"I want to start taking yoga, now, in part because I've read Richard's book, and in part because I've heard about his classes. Richard encourages participants to listen to their body and discover what is right for them. He encourages 'vigorous, not strenuous' posturing. But Richard's book makes clear that yoga is much more than work with the body. Yoga is a philosophy ... a philosophy that relates directly to daily living, and Richard's book clarifies that. So does his lifestyle, as all proceeds from the book are donated to charity ... including our own local Tristesse Grieving & Healing Center and Clarehouse ("Loving Alternative for the End-of-Life Experience")" ~~ Mary

STRETCH YOUR YOGA
Author's yoga book to benefit local charities

By Jason Ashley Wright

I want to start taking yoga, not only because Saks carries Juicy Couture for men, now, but also because yoga is healthy.

Obviously, I need to be more enlightened before lumbering into a yoga class. Helping me on my way, perhaps, will be "Just Notice ... Just This -- The Body and Mind of the Yogas" ($13.95) by local yoga guru Richard Stathem, who's donating all proceeds to charity.

The book, which is intended to help students of yoga broaden their understanding and expand the applications of yoga's ages-old techniques, includes a 60-page section of hatha yoga exercises and a 70-page section of stories and original writings on yoga philosophy.

Richard began formal yoga studies, practice and teaching while working as a public school classroom teacher in Houston in the early 1970s. He relocated to Tulsa in 1981, and his teaching settings have included The Praxis Project, Tulsa Community College, The Center for Personal Growth, Massage Therapy Institute of Oklahoma, St. John's Episcopal Church, The University of Tulsa, and several Tulsa-area Y's.

Proceeds from the book will benefit several area charities including The Tristesse Center, Clarehouse, The Humane Society, and others.

For those not in the know, Tristesse is a grief-counseling center where bereaved families know they aren't alone -- a place where they can share feelings, celebrate the lives of their loved ones, cry and be comforted, and create a new life nurtured and enriched by memories. Clarehouse is a wonderful “home” where those diagnosed as being within 30 days of terminal can be cared for and comforted, free of charge, enabling family and friends to be fully present with their loved one. Stathem’s relationship with the Tristesse Center came about when he met Laura Gonsalves and her amazing daughter Tess (after whom the center is named) when they attended one of his yoga classes in 1999. One year later, Tess died from cancer at the age of 14.

The book is available online at www.buybooksontheweb.com for $13.95, plus shipping, or a copy can be picked up in any of Richard’s yoga classes.