While I was training there, David headed the education department. He had many opportunities to interact with all of us to teach, to share of himself, his extraordinary knowledge and more
importantly, wisdom of the Vedic traditions of which he was a gifted translator.

After graduation, whenever we were in the same place, we would share a cup of tea and catch up. He offered me wise counsel about my practice, my Center and humbly shared some of the “mistakes” he had made to spare me of the same. The last time I saw him, we had a cup of tea in San Francisco just before he was going to lecture on Free to Love, Free to Heal, Friday at 2 PM at NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) conference.   He was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor just about 1 month later in 2010. I gave a 2-hour lecture on Primordial Sound Meditation and higher states of consciousness at NAMA at the same day and time in 2011. An unimaginable opportunity that I attribute directly to my education at the Chopra Center under David’s leadership.

Although he was a board-certified neurologist, David was all about the heart. The emphasis and reverence that he asserted to the heart and its spectrum of emotions, never ceased to amaze me. I will never forget seeing him for a consultation myself and nearing the end of it, he asked my about my parents. Suddenly, a waterfall of tears came when I told him about the unexpected passing of my father several months before. He compassionately and more deeply helped me to understand myself, my grief, and its intimate relationship to every cell in our bodies. That experience helped me to become a more knowledgeable, compassionate and understanding counselor, teacher and friend.

He was a brilliant spiritual teacher who was sweet, humble, kind, and left you feeling better about yourself than when you first started talking with him… something I can’t say about every spiritual teacher I have ever known about or encountered personally, and something to which I aspire every day ~ to leave someone feeling better about themselves for having been in my presence. David always did that, and its effect was profound.

David and Deepak, both brilliant translators of Vedic wisdom, have created so many, many teachers all over the world because of their mission for peace and to pass on this wisdom in the most eloquent way possible through their programs and trainings for people to evolve to their Dharma. I know that millions are grieving this loss knowing that he is in another place continuing to be in his dharma and helping us all to be better by simply recognizing our perfection and Divinity that dwells within.

I invite you to please go to the websites below to view the video memorial and read Deepak’s words about his friend and brother which are so beautiful and moving. His son, Max has also reached out to us through his wonderful emails and a beautiful documentary on hid Dad’s journey for which the link is also below.  Even as he was confronting his own mortality, David continued to be a true teacher; allowing us into his world as he explored the possibilities for his own healing and acknowledging all of the challenges that accompany such a journey.

As death of a loved one always is ~ a great reminder that we can and should claim our happiness now – in this moment – no matter what the circumstances, no matter what cards our past has dealt. This is just a part of what David Simon taught me, but probably the most valuable.

Though his life, David Simon changed mine, and through his death, I am again, changed forever. The Kalyana Centre is my legacy that began because of my education that was inspired and supported by Dr. David Simon. His legacy will live on through me and all of the other teachers and students he has inspired throughout the world.   It is my honor to pay tribute to him by continuing his mission as mine to impart Vedic wisdom to those who are willing to learn and embrace it that they may live happier and more fulfilling lives by knowing themselves more intimately.

In the sadness and quietness I have allowed myself over the days that have followed this news, I realize that this is just another illustration of how the mystery of life operates within the individual and collective consciousness. While seemingly so very unfair that such an extraordinary soul would be taken from his family, his friends, the Chopra Center and the collective “us” at this time, I have to believe that he is in a place where his wisdom, his sweetness, his humor, his love and compassion will live on to further facilitate our awakening as we make the transition to a new paradigm through 2012 and beyond.

May God bless you, David, for your presence in my life and in my heart. Your legacy will live on through me and those with whom I will come in contact by following your example and living my dharma. Thank you for being an ever-loving presence in my life and the lives of so many. You now live as an archetype within my heart and soul ~ when others imparted doubt, you inspired me to live and act on my dreams in spite of it, and for that, I will always be in gratitude.

