Darby Ann Sheridan is part of the Serene Gardens Team and is a certified yoga & chi kung (Qigong and Ki Kou) instructor. We are currently developing a schedule for the yoga classes she will be offering on Grand Island, NY at Serene Gardens. Here is an article she has written about some of the various styles of yoga and the mind-body connection.

Yoga~ ‘Union’ of the Mind and Body
By Darby Ann Sheridan, Certified Yoga Teacher and Wellness Consultant.
Yoga, for the last 20 to 30 years, has been growing in popularity as a mind-body activity. However, there is still a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding about what yoga actually is. The word yoga-from the Sanskrit Language- means “to yoke” or “union”. This mind-body practice was believed to have begun about 5000 years ago in India. The “union” of the individual self with the Divine, Universal or Cosmic Consciousness is a goal of yoga; however, it is a wonderful, gentle way to simply become more connected with the body and mind. Physical poses or Asanas are combined to both strengthen and de-toxify the blood, body and spine. Mental exercises such as breathing and meditation are used in harmony with physical poses to create a calm and peaceful demeanor or mindset—yet another example of “union” of the physical with the mental in yoga. Traditionally, there are eight stages or paths that one follows from the physical realm to the mental/spiritual realm. These are: Yama or ‘restraint’; Niyama or ‘purity’; Asana or ‘postures’; Pranayama or ‘breathing excercises’; Pratyahara or ‘sensory withdrawal’; Dharana or ‘concentration’; Dhyana or ‘meditation’; and finally Samadhi or ‘bliss-trance’. However, it is important to note that yoga is not a religion, but rather a way of life in which a person becomes more gently focused on health and peace of mind.
There are several types of yoga: hatha, raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantric yoga.
Hatha is the most popular branch of yoga in America. Other popular branches of yoga that formed out of Hatha yoga are: Ashtanga Vinyasa or power /flow yoga, Bikram or hot yoga, and Kundalini or chakra yoga.
What are the benefits of yoga? Many leading universities in both America and Europe
have begun to do more rigorous studies involving randomized controlled trials to explore
the efficacy of yoga on one’s physical, mental and emotional health. The results of many of
these studies suggest that yoga—along with relaxation and breathing techniques that go
along with this practice—reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. The studies also suggest
that yoga may improve immunity and reduce hypertension. Furthermore, yoga is beginning to be used as a treatment method for veterans experiencing post traumatic stress disorder at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. It is clear that yoga has many health benefits and much more research needs to be done regarding its remarkable value as a healing art.
The yoga that I have been trained in is a combination of Kundalini Yoga and Chi Kung (Qigong). It is called Dao Yin Lung Shen. Dao Yin translates as “cultivating the chi”, and Lung Shen translates as “dragon spirit”—which represents healing energy that sits at the base of the spine. It was created approximately 360 years ago on Mt. Hua Shan in China with the meeting of Chi Kung masters and Sikh Kundalini Yoga masters from India. This yoga stimulates the flow of vital energy called chi or prana. This yoga benefits all organs and systems—especially the endocrine system which is uniquely activated by placing pressure on acu-points and meridians that run up and down the body. This process de-toxifies and strengthens the body. Regular practice creates a general sense of well being and enlightened awareness. The unique blend of poses, breathing, and acupressure creates a more perceptive consciousness, and creates a deeper connection with the body. It is both gentle and restorative.
As one embarks on a yoga path, one begins to see that there is no separation between mind and body—they are inextricably linked—they are one in the same! As such, a regular, committed practice is highly recommended to achieve the results mentioned here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darby Ann Sheridan is a certified yoga/chi kung teacher who has been teaching dance and movement for over 18 years. She is a certified Lin Zi Chi Therapy-Acupressure practitioner. She is also training as a Somatic Movement Therapist. Her yoga and movement classes are being taught in Clarence-Synergy Wellness Ctr & Bridges Wellness Ctr., East Aurora, West Seneca, and Williamsville.
She has a private practice in East Aurora, NY. Please call 716-771-4898 or e-mail: darby@dakinidances.com for information on classes and acupressure/chi kung therapy treatments. She will also soon be offering classes at Serene Gardens on Grand Island, NY.
www.dakinidances.com

Movement Heals…

Don’t forget, today from 4:30pm we will have our first workshop with Origami, traditional Japanese paper folding. We already have a good class size but please feel free to join in.

