Happy Spring 2016!

Image: Shutterstock

Spring has sprung, and with it, wonderful new beginnings!

Raja Yoga Spring Session:

Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm until June 8
Drop-ins are welcome.

Email tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca for details.

I'm also excited to announce my first workshop at Mystical Stone in Stony Plain, Let's Start with Ganesha!

Saturday June 4, 1-4pm.

Mystical Stone Yoga Studio

With his colorful clothing and elephant head Ganesha is one of the most recognized and beloved deities in any spiritual tradition. In Yoga he is heralded as the "remover of obstacles" and is saluted before beginning any path of study or new endeavour. 

Are you ready to make a change in your life? Do you have obstacles you wish to overcome? Begin by celebrating your own inner wisdom, strength, and sense of humor, symbolized by Ganesha, through stories, songs, mantras and balancing the Muladhara (root) Chakra.



Raja Yoga Summer Camp 2016 is coming soon!

This is our fourth year of Wednesday evening gatherings and special events including study nights and field trips to local temples and cultural events.

Email at tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca and I will be happy to put you on the e-vite list.

Raja Yoga Summer Camp: Annual Ganesha Festival

Image Source and More Photos from 2014

Join me on Wednesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 29 anytime between 6 pm and 9 pm at Edmonton's beautiful Mahaganapathy Temple for the annual 10 day festival dedicated to the great Remover of Obstacles, Ganesha (aka Ganapati)!

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of an authentic South Indian style temple complete with Pujas and Prasad!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp: Japanese Taiko Drumming

Booming Tree: Japanese Taiko Drumming

Namaste Raja Yogis and Yoginis!

Tomorrow is Canada's Birth-Day, so I assume you all have loads of activities and celebrations already in the works.

Let's get together next week for a special event at the University of Alberta's Japanese Garden.

July 9 - Taiko Drumming Date Night

6 pm till dusk.

Take a mini taiko drumming workshop led by Booming Tree Taiko.

Sign up for the workshop in advance, or just come to watch. 

Purchase your admission ticket online here or call 780-987-3054 ext. 2227

Feel free to come early and wander the gardens, have a treat at the Patio Cafe, enjoy the butterfly house or some quiet outdoor meditation.

How to get there.

Coincidentally, Booming Tree is also performing at Strathcona County's Canada Day Festivities near the new REMAX Spray Park.  Looks like they will be there at noon and from 6:30 - 10 pm.

Hope to see you at one of these events (or maybe both!).

Happy Canada Day!

Om Bolo Canada Ki - Jai!!! 

All The World's a Stage...

Coriolanus, by Soma Orlai Petrich,1869

Free for some outdoor live theatre this evening?

Join Raja Yoga Summer Camp tonight at 8 pm in Hawrelak Park for a "Pay-What-You-Will" preview of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival's presentation of Coriolanus!

So... what does a Shakespearean tragedy have to do with yoga?

Umm... haha... good question...

Maybe not much at first glance, but with themes of power and pride, class and character, virtue and action, pride and privilege, past vs. progress and friends vs. enemies, this play brings to my mind the Bhagavad Gita, and practically begs discussion on the Yamas and Niyamas!

Besides, it's going to be a beautiful, warm summer night, perfect for Shakespeare in the park.  Hope to see you there!

P.S. The famous (and very yogic!) quote in this post's title is not from Coriolanus.  But it is from As You Like It, this year's Freewill Shakespeare Festival comedy!

Dosas for Dinner Tonight?

Image Source

Did you know that dosas are considered one of the 50 tastiest foods in the world?

Join Raja Yoga Summer Camp tonight around 6:30 pm at Savoy's South Indian Kitchen.

Feel like doing some cultural exploration?  Come early for a little window shopping!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp: 124 Grand Market

124 Street Grand Market

Yogis, Yoginis and Friends, you're invited:

Thursday June 4, 2015

4-8 pm (I'll be there around 5:30)

108 Avenue and 124th Street

Organic produce, fabulous food trucks, artisans, musicians and more!

Got Plans? Raja Yoga Summer Camp 2015 Begins!

Baby Ganesha, Blesses New Beginnings

Its that time again!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp is ready for its third year and we'd love it if you could join us!

Planning meeting:

6 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 in the Food Court at Millbourne Mall in Millwoods, Edmonton.

Come share your ideas for classes, outings and events.

Enjoy a mango lassi, or chai and momos at the brand-new Nepali food-kiosk, Everest Cuisine.

Can't make it to the planning meeting?  Have a suggestion?  Want to get on the evite list?

Send me an email at:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Raja Yoga Summer Camp 2014 Wrap-Up Party

 

Canada Geese gathering for a feast in Jasper National Park




Thank you for participating in this year's Raja Yoga Summer Camp!

You are warmly invited to one last event: a Pizza-Party at Nitza's Pizza on Wye Road in Sherwood Park.  (See the link for the full address and menu.)

Wednesday September 3, 2014 at 7 pm.

Lots of vegetarian options are available and even gluten-free crusts! 