Love & Namaste,
Dr. Joanna

http://www.chopra.com/files/rememberingdavid.html

http://www.chopra.com/newsletter/feb12/legacy

http://bigvisionbusiness.com/tribute-david-simon/

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Description:

A wonderful way to energize mid-day! An invigorating and centering class incorporating asana (poses), yoga nidra (deep relaxation), pranayama (breathing practices), meditation and chanting.  Based on the spiritual practice that exercising the physical body and learning to completely relax it allows us to access our higher consciousness (yoga nidra).  The class continues with pranayama to calm, clear and focus the mind, release toxins from the body enabling us to concentrate better during meditation. Believing that a “easeful body, peaceful mind will bring us to a fulfilling, useful life” each class has all 5 elements for physical and spiritual health. Integral Yoga® created by Sri Swami Satchidananda, and as taught by Vimukti, believed one should ‘adapt, adjust, and accommodate’ their yoga practice for their body’s needs and comfort.

Bring a Yoga Mat

Water

Dress Comfortably

Empty stomach for 60 -90 min prior to class

Arrive 10-15 min. early for First Time students to relax and complete paperwork

Register

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Description:

Class Description / Learning Outcome:  During this 4 hour workshop, participants will explore what visioning is and why it’s so important. They will also look at how having a vision – a mental picture of what they desire, – is an important key to success in life. And finally, they will do some discovery around goal setting; and discover how goals can get us from where we are to where we want to be in our lives.

In this groundbreaking, highly interactive and educational seminar you will learn:

• How to employ long term thinking and visualizing the outcomes you want instead of just letting the circumstances dictate your fate
• How to take real action, no matter how small, to build the momentum required to make your vision a reality
• How to eliminate distractions so you can focus on your vision with the most clarity possible
• How to live with a greater sense of purpose, which will open you up to all kinds of positive experiences

People who attend this seminar will have a new outlook on the rest of their lives, gain a great deal of confidence in their ability to make their Vision their Reality, clarify their own vision, and jump-start their own Action Plan.

About Carole D. Pepe, MBA, B.S.Ed., CMPM

In addition to holding a B.S.Ed. From Chestnut Hill College and Educator Certification from the State of PA, Carole holds a Master of Business Administration – Organizational Management – degree from Eastern University.  She earned the title of Certified Master Project Manager from George Washington University and is certified in several coaching and mind-body alignment modalities including PSYCH-K, Transactional Analysis, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Emotional Interference Patterns (EIP), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Healing Touch, Reconnective Healing, and Pranaic Healing.

With over twenty years’ experience navigating the corporate ladder of a Fortune 500 company, Carole knows what it takes to accelerate your career, achieve desired results, and get the satisfaction that you want.   This, combined with Carole’s training in Active Experiential Learning, over ten years of teaching experience, and deep understanding of the mind-body connection, uniquely qualifies Carole as a business strategist and success coach.

As CEO and Sr. Consultant at Synergy Success Coaching and Seminars, Carole puts her clients on the FAST-TRACK To SUCCESS!  Her trademark Step-Into-Success® programs for Business Start-Up, Get More Clients, Career Acceleration, and Vision- Projecting Your Tomorrow and Heading Toward It Today feature collaboration, streamlined Action Plans, Made-For-You templates, workbooks, guides, and scripts.

Carole says that, “Helping others to live the life of their dreams, a life on purpose filled with joy and satisfaction is what she was born to do.  Everyone has a dream that they want to fulfill.  It’s always easier and more fun when you navigate the course with someone who knows the way, someone you can trust.”

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Description:

How can just changing the arrangement of furniture, or the color of your room bring greater Harmony and Balance to your relationship? Find out in this free event.

Register

Enlighten Up is a comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual approach to body/ mind transformation.

Cost: 90 Day Program:  For only $13 per day you receive classes, course materials, live and phone support, supplements, meal replacements, and lifestyle coaching.

This program will give you more energy, improved mental clarity, reduced cravings, radiant skin, better digestion, your perfect weight, and a greater sense of well-being, joy and vitality!

You will learn how to manage and maintain your health and weight with tools from the ancient art of Ayurveda that you will enjoy using for the rest of your life.

