yoga in its traditional lineage with David Swenson. In addition to instructing the Primary Series in private and group settings, Bethany is a deep tissue massage therapist, registered nurse, fitness instructor, and public speaker within the New Hampshire health care community. Maintaining her private practice as a wellness consultant and educator in Concord, N.H., she has unique insight into the art and science of yoga, movement awareness, and injury rehabilitation. She infuses her classes and discussions with joy, compassion, and space for transformation!

Choice 4: THIS SESSION IS FULL / CLOSED Yoga Nidra with Ajay Gupta, YogaCaps, Inc.
Yoga nidra is a system of inducing complete mental, emotional and physical relaxation. It is a profound meditative technique that opens us to the deeper phases of our mind to promote healing and awaken inner potential. Relax your mind and relax your body! Bring a yoga mat or blanket to lay upon.

Presenter: A co-founder of YogaCaps, Inc., a 501(c) nonprofit organization, Ajay learned yoga at Vishwayatan Yogashram in India in 1983 and has been exploring the depths of yoga ever since. He has endeavored to achieve a scientific understanding of yoga and nature cure practices. He has traveled from the Himalayas to Kerala learning a variety of yoga and nature cure practices. He is on the faculty of several Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) programs, including an Advanced YTT program. Jay is a licensed pharmacist with an M.Pharm. from University of Delhi and M.Sc. in International Marketing from University of Strathclyde and previously had a career in international marketing of Ayurvedic and Pharmaceutical products. He is a student of Guruji Swami Swayamanand Giri.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Introduction to Laughter Yoga & Laughter Meditation with Lisa Wessan, Mirth Maven (kids welcome)
Lisa’s Laughter Circle is a place where people go to laugh stress away. The session includes a relaxing sequence of deep breathing, gentle stretching, Laughter Yoga, Laughter Meditation, and Laffirmations. Lisa’s Laughter Circle is a great way to relieve stress, relax muscles and give your insides a good laugh-induced massage. No yoga mats are needed, but wear comfortable clothes and bring water.

Presenter: Lisa Wessan, LCSW, CLL, RM, is a motivational author, speaker, counselor, coach, and certified laughter yoga and meditation instructor. Lisa works with individuals and groups who seek pleasure and fulfillment in their lives through improved energy and heightened consciousness. Lisa aims to help people move on in their lives with more joy in the journey and the liberal use of laughter therapy.Lisa is the on-air host and producer of the weekly cable television show Z Lighter Side of Transformation^SM. She is also a monthly guest on Thinking Out Loud, a radio talk show that covers politics and health. Visit www.MirthMaven.com for further information. Her work has been featured on CNN’s Paula Zahn Now, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News, The Boston Globe, The Lowell Sun, ABC News 20/20, and in many television, print and radio interviews.

Choice 1 : Simply Somatics with Ginny Jackson, Amherst Yoga
This class will focus on somatic movements to release chronic holding patterns in the body. Somatic movements are precisely programmed to stimulate the brain's release of muscular tightness and pain. Marked changes in posture and skeletal function can be attained. Movements for spine, hips, shoulders, legs and feet, face, jaw, and eyes will also be included. This class will be expanded to include an experience of Yin Yoga. Yin Yoga releases connective tissue (fascia) and allows joints to achieve optimal mobility. A relaxation period will also be included.

Presenter: Ginny is co-owner of Amherst Yoga. She practices and teaches Ashtanga Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, and Somatic movement. She has studied Somatics, a form of movement re-education, extensively, and is also certified to teach Pilates mat work. Ginny is a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor and the focus of her work is to assist students in getting to know their bodies. Ginny also holds a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology.

Choice 3: Kirtan with Keshav Shukla & Vrindavana Preservation Society Kirtan Mandali
(kids welcome)
Come join us in Kirtana. Together we will sing, chant, and dance, opening the heart chakra in glorious celebration! Kirtan is a form of Bhakti yoga (devotional yoga), through which we will glorify loving consciousness, feminine Divinity. Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe Shyam! During Kirtan, you may participate in whichever manner feels best..singing, chanting, dancing, shaking instruments, clapping your hands..or simply listening and becoming the observer. All are welcome and encouraged to participate, regardless of faith, background, musical experience, or other practices. VPS Kirtan Mandali looks forward to celebrating with you in Kirtan! Radhe Radhe!!

Presenter: Vrindavana Preservation Society (VPS) was founded on August 30, 1998 on the auspicious occasion of Sri Radhastami. VPS is a non-profit organization run exclusively by volunteers dedicated to the preservation of the holy land of Braj Mandal and to the promotion of Braj Culture around the world. The land of Braj Mandal is situated about sixty miles from New Delhi, India.

Choice 3: Gentle Yoga with Cathy Mook
Is your neck, area of the upper back and/or shoulders calling for some nurturing attention? Enjoy this gentle yoga class that gives attention to these areas by using the breath and slowly moving in and out of postures to release tension and tightness. Suitable for beginners or those more practiced.

Presenter: Cathy Mook, RYT started practicing yoga about 15 years ago as a stress release. She has taken courses with Peggy Cappy (Yoga for the Rest of us) with emphasis on modifications using a chair, and with Gary Kraftsow with emphasis on yoga healing for the neck, upper back,and shoulders. As a retired Dental Hygienist of 30 years, yoga has helped her to release, relieve and rejuvenate her own body. She currently teaches at the Merrimack YMCA and at The Plus Company, a company that serves developmentally disabled adults.

