Sean Peters Sean Peters is a long time member of Ananda Sangha who has been teaching yoga here at the Center for more than a dozen years. Sean’s Saturday morning class has been a favorite of Ananda yoga students for many years. One of his students says, “I love Sean’s quiet centeredness and his obvious love of yoga.”
Wake Up With Yoga - 9 am
An early morning yoga class is the perfect way to start the day and the weekend. Release all the pent up energy of a busy week and start with fresh clean energy. Leave invigorated and energized.
Doug Andrews Doug is the founder and director of Ananda Sangha of the Redwoods, a yoga and meditation center in Boulder Creek, California. He has been teaching Ananda Yoga and meditation for over 10 years, holds a bachelor ’s degree in biology and has a background in anatomy and physiology.
Moving Into Stillness – 11:30 am – 1 pm
Physical tension is simply energy that is unable to move. Such tension can sidetrack even the most well-intended meditator. Ananda Yoga can transmute those trapped energies and move them inward toward the astral spine and upward toward the higher energy centers of the heart, throat and spiritual eye. Then, meditation becomes a natural and easeful expansion of yoga asana. During this program you will practice yoga postures, introspection, breathing exercises, and guided meditation.
Maria McSweeney Maria McSweeney has taught Raja Yoga (which includes many levels of meditation) full time for over 25 years. She has been an active member and teacher at the Ananda Sangha since 1976. Her love of the science and art of yoga inspires her to share creatively with students of varied ability, familiarity and orientation.
Practicing the Essence of the Bhagavad Gita - 2- 4 pm The Essence of the Gita comes to life through Ananda yoga. Select postures will address themes from the Bhagavad Gita such as developing will power, tuning into higher guidance, heightening receptivity, right action, and the soul is eternal. Yoga is indeed a great teacher!
Andrea Bokreta was born in Budapest, Hungary. Throughout her life she has been drawn to health topics, and natural medicine. After working for many years as both a physical therapist and a licensed nutritionist she became interested in Iris Diagnosis, often called Iridology. Iridology avoids the painful or uncomfortable medical examinations often necessary to diagnose illness or disease. Iridology makes it possible to map the functions of the human body by means of photographing the iris. What is iridology?
Iridology is the scientific analysis of patterns and structures in the iris of the eye which locates areas and stages of inflammation throughout the body. The iris is the portion of the eye showing color. It reveals body constitution, inherent strengths and weaknesses, health levels, and transitions that take place in a person's body according to their way of life. The complex iris is composed of hundreds of thousands of nerve endings which are connected by impulses to every tissue of the body through the brain and nervous system. The Iris reveals body constitution, inherent weaknesses, and levels of health and transitions that take place in the body according to the way one lives. The patterns, structures, colors and degrees of lightness and darkness in the iris tell if an area of the body is inherently strong or weak. It also reveals the relative site of over-activity, irritation, injury or degeneration of the tissues and organs.
How can it help me?
An Iris scan session is absolutely painless, and takes only 5 minutes. A state-of-the-art high definition digital camera records a picture of each iris, for later diagnosis, on a computer screen. Your iris reveals how well your body functions 10 years before physical symptoms appear; making it ideal to prevent future development.
Judy Thomas Chair Massage 10 am - 1 pm
Upper body massage takes place in a chair and includes neck, shoulders, arms, hands and back with integrated Swedish massage and may include deep tissue if desired. Judy uses Bio-tone cream which has Arnica and Ivy extracts and is non-greasy. Cream is not necessary for chair massage.
Judy Thomas is a certified massage therapist who graduated from the Institute of Therapeutic Massage School with advanced training 9 years ago. She focuses on bringing balance, wholeness and well-being to the massage.
Reflexology is a holistic therapy that affects every part of the human body. There are 7000 nerve endings in the feet, each one affects different parts of the body including organs and glands. It is done by using the thumb to move along the foot with tiny steps, and never leaves the surface of the foot. The client lies on a table, only the shoes and socks are removed.
June has lived in the Ananda Sacramento Community for more than 8 years. After retiring from Registered Nursing she helped found the Center for Radiant Health. She recently has limited her massage practice to reflexology. None of her clients seem to mind because she has such a healing touch.
