'Movement' by Jessica Bellofatto
"A body in motion tends to stay in motion...." ~ Newton's First Law of Motion
 People often ask me how it is I do what I do; that is, swim, bike, run, paddlesurf, (attempt to) surf, teach and practice yoga, run the studio, attend births as a labor support person, and raise 2 kids. I am never quite sure how to answer, but when I recently attended a 2 day triathlon camp with the amazing coaches from Team Total Training, and one of them referred to Newton's Law of Motion, it clicked for me....
I LOVE movement. I love the feeling of the body moving through space, flying down a hill on a road bike with the trees racing past me; I love that first moment of jumping into the ocean, getting swallowed by the crashing surf. I love the first downward facing dog of the day, the body so grateful for the stretch, so animal-like in its delight and enjoyment of pressing the hands and feet into the earth, of elongating the spine to its maximal length, of filling every cell of the body with healing, nourishing breath. I love "walking on the water" on a paddleboard, the circular action of the legs on a long run- that walking (running) meditation as described by Thich Nat Hanh in the titles of one of his books - "Peace is Every Step." How is that I find more beach glass on a beach run than when I am walking on the beach, that in the quickness of the movement, I am MORE mindful, MORE aware, MORE sensitive to my surroundings and my environment. A body in motion tends to stay in motion. It certainly seems to be the case for me...the joy, the peace, the ease I experience in the body, the gratitude, the sense of well-being, the feeling that I am exactly where I am meant to be; the recognition that we are so perfectly and exquisitely designed and created. I am reminded of the movie Avatar- that superhuman quality of the avatars- graceful, strong, animal-like, clear, and one with their surroundings...is that not who we are, what we are meant to be?
It is said that our bodies are our temples. It is said that we are already perfectly perfect, wholly whole, completely complete. Whether your joy and bliss is found through movement, as is the case for me, or through meditative stillness, or art, or literature, or watching a bird, or strolling through the woods, on the beach, on a city street...whatever for YOU brings out a feeling of love and happiness that is uncontainable and boundless in its depths...do it. find it. share it. be it. live that truth, follow that path...discover your destiny..... it is waiting to be discovered!
I hope you all enjoy these remaining days of summer. I hope to see you out on the water, on the mat, on the trails, or simply sitting and gazing at all of the natural beauty that surrounds us here on the east end.
Much Love, Joy, and Continued Abundance,
Jessica
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Goings On....
*NEW* Yoga and Stand Up Paddleboarding Class with Jessica Bellofatto and Gina Bradley!
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am
 On the heels of some recent press about standup paddleboarding (SUP) and yoga, Jessica is psyched to announce a new class beginning this Tuesday, August 10 and continuing through Tuesday, September 7 (and beyond if there is demand). In conjunction with fellow female warrior goddess Gina Bradley of PaddleDiva, Jessica Bellofatto will be leading a 90 minute paddle/yoga class at Maidstone Springs Park in East Hampton.
Join Jessica for a challenging CLASSIC DEVA yoga class geared for all levels in which we will move through an intelligently designed sequence of postures targeting the legs, butt, abs, back and arms, open up the breath, quiet the mind, and move into greater alignment with yourself. Once centered in this way, we will then move out to the water, receiving stand up paddling instruction, and go off together for a walking-on-water adventure!
Instruction, gear, refreshments, and a healthy snack all provided. Please bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and dress as you would for a regular yoga class. To paddle, you can wear your yoga clothes, or, if you prefer, a bathing suit. Wetsuits are not necessary this time of year, and most of you won't get wet unless you so choose! I do recommend bringing your own yoga mat, or you can purchase one from me if you would like. Also, bring a towel.
Date & Time: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:00am (August 10 to September 7 - And beyond if there is demand)
Location: Maidstone Springs Park - but location will be confirmed the day before depending on the forecasted wind direction for tuesday.
Cost: For $110/pp (discounts offered if you reserve for 2 or more weeks)
Pre-requisites: No previous yoga or paddling experience required.