Program Details:
~ Four 3-hour workshops
~ Yoga, Meditation, Breathing
~ Ayurvedic Nutrition & Cooking classes, Body Awareness Techniques
~ Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and Yoga
~ Teleconferences  between Workshops
~ Weekly Email Inspiration and Support
~ Course Books, Manual and Journal
~ Three month supply of Core Essentials/Supplements (Purify Detox Kit, Achieve Ayurvedic Shakes)

CLiCK HERE For Cost Comparison Information!

Facilitated By Dr. Joanna Carmichael, Founder Kalyana Centre

Elizabeth Chesla, Founder Be You Yoga

READY TO GO:  Registration Form Here!

A Lighter, Healthier, Happier You in 90 Days

Please Print this information, Fill out

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

How did you learn about Enlighten Up?

Kalyana Centre__     Be You Yoga__    Natural Awakenings__    Facebook__

The Patch __    Main Line Neighbors__  Philly Area Yoga ___

Doctor Referral  (Name of Doctor: _________________________________)

Friend/Other Referral (Please let us know who referred you:  ________________________________)

Yes, please order me the Core Essentials Pack – Ayurvedic Detox and Weight Management Kit_____

     and/or the additional products and services indicated on the order form on the back.

I plan to pay in full. Amount: $________ (based upon date of enrollment).

Please enroll me in your payment plan (4 payments of $225 due on or before each workshop).

______

Yes, please contact me for a 2-for-1 Nutritional Blood Analysis appointment. _____

Mark your calendar!

Workshops (Saturdays, 9:00-12:00):  January 7, February 4, March 3 & April 7

Teleconferences (Saturdays, 10:00-11:00am): January 21, February 18, March 17 & March 31

All teleconferences will be recorded.

Enlighten Up!

A Lighter, Healthier, Happier You in 90 Days

Products

___CORE ESSENTIALS PACK - $329.95

Comprehensive Ayurvedic Detox and Weight Management Program

Includes one Purify Total Cleanse/Weight Loss System (7 days) + 90-day supply of Achieve Ayurvedic Weight Management Shakes (three 30-serving pouches). Includes a 15% product discount and Loyalty Rewards to use toward future purchases. The Core Essentials Pack is billed monthly at $149.95 (+ shipping) in January (Purify + Achieve) and $80 (+ shipping) in February and March (Achieve).

___ZRII AMALAKI – $71.50

Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Boosting Botanical Concentrate

Two 25-oz bottles of Zrii Amalaki, approximately 50 servings.   q Single order  q Monthly order

__ACCELL TRIPLE METABOLIC BOOST - $49.50

Energizing and nourishing with botanicals to boost metabolism, improve digestion, and reduce stress

Product Billing Information     

__MasterCard    __Visa       __American Express     __Discover

_______________________

Today’s Date

_________________________________________      _________________________            ____________

Card #                                                                                                Expiration Date                          Security Code

_________________________________________       __________________________________________

Name on Card                                                                                  Authorized Signature*

Services

__ 2-for-1 BLOODWORK & MINI-CONSULT - $150

Nutritional blood analysis, vital signs and medical history

Normally $150 each, this 2-for-1 offer gives you a comprehensive baseline at the beginning of the 90 days plus a follow-up at the end of the program. At our first and final sessions, Nutritional Microscopist Sean Fuller will conduct detailed live and dried blood sample analyses while Dr. Carmichael will record your vital signs and medical history. Please allow 1 ½ hours for bloodwork and consult.

__Please use credit card above for this service.   __I prefer to use cash or check for this service.

Cost: 90 Day Program:  For only $13 per day you receive classes, course materials, live and phone support, supplements, meal replacements, and lifestyle coaching.

Core Essentials Pack

 +

Our aim is to offer you the best products available to support you in your journey to your ideal weight. We have partnered with Zrii and the Chopra Center for Wellbeing to offer you these products in a Core Essentials Pack that provides you with a 15% product discount and convenient home delivery. The Core Essentials Pack saves you $169 and earns you 10% Loyalty Rewards to use towards future purchases.