Yoga~ ‘Union’ of the Mind and Body
By Darby Ann Sheridan, Certified Yoga Teacher and Wellness Consultant.
Yoga, for the last 20 to 30 years, has been growing in popularity as a mind-body activity. However, there is still a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding about what yoga actually is. The word yoga-from the Sanskrit Language- means “to yoke” or “union”. This mind-body practice was believed to have begun about 5000 years ago in India. The “union” of the individual self with the Divine, Universal or Cosmic Consciousness is a goal of yoga; however, it is a wonderful, gentle way to simply become more connected with the body and mind. Physical poses or Asanas are combined to both strengthen and de-toxify the blood, body and spine. Mental exercises such as breathing and meditation are used in harmony with physical poses to create a calm and peaceful demeanor or mindset—yet another example of “union” of the physical with the mental in yoga. Traditionally, there are eight stages or paths that one follows from the physical realm to the mental/spiritual realm. These are: Yama or ‘restraint’; Niyama or ‘purity’; Asana or ‘postures’; Pranayama or ‘breathing excercises’; Pratyahara or ‘sensory withdrawal’; Dharana or ‘concentration’; Dhyana or ‘meditation’; and finally Samadhi or ‘bliss-trance’. However, it is important to note that yoga is not a religion, but rather a way of life in which a person becomes more gently focused on health and peace of mind.
There are several types of yoga: hatha, raja, karma, bhakti, jnana, and tantric yoga.
Hatha is the most popular branch of yoga in America. Other popular branches of yoga that formed out of Hatha yoga are: Ashtanga Vinyasa or power /flow yoga, Bikram or hot yoga, and Kundalini or chakra yoga.
What are the benefits of yoga? Many leading universities in both America and Europe
have begun to do more rigorous studies involving randomized controlled trials to explore
the efficacy of yoga on one’s physical, mental and emotional health. The results of many of
these studies suggest that yoga—along with relaxation and breathing techniques that go
along with this practice—reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. The studies also suggest
that yoga may improve immunity and reduce hypertension. Furthermore, yoga is beginning to be used as a treatment method for veterans experiencing post traumatic stress disorder at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. It is clear that yoga has many health benefits and much more research needs to be done regarding its remarkable value as a healing art.
The yoga that I have been trained in is a combination of Kundalini Yoga and Chi Kung (Qigong). It is called Dao Yin Lung Shen. Dao Yin translates as “cultivating the chi”, and Lung Shen translates as “dragon spirit”—which represents healing energy that sits at the base of the spine. It was created approximately 360 years ago on Mt. Hua Shan in China with the meeting of Chi Kung masters and Sikh Kundalini Yoga masters from India. This yoga stimulates the flow of vital energy called chi or prana. This yoga benefits all organs and systems—especially the endocrine system which is uniquely activated by placing pressure on acu-points and meridians that run up and down the body. This process de-toxifies and strengthens the body. Regular practice creates a general sense of well being and enlightened awareness. The unique blend of poses, breathing, and acupressure creates a more perceptive consciousness, and creates a deeper connection with the body. It is both gentle and restorative.
As one embarks on a yoga path, one begins to see that there is no separation between mind and body—they are inextricably linked—they are one in the same! As such, a regular, committed practice is highly recommended to achieve the results mentioned here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Darby Ann Sheridan is a certified yoga/chi kung teacher who has been teaching dance and movement for over 18 years. She is a certified Lin Zi Chi Therapy-Acupressure practitioner. She is also training as a Somatic Movement Therapist. Her yoga and movement classes are being taught in Clarence-Synergy Wellness Ctr & Bridges Wellness Ctr., East Aurora, West Seneca, and Williamsville.
She has a private practice in East Aurora, NY. Please call 716-771-4898 or e-mail: darby@dakinidances.com for information on classes and acupressure/chi kung therapy treatments. She will also soon be offering classes at Serene Gardens on Grand Island, NY.
www.dakinidances.com

Movement Heals…

UB Center for the Arts shakuhachi performance

The following day they performed a closing song following an interview on CH. 4`s “Winging It” with Dr. Takako Michii, Yabu sensei the Noh performer from Kanazawa, and Mark Lazzara. To view the interview and short performance of Josh’s original piece called Bright Moon, Click Here.

After the interview a performance was given at the Historical Museum of Buffalo. It was quite windy but the performance went well as they accompanied Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell in her tea ceremony and Dr. Mitchii’s flowers dedication.

The final performance at The University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts went very well. The Noh Performance was spectacular, with an accompanying piece with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Before intermission Kurofune performed 5 original pieces and a short Amazing Grace for an encore.

Kurofune appreciated the opportunity to share in this 50 year celebration of international friendship with Japan. Being the only international shakuhachi bamboo flute duo in the world, Josh Smith, originally from Buffalo but now living on Grand Island, and Izukawa Shido from Osaka, Japan are a symbolic unit of international creativeness who blur the lines of modernity and tradition.

