August 12, 2008

Healthy body, mind, and spirit

It is not new news these days to know that your health is not just about your weight, body mass index, and cholesterol level. The new outlook on health incorporates all parts of the human being- the health of the mind, the health of the emotions, the health of the spirit. So as you strive to squeeze into your old pair of jeans, why not also strive to be more tolerant and patient, strive to be more present with your family and friends, strive to practice forgiveness and letting go of unhealthy emotions, and strive to practice gratitude for the wonder and beauty of life? Afterall, its becoming a known fact- how healthy you are is more than just about the number on the scale- cultivate a healthy style of living, inside and out.

This week open your heart and mind with our new Spirit Dance class on Sunday at 5:30 PM. This Sunday 8/17 it's FREE!

The Health of the Human Spirit

A crimson sunset. A hot bath. A monarch butterfly. The reassuring voice of a good friend. These are gifts which nurture the soul. We yearn for and cherish these special moments to give balance to that which so often and easily becomes off-balance through the hectic demands and increasing pressures of our jobs, families and uncalculated events in everyday life. These gifts, a type of divine energy so to speak, filter through our senses to invigorate the human spirit.

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This nugget of wisdom speaks to our understanding of well-being, for health is not solely the optimal functioning of the body's physiological systems. Optimal health is the integration and harmony of mind, body, spirit and emotions.

Physicians and physicists alike are turning their attention to an area long neglected--the health of the human spirit and soul. With the understanding that there is a definitive link between stress and disease, and a greater appreciation for the healing power of the human spirit (e.g., spontaneous remission of cancer), practitioners in all areas of health and fitness are beginning to acknowledge what the sages and wisdom keepers of all ages and cultures have been saying for millennia--to be healthy, one must acknowledge and nurture the human spirit.

The muscles of the soul include, but are not limited to courage, faith, humor, patience, compassion, imagination, humbleness, forgiveness, intuition, creativity, optimism, honesty and love. These are the resources people draw upon in times of crisis and catastrophe. They are not gifts for a chosen few. They are birthrights for each and every one of us. But, like our physical muscles, they will atrophy if not used. And while they will never disappear, in a weakened or inactive state, they will be as ineffective as the muscles of a sedentary person attempting a marathon.

We each have the potential to be spiritually healthy. Perhaps spiritual health can best be described as using our potential--to engage the spiritual muscles on a regular and frequent basis. In times of change which often produces stress, we are called upon quite regularly to use our inner resources and come through each situation the victor, not the victim. Our spiritual muscles are there for the asking. Spiritual health is flexing these muscles and feeling the strength they provide when needed.

Recognizing the unique alchemy of humanity and divinity is what allows us to best cope with life's problems. Moreover, this mystical alchemy which sustains the health of the human spirit is a sound strategy for stress management because it acknowledges and honors, rather than ignores, the critical importance of the spiritual dimension.

Just as nervous tension can tighten muscle fibers to restrict the flow of oxygenated blood and nutrients to muscle tissues, so too can repeated perceptions of fear and anger restrict the flow of life force. In fact, these emotions may deny an adequate source of nourishment to that which is essential for physical health and spiritual growth.

Nurturing the health of the human spirit is entirely an individual undertaking. There are no special guidelines, strategies or formulas to follow--only recommendations. These recommendations, like brand new clothes, must be tried on for the best fit.

Suggestions to enhance the health of the human spirit.

1. The Art of Self-renewal
Self-renewal is a continual process, and we must constantly strive to replenish spiritual energy. It is as important as breathing. To be present and attentive to those around us and strong for others in times of need, we must first attend to our own capacity of strength and endurance--or run the risk of pulling everyone down with us when the weight and worry of our responsibilities causes us to fall.

Self-renewal typically begins with some aspect of the centering process. It's a time to go within, and it continues in whatever way feels most appropriate to replenish one's source of personal energy. Conceptually speaking, the most essential aspect of self-renewal is preparing a quiet space to be alone to calm the waters of the soul. There is no one way to do this, only a way that is best for you.

2. The Practice of Sacred Rituals
All life is sacred.
There are no exceptions.
To give order and meaning to our existence, we attribute specific habits and various customs as more special--more sacred--than others. We gravitate toward these activities and make them routine so we are reminded of life's sacredness. Metaphorically speaking, sacred rituals allow the human spirit to become electrified.

3. Forgiveness
Every act of forgiveness is an act of unconditional love. If unresolved anger is a toxin to the spirit, forgiveness is the antidote. For forgiveness to be unconditional, though, you must be willing to let go of all feelings of anger, resentment and animosity. Sweet forgiveness cannot hold any taste of bitterness. When feelings of anger are released, the spirit once held captive by the encumbrance of anger is free to journey again.

