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Wishing Love to all, Love in the form of gratitude, care, sweet feelings and generosity of the heart.
Some ways to get on the blissful wagon: Esalen Retreat! Blissful Yoga with Doron, May 28-30 A retreat dedicated to yoga and food. From understanding your Ayurvedic body type, to learning what is best for your body at what time. Very limited space available. More details Sign up now for the next Esalen Blissful Yoga retreat with Doron, May 28-30. Sustainable Backbends, a healthy way to open your heart Peacebank Redwood City, February 28th more info Open your Hips, Open your Heart JCC Palo Alto April 17 Zen Dance, Join the movement! February 17th 7:30-9:15pm Come dance! free form movement, no experience needed. Dance in a loving environment. Every 1st and third Wednesday Details Art sale! A rare variety of work, mostly photography, but also painting, sculpture and mixed media. Very reasonable prices, starting at $50. All original, mostly signed limited editions. Great opportunity to get real original art for very low prices. Take home or give as a gift, either way you are sharing with the world as, proceeds go to Seeds of Peace, an organization promoting peace through work with children. (or to Haiti Relief funds) See some on my site or Email to make an appointment Public Yoga Classes Schedule Offering privates and semi privates email for info The eight limbs of Yoga Read the article Oranges Get hungry
Esalen Retreat! Yoga and Food! Feeling better, clearer, lighter and more flexible with the tools of Yoga and the science of life. Come practice Yoga at the beautiful land of Esalen. Enjoy a hot natural spring bath, eat endless delicious healthy food, and learn about food and yoga. Learn which food will allow you to become more flexible, feel good and have longer lasting energy and how to eat healthier without compromising taste. We will look at ourselves from a holistic perspective, understand the connection between what we eat and who we are, and create an integrated approach to living. Session Examples: Yoga Asana and... Food for flexibility
My diet and me
Food labels and Ingredient lists
Remarks by Kim, a participant in the workshop and great Yoga teacher: "Thank you for your wonderful workshop at Esalen. I enjoyed the fast pace of our learnings, joined with our dynamic asana practice, and wonderful vibe of the people all who came together to learn together. Your experience, knowledge, compassion and sense of humor made it a spectacular weekend!" The Place: Esalen The retreat will be held at the beautiful and unique Esalen Institute in Big Sur California. Esalen is a Retreat center devoted to developing the human potential. It’s special setting on the cliff over the Pacific, with a river running through, natural hot springs hanging over the waves, an organic garden, art barn, meditation room, and fantastic food make it a little paradise. The retreat begins Friday evening, but you are welcome to arrive from 2:00 pm on, and enjoy all that Esalen has to offer. The workshop ends Sunday around 11:30 am followed by lunch at 12:30 pm. Participants must check-out of their rooms by noon and leave the property no later than 2:00 pm on the last day of the conference. This is a unique opportunity to visit Esalen, practice Yoga, soak in the mineral baths, walk the grounds, meet amazing people and have it all for a special rate! Rates for the entire weekend, all inclusive: Included in the weekend are lodging, natural hot springs hanging over the ocean, art barn, retreat program, meditation room, access to farm and garden, and buffet meals from dinner the night of arrival through lunch on departure day. Bunk bed: $490 Standard bed: $590 Sign up now! Register for the retreat by email Please do not email Esalen about this retreat as it is my responsibility to organize it all. Cancellation Policy: Up to two weeks in advance: full refund minus $75 registration fee Two weeks prior or less, 50% refund Sustainable Backbends: a healthy way to open your heart Peacebank Yoga, February 28th 12:30-3:30pm In certain Indian traditions a person’s real age is measured by how healthy the spine is. A healthy spine leads to a healthy posture, a beautiful stride, good sleep and much more. One of the ways we work on our spine is through Backbends. They are invigorating, beautiful, strengthening and allow for the opening of the chest as well. Through the opening of the chest we learn to open our subtle body, or spiritual heart center. We will explore all the preparations for back bending including: hip and shoulder openers, low back strengthening poses and releasing poses such as spinal twists. We will practice many variations to maintain a sustainable healthy and joyful backbend, heart opening practice. Open for all levels. $35 advance/$45 at the door For questions, or to register, please call (650) 299-9992 Ashtanga Yoga - Eight Limbs to Union The great sage Patanjali wrote four chapters on how to find true freedom. A core of his teachings is presented in the eight limbs. A brief summery is presented here. • Yamas: restraints, or social conduct and universal moralities, serve as the basis for all ethical behavior. ·The Yamas indicate the attitude towards others and the surroundings, with one main message: Do no harm. 1. Ahimsa or non-violence. Living a life of peace. Caring for others so that we bring no harm onto them in thought, speech or action. Practicing kindness and compassion to all that surrounds us, from creatures to things. Extending this to our own body and self. 2. Satya or truthfulness. Living an honest life, from the way we think to our actions and speech. Being true with every action and thought without bending the truth to suit one’s needs. When we live in truth, there is no fear, and we are happy to be transparent with all we do and think. 