Philadelphia Live Arts Festival

A collection of the world’s best contemporary performing artists energize Philadelphia audiences each year during the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival. Selected by Nick Stuccio, the Festival’s Producing Director, about half of these artists are based in Philadelphia, while others come in from across the globe. In 2010, 15 Live Arts Festival shows will be presented.

The mission of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival is to commission, develop, and present a wide range of the latest cutting-edge, high-quality performance.

Through this, we seek to:

• Present audiences with high-quality work that entertains, challenges, and stimulates.

• Support Philadelphia-based, regional, national, and international artists who create this work.

• Showcase Philadelphia-based artists alongside their international peers.

• Provide workshops for diverse audiences and aspiring local artists to encourage the growth and continued health of the local and regional performing arts community.

• Create a festival that engages fully in the global dialogue about contemporary performance and that solidifies Philadelphia as a performing arts destination.

Philly Fringe

Philly Fringe is an unfiltered festival, where new and established artists present their work free of a selection process. For some it’s a once-a-year, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a show; for professional companies, it can be an opportunity to try something new and join in the fray. It’s come one, come all! In 2009, 185 Philly Fringe shows were self-produced by artists from throughout the region. How many artists will participate in 2010 will be known in May!

The mission of the Philly Fringe is to provide an opportunity and a platform for Philadelphia-based artists to produce their work.

Through this we seek to:

• Create a cityscape filled with theater, dance, music, and everything in between for audiences to enjoy.

• Encourage artists to give expression to and develop their talents and artistic visions in total artistic freedom without any curatorial barriers in bringing that work to an audience.

• Help artists become successful independent producers.

• Ensure the growth and continued health of the local and regional performing arts community.

Some People WHo are Performing:

“Constant Perfection”

Location: Ruba Club 414 Green St

Time: September 2nd, Thursday, 7:30pm

“The Acting Class, the Play”

Location:Media Bureau 725 N. 4th Street Phila PA 19123

Time: September 3rd ,Friday, 8:00PM

“The Exchange!”

Location:Copabanana, 4th & South St.

Time: September 7 at 8:30am – September 8 at 1:30am

I have been observing my own self-healing practices for years and the most amazing thing about yoga and qigong is how “in touch” you become with your own body! When you practice yoga and qigong you begin to connect your mind to your body. When this happens the body begins to talk to you. It can help you be aware of aches, pains, sickness, potential health illnesses that can be addressed before illness sets in. When you bring these new discoveries to light and try to understand the root cause which may be mental, emotional, physical and trace them back it can be so liberating what you find and how much you can heal your own body.

Healing can begin at any time in one’s life. Some people have a nurturing instinct from the get go & then other’s don’t realize until they have become hurt, broken, abused, old, run down or ill. Rejuvenating one self should be part of our daily or at least weekly life regimen.

As we age our machines/bodies become weak, misaligned, toxic, unconnected to the other parts of the self like your mind or spirit. But, we truly have the ability to heal ourselves in simple yet profound ways. The culmination of these healings can elevate our overall health level. We do have the ability to know our own bodies, listen to them and become proactive in the way we take care of them!

Modern medicine is a must in certain situations but imagine if you were “tuned in” to your body way before you got to the level of disease. Finding ways to care for your self and rebuild your own health, when and if possible. Yes, I am speaking of diet, herbs, exercise, live/raw/organic foods, supplements, massage, reiki, qigong, chiropractic care, alternative ways of caring and healing the self.

As we continue to add more supplements to our diet, drink lots of water, pay more attention to your nutrition, get some rest, do some deep breathing, practice yoga/qigong or stretch on a regular and we can witness an improvement to our mood, energy level, fitness and maybe even our relationships.

I am amazed and aware of how much stronger my energy is and how much more deep and effective my self-healing rituals are and my ability to heal others is now as compared to the beginning of my journey due to the practice and concentration of energy cultivation. It is empowering to know how strong we as people/humans are and that we have tools to harness and extend those powers to help others and ourselves.

