REASONS TO LOVE PORTLAND, OREGON

I am a new member of the Pacific Northwest Community.  Specifically, I am a new Portland citizen as of May 23rd, 2009. 

I WHOLE HEARTEDLY ENJOY IT. 

A big believer in "everything happens for a reason," I am certain that many of the occurrences in past year that have led up to this day were supposed to happen in my life. A little over a year ago, I was meant to have my first night shift as a server so that I could bring the two timer combo to then a stranger, now my boyfriend, best friend, significant, roommate... insert any other word that involves a loving relationship as you wish.  I was meant to walk into a yoga class two years ago, where I would fall in love with the ability of the body and mind to move together, so much that I decided to make it one of my life passions. It is no coincidence that my college graduation would bring a rare gathering of much of my family, including my lovely cousin who encouraged me to go through with the nutrition program that I am enthralled in today. 

Most of all, I was meant to move to Portland.  Initially moving north to follow love, I had no idea that I would find a city that spelled out opportunity for yoga and nutrition, with a few added ingredients: gorgeous hiking, a myriad of local farmers and talented artisans that have established daily farmers markets, biking everywhere you turn, delicious cafes and restaurants at every corner, a music scene that never stops. I could easily keep going, but rather than giving you a simple summary of the city built on peace, love, and fixies, I want to give you readers a chance to see what I mean. Here is a long list of links that I think you would benefit from checking out if you live in Portland, have plans to visit Portland, or have no interest in Portland at all... because these links will change your mind.

Delicious Restaurants and Cafes: Toro Bravo, Blossoming Lotus, Ken's Artisan Pizza and Bakery, Milo's City Cafe, Palio, The Farm Cafe, Tin Shed, Screen Door

Yoga Studios: Yoga Bhoga, Onesong, Yoga Pearl, Corepower Yoga, Yoga Union, Private Yoga Lessons

Local Artisans: Papaver Jewelry,  Saucy Jewelry,  Spoonman Creations,  Lonely Dinosaur T-shirts

Portland Farmers Markets

Portland Food Carts

THE FOUR STAGES OF HATHA YOGA

In ancient texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradapika and the Siva Samhita, the belief is that there are four stages of yoga. 

STAGE ONE: The State of Beginning. Arambhavastha.

Here we begin to understand the body as an entire entity rather than separate parts of a whole. By teaching awareness that the foot is connected to the ankle, which is connected to the calf, so therefore the foot is connected to the calf as well, the intelligence of the body moves from a divided concentration to a single concentration.

STAGE TWO: The State of The Body. Ghatavastha. 

At this stage, we begin to incorporate the motion of the mind with the motion of the body. The mind is no longer the observer, but rather a part of the single concentration. The mind begins to feel action as well.

STAGE THREE: State of Intimate Knowledge. Parichayavastha.

This step involves introducing the body to intelligence. Thought disappears when the mind no longer has to work hard to move the body into posture, as the body is working at a high level of intelligence on its own. 

STAGE FOUR: State of perfection. Nispattyavastha.

In this stage, the presentation of the asana allows for the mind, body, and intelligence to move in the same direction. Patanjali says that the yogi's body should move as fast as the speed of the soul. When all moves in the same direction at the same speed, freedom from the limits of the body are attained. 

I am just beginning to learn and understand these stages, so if anyone would like to give me more information about this topic, I would love to hear it!