3. Asteya or non-stealing. Acting with complete awareness as to what we take, ask for or demand. Respecting others and their belonging, whether physical, mental or emotional. The respect can extend to all levels, even other people’s time, the way we touch others, or ideas that were shared and were not meant to be shared on. 4. Bramacharya or right use of energy. Traditionally used to describe abstinence. A protection from misuse of powerful energy such as the sexual energy. It is not about complete avoidance of anything, but rather finding a life of moderation, balance and action out of love. Practicing self-control. Within sexual relationship we make sure our actions are not selfish, and we take care of the other as much as we take care of our self. 5. Aparigraha or non-possessiveness. Living a life free from greed and obsessive accumulation. Learning to live simply and taking only what is necessary. Not hording or clinging, to things, people or ideas. • Niyamas – personal observances, the positive attitude, action and way we treat ourselves. 1. Sauca or purity - cleanliness. Living a life of purity, both in and out. For outer cleanliness, we maintain a clean body, home and surrounding. Inner cleanliness includes our inner organs as well as a clear mind, pure thoughts and actions; purifying the mind of emotions such as hatred, anger, jealousy, greed, delusion and pride. 2. Santosha or contentment. Living with humility, modesty and acceptance. Finding contentment with what we have and who we are. It is not about stagnation or laziness, but rather an acceptance of what is today, even while we strive to improve. Living with gratitude towards all we have, and finding the beauty in the details. 3. Tapas or austerity. Disciplined use of our energy. Keeping the body fit and in good condition. Literally it means to create heat in the body, and thus burn out the bad and clean the body. Tapas is practiced through disciplining the body, speech and mind to engage in life in a clear, healthy and enthusiastic way. We practice good eating habits, maintaining good posture, awareness of breath, etc. 4. Svadhyaya or study of the sacred text and of one's self. As we see our self clearly, learn about our nature in this body and beyond, we practice self-awareness in all we do. Through self-inquiry we learn to understand who we are and accept all aspect of this self, our strengths and our limitations. As we go deeper to search the true self, we learn to discover the greater self, and the connection with a broader energy. 5. Isvarapranidhama or living with an awareness of the Divine. Practicing surrender, allowing the false sense of control to drop and find connection to a greater power, a larger force that flows through the entire universe. • Asanas: body postures, practicing the presence of mind within the poses. Through the practice of different Asana we learn to move with ease, to find a clear state of mind in motion. We prepare our body to have ease in sitting meditation, and keep it healthy so we can bring our ease our attention beyond it. • Pranayama: Control of life energy through the practice of breathing. We have a powerful source of energy living within us, we may be using some of it, but there is so much more we can tap into. Through breath work, we learn to bring our prana from its Kundalini seat up through the chakras into our system. We learn to find balance between our masculine and feminine through the practice of the breath. • Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses from external distractions. Our senses allow for external info to come to the mind. This info is part of reality and of what the world consists of. It is when the mind translates this info into words, and ads labels and emotions to it, that it becomes a hinder. When we attach to a form of sense, and either want more or less of it, which it leads to a distraction. We learn to operate without the control of the senses. We use them as needed, and withdraw from them when needed. • Dharana: Concentration on a single object (Ekagraha) to control the mind. As the mind tends to wonder, we seek to find a way to train it to be still. It is the first step in mastering our minds. The mind can use the simple mantra of the breath to focus on, as a tool to steadiness. As we go about our life, we can practice being fully present with our actions and keeping them limited. While rolling the mat, we simply keep the mind completely aware of this simple action, without wondering. We can practice this while drinking tea or driving. • Dhyana: Meditation. Once the mind has learned to stay still, it allows for deeper states of consciousness to arrive. It is through allowing, not forcing, through acceptance with joy and ease that the minds “melts” away. As with our legs, when we need to walk, they are moving, when we go to sleep they rest, so with the mind, when thinking is not needed, it finds rest and allows the consciousness to shift into a deeper state. A state beyond time and place, beyond the sense of self. • Samadhi: Bliss, total freedom. Freedom from all the hindrances and sufferings of this life. We find Liberation from all levels of identities, from worry, attachments and all that holds us back. We realize our life beyond the realms of space and time, beyond the limitation of the body or mind. Samadhi is the state of total absorption, of exquisite balance, of melting the self into the universe. Samadhi – perfect meditation Sama – complete Dhi (dhiyana) – meditation More articles on my blog page Oranges Oranges A nice size, juicy, pretty color and fragrant, with just the right amount of sweet and tart, orange is the fruit of the season. Oranges originate from South East Asia, but are now available in many warmer climates, with the United States being the major producer of oranges in the world. Oranges were not named for