Choice 2 : Chair Yoga with Cathie Ryder, NH Yogamatters, LLC
Sitting comfortably in a chair, you will be guided to deepen your breath and relax into these very gentle poses that are equally beneficial for all ranges of physical fitness. Feel energized and tranquil, content and refreshed!

Presenter: Cathie Ryder, E-RYT is one of only 9 Experienced Registered Yoga Teachers in the state of New Hampshire. She has studied with many of the world’s best known and respected yoga teachers including Rodney Yee, Patricia Walden, Baron Baptiste, Cindy Lee, Gary Kraftow, David Swenson, and Elyse Browning Miller (expert on Yoga for Scoliosis). With over 25 years teaching experience, Cathie also holds certifications in spinning, BodyPump, BodyCombat, and BodyStep. Her certifications include: AAAI/ASMA Levels I, II Yoga; E-RYT with the Yoga Alliance; Member of California Yoga Teachers Association; AFAA Certified Group Exercise Instructor; AFAA Certified Personal Trainer; Certified Pilates Instructor; Physical Mind Body Institute (2000); C.P.R., AED & First Aid Certificates; Thai Yoga Massage Therapist; Tibetan Bowl Sound Therapist.

Choice 3: Healing Light Meditation with Supriya Kopparthi and Gloria Rodriguez, Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace
Enter the stillness of beautiful sanctuary space and experience a guided meditation which will lead you to a place inside of stillness and peace. Meditation calms and focuses the mind and allows us to tap into the potential for deep healing. Join us on this inner journey.

Presenters: Supriya Kopparthi and Gloria Rodriguez from Brahma Kumaris Learning Center for Peace will facilitate this guided meditation. Both have been practicing and teaching RajaYoga for more than 20 years. They also conduct other workshops like Self-empowerment, Positive Thinking, Stress-free living, and living values. Both bring the experience of depth of spiritual knowledge, practical application of spiritual knowledge and meditation in our day to day life. Supriya Kopparthi is also a full-time Software Engineer in Massachusetts and Gloria Rodriguez is a Teacher in New Hampshire. The Brahma Kumaris is a World Spiritual Organization who acknowledges the intrinsic goodness of all people, teaches a practical method of meditation that helps individuals understand their inner strengths and values. http://www.bkwsu.org

Rahel Limor: Drawing on the wisdom well of ancient, mystical, and spiritual traditions that have merged out of the Middle East, award-winning Jewish-American-Israeli performing artist and sound healer, Rahel, is building bridges with beautiful and compelling melodies, chants and meditations that define her intriguing folk-infusion world, traditional and transformational music. Rahel's music inspires, uplifts, and adds a level of truth and sophistication that is unavailable otherwise.

Rahel's extensive 25+ year career has found her setting up non-profit organizations in support of music, movement and the arts for people of all ages, from six-week old infants to seniors. Since 1997, Rahel has been engaged in the study and practice of music as a unique and powerful form of energy medicine that supports mind-body-spirit healing and transformation. She serves musically in therapeutic settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, senior residences, hospices, and special needs facilities; and facilitates meditative, experiential, and interactive concerts, programs, and sessions at retreats, conferences, educational facilities, a variety of health-related environments, and faith and interfaith communities in the USA and abroad.

Mia Corinha and Barb Ducharme will lead our opening ceremony on a two-path canvas labyrinth designed for peace and reconciliation work in South Africa . Just as yoga on the mat reflects life, the two-path labyrinth gives us the opportunity to experience a reflection of our life's journey; as we in community, both profoundly alone and yet intimately together, will set the tone for this day of peace and celebration. More info at http://www.labyrinth-alchemy.com.

Presenters: Barbara Ducharme & Mia Corinha of True North Alchemy. Barb and Mia have more than 20 years’ combined experience studying and working with labyrinths. Together and separately, they have designed and led workshops for The Labyrinth Society’s Annual Gathering and the Labyrinth Guild of New England’s Annual Festival, as well as in corporate, health care and faith communities. They have also constructed temporary and permanent labyrinths in a variety of environments, including private homes, churches, schools, and the Chalice Well Garden in Glastonbury , England

Presenter: Bryan has a true affinity for the outdoors and the peace and serenity immersion into nature offer the aspirant. He loves introducing people to outdoor activities and sharing his yoga experiences with others. His daily sadhana is a constant source his learning. Bryan completed his 200-hour yoga teacher training at the Sivananda Ashram in Val-Morin, Canada in 2005. In 2007, he received his 500-hour certification through the SchoolYoga Institute, where he studied Sadhana Hatha Flow and Sadhana Vinyasa Flow with Vedantin. Bryan is a yoga adventure guide for Raw Shakti Yoga and is passionate about the outdoor places he shares with groups and has lead groups to places like Alaska, California, Canada, China, Peru and Samoa. Bryan is also the assistant director of the SchoolYoga Institute and leads Yoga Teacher Trainings Worldwide with the Institute. When he is home he teaches yoga classes in Keene, New Hampshire, and the surrounding area. Bryan also runs a corporate yoga business- bringing yoga classes to employees at businesses. Check out www.bloomingmountian.com to learn more.

Choice 4: Pranayama: Breathing Life into your Practice with Bryan Russell
Pranayama is the art of breathing. We will introduce several traditional breathing techniques and consider how we can use these as tools in our life and in our yoga practice. Pranayama bridges the mind, body and soul and serves as a vehicle on a journey of joy and happiness. Join us as we experience the breath as life. This session is appropriate for students of all levels. Please bring what you need to sit comfortably on the floor. We may move a little as well.