Please note: To be eligible for the discount and Loyalty Rewards, we’ll need to set up a Zrii Preferred Customer Account in your name. This is the only portion of the Enlighten Up program that requires a credit card number. Your card will be charged $149.95 + shipping in January and $80 + shipping in February and March. At the end of the program, you can repeat the detox program, choose different supplements to support your health, or close your account. You’ll receive individual guidance as to which products will best support you at that point.

Core Course Option:

Detoxification and nutrition are essential to weight management and wellbeing, and these are fundamental aspects of our program. However, you may choose not to purchase the Core Essentials Pack and instead use another detoxification program and nutritional supplements.

Early Bird & Bring-a-Friend Discounts:

• 20% discount if paid in full by 1/25: $329.95* Core Essentials Pack + $696.00 = $1025.95
• 10% discount if paid in full by 1/31: $329.95* for Core Essentials Pack + $783.00 = $1112.95
• 5% discount if paid in full by 2/3: $329.95* for Core Essentials Pack + $826.50 = $1156.45
• Bring a friend and both you and your friend receive an additional $100 discount.

*Because these products are already discounted at 15%, we are unable to offer an additional discount.

Payment Plan Option:

• $225 due at each workshop (does not include credit card purchases of Core Essential Pack).
• $200 due at each workshop with Bring-a-Friend discount.

Add-ons:

• 2-for-1 Bloodwork and Mini-Consult: $150 for two complete live and dried blood analyses with Nutritional Microscopist Sean Fuller and vital signs and medical history with Dr. Carmichael.
• Zrii Amalaki: Antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and immune boosting botanical concentrate.
• Accell Triple Metabolic Boost: Energizing and nourishing with botanicals to boost metabolism, improve digestion, and reduce stress.

3 pm – 8 pm Angel Card and Psychic Readings (15 min for $20)

3:00 – 3:15    Holistic Nutrition    Suzanne Stapler

3:30 – 3:45    Meditation                 Rachel Cama     (Meditation Rm)

4:00 – 4:15    Homeopathy              Angela Walker

4:00 – 8:00   Free Mini Massage    Susan Rosenberg

4:30 – 5:00    Affirmative Prayer     Rev. Bill Marchiony  (Meditation Rm)

5:00 – 7:00    Organic Wine Tasting   (Studio)

4:45 – 5:00    “Raw Sweet Treats”                  Dr. Grace Culbertson

5:00 – 5:15     “Hypnosis: The Untapped Healing Modality”                       Nick Colasanti

5:00 – 7:00   Organic Wine Tasting  (Studio)

5:30 – 5:45      Yoga                             Rachel Cama   (Meditation Rm)

5:30 – 8:00     Free Mini Massage    Irene Solla   (1st Floor Massage Room)

6:00 – 8:00    Live Music by Rachel Cama     (studio)

6:00 – 6:15     “Creating your Vision for 2012″       Dr. Jane Hart

6:45 – 7:00     “EFT: Tap your way to greater peace and freedom”   Rachael Kalen

In the last newsletter I shared some thoughts on all of the weight loss hype that propagates through much of the media in every way, shape and form.  We are inundated with ads in TV, radio, internet and print telling us that we are unhealthy and need to lose weight along with the quick fix that is going to get there.  And while the first part is quite true – obesity is of epidemic proportions and causing all sorts of complications in kids as well as adults by predisposing them to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The quick fix gimmicks that are out there are not the long-term answer to a problem that runs deeper than simple numbers on a scale.