Taking time to care for your self can save you BIG by avoiding the culmination of bad habits, laziness, avoidance that we use instead of being proactive, motivated, health seeking individuals that build well ness in our communities of family, friends and strangers all brought together on the philosophy of respecting and caring for the self.

Promoting wellness within slowly becomes evident to others and it feels great when someone asks for advice from you because you appear to look, feel healthy and vibrant. Sharing your health practices will make you feel better and inspire others to join in the fun!

Creating energy for healing is simple and effective.

*  Practicing Qigong daily will increase your overall energy level, boost immune system, improve your mood and well being, reduce stress, and raise your awareness of internal energy.

*   Practicing yoga will bring self-discipline, focus, coordination and stamina among many other benefits.

*  These Eastern art forms are the beginning of how to tap into and cultivate your internal energy.

****Of course, this is not medical advice and see your doctor if you are not feeling well. Some illnesses are genetic or imminent. I am only suggesting the more you know about your own body and keep up your health- the better off you will be in general.

Handmade Philly in conjunction w/ VolkLibre will be hosting a Swap Meet on Sunday, August 29 from 3-6pm.

Check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133718756670385

Swap, trade is great for recycling and reusing old stuff or new stuff you don’t use or want..Why use money when you can lighten your load and acquire new things as an exchange?

Start setting aside those things you want to get rid of! And start daydreaming about all the lovely things you will find, that will soon be yours..

Lots of people will be milling about looking for finds and they look forward to having you be a part of the action.!

You are all invited.

Admission: $3/ per person

What to bring?

All the stuff you no longer want:

Art supplies

Books

Clothes

Art

Handmade Stuff

Etc.

Potluck: beverages and food – bring something to share!

Address: Robin’s Books / Moonstone Arts

110 S. 13th Street (2nd floor!), Philadelphia, PA 19107

Please consider this:  Baron Baptiste’s upcoming FOUNDATIONS IN ACTION: A BAPTISTE YOGA BASIC TRAINING in Park City, Utah and for a very special event for the Africa Yoga Project!

FOUNDATIONS IN ACTION is a weekend-long immersion into the art and practice of Baptiste Yoga, and for this training Baron has added a special 2-hour workshop dedicated to the Africa Yoga Project. Friday afternoon, join me and several Master Baptiste teachers for The Yoga of Service in Action – Lessons of Possibility and Purpose from the Africa Yoga Project, a powerful asana practice and discussion about the life-changing work of the Africa Yoga Project. We’ll be exploring ways to empower yourself, your practice and your community through the yoga of service, and be discussing what we’ve learned in our work with AYP. Join us for this unique event and take what you learn from this inspiring session back to your studio and into the world!

Baron and the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute have played a very special role in the evolution of the Africa Yoga Project. Baron’s work was foundational in the creation of the vision, commitment and passion to establish the Africa Yoga Project. His continued support of AYP teachers is instrumental in the growth of our organization and the development of our teachers. Baron was just in Kenya in July delivering the second teacher training for the AYP teachers, as well as an immersion for our community in Kenya. In April of 2009, Baron and his team traveled to Kenya to deliver the first Level 1 Teacher Training, Journey into Power, in Kenya to 58 young people. Now there are 40 teachers employed by AYP, earning a living wage by establishing places to teach and expanding the student body. We are delivering more than 100 classes weekly to over 2,300 people in prisons, women’s centers, primary schools, hospitals, and slums throughout Nairobi.

Come experience the power of Baptiste Yoga and the Africa Yoga Project, and learn from my teacher and friend, Baron Baptiste. Register for FOUNDATIONS IN ACTION before August 20th and get your early bird discount on tuition. I hope you will be able to join me, Baron Baptiste and other AYP supporters for this amazing and transformational weekend!