The owner, Peter, is known for his generous community spirit and excellent pizza!  In addition to your dinner purchase (soft drinks and slushies are free!) please consider making a donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. 

Let's take this opportunity to share our fondest memories of Summer 2014, cherish eachothers company and discuss what's in store for this fall!  All are welcome! 

RSVP's are very much appreciated so I can reserve a great big table:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Hari Om Kirtan with Narayan Jyoti

Even if you can't make it to the live events during Raja Yoga Summer Camp's first Nine Nights of Sacred Sound, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy devotional chanting and uplifting vibrations.

I'm currently hitting replay over and over again on this Hari Om Kirtan with Narayan Jyoti!

Narayan Jyoti is one of my dearest bhakti brothers and fellow students, son of my teacher Sita Chaitanya of the Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Bahamas (now Swami Hridayananda), and direct disciple of Swami Vishnudevananda who gave him his name!

All his life he has been immersed in sacred sound.  Listen, you will feel it.

Nine Nights of Sacred Sound, July 12-20 2014

Summer is the time for music and celebration! 

Just in case you can't get away on a "yoga vacation" to the bigger retreat centres and festivals, here is your chance to steep yourself in sacred sound and satsang, without leaving your own home town!

Join me and Raja Yoga Summer Camp at various locations in the Edmonton area.  You can join us for some or all of the events. 

Please note that the first and last days are by invitation only.  If you would like to attend, and are not already on the Raja Yoga Summer Camp mailing list, please let me know at:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca


Also note that some days, there is more than one event!

Nine Nights of Sacred Sound Schedule:

Day 1)  Saturday July 12:  Guru Purnima Puja at Tara's 1-4 pm * By invitation only!

Day 2)  Sunday July 13:  Shiv Puran Katha 10-12 am at Bhartiya Cultural Society

Songha with Sparrow and Friends at Noorish 7-9 pm

Day 3)  Monday July 14:  Shiv Puran Katha 6-8 pm at Bhartiya Cultural Centre

Day 4)  Tuesday July 15:  Shiv Puran Katha 6-8 pm at Bhartiya Cultural Centre

Day 5)  Wednesday July 16:  Shiv Puran Katha 6-8 pm at Bhartiya Cultural Centre

Day 6)  Thursday July 17:  Shiv Puran Katha 6-8 pm at Bhartiya Cultural Centre

Day 7)  Friday July 18:  Eight Limbs of Yoga 7-9 pm at Yoga Within

Day 8)  Saturday July 19:  The Power of Sacred Sound 2-4 pm at Yoga Within

Shiv Puran Katha 6-8 pm at Bhartiya Cultural Centre

Day 9)  Sunday July 20:  Shiv Puran Katha 10-12 am

Potluck Dinner and Kirtan at Tara's 5-8 pm *By invitation only!

Shiv Puran Katha, Stories of Shiva, July 13-20 2014

Shiva riding on Nandi the Bull

July 13-20, 2014, for the very first time at Bhartiya Cultural Society in Edmonton: 

Shiv Puran Katha, or stories of Shiva, the Lord of the Yogis!

Feel free to join me on any of the weekday evenings from 6-8 pm (there is a dinner from 5-6:30 if you're free) and on the Sunday mornings from 10-noon.

You are welcome to bring fruit or flowers to offer if you like.

Please observe the temple etiquette of modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and be aware that you will be sitting on the floor in a crowded space, so try not to bring too many excess belongings.

Om Namah Shivaya!

Rhubarb Ginger Coolers

Rhubarb Ginger Cooler

Last year, Candice served these delicious drinks when we toured her beautiful garden during Raja Yoga Summer Camp.  Thanks for sharing the recipe, Candice!   

Rhubarb Ginger Coolers

10 cups chopped rhubarb

2 1/2 cups cold water

1 3/4 cups sugar

3 tablespoons fresh ginger

2 cups sparkling water

- Bring rhubarb, water, sugar and ginger to simmer over moderate heat, uncovered and simmer 1 minute. 

 - Remove from heat and steep 1 hour.

 - Pour through a sieve and chill.  

 - Serve over ice with a splash of sparkling water.

Invoking Summer with Flower Mandalas

Garden Mandala by Tara

Have you ever made a mandala from found objects and natural materials?

This is your invitation!

Honor the infinite potential of the present moment, the abundance of Mother Earth, your own playful spirit and the nature of impermanence.

Gather your materials, select a meditative space to create, and see what happens!

Adjustments by Saleem the Cat

Would you like to enjoy this experience together?

Join Raja Yoga Summer Camp, 2014! 

Wednesday, June 4, 7-8:30 pm we're gathering to form a sacred circle of creativity, friendship and natural beauty.

This event is by invitation only, so if you'd like to join us, please send me an email at:  
tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Looking for more inspiration?  Check out these beautiful flower "danmalas" by Kathy Klein!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp is Blossoming!




Japanese Iris, Symbolizes Wisdom

Raja Yoga Summer Camp has grown into an inspiring sangha of yogis and yoginis sharing their passion for all things yoga!