Margaux Rooney, M.Ed., M.F.T. Counseling Services 10 am – 1 pm Margaux is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Certified Pastoral Counselor. She has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 20 years and has taught them for over 10 years. She has specific training in treating various types of adult and childhood trauma, communication for couples and integrative treatment for anxiety and depression. She is available for 30 or 60 minute sessions to discuss any issues that you would like to address with a licensed professional who also has a basis in spiritual practice. Margaux’s integrative approach to wellness embraces the connection between the body, mind and spirit. She uses the tools of yoga and meditation in conjunction with therapeutic techniques to facilitate growth for individuals, couples and families. She believes that every person has the inherent ability to live their highest truth in the midst of everyday situations. Living in the present with healthy boundaries and deep connection is possible. Having a compassionate listener to help guide you through the opportunities and challenges life presents is an integral part of living a balanced existence.
Stu Gluckman Therapeutic Massage, Reflexology, Reiki & Therapeutic Touch 9 am - noon
Stu's motivation to do bodywork began with a long time interest in alternative and complimentary healing. He is retired from state service and presently sole proprietor of Spirits Rising, offering Sports and Therapeutic Massage plus Reflexology, Reiki and Therapeutic Touch. He has been licensed to do touch therapies since 1997. Stu also does volunteer work and organizes a massage team for local charitable events.
Dr. Vimala Rodgers Handwriting as a Tool to Accelerate Spiritual Growth 10 am – 1 pm
Your handwriting is an intimate portrait of how you see yourself—a graphic representation of collective memories from birth onward, reflecting both your strong points and those that put a screeching halt on your creative mind. As you adopt self-affirming writing patterns you rid yourself of outdated programming and express the person you really are at the highest possible level.
This is not about graphology.
This is not about penmanship.
This is not some New Age phenomenon.
This is an ancient science that allows you to access your true self and create a life you love.
A Master Alphabetician, Stanford-trained Peak Performance coach, and Director of the Institute of Integral Handwriting Studies, Dr. Vimala Rodgers works with individuals and groups who want to redefine their life work and reshape their future. http://www.iihs.com
In India the baby elephant is tied to a big tree with a heavy metal chain. After a while a smaller chain is used, then a smaller chain, then a rope, then a piece of string. The piece of string is now tied to a small bush. So as the elephant grows bigger and stronger there is physically less to restrain him. However he still walks around the bush in small circles to the limit of the string. He is limited by the subconscious program he has developed. We all have limiting beliefs (subconscious programs).
Do you know what you’re limiting beliefs are, and would you like to change them? Can you imagine how changing your limiting beliefs will change your life?
Stan has been a nurse for more than 30 years and for the last 12 years has been immersed in the study and practice of energy medicine. He has qualifications in Counseling, Nutrition, Kinesiology, EFT, NLP, Bowen Therapy, Reiki and Sekhem and has studied many other modalities and esoteric practices. He is also a firewalk instructor / facilitator and is the only teacher of Ananda Yoga in Scotland. Stan has appeared on radio and TV and been featured in National newspaper and magazine articles. He has worked with clients around the world including working for the Healing Hands charity treating victims of war in Bosnia.
Priyadarshini, RN Facials All Day
The skin reflects the state of the body’s health and looks its best when all cells in the skin's layers are properly nourished and hydrated. The skin is the last organ to receive nutrients from the body, and the first to show signs of nutritional deficiency, imbalance, or illness. While some nutrients can be applied topically, others can only be produced from within the body. Therefore, true health and beauty requires a synergy of internal and external nutrition, as well as protection from environmental toxins and oxidation damage, which can accelerate sagging and wrinkling. Priyadarshini uses Sense' products which replenish, smooth, hydrate, and reduce the signs of aging by nourishing the skin cells from the inside out.
Priyadarshini has been a nurse for more than 12 years and she has lived in the Ananda Community for more than 16 years. Her gentle, healing touch and nurturing energy guarantee a restful, relaxing session. You will emerge feeling pampered and beautiful.
Iridology Ellen Valentine1 - 4 pm
What is Constitutional Iridology? The iris contains thousands of nerve filaments that receive messages from every nerve in the body via the connection to the optic thalami, and spinal cord. That means that a communication system is continually at work relaying messages from organs in the body to the corresponding nerve endings in the iris. By observing the markings, textures and discolorations of the iris the trained Iridologist is able to discern tissue condition of corresponding organs and systems.
What is the Role of the Iridologist? The Iridologist does not diagnose; rather gives information concerning acute, sub-acute, chronic, and degenerative tissue, and its location in the body. A state of the art camera and software is used to scan the iris and get information in a non-invasive approach. Benefits: The natural approach allows the client to play an active part in his/her healing process; thereby, creating strength, not weakness; and, action, not passivity. Iridology gives clients the time to care for their health tento fifteen years before a dreaded medical diagnosis, which is usually preceded by uncomfortable and pricey tests.