REGISTER NOW:

The Yoga of Service in Action – Lessons of Possibility and Purpose from the Africa Yoga Project.  Friday: 2pm-4pm

Join Master and Senior Baptiste teachers for a powerful Baptiste-Community asana practice and discussion. Explore ways to empower yourself, your practice and your community through the yoga of service. Employing real life examples from the powerful and life-changing work of the Africa Yoga Project, the discussion will revolve around Baptiste Yoga’s fundamental call for creating service through a yoga practice in action.Take what you learn from this inspiring session back to your studio and start changing lives in your community. Join top Baptiste teachers for this powerful session and get into action as you develop new insights and levels of personal expression, contribution and empowerment!

All donations for this class go to the Africa Yoga Project.

Yoga as Service: Community, Connection and Contribution Friday: 7pm-9:30pm

Internationally renowned teacher and author Baron Baptiste offers an evening discussion as a kick-off for his “Foundations In Action” weekend training in Park City, Utah. Baptiste will explore the expansion of a yoga practice beyond the mat, creating action through service and developing new levels of personal expression, contribution, and empowerment. Together you will examine how your personal growth positively impacts to others and how to powerfully support individuals and organizations in your community and throughout the world, all through putting your yoga practice in action. Baptiste’s programs are designed to empower people from all walks of life find more authentic and joyful living now. This discussion is available as part of the weekend training or for a $15 drop-in fee.

Saturday: 9am-8pm, Sunday 9am-6pm FOUNDATIONS IN ACTION: A BAPTISTE YOGA BASIC TRAINING

Get ready to reconnect, recharge, and reserve your space today!

Yoga has become a popular form of exercise and stress management in the United States, for anyone who wants to explore the holistic benefits of combining strength training, flexibility, deep breathing and concentration. But even though this ancient practice has become a mainstream form of exercise and relaxation, there is still a lot you probably don’t know about yoga. Whether you are a yoga enthusiast or novice you might be curious about yoga’s health benefits and risks, or the history of yoga, keep reading:

1. There are 19 types of yoga: The most common type of yoga taught in the United States is hatha yoga, which is a foundational type that teaches breathwork, postures and meditation. Other types focus on chanting and prayer, detox, strength, endurance, and total lifestyle habits like vegetarianism and non-violence.

2. Yoga may be 10,000 years old: Actual records of yoga can be traced back 5,000 years, but because yoga was passed down orally or on delicate leaves and that were destroyed, many researchers believe it is much, much older.

3. Patanjali — one of yoga’s most important figures — was a physician: While yoga was first explored and recorded by priests and mystic seekers, Patanjali, who is one of the most important figures in yoga history and is called “the father of yoga,” was actually a physician. Patanjali wrote down 195 sutras for explaining how yoga should be used in everyday life to achieve enlightenment and a moral life in a text called The Yoga Sutra.

4. There are four periods in the history of yoga: These are: pre-classical, classical, post-classical and modern. During the pre-classical period, yoga was being developed in Northern India by the Indus-Sarasvati people, and then by Brahman priests. This is when yoga was recorded in texts and scriptures. The classical period saw the organization of yoga into the eight-limbed path philosophy that still holds today, while the post-classical period explored the idea that the physical body led to true enlightenment, a severe departure from pre-classical ideals. In the modern period, yoga spread to the West, when Swami Vivekananda visited Chicago in 1893. Hatha yoga became the preeminent form of yoga here.

5. Yoga poses and meditation are inspired by Buddhist influences: In the earliest periods, yoga was practiced as a form of healing and path to self-discovery. Buddhist influences during the 6th century B.C. turned the focus towards meditation, too, and incorporated the practice of postures and poses.

6. Yoga’s eight-fold path to a better life: Patanjali’s eight-fold path is described in The Yoga Sutra. The eight limbs are yama, or social behavior; niyama, or inner discipline and responsibility; asana, or posture of yoga; pranayama, or energy force that flows through us when we breathe; pratyahara, the withdrawal of senses during meditation; dharana, concentrating on a single image or point; dhyana, meditating without an object or distraction; and samadhi, or absolute bliss.