So far, we've savored South Indian food at Lingsa, heard about Candice's amazing experience in Africa with the Stephen Lewis Foundation's "Grandmothers to Grandmothers" Campaign, and explored the 124 Street Grand Market!

Today, we're having an Ayurvedic Tea Party and Healing Meditation!  But don't worry if you can't make it, you can check out the tea recipes here and meditation here.

We look forward to learning more about wholistic living through yoga, Ayurveda, essential oils, and more!

To receive the evites, contact me at: tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

The Grass is Always Greener... When You Get Outside

The David Suzuki Foundation says: 

"A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement."

Its not too late to Join Canada's 30x30 Nature Challenge!  Check out this awesome infographic:  What's in it for you?

Stay tuned to Kali's Kitchen for New Outdoor Yoga Classes and Events, coming this Spring and Summer 2014! 

Raja Yoga Summer Camp, 2014!

Summer is nearly upon us!  Get ready for 2014 Raja Yoga Summer Camp!

Last year we enjoyed kirtan, study nights, field trips and more!

This year we're getting even bigger, brighter and bolder than before, with temple tours, puja ceremonies, crafts, cooking demos, ayurveda, outdoor classes, karma yoga opportunities, free talks, weekend retreats, and even a nine-night yoga intensive!

Note*  Many of these events are by invitation only.  If you would like to be on the evite list, send me an email at:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Have a suggestion for an event, karma yoga project, field trip or topic of study?

Join us for the Raja Yoga Summer Camp Reunion and 2014 Planning Meeting on Wednesday May 7, 7 pm at Lingsa, in Sherwood Park, AB.

Schedule of events coming soon!

The Artful Yogis and the Festival of Trees

This gorgeous wreath, hand-felted by our crafty karma yoga community won the People's Choice second prize at Sherwood Park's "Festival of Trees" last weekend!

Not only was it great fun to create (wow, the spinoffs from Raja Yoga Summer Camp are blowing my mind!), but it helped raise money for the Volunteer Information Service!

Thanks to all the "Artful Yogis" who participated, and everyone who attended and voted for our "Heart-felt" creation! 

Also a big thanks to Yoga for Today for sponsoring the wreath and posting the information on their Facebook page!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp is in Full Swing!

Prasad from the Mahaganapathy Temple

Thanks to all who came (despite the tornado warnings!) on tonight's Raja Yoga Summer Camp field trip to the Mahaganapathy Temple!

It was such a beautiful experience and so wonderful to share it with you!

Thank you to everyone at the Temple who made us feel so welcome, you've given us an evening to remember!  Our eyes and ears and hearts were filled with sights and sounds, customs and kindness!

I can hardly wait until we go back on Wednesday, July 17th, 2013!

If you'd like join Raja Yoga Summer Camp, email me:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

Ganesha holding Tara's marigold

Also, thank you Tara from the Yoga Within Hatha Yoga Teacher Training class. 

Tara, of all the students and friends I've given peace marigolds and marigold seeds to (and there have been lots!), you're the first ever to plant them and bless me with a bloom! 

Namaste!

Best wishes to you and all of your classmates as you complete your Yoga Teacher Training!

Atha yoganushasanam (Yoga Sutra 1.1) ...NOW the teaching on Yoga begins...

Jai Ganesha!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp: Jai Ganesha Study Night

When:  Wed. June 5, 2013, 7-8:30 pm

Where:  Strathcona County Public Library  Meet at the top of the stairs by the couches and if possible we will move to a more private study area.

Study Topic:  Stories of Ganesha, the Remover of Obstacles, his names, mantras, adornments, weapons, qualities, family tree, favorite sweets and more!

Plus prepare for a Raja Yoga Summer Camp field trip to the Mahaganapathy Temple!

There is no charge for this event, but donations for study materials are gratefully accepted.

My handstamped Ganesha Greeting Cards

My Ganapati Greeting Cards will also be available for purchase.  Each one is uniquely handstamped in shades of sandalwood, saffron, and turmeric.

If you, or someone you know would like to join Raja Yoga Summer Camp, sign up on the right side of this blog to get posts from Kali's Kitchen sent to your email box. 

And email me directly at:  tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca to get on the private invitation list!

Hey, just in case you can't make it this time, here's a beautiful video with chanting by Harish Johari and illustrations by Pieter Weltevrede. 

Plus I've created and posted a fun word search puzzle for you, all about Ganesha!  Jai Ganesha Word Search Puzzle 

Good luck!

Raja Yoga Summer Camp 2013 Begins!

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and we are going out on the town!

Watch for upcoming outings, fieldtrips and gatherings that bring the philosophy of yoga to life!

Wednesdays from 7pm- 8:30/9pm plus special evening and weekend events.

Various locations in Edmonton and Area.  Cost/Donation varies according to the event.

Do you want to receive Evite invitations to Raja Yoga Summer Camp, 2013 events?  Do you know someone who does? 

Let me know!  Email: tarawoltjen@yahoo.ca

First event:
House Concert! Satsang and Kirtan with Sparrow, 7-9pm, Wednesday May 22, 2013.