Ellen Valentine began her study of the natural healing abilities of the body in 1975. She studied for three years with Naturopath and Naturalist, Alfred Couch in Hiram, Ohio. Since then she’s received a degree in Nutrition and Iridology from Trinity College. She is currently studying for her Naturopathic Degree from Clayton College; and is involved in a training program with Jack Canfield, one of the teachers in the Secret. Iridology is a gift and a passion in her practice as it has allowed her to help clients be specific with their nutritional choices. It fine tunes her ability to place clients on supplemental programs that will literally change their health.
Terri’s massage technique incorporates gentle, rhythmic movements with deep tissue work. Her emphasis on stretching and elongation, induces a feeling of lightness and freedom of movement. The massage work is tailored to the person's needs, and will also give tools to help you relax anytime, anywhere. She is a long-time member of Ananda, and has been doing Trager and massage therapy for moe than 20 years.
Rajeswarananda Massage 1 – 4 pm
Rajeswarananda does a combination of deep tissue, shiatsu, Swedish, ayurvedic massage and energy work. She says, “As in the old ads ‘let your fingers do the walking’, I let my hands do their work. They’re well trained channels of energy, and intuitive healing. My hands are really strong, yet if the body is tender, I will just hold the hands over the blocked spot or block area, to unblock it, and get the energy flowing. Sometimes bodies like to be touched, and kneaded, and massaged, and soothed. Sometimes, they (individual bodies) like fingers on meridians and marmas (pressure points). My techniques vary from ruffling (just light pressure tuning in with the palms and fingers, to regular Swedish type massage, to deeper work as needed, with more pressure (again as needed) either over the afflicted area, or pressure points.”
CranioSacral Therapy, or CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
SomatoEmotional Release, or SER is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SER offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.
Yoko is a licensed physical therapist with 18 years experience in manual therapy. She specializes in CrainoSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release.
Learn a time-tested meditation technique. Meditation is the most direct means of experiencing our more spiritual nature. Greater concentration, creativity, peace and joy are the fruits of regular meditation. These simple, proven, effective techniques allow you to lift your mind to a place of peace, inspiration and joy.
Jayanti Manning is a Kriya Yogi, a Registered Nurse, a wife, a mother and grandmother. She has studied and practiced the meditation techniques of Paramhansa Yogananda as taught by Swami Kriyananda, for almost forty years. She met Swami Kriyananda in 1969 when he was teaching yoga and meditation here in Sacramento. From that time, she has remained closely affiliated with the Ananda Church and community as a life member. She has raised two sons who learned to meditate early in life and are practicing Kriya yogis, as adults. Her special emphasis in the teaching of meditation is to make the meditation a total way of life; affecting the whole of life from the center of your being and expanding outward to embrace everything you are given to do in life.
Spirit-in-Nature Essences – 12:30 – 1 pm
Spirit-in-Nature Essences, formerly called Master's Flower Essences, are herbal infusions that stimulate positive qualities within our own nature. They were interpreted and inspired by Paramhansa Yogananda. Prepared from the blossoms of 20 different fruit trees and vegetable plants, they are backed by three decades of research, case histories and testimonials. In this workshop you will learn how they work and how to use these essences with great success.
Victoria Hansen
Victoria is our "resident-in-training expert" in Spirit-in-Nature Essences. She works with Liladevi Stone (the founder of Spirit-in-Nature Essences) to provide counseling and assistance to those interested in integrating these Flower Essences in a way that brings higher consciousness into the area of health and well-being.
Music Imaging:
Exploring the Depths of Inner Awareness and Insight - 11:15 - 12:15
In Music Imaging (MI), using the Helen Bonny Guided Imagery and Music Method (HBGIM), carefully selected classical music is used to reach and explore expanded levels of consciousness. The mysterious power of music engages you in an inner journey of insight and creativity, layers of memory and meaning, and realms of spiritual and transpersonal experience.
In research at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in the 1970's, it was rediscovered that listening to music in a heightened state of awareness leads to intense and beautiful experiences not available to ordinary consciousness. Today, HBGIM is used in various healing settings – in hospitals, mental clinics, and for personal growth and spiritual transformation. It can be used with groups or with individuals.