7. Yoga’s original language is Sanskrit: The oldest literary language of India, Sanskrit is also the language of yoga. The word yoga actually means yoke or union, and is translated from the Sanskrit word “yuj.”

8. Your yoga experience is always changing: Some people might think practicing yoga for years or decades is boring because all of the poses are the same. But yoga’s philosophy is built around the idea that your experience or relationship with the yoga poses is constantly changing. This experience is based on your physicality as you become more flexible and balanced, and also your spiritual relation and ability to meditate while doing yoga.

9. Yoga may interfere with natural growth: The American Yoga Association doesn’t recommend that children under the age of 16 years old perform yoga positions, because they may hinder natural growth. And while they can experiment with breathing exercises and stretching, they should not hold their breath while doing so.

10. The number of yoga poses is disputed: In The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, Swami Vishnu-devananda explained 66 official postures for yoga, and 136 variations. Other yogis have suggested that there are more official postures, or even an infinite number of positions.

This article was contributed by www.NursingSchools.net. We GREATLY APPRECIATE their CONTRIBUTION & FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION on the HISTORY of YOGA!

Sunlight streams through the window while rhythmic New Age music fills the air. This is the atmosphere specially created by  Stephanie Churchill for yoga practice. It is the early morning, and a fresh chance to shape ourselves for the coming day. What kind of person will we be today? Generous, kind, and humane? The yoga space is ripe with possibilities. It has been too long since I have practiced yoga, yet I sense a new beginning with Stephanie’s expert guidance.

Stephanie begins with meditation and breathing suggestions that form the backbone of the session. Her calm voice encourages the deep breathing that has me inhaling the good and exhaling the toxic. With each breath I feel more centered in my body and more relaxed for the workout to follow. On a spiritual plane, every inhale invigorates my life force for good, and every exhale sheds the negative energy that keeps me from being all I want to be. I meditate, like many others, with eyes closed. I follow Stephanie’s beautiful narrative and breathing suggestions. She suggests that my inhales be white light that I guide to my body’s center. I cheat here. I direct the white light of breath to far reaches of my body, that have been neglected of deep breathing for far too long.

Stephanie segues from meditation and gentle stretching to some more formal postures. She alternates more strenuous postures with relaxing ones, giving my body a respite and my mind precious moments to ponder the postures. At different moments, Stephanie interrupts her own practice to ensure that my positioning is the most that it can be for me. Sometimes she is a brace, and sometimes she lengthens and coaxes a stretch. Stephanie intuits easily when I need an assist.

As the session moves forward, Stephanie juxtaposes the positions of downward facing dog to the cobra. My mind is an empty slate, but then I reflect upon the rich imagery of these positions. I think of the submissive dog, bowed low, simultaneously humble and regal, and intensely loyal. Then I bring to mind the cobra, strong and proud, crown reaching toward the sky, vertebrae elongated. With these two images in my mind, I form the positive intention to live my day with both humility and strength.

Thank you, Stephanie for a meaningful reunion with yoga practice!

Everyone loves the quote “laughter is the best medicine,” so we want to encourage you smile on the inside which leads to smiling on the outside. The body follows the mind and if you know how beneficial smiling is to your overall health and well being I can’t imagine how you can deny letting everyone see your pearly whites. Try it, smiling can boost your mood and even your immune system. Keep reading for more fascinating facts about our smiles.

1. Forcing yourself to smile can boost your mood: Psychologists have found that even if you’re in bad mood, you can instantly lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile.

2. It boosts your immune system: Smiling really can improve your physical health, too. Your body is more relaxed when you smile, which contributes to good health and a stronger immune system.