Registration: Call 631-604-1382 or email jessica@kamadevayoga.com
"When I first started paddling, for me, it was very much like when I first discovered Yoga 17 years ago. I knew I had stumbled on to something that would impact my life in a profound way and would be with me for a very long time. Well, 17 years later, I am still practicing and teaching Yoga, and since starting to paddle 3 years ago, I show no signs of letting up! Being out on the water from that vantage point of STANDING up (as opposed to sitting in a kayak) for me is so powerful, to have that experience of that VAST view of the bay, or the pond, or the open ocean. In yoga, I am always trying to convey to the students to broaden their perspective, to not be so limited in their thinking, or their views of themselves and others. Paddleboarding teaches this in the most tangible way. Wide, broad perspective, so much space; you can breathe, you can drop into the beauty all around you. No cell phone, no computer, no worries!!! It teaches us to be one with everything around us...you have to connect to the board itself, to the handling of the paddle, you have to connect to the water, and the wind...and then you find yourself connecting with all things....and in that connection, there is limitless potential for love and compassion to arise....." ~ Jessica Bellofatto (Part of an essay featured in a Newsday article about PaddleDiva)
The Process™ Workshop Intensive with Gregory Scherick
Sunday, August 15, 2010 , 6:00-10:00pm
 As I was writing for this month's newsletter, I realized I was completely inspired, once again, by my friend Shana Kuhn-Siegel and her total immersion into the work which is called The Process. I first met Gregory Scherick, creator of this work, last summer at KamaDeva Yoga, at the urging of Shana. Trusting Shana and knowing that she had been profoundly and irrevocably shifted by this work, I was intrigued. What took place in the studio at that first workshop last August has stayed with me to this day. I URGE you to check this out... and join us for the next workshop, to be held on Sunday, August 15th at KamaDeva Yoga.
For more information: Please visit ilovetheprocess.com or contact shana@ilovetheprocess.com
Cost: $400 in advance / $450 day of workshop
Date & Time: Sunday, August 15, 2010, 6:00-10:00pm
Location: KamaDeva Yoga, 66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY
Registration: Click here to signup online
Full Moon Paddle on Georgica Pond in the Hamptons with Jessica Bellofatto and Lars Svanberg
Wednesday, August 25, 6:00pm
 Our ever popular Full Moon Paddle, as featured in the New York Times Style Section takes place this month on Wednesday, August 25. Think a meditative paddle across Georgica Pond in good company and gorgeous scenery, followed by a short Yoga and meditation session on the beach, bonfire, some food and refreshments, and a paddle back by the light of the full moon. These nights are truly magical and we have been told time and again that they are the highlight of the summer season. Paddle instruction is also included. You do not have to be on a stand up paddle board - single and double kayaks are also available.
Date: Wednesday August 25, 2010
Time & Location: Meet at Main Beach Surf & Sport in Wainscott at 6:00pm
Cost: $85 per person or $55 with your own paddleboard/kayak.
Registration: Reservations are absolutely essential and can be made by emailing sales@mainbeach.com or calling 631-537-SURF.
Refine and Recharge, Body and Heart: A Yoga Workshop with Jessica Bellofatto & Elena Brower
Monday, August 23, 12:30-2:30pm
 I am pleased and honored to welcome back Elena Brower of the super popular Virayoga in NYC to the studio. I will be co-teaching a special master class with Elena on Monday, August 23. With a specific focus on revitalizing your connection to both your body and your heart, this midday sequence will light you up.
Pre-registration is HIGHLY recommended!
Date & Time: Monday, August 23, 2010, 12:30-2:30pm
Cost: $40 pre-registered, $50 day of workshop (sorry, no class cards)
Location: KamaDeva Yoga, 66 Newtown Lane, East Hampto, NY
Registration: Please email jessica@kamadevayoga.com to signup.
Paddlers for Humanity: Sponsored Paddle
Sunday, August 22, 2010
 Once again, I am paddling for charity, this time on Sunday, August 22 in a SUP TEAM CHALLENGE. Proceeds from the SUP Team Challenge and the Montauk to Block Island Paddle will benefit these worthy causes: Acumen Fund, East End Food Pantries, East Hampton Day Care Learning Center, Montauk Playhouse Community Center, P4H East End Catastrophic Fund and PRASAD's Children Dental Health Program!
To support me in this challenge (this is a race, and we hope to WIN!), please click HERE to make a donation, or, better yet, consider taking the challenge yourself! Visit the Paddlers for Humanity website for more info.
Customized Yoga & Organic Food Events with Adam Kelinson of Organic Performance and Jessica Bellofatto
Available Throughout the Summer Season!
 Jessica Bellofatto and Adam Kelinson - author of The Athlete's Plate: Real Food for High Performance and founder of Organic Performance - are delighted to be collaborating on special, customized events including yoga, running, paddling, and amazing, locally sourced organic meals prepared at your home, on the beach, or in any desired location, in the Hamptons, or elsewhere.... Contact us for more details and check out last week's issue of Hamptons Magazine for inspiration!
Adam Kelinson and KamaDeva Yoga will also be offering ongoing cleanses throughout the summer season. You can start a cleanse at any time that suits you! Pre and post cleanse nutritional consultations, ongoing support throughout your cleanse week, yoga classes, and fresh juices all included!
Information: Please Contact Adam at adam@organicperformance.com.
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