4. Embracing the Shadow
The elements of shadow, which manifest as prejudice, greed, laziness or rudeness, are common to everyone because they are rooted in the human emotion of fear. Those who seem to be at peace with various aspects of their shadow are the ones who have taken the time to confront specific fears, and in doing so, they have brought light to that side of darkness and domesticated their ego. In Jung's words, "the shadow has been embraced."

Embracing the shadow means to acknowledge negative, judgmental thoughts, and send a message of acceptance and compassion to that part of you where these thoughts and perceptions originate. Over time you will find it becomes easier to respond to these thoughts with loving kindness.

5. Keep the Faith
In the collection of inner strengths available to us, faith is unique unto itself. We think of faith as having the ability to move mountains (which it can), but the power of faith is as subtle as it is dynamic. Not all mountains are made of earth and clay, and not all problems can be pushed through. Some have to be transcended.

The power of faith requires balance. There is an old adage that reminds us, "We are given no task too great that we are not able to bear." To this we can add, "Everything we do prepares us for everything we are going to do." Faith is there to guide us through the moments of turbulence.

6. Live Your Joy
Living your joy is seeking and appreciating life's beautiful side. We should not only acknowledge it, but participate in it--walking on a lawn of grass without shoes, licking an egg beater of frosting or smelling fresh cut flowers. Living our joy reminds us to live in the present moment rather than become immobilized by the guilt of the past or the worry of the future.

Article Excerpt from InnerSelf.com

New Class: Spirit Dance

Free Demo Sunday 5:30 PM 8/17

Come experience dance as it was originally intended: as a journey to express your unique self and awaken the passion inside your entire body- release inhibitions and connect to your personal awareness in a non-intimidating dance class. With integrity and excellence we will guide you through a meditative and magical class towards a rewarding and more energized life!

Sundays 5:30 Pm
Starts 8.17.08
FREE class 8/17, $7 every sunday after

Esther has come to California from Brooklyn, NY. She is a student of different dance forms and has won competitions in ballroom dance at the Fred Astaire regional student dance offs. She has taught swimming, art, sewing, and pre-school, and is a student of yoga, meditation, dance, and life.

5 Week Samba Workshop

Starts Sat. 8/23 4:00 PM with Fransini

If you just can't get enough of Fransini and her Samba Passion or Carnival Dance Party classes, then sign up now for a special series designed for that Inner-Samba-Goddess, looking to perfect her dance step! In this progressive series of classes, Fransini will break down the steps, teach you fun and sexy choreography, and will introduce costumes and performance tips for those of you who choose to participate in the Samba performance and party at the end of the 5 week workshop!

Saturdays 4:00-5:00 PM
8/23-9/27
(no class 8/30, Labor Day Weekend)

$75/5 Weeks
Pre-Registration only. No Drop Ins.
Call or Sign up in person.

New Teacher- Paulo Alcedo

Broadway in L.A.! Mondays 7:30 PM

While our beloved Broadway in L.A.! instructor, Leslie Geldbach, is out of town, we are lucky to have Paulo filling in for her while she is gone! Come experience Broadway style jazz and musical numbers in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Jump out of your day to day and into the nights of Broadway!

MONDAYS 7:30-8:30 PM

Paulo Alcedo was born and raised in the central Philippines. He trained under Douglas Nierras of the Powerdance Company with whom he won the 10th Saitama Worldwide Modern Dance Competition in Saitama, Japan. He moved to Los Angeles in 2002 and was honored with an EDGE scholarship (2002-2003). Alcedo has danced in numerous dance companies in Los Angeles including Hysterica Dance Company, (Kitty McNamme/Ryan Heffington), Commonality Dance Company (Adam Parson), Collage Dance Theatre (Heidi Duckler), Strange Company (Hassan Christopher), and Rosanna Gamson Worldwide. He performed in "Mass", with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2004 Hollywood Bowl season. Paulo is co-artistic director with Meredith Flores for the EXPOSE Theatre Dance Company and is also very active in the Filipino Community, performing dance. Paulo was recently chosen to be a part of the new movie "INDIANA JONES" produced by Steven Spielberg and will be touring with the first Filipino-American Musical opera, Karim at Jasmin where
he is the director/choreographer.

Heartbeat House Apparel

On Sale Now!

Now on sale in the lobby, Heartbeat House T Shirts, Tank Tops, Capri Pants, and bags! All with our signature logo and our favorite dance quote: "We should consider everyday lost on which we have not danced at least once." -Fredriche Nietzche

Price Change

All Community Yoga will be $7

All Community Yogis make a note: Starting September, all Community Yoga classes will be $7!

We take pride in being able to offer affordable quality yoga to the neighborhood- and we want to keep it that way! If the price change is financially difficult for you- don't stop coming to yoga- let us know and pay what you can.

Here is a list of all the Community Yoga classes we are currently offering:

Hatha Flow Yoga with Kumbi:
Mon. 9am, Wed 830pm, Fri 9am, Sat 915am

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with LeTania:
Tuesdays & Thursdays 7:00am

Slow Flow Yoga with Lauren:
Tuesdays 8:30pm

Kundalini Yoga with Patrick:
Sundays 9:15am

Candlelight Yoga with Lauren:
Sundays 7:15pm

Referral Promotion

Spread the Word and SAVE Money!

