Introduction to
Meditation
“Through meditation we can safely enter the
quiet and inward places of the mind and heart.” (Sandra Anderson
and Rolf Solvik) The practice of
meditation offers a path to deepen the journey towards self-awareness. It offers a means to create a calm and focused mind that is less easily disturbed by the turbulance of daily life. Students will
learn the skills for beginning a meditation practice. We will explore sitting postures,
relaxation techniques, breath awareness, concentration and mindfulness. All levels welcome.
Yoga
For Athletes (Yoga for Stiff Guys)
Tight
hips, hamstrings, shoulders, lower back pain? These are common among runners and other athletes. Yoga can provide a counterbalance
for the stress caused by the repetitive motion of various athletic activities. It incorporates the use of ALL the
body’s muscles. Not only will it provide a nice full body stretch, it will reduce lactose that
builds in muscles. Come explore how yoga can enhance your workouts. It is helpful but not necessary for students to have some
previous Yoga experience.
Yoga, Breath and Stress Management
Take time to breathe! In
this workshop we will look at our response to stress and how stress manifests itself in the body. The practice
of Yoga encourages us to breathe, grounds us in the present moment and helps us to become aware of and
relieve habitual patterns of tension in the body. We will explore ways to use yoga to manage stress
and undo its negative effects on our minds and bodies. Open to all levels.
Yoga and Brush: An Expressive Workshop
Join us for a unique opportunity to explore the interaction of movement, breath and brush.
The presentation will create a union of asana and art, providing a unique exploration of how the physical practice of yoga
might inspire us visually. We will combine expression in a visual format throughout a moderately paced asana practice.
No artistic experience is necessary...just a desire/openness to exploration in a safe and
loving environment.
The medium for the artwork will be watercolor,
bamboo brush, and paper and, of course, a sticky mat for the asana practice. All art supplies will be provided.
Yoga & Low Back Health
This workshop will focus on postures that strengthen and release tension
in the low back, hips and sacrum. The workshop is designed to help develop awareness of protecting your low back in daily
life, and in your yoga practice. Students should have completed a Level 1 class. Space is limited, so please register in advance.
Yoga Rhythms
A variety of music,
from aboriginal to blues to Celtic, will help us to move out of the predictable and into a sense of adventure in this workshop
for those who have previous yoga experience. Give yourself permission to play! Students will be encouraged to work within
their own level and comfort.
Yoga For Wise
Women
This class focuses on the particular needs,
challenges and blessings that women experience as they travel through
their middle years. The practice of Yoga offers women an invaluable tool in managing
the many changes in the body and the stressors of balancing multiple
roles. In addition, as students deepen their Yoga practice, they may find
a sense of ease that contributes to an overall experience of well
being. Students should have completed the Foundations level class.
Building Your Home Practice
Bringing the joys of yoga into your everyday life!
Have you wondered about starting a yoga practice at home or improving your existing home
practice? This
workshop will address the many questions you might have about setting up or modifying your home practice such as: How often
should I practice at home? How long should my practice last? How can I modify my practice to make it more challenging
and novel? What asanas should I do? It
can help you identify obstacles and address any reservations about starting or continuing a yoga practice at home. Please bring your questions and experiences to the
workshop so that we can focus on your specific needs. The workshop is set up with a 2 week interval between
classes so that students have an opportunity to work on their practice and return with questions that arise.
Office Yoga: Yoga you can do in your chair or at your desk.
Learn how to:
Ease
the stiffness and tension in your neck, shoulders, and back after long hours at your computer.
Stretch out the kinks after sitting
for long periods of time. Revitalize yourself during that
afternoon slump. Calm yourself while working toward
tight deadlines.
Partner Yoga
Whether
you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi or yogini, you will enjoy and benefit from this workshop. We will breathe, stretch,
and explore the yoga postures from a new perspective. So, bring your partner, parent, sibling, child (age 13 or older), friend,
or other loved one – and prepare yourself for a transformative, supportive, and relaxing yoga experience.
Restorative
Yoga
This workshop will
teach you how to incorporate "Restorative Yoga" into your regular practice or whenever you feel overwhelmed by a busy schedule,
a stressful period at work or the pressures of life. This
sequencing of gentle backbends, supported forward bends and modified inversions will help calm your nerves and recharge your
energy level. Restorative poses go beyond the physical. Concious breathing and mindful movement can deepen
your level of relaxation. You will feel your body let go of stress and clear your mind of its constant chatter. Practice
a sequence of poses or just one or two at a time to heighten your sense of who you are and what your mind and body really
need. Get the most out of relaxation and bring back the balance and energy you need to get on with your
life.