To follow the regular events of the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City please check out their blog at: http://japanesegardenofbuffalo.blogspot.com/

and Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Park-Buffalo/239920836018569

We will be open from 8:30 am until 8 pm and will have a raffle every hour. Live music can be heard periodically throughout the day, and we will feature a few of the Serene Gardens staff members and Grand Island local artists.

The Serene Gardens Cafe will be serving a homemade Japanese style lunch menu, featuring fresh local produce and vegetarian dishes as well. The lunch service will be offered daily from 11am to 3pm.

The weather lately has been a little back-and-forth lately but we are aiming  to satisfy all of your gardening and lawn care needs.

We do specialize in Japanese gardening but also have your everyday gardening items and annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees etc.  You no longer have to settle with gas station/chain store mulch when we carry quality local mulch at good prices (Pennsylvania Gold organic, Midnight Black, Ginger Brown, Canadian Cedar etc.). All of our fertilizers are natural and/or organic without the inflated prices with filler added.

Why do we choose to use organic/natural products? First of all, they work! Many garden centers and chain stores unfortunately sell organic/natural products as ‘elite’ items. Serene Gardens sees the role of a local garden center as something similar to a restaurant. If you want fast food you go to large chains, if you want quality at reasonable prices with great customer service and an atmosphere, you go to an independent local place. (By the way, we also have a great cafe that practices what it preaches with its healthy, affordable and original menu of both Japanese style dishes and other cafe items)

We opened on April 11th so stop by and check out our beautiful annual spring flowers, gardening accessories and tools, unique gift items both hand made in Japan as well as natural local specialties, and the cafe which features quality coffees (from one of the top 10 best roaster in the US), delicious and fresh loose teas, Japanese dishes etc.

Serene Gardens is a family owned innovative and creative Garden Center and Café operated by young management.  We are looking for passionate, motivated, cheerful staff members who want to grow with us as a team.

• Currently all of the positions have been filled. If you would like us to keep you in mind for when a spot is available please leave your application/resume with us.

Positions:

Garden Center & Gift Shop

We offer seasonal employment to individuals who enjoy working outdoors with enthusiasm and a strong work ethic. We are always interested in people with knowledge in the fields of horticulture, landscaping, art or culture, although we are willing to train motivated people with dedicated, friendly personalities.

<Seasonal Cashiers>

• Reliable, energetic, and responsible person to work in a fun, indoor/outdoor environment.

• Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): identify prices of goods, understand the variety of gifts and gardening items we offer, use of cash register to process customer purchases (We use a Mac for the POS register, so Mac lovers are welcome!), accountable for accurate monetary transactions, process credit cards for sales, validate check purchases, bag/package purchases, greet customers & assist them as needed, maintain clean and orderly checkout/retail area, offer customers carry-out service at the completion of transactions, process merchandise returns and exchanges, stock shelves, and mark prices on shelves and items.

• Flexible hours and schedule available.

<Garden Center “Movers & Shakers”>

• Extremely energetic, neat, and highly motivated person to work in a fun, indoor/outdoor environment.

• Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): greet customers & assist them as needed, identify prices of goods, stock shelves, mark prices on shelves and items, unload deliveries, carry-out service to customer’s vehicle, keep displays neat and orderly, water plant stock, and maintain plant stock. An interest in organic and natural products is a plus.

• Flexible hours and schedule available.

Café

We offer gourmet coffee and tea, delicious bakery items, and an authentic Japanese lunch menu.

<Café Staff>

• Responsibilities will include (but are not limited to): making drinks, teas, and smoothies, use of cash register to process customer purchases (We use a Mac for the POS register, so Mac lovers are welcome!), delivering food to customers, understanding product brands and characteristics. Experience in a café is a plus, but we are open to training.

<Chef>

Serene Gardens is a fusion of tradition and modernity with an upbeat vibe. We are looking for an energetic and cheerful person who can reflect this concept in their dishes.

• The Chef’s main responsibilities are to prepare Japanese Cuisine and other menu items.  We are looking for a person who is willing to learn existing Serene Gardens recipes, but experimentation and creating your own new dishes is also encouraged.  Must enforce Health Department regulations regarding food handling, storage, and cleanliness of the work environment.  Experience in food handling and preparation is required, and knowledge in Asian cooking and sushi is a plus.
• The café will not offer dinner in the beginning so morning prep and a lunch menu will be the primary timeline of the job.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
If you are interested in any of our positions please fill out our Application.

You can drop it off at:
2800 Grand Island Blvd.
Grand Island, NY
14072

or Email it to:
info@serene-gardens.com
If you have any questions please call us at 716.404.2556

Gone is the old pizza shop look and little by little a sleek and serene image is coming through.

We’re getting there!