In the MI experience, the guide leads the group into a comfortable state of relaxation, suggests an image to set the scene, and then presents the music to the group. Each person follows his own unique inner journey of the imagination, tapping into the deep resources of the unconscious. Each individual in the group allows the music to lead wherever it wishes, revealing truths and insights and releasing powerful emotional experiences which are often spiritual. After the music session, participants may share, if they wish, some of their experience.
People image in a variety of ways. Some visualize events or symbolic stories with special meaning for the listener. Others may not visualize, but instead, experience perhaps color, moods or body sensations whose purpose is integrative healing. Some may have an experience of knowing or realizing – profound messages from the inner Self.
Susan Rickman
This workshop will be guided by Susan Rickman,
Music Imagery Specialist, who is a graduate of 3-year HBGIM Method Program. Susan has been a member of Ananda Sangha for more than 20 years. She brings energy, enthusiasm and the joyful spirit of yoga to all she does.
Helping Teeth Heal- 1:45 - 2:45pm Helping Teeth to Heal is More Fun than Having Them Drilled! The general concept to confront and realize is that there are trillions of bacteria residing in one’s mouth. These germs eat, reproduce, and go to the bathroom there. No wonder one’s breath smells bad sometimes! Learn 6 simple techniques to prevent or reverse tooth decay in yourself or others.
Dr. David Noel, DDS, MPH
Chief Dental Program Consultant
State of California
Dr David Noel is in his 18th year as the full-time Chief Dental Program Consultant for the State of California. His responsibilities include advising the Department of Health Services on administration, dental policy, and quality assurance for the statewide Medicaid Dental Program, which has served an annual 6.9 million beneficiaries and reached a budget of $850 million. He received his DDS from Loyola University in Chicago, his post-doctoral Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. His list of accolades and achievements is lengthy and impressive. David is a gifted speaker. His talk about Healing Teeth is entertaining as well as informative. He has been a resident of the Ananda Community for 2 years.
Paramhansa Yogananda’s Divine Will Healing - 3 - 4 pm The goal of this class is to remind us to use our faith in God's unlimited healing power, as well as, to learn a few of Paramhansa Yogananda's techniques that will help us to energize and practice this faith.
Yogananda says,"...All disease is caused by conflict between the upward moving soul and the forces of matter and the senses moving downward." How do we combat this conflict? By choosing to move our energy upwards! He gives us a great secret... "The great secret for gaining control of the body and mind is using will power!" Following is an example of the depth of the Will Power He is talking about:
"If you continuously persist in thinking that your body is full of vitality, especially at the time when it is weak or tired, then you will find the secret of invisible restoration. Realize that only thought and consciousness exist as permanent realities. All matter is only cognized through ideas; hence, realize that in working you are not using up energy, but using the thoughts of energy or materialized ideas. Hence, you can never feel physical weakness, IF you continue to vitalize your own thoughts with continuous energy and enthusiasm!"
He is saying that will power is the dynamo of our existence! Come to learn about some of His techniques that can strengthen your very own gifts of will power and faith!
Victoria Hansen Victoria has served as the director of Ananda Sacramento’s Healing Prayer Ministry for several years. She practices these techniques regularly and teaches others how to use them. She leads a Healing Prayer Circle and directs the Healing Prayer Council. Over the years she has seen many instances of healing occur through these prayer techniques. She welcomes you to learn and practice the techniques that will deepen your faith in God and His unlimited power.
Ananda Center of Sacramento 10450 Coloma Road
Rancho Cordova, California 95670
(916) 361-0891 Sign up to receive email news of events
and classes Center@AnandaSacramento.org
stages of inflammation throughout the body. The iris is the portion of the eye showing color. It reveals body constitution, inherent strengths and weaknesses, health levels, and transitions that take place in a person's body according to their way of life. The complex iris is composed of hundreds of thousands of nerve endings which are connected by impulses to every tissue of the body through the brain and nervous system. The Iris reveals body constitution, inherent weaknesses, and levels of health and transitions that take place in the body according to the way one lives. The patterns, structures, colors and degrees of lightness and darkness in the iris tell if an area of the body is inherently strong or weak. It also reveals the relative site of over-activity, irritation, injury or degeneration of the tissues and organs.
Learn a time-tested meditation technique. Meditation is the most direct means of experiencing our more spiritual nature. Greater concentration, creativity, peace and joy are the fruits of regular meditation. These simple, proven, effective techniques allow you to lift your mind to a place of peace, inspiration and joy. 
