Led by Maitri Jones

Yoga for Neurological Health
For those with MS, Parkinson's, or Other Neurological Disorders

5-day weekend

There are no dates currently scheduled.

When nerves are frazzled from stress, over-stimulation, or disease, our brains react from survival mode—with subconscious, instinctive behaviors—instead of responding to life as we would like to: appropriately and with intention. We may experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and other unpleasant symptoms.

During this program, participants will learn simple yet powerful techniques:

• Exercises that train neuromuscular coordination, as well as draw vitality and strength to all parts of the body
• Classical yoga poses, conscious breathing, and positive affirmations that create strength, flexibility, and connectedness
• Techniques to draw on the healing aspects of the parasympathetic (“rest and repose”) nervous system
• Meditation to retrain the brain and create more efficient pathways to the pre-frontal lobes, the most highly evolved part of our nervous system, where we experience our most inspired, creative thinking and elevated levels of consciousness

Ananda Yoga practice connects us with our calm center within, where we discover our innate wisdom. The journey to healing of body, mind, and spirit unfolds as it should.

Share relaxed time with other truthseekers, close to nature, bathing yourself in peace and expansive consciousness.

The human nervous system “constitutes the one and only path to spiritual enlightenment, regardless of formal religious affiliation.”

—Paramhansa Yogananda, The Rubaiyat Explained

Schedule for this program

Friday

4:45	Guided Spiritual Practices (Energization Exercises, Yoga Postures, and Meditation)
6:30	Dinner
7:30	Introduction to Yogic Wisdom for the Nervous System, and Learn a Meditation Technique

Saturday

6:30	Guided Spiritual Practices  (Energization Exercises, Yoga Postures, and Meditation)
8:30	Breakfast in silence
10:00	Connecting Body, Breath, and Energy (Energization, Pranayama, and Asana)
12:30	Lunch
2:00	Understanding the Power of the Mind
4:45	Guided Spiritual Practices (Energization Exercises, Yoga Postures, and Meditation)
6:30	Dinner
7:30	Super Relaxation with OM

Sunday

6:30	Guided Spiritual Practices  (Energization Exercises, Yoga Postures, and Meditation)
8:30	Breakfast (not in silence)
9:30	Creating Strength and Resilience in Daily Life
11:00	Sunday Service
12:30	Lunch & Goodbyes

The ancient science of yoga is being used increasingly in modern times as a therapeutic tool to enhance wellness for those suffering from many different health conditions, including neurological disorders. Ananda Yoga offers a practice particularly well suited for this kind of application. It takes a dynamic and yet relaxation-based approach that balances and strengthens the nervous system through awareness of the connection between body and mind.  

In 2008, 28 people with Multiple Sclerosis were taught an Ananda Yoga routine as part of a research project. They began with pre-testing and a 5-day Ananda Yoga program at The Expanding Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat. After 16 weeks of home practice, follow up testing showed significant improvements in balance, functional strength, respiratory vigor, decreased anxiety, depression and increased sense of clear cognition and overall well being.

The Expanding Light is now offering a 3-day retreat, Yoga for Neurological Health, October 18 – 21, 2009 and May 13 – 16, 2010 for people living with Parkinson’s, MS, mild stroke or other neurological diseases who are able to walk on uneven terrain. 

Participants will learn simple yet powerful techniques:

• Energization Exercises draw vitality to all parts of the body, as well as training neuromuscular coordination.
• Classical yoga poses done with conscious breathing and positive affirmations create physical strength, flexibility and engage the healing aspects of the parasympathetic nervous system.
• Meditation retrains the brain to create more efficient pathways to the pre-frontal lobes, where we experience our most inspired, creative thinking and elevated level of consciousness.
• Ananda Yoga practice guides us to an energetic, calm center within where we discover our innate wisdom leading us on the journey to healing of body, mind and spirit.
• Sharing relaxed time with instructors and fellow participants with similar experiences and interests can provide the basis for lasting support and inspiration.

Research shows that going on retreat for a significant period of time to learn new skills, creates a transformative experience that really jumpstarts the ability to incorporate new habits into daily life.  Brown, R. Considerations in Designing and Applying Yoga Interventions for Clinical Research, Conference workshop. Proceedings of the Third IAYT Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research; 2009 Mar 3; Los Angeles, California, United States. [videocassette]. San Diego (CA): Backcountry Productions; 2009.

Read the following article for more information on how going on retreat can be helpful for the person dealing with neurological disorders:

Making Positive Changes in Your Life

This 3-day retreat at The Expanding Light (90 minutes Northeast of Sacramento) is a wonderful opportunity for anyone wanting to incorporate a therapeutic yoga routine into his or her life.

Testimonials from participants in the Ananda Yoga MS study:

“I feel that the Ananda routine has strengthened and toned my body as well as my mind and made me feel better and happier. After doing the routine, I feel like I have accomplished something and feel peaceful and have more energy.”
– WS Massachusetts

“During the 4 months practice of the yoga routine I found myself feeling that a great fog was lifting from my head. I have seen a valuable positive change in my mental outlook and intend to continue to incorporate the Energization, yoga, relaxation and meditation in my daily life.”
– CS-M Half Moon Bay, CA

“I came to Expanding Light feeling completely defeated and drained with my MS being such a heavy burden to carry.  I left feeling incredibly uplifted, full of hope.”
– JP Chico, CA

“I would recommend this for anyone wanting a different and very positive approach to improving life after a diagnosis of a neurological disorder.”
– SA, Rocklin CA

“I learned a lot from this retreat especially the lectures and the yoga, affirmations. I was able to rest from my work at home and at work. I sure will share my experience with my other friends and co-workers. I’m most impressed with the staff and teachers I met. They’re all helpful nice and friendly.”
– DD, Sacramento, CA

“This program went beyond my expectations. Well organized, well staffed with ‘pros’.”
– TS, Mill Valley, CA

More details about your reservation for Yoga for Neurological Health