3. Smiles are contagious: It’s not just a saying: smiling really is contagious, scientists say. In a study conducted in Sweden, people had difficulty frowning when they looked at other subjects who were smiling, and their muscles twitched into smiles all on their own.

4. Smiles Relieve Stress: Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it. This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and release stress.

5. It’s easier to smile than to frown: Scientists have discovered that your body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than it does to smile.

6. It’s a universal sign of happiness: While hand shakes, hugs, and bows all have varying meanings across cultures, smiling is known around the world and in all cultures as a sign of happiness and acceptance.

7. We still smile at work: While we smile less at work than we do at home, 30% of subjects in a research study smiled five to 20 times a day, and 28% smiled over 20 times per day at the office.

8. Smiles use from 5 to 53 facial muscles: Just smiling can require your body to use up to 53 muscles, but some smiles only use 5 muscle movements.

9. Babies are born with the ability to smile: Babies learn a lot of behaviors and sounds from watching the people around them, but scientists believe that all babies are born with the ability, since even blind babies smile.

10. Smiling helps you get promoted: Smiles make a person seem more attractive, sociable and confident, and people who smile more are more likely to get a promotion.

11. Smiles are the most easily recognizable facial expression: People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression.

12. Women smile more than men: Generally, women smile more than men, but when they participate in similar work or social roles, they smile the same amount. This finding leads scientists to believe that gender roles are quite flexible. Boy babies, though, do smile less than girl babies, who also make more eye contact.

13. Smiles are more attractive than makeup: A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup.

14. There are 19 different types of smiles: UC-San Francisco researcher identified 19 types of smiles and put them into two categories: polite “social” smiles which engage fewer muscles, and sincere “felt” smiles that use more muscles on both sides of the face.

15. Babies start smiling as newborns: Most doctors believe that real smiles occur when babies are awake at the age of four-to-six weeks, but babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they’re born.

MANY THANKS to our friends at: http://www.nursingschools.net/blog/ for providing this article!

]]> http://www.totallyzen.com/say-cheese-15-fascinating-facts-about-smiling.html/feed 2 http://www.totallyzen.com/save-animalspractice-yoga-humane-league-of-philadelphiadhyana-yoga-88-6pm.html http://www.totallyzen.com/save-animalspractice-yoga-humane-league-of-philadelphiadhyana-yoga-88-6pm.html#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:59:15 +0000 Stephanie http://www.totallyzen.com/?p=697

Humane League of Philadelphia is joining with Dhyana Yoga for an upcoming yoga class that will be held at their Old City location, 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, on Sunday, August 8 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Come join animal rights activists, vegans, yogis, conscious minded people and more for a Vinyasa Yoga class. All proceeds will benefit the Humane League’s work to save animals. It’s welcome to everyone–from yoga novices to an experienced yoga enthusiast! The class will focus on breath and will include meditation.

Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged, and any interested participants can pre-register by emailing dhyana.staff@gmail.com.

A $10-$20 donation is requested and every dollar goes to the Humane League’s life-saving work for animals!

FIND OUT MORE about and how to get involved with Humane League of Philadelphia We strive to create a more compassionate world for animals through education, campaigns, and rescue. Because 98% of the animals that are abused and killed in this country are farmed animals, our primary focus is on working against the cruelest methods of factory farming and in support of vegan eating. We also deal to a lesser extent with issues of animal testing, fur, and companion animals.

I wanted to offer you this useful information ,on eating foods that reduce your cholesterol, as I introduce you to Blisstree, a new source of media that speaks to women in their 30s and 40s whose priorities include optimal wellness and overall balance in life among health, work, family, home, and relationships. They have been so kind as to offer us the ability to bring some of their information to you here at Totally Zen. This article was contributed by nutritionist Lauren Slayton of Foodtrainers!

Please, do yourself a favor and learn to like and incorporate these foods into your regular diet. A regular dose of these foods will help your cholesterol, blood pressure, heart and possibly even prevent diabetes.