The popular hCG diet with its 500 calorie restrictions that can cause fainting, nausea, hormonal imbalances, headache, constipation, muscle cramps, hair loss and depression, just to name a few, is just one example of an extreme weight loss program that is not meant to be a lifestyle.  Is this really how one would want to live anyway?  The idea that the FDA approves such things should make no difference to you in evaluating a plan that is going to work for your individual constitutional type.  How often have drugs that have been researched and approved by the FDA been pulled off the shelves because long-term side effects were discovered after approval?  Having been in the pharmaceutical research arena for a long time, along with my observations about research in general, I can tell you that when studies come out, it doesn’t seem to take long for another study saying the exact opposite of what was revealed, to come out subsequently.  So what do we do?  How do we know what to believe?  The answer to this and everything else that we can ask ourselves resides within.  We have an intellect and intuitive ability to tune in and know what is right for our body and our mind. How many times does our intuition guide us to one choice, we know it is the right choice (on a gut level) and we make a different choice anyway, completely dishonoring our own innate wisdom?  Do any of these quick fixes and gimmicks feel right to anyone?

In Ayurveda, prana is the life force that runs through everything including we as human beings.  We need to eat foods and perform actions that nourish prana so we can live lives of health, balance, vitality and joy.  Below are some general tips from the wisdom of Ayurveda that can help you live in a manner that is harmonious to yourself, others, and the planet on which we live:

1)   Eat a variety of organic, fresh, local and colorful fruits and vegetables that are high in prana (vital life energy), and commit to making them part of every meal.  You do not need to count calories, fat grams, carbs, or points if you are listening to the constant messages your body is sending you through how you feel -mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

2)   Stop falling for weight loss gimmicks and products such as low-fat or low-card substitutes for real food.  These things are processed and devoid of prana that does not contribute to nourishing your body in a healthful way.

3)   Minimize F – L – U – N – C  foods: Frozen, Leftover, Unnatural, Nuked, and Canned.  Again they are devoid of prana and nutrients necessary for a healthy mind, body and spirit.

4)   Listen to your body and be open and willing to shift your diet based on the way you feel, the changing rhythms of nature, and where and how you live.  No one diet is for anyone and putting people in a box filled with restrictions will never work in the long term.  Everyone isn’t meant to eat raw food, and for now, everyone isn’t meant to be a vegetarian.  Being fanatical or purist in your viewpoint about foods is very limiting.  Open your mind to see all of the options and try things out, noticing how you feel.  This should always be your compass in determining the right food and exercise choices for YOU!

5)   Remember that appetite is NOT your enemy!  It is a gauge that your digestive fire (Agni) is burning efficiently.  We are supposed to feel hunger and respond to that feeling with sensible, mindful choices of how that hunger is to be satisfied.   We can also notice if that hunger is emotional and if we are feeding it with food.

6)   Shift your perception about the word diet.  Your diet is simply how and what you choose to eat.  It is not something you should be on for a specified period of time until you reach a weight loss goal or any other goal.  We need to be constantly responding to the messages of comfort or discomfort by making choices that are consistent with our overall health goals.

7)   Do yoga at least 6 days a week even for a short period of time if you don’t have an hour.  Yoga is an excellent practice that is for everyone – both spiritual and physical, it builds strength, flexibility and balance.  Remember that strength, flexibility and balance on the mat translates to strength, flexibility and balance in life.

8)   Exercise (cardio) at least 5 days a week.  Find ways to get out and move for at least 30 minutes a day.  Walk, play tennis, swim, dance.  Find things that you like to do so that it is not drudgery that you won’t stick with.  Exercise is a great stress reducer and personally, if it weren’t for the tennis court, I would have great deal more stress in my life.

9)  Weight loss should not be a goal in and of itself.  Go after Perfect Health and the byproduct will be weight loss (or gain) if that is what the body needs to do to achieve balance.  Trust in the process and how you feel.

10) Most importantly, love yourself for who and where you are right now.  Health is a journey, not a destination.  There will be times in your life that will warrant changes in your diet, your lifestyle, your relationships and even your spirituality.  Honor yourself on this journey and respond to the messages that are continually revealing themselves to you as you exchange energy and information with the environment in which we live.  When you are in good health, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, your weight will take care of itself.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can live a life of health, balance, vitality and joy without the quick fix philosophy of the modern world, join us in January where you can embark on a 90-day program for a new you!   Join me and my colleague, Liz Chesla on a journey towards better health, greater flexibility, strength, vitality, purpose and joy.  Stay tuned for more details as we roll out this program over the next few weeks.