So we went, we watched, and we pondered. The film “Enlighten Up!”, showing at The Varsity through May 28, is subtitled “A Skeptic’s Journey into the World of Yoga.” Indeed it was. At the May 14th screening, a crowd of 8 Limbs teachers and students gathered to see what a documentary about yoga would be like. After listening to lovely music from Steve and Anne-Emilie Gold, and meeting director Kate Churchill, we settled in for this journey.
Kate’s purpose, we quickly learned, was to take Nick Rosen, a yoga novice, and expose him to different teachers and styles of yoga for three months and see if there was a transformation, or enlightenment. They spent time in the States and in India. They took yoga classes and had rare one-on-one meetings with teachers like BKS Iyengar and couple David Life and Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti Yoga. One of the teachers Kate and Nick visit is Sri K Pattabhi Jois, Guru of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, who passed away on May 18 at his home in Mysore, India.
Well you all should all see the film, so I won’t ruin it for you, but it confirmed to me what I have always loved about yoga: there are many different paths and many different ideas of what one is traveling towards. And this can be very confusing to one starting the path, especially if the one guiding yoga has an agenda (like making an interesting, inspiring movie).
What I love about yoga is that the journey just keeps on getting richer the longer you travel it. It takes longer than three months to “get” yoga. At the end of the film, Kate held a Q & A and said that Nick was still practicing. That, I think, makes her efforts a success. Did you see the movie? What did you think?

P.S. Another documentary worth checking out is “By Invitation Only”, by my very own sister, Rebecca Snedeker! You can now see the opening footage on her website: www.byinvitationonlythefilm.com. You’ll also get a great idea of what a Mardi Gras parade is like.

Posted by: Anne Phyfe

I love the title of this new documentary. It is SOOO easy to take oneself too seriously. As I addressed in my last posting on FUN, having more of it has been my goal this month. Since then I have attended a Venus Party (I wore an orange wig and gave out Mardi Gras beads), put up the paddle for Arts Corp at their annual auction at The Triple Door, and had numerous playdates in the sun with my little ones.
This Thursday 8 Limbs is co-sponsoring a screening of a new documentary about yoga called “Enlighten Up!” on Thursday, May 14 at The Varsity Theater. Come and have fun with us as we learn about “A Skeptic’s Journey through the World of Yoga.” The evening will begin at 6:45pm with music by Steve Gold and friends, a meditation with Melina Meza, and introduction with the director of the film, Kate Churchill. Come early as seating is limited! Listen to KWJZ Radio, KKNW Radio or e-mail JWMovieClub@gmail.com with ‘enlightenup’ in the subject to find out how to get your complimentary pass to the screening. ENLIGHTEN UP! will open in Seattle on Friday, May 15th.
Now a question for all you fun lovers out there: what is your favorite “fun” activity here in Seattle? What about fun and FREE?

Posted by: Anne Phyfe

As many of you have learned from news reports, a few probable cases of “Swine” Influenza A (H1N1) have now been reported in our state, including in King County. So far, it appears as if people who become ill with this strain of influenza are recovering. At 8 Limbs, we are continuing to conduct classes and workshops, and ask everyone attending our studios to please take the proper precautions to keep everyone healthy.
Prevention practices are emphasized daily through hand washing with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer before and after classes, and respiratory etiquette (coughing into sleeve, elbow; coughing, sneezing, or expectorating into paper tissues and immediately discarding them). Influenza A (H1N1) in people is characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you have mild flu-like symptoms, monitor your condition and telephone your health care provider to consult if necessary. A diagnosis is confirmed by your health care provider by a positive nasal swab culture.
To prevent illness:
• Practice healthful habits such as eating nutritious food, getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids, being physically active, and reducing stress.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve – not your hand! Throw the tissue in the trash after use. • Refrain from spitting on the ground.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, contact with other people, or with door handles, keyboards, telephones, and shared writing implements. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
A always, we encourage you to STAY HOME if you begin to experience any flu-like symptoms (cough, sore throat, and fever) and contact your health care provider if you experience a persistent high fever (greater than 101 degrees F) chest pain, difficulty breathing, dehydration, or other worrisome symptoms.
Thank you for reading!

Posted by: 8 Limbs

During a late-night talk with Melina during the Breitenbush Advanced Training Retreat, a question came up that always takes me by surprise: “What are you doing for fun?” I mean, I feel very satisfied with my life, enjoy what I do for work, have a great time with my husband and kids, and keep in touch with close friends, but when asked “what do you do for fun?” I always come up short.
I returned from our retreat curious about how I could make a change in the fun factor. The next day I read a parenting calendar that mentioned a family roller skating session and we headed to Skate King to boogie to The Village People and Journey with our 8 and 3-year-old. Ever since, when the opportunities have come up, I have said YES.
This month we have a few FUN opportunities to invite you to. 8 Limbs is a sponsor of the Seattle screening of Enlighten Up!, A Skeptic’s Journey into the World of Yoga on May 14th at the Varsity Theater. This film promises to be a humorous AND serious. Listen to KWJZ Radio, KKNW Radio or e-mail JWMovieClub@gmail.com with ‘enlightenup’ in the subject to find out how to get your complimentary pass to the screening. We are also thrilled to welcome Sean Johnson to 8 Limbs on May 30th to teach a Bhakti Flow Yoga Class and lead Kirtan (devotional singing). I am looking forward to this event to bring our community together for some FUN! Come for any part of this event and help me welcome Sean to the wonderful 8 Limbs community.
What do you do for fun? Write a comment so we can all increase our fun factor!

Posted by: Anne Phyfe