1. Apples: Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that helps draw cholesterol out of the system. The flavonoids (Quercetin) in apples act as a powerful antioxidant that seems to short-circuit the process that leads “bad” LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the bloodstream.

2. Beans: Beans and vegetables are an excellent source of soluble fiber and high in vegetable protein. By properly combing beans with brown rice, seeds, corn, wheat you can create a complete protein. Properly combined beans become an excellent substitute for red meat protein that is high in saturated fat.

3. Brown Rice: The oil in whole brown rice, not its fiber, lowers cholesterol. Brown rice can be combined with beans to form an inexpensive complete protein low in saturated fat. In addition, this whole grain also supplies good doses of heart-healthy fiber, magnesium and B vitamins.

4. Cinnamon: A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL, the bad cholesterol and the total cholesterol level.

5. Garlic: Garlic contains the chemical allicin, which has been shown to kill bacteria and fungi, and alleviate certain digestive disorders. It also lowers the blood-clotting properties of blood. But the most notable attention garlic has received over recent years is its possible usefulness in lowering cholesterol levels.

6. Grapes: Flavonoids in grapes protect LDL cholesterol from free radical damage and reduce platelet clumping. The LDL lowering effect of grapes comes from a compound that grapes produce normally to resist mold. The darker the grape, the better.

7. Oats: Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol. Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol.

8. Salmon: The major health components in salmon include: Omega-3 fatty-acids and protein. These components have a favorable cardiovascular effect. The American Heart Association recommends that people include at least two servings of fish/week, particularly fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies and herring), in their diets.

9. Soy: The top health promoting components in soybeans are isoflavones and soluble fiber. Isoflavones act like human hormone that can lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. All soy products (soybeans, soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, etc.) are complete proteins.

10. Walnuts: Walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol because they are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks. A cholesterol-lowering diet with a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts a day may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12%.

via Dietmotion

Twelve DC Yoga Studios Offer 30 Days of Deals

Washington D.C. – June 15, 2010 — Citizen Effect’s 30-Day Yoga Challenge is bringing together DC’s top yoga studios and their students for a great cause: building a foster home for orphaned and abandoned children in Cloetesville, South Africa.

The Challenge calls for participants to do as much yoga as they can for charity during July. Much like a marathon runner, participants will pledge a fundraising goal, ask friends and family to sponsor them, and collect donations through www.CitizenEffect.org.

The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) is doubling the impact of Citizen Effect’s 30-Day Yoga Challenge by matching the total amount of money raised.

Twelve district studios including Flow, Tranquil Space, Studio Serenity, STROGA, Lil Omm, Yoga Chai, Quiet Mind and Circle Yoga are sponsoring the Challenge by offering free or deeply discounted classes to participants.

Additionally, the top fundraising yogis will receive apparel from sponsor lululemon athletica Georgetown.

The event is the brainchild of Carolyn Butcher and Kelly Ferraro of WelcomeOmDC.com — “DC yoga studios are synonymous with giving back, their giving nature made the DC yoga community a natural partner for Citizen Effect’s 30-Day yoga challenge.” Ferraro adds, “Ours will truly be the “om” heard round the world.”

The 30-Day Yoga Challenge kicks off June 30th with a free outdoor class in Meridian Hill Park at 7:30 p.m. A celebratory party will be held at lululemon Georgetown on August 5th. For more information and to sign-up, visit www.citizeneffect.org/yogachallenge.

PLEASE DONATE TO THIS CAUSE!

About Citizen Effect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is reshaping philanthropy by providing a platform for anyone to choose their own project, raise the money through creative fundraising approaches, and seeing the direct impact of their work. For more information visit.

For more information, contact: Laura Goldstein.  Email: laura.goldstein@citizeneffect.org

* Picture on front page provided by: http://whatgives365.wordpress.com/

(You should check out this blog too; it is inspiring & about giving to causes , if you are intrerested or have one!)