With every 5 new people you refer to the studio, we will give you $5/class for a week!

Make sure the person you refer writes your name down on their registration form so we can keep track in our system. We will monitor every month and contact you if you have won the promotion- we will also be announcing those names in the next newsletter.

So, start talking, start sharing, and save money!

Schedule Updates

Subs, Class Postponements, New Classes

SUBS
Lindsay will sub Community Hatha Yoga on Thursday 8/14 & Tuesday 8/19 7:00 AM.

Kim will teach Salsa Workout on Sunday 8/17 1:00 PM.

Corinne will teach Boot Camp on Monday 8/18 11:30 AM.

Fransini will teach Salsa Workout on Sunday 8/24 1:00 PM.

POSTPONED CLASS
Kids Hip Hop on Fridays at 4:00 PM is postponed until further notice.

Pre-Ballet on Saturdays at 8:15 AM is postponed until further notice.

NEW CLASSES:
Polynesian Heartbeat with Hina on Saturdays at Noon.

Spirit Dance with Esther starts Sunday 8/17 5:30 PM with a FREE Class!

5 Week Samba Workshop with Fransini starts Saturday 8/23 4:00 PM.

WE WILL BE CLOSED LABOR DAY WEEKEND 8/30-9/1.

DANCE EVENTS

Dance Downtown

No matter what your dance style of choice or level of expertise, Dance Downtown provides a fun and free Friday evening from May through September. Friday nights in Downtown LA will never be the same!

WHERE: Music Center Plaza
WHEN: 6:30pm - 10:00pm
ADMISSION: FREE
First come, first served.

DJ/LIVE MUSIC from 7:15pm to 10:00pm
BEGINNER DANCE LESSON at 6:30PM
Dance floor provided. Dancers of all levels are encouraged to attend.

AUGUST 22- Cha Cha & Salsa
SEPTEMBER 5- Argentine Tango - a special evening at
BP Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall
SEPTEMBER 19- Disco

Volunteer/Work Exchange

Work For Your Classes

Want to dance, but low on funds? Sign up for our Volunteer/Work Exchange Program! Help us out at the studio- cleaning, filing, errands, organizing, etc. and we'll give you Free Class Passes! Every hour and half you work, you receive a Free Class Pass- good for any of our regularly scheduled classes.

Email us with your availability: heartbeathouse@hotmail.com. Our studio runs smoothly only because our volunteers are so great!

Contemporary Corner

Portishead

Every week in Jasmine's Contemporary Ballet class (Wednesdays 6:30 PM), she features ecelctic new music from different indie artist performing locally- this week is Portishead:

"he turned to her and asked, "should we call our families?" together their throats were closing in unison, like some twisted, evil machine, growing and breathing dirty death into their mouths. she had never been outside the country, he had never fallen in love. all she could think was a black evening gown, falling and falling to the earth like a broken heart, burnt and void of flight, of freedom. it was her turn now to fall, glitterless and anti-climatic. summer never came and christmas was starting to make her sick. maybe if she wasn't american she wouldn't be so scared of death. it was as foreign to her as not getting what she wanted, an american trait she tried to hide. time now grinned, glaring giant red rotting teeth, capped in her ignorance, golden with her arrogance. she wished for the 50s again, for slow dancing and prom night; for all things once simple. this wednesday night we surrender to death, bringing forth the tiny happiness of fractured pieces, ceramic life, dances never danced, and furniture draped in white. make a memory, a muscle, and unravel a part of the whole. note: the music may make your hairs stand on end. it's portishead, death, circus, and glam goth...how could it not?" -jasmine

Contemporary Ballet:
Wednesdays 6:30 PM
Optional Warm Up 6:00 PM

Dance Event- Jasmine Recommends:

Mix Los Angeles Summer Picnic

Come out this Saturday eve, August 16th to a picnic in one of LA's newest and most beautifully designed parks. And guess who's performing? Our very own Jasmine! She's very excited to be a part of this piece. It's about love- dirty and breathing. All the info is in the link below, but you can also go to her blog to get more info: www.jasminealbuquerque.blogspot.com and to see what's up in the dance world.

Mix LA Summer Picnic

Promotions

New Student Promotion:New Students can try any class they want their first week for only $5/class!
Birthday Promotion:
Come dance off that birthday cake with $5 classes the week of your birthday!
Referral Promotion:
Receive 20% off a 4 Class Package when you refer a new student who buys a Class Package.

FEEDBACK and TESTIMONIALS

We appreciate any and all feedback you have about our studio, our classes, our teachers, requests, etc.

If you love our little studio and have had experienced some real fitness and fun results- please help us promote by sending us testimonials. Email or write!

Thank you!