their color. The word orange comes from the Sanskrit Naranga, which means "fragrant. Did you know it’s a berry? And… •A helpful treatment for those with hot, inflammatory diseases (cooling thermal nature). • Has medicinal properties for those with liver weakness; they help cleanse the blood and liver (regenerates body fluids). • Helps lower high fever. • Balances Vata and if sweet and eaten in moderation, are good for Pitta. • Aids in digestion with their aromatic peel. • Rich in Vitamin C content (along with bioflavonoid content, benefits the immune system, lens of the eye, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs and in the connective tissues of our body, such as the joints, gums, and ground substance; promotes overall good health) • One orange supplies nearly 100 percent of the recommended dietary intake of Vitamin C. • A very good source of dietary fiber in addition to a good source of B Vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, and B6, folic acid, and pantothenic acid). • Contains potassium and some calcium and a good source of pectin. The pectin helps in lowering cholesterol levels. • The interior white orange membrane (Concentration of hesperidin) is a superior source of bioflavonoids that enhance the absorption of iron from plant foods, defend against cancer, and have antioxidant properties. • -Inner white lining, placed directly on the eyelids, helps to dissolve eye cysts. • Easy to digest when eaten alone or with other tropical or subtropical fruits. It may challenge the digestive system when eaten with carbohydrates, sweets, or dried fruits. How to eat: • Eat it whole. For optimum health, choose eating an orange over orange juice. The mineral-rich pulp helps buffer the citric acid, and it also slows down absorption of the fruit's sugar into the bloodstream. A fully ripened orange contains as much as ten percent of fruit sugar. • Avoid oranges with dark brown spots, soft spots, or a puffy looking peel. Select those heavy for their size. Store loose in a dry and cool, but not cold, place. Do not wrap in plastic. • Tangerines make a good substitute for commercial oranges since they have many of the same properties but are sprayed less with chemicals. • Oranges are among the foods on which pesticide residue has been most frequently found so selecting organically grown oranges is highly recommended. Recipe ideas: Carrot Orange salad ˝ pound or more carrots shredded Orange Juice from 3 oranges Zest from one orange (optional) Ginger-1 inch grated 1 cup soaked sunflower seeds 1 Cup pecans Toss all together and enjoy! Sweet Orange Miso Dressing 1 small seedless orange, juiced 1 TBSP miso 1small lemon, juiced 1 tsp raw honey 1 tsp orange zest 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, minced 2 stalks of celery Pinch of Sea Salt Water -to consistency In a strong blender like a Vitamix, blend it all and enjoy. Add water as needed. Fresh Arugula salad with orange fennel and Parmesan Over the arugula, place orange segments, fennel, and goat cheese. Consider adding walnuts, and toss with a citrus vinaigrette. Orange Granita Freeze orange juice in ice cube trays. Once they are frozen, gently blend in a food processor to create a frozen granita dessert. Doron Hanoch is a Certified 550 hour Yoga Teacher (RYI). He was introduced to Yoga and Meditation in 1992 while traveling and studying in the Far East for 2 years. Since then Doron has returned to India many times to deepen his spiritual and Asana Practice and has practiced under the guidance of Pattabhi Jois and his family including Sharath and Saraswati. He is fortunate to have studied with some other great teachers such as Richard Freeman (teacher training, Boulder, CO), Rolf and Marci, (Goa, India) Tim Miller (India), Adarsh and Heleen (Mountain View, CA), Amy Santos (New York), Gouda Hedwig (New York), and Shashadri (Mysore, India) and a Vinyasa teacher training with Mark Stephens (Santa Cruz). Doron has a dedicated Yoga practice and has also spent much time practicing Zen meditation. Doron’s teachings are based on the foundation of tradition with a practical and non-dogmatic way. Movements flow from one to another in rhythm with the breath, emphasizing grace as the opening to a meditative practice. Doron currently teaches Yoga classes around the bay area and leads retreats to Esalen Institute in Big Sur. He is a trained chef, a certified nutrition consultant (registered with the AADP) and an artist. He uses all his skills to share a holistic experience. EDUCATION
LANGUAGES Fluent in English, Hebrew and Italian, good Spanish, basic French The Yoga practice is based on the teachings of Krishnamacharya’s lineage, especially from the Ashtanga series. Movements flow from one to another in rhythm with the breath, emphasizing grace as the opening to a meditative practice. Alignment is carefully instructed, modifications are always offered, and hands on adjustments are used to teach proper alignment and deepen the practice. The class is a safe environment, protecting the body from injuries, a place where body and mind can release, relax and energize. All levels of classes are available; from the beginner to the advanced. Detailed teaching, demonstration and guidance are offered to the group as well as individually. For those of us who sit in front of a computer, sit on chairs or do hard physical work, Yoga offers a way to stretch the body, strengthen the muscles, relax the mind, and create a feeling of bliss as we return to our daily tasks. Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. © 2009 Doron Hanoch |
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Photo: Doron Hanoch “You will know the Force when you are calm and at peace. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous Beings are we, not this crude matter.” - Yoda
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