YOGA 101-an Introduction

Sun, Aug 10, 1:00-3:00pm or Sat, Aug 23, 1:00-3:00pm

By popular demand we've added two 1-day-only introductory classes in August!

These two-hour classes will provide an overview of yoga basics, including principles of safe alignment and a full range of poses.  You’ll stretch and strengthen your body, learn techniques of relaxed breathing and tension
release, and build a more mindful connection to yourself and your body. 
You’ll also learn what to expect in a yoga class, and how to honor your individual body in the practice. 
Following this introduction, you will be able to enter our ongoing Level 1 or 1-2 classes with confidence.
 

$25 pre register/$30 at the door

ANATOMY WITH ASANA with Irene Alexander
Head and Neck ~ Sat, Sep 6th, 1:00-3:30pm

Our neck often finds itself unfortunately caught in the separation of mind and body, having to support the weight and cares of the head, and not allowed the free movement of the body.  The results can include a stiff, sore neck, aching shoulders, a clenched jaw, headaches, shallow breath and a fixed perspective.  Yoga invites us to reunite mind and body, and this workshop will focus specifically on finding strength, grace and comfort in the head and neck, both in movement and static alignment.  We’ll look at alignment in basic standing, walking and sitting, as well as in yoga postures that turn the body sideways or upside-down.  We’ll explore fluid movements as well as weight-bearing on the head. You will leave with your head floating above the clouds, and a repertoire of exercises and images to keep it that way.
 
In this workshop, scientific information will be blended with imagery and felt experience in the body.  We’ll be active and playful, seeking to integrate body and mind for ease and harmony.  Come prepared to move, stretch, strengthen, and be amazed by your body!
 
Anyone is welcome—no particular background or experience is required. 
$35 pre register/$40 at the door
 

THE ART & TECHNIQUE OF BACKBENDS with Kitty Wittkower
Sun, Sep 20th, 1:00-3:30pm

Not only do the release the chest and shoulders and strengthen the back, but they are also energizing, mood-elevating and  confidence-boosting. Because they lift us up and out of our slumps, backbends can be euphoric and transforming—but perhaps also emotionally releasing. 

This workshop will provide expert instruction beginning with opening your shoulders, chest and hips, and then finding the strength and alignment to enter backbends with ease. In this way, these beautiful poses become a vehicle of power and surrender. You will also have the opportunity to explore deeper bends and variations with and without props, as needed. 
 
The practice is not only physical. Balancing focus and effort with a willingness to let go, the poses turn drive (Tapas) into bliss (Samadhi), transforming not only our bodies but also our  attitudes.

We will begin with smaller backbends such as Cobra (Bujangasana), and progress to deeper poses:
Urdvra Danurasana, Natarajasana, Eka Pada Raja Kaposana,
Vrschikasana, Chakra Bandasana, Ekapada Viparita Dandasana II. 
Why not devote an afternoon to deepening your practice and opening your heart?
This workshop is appropriate for students at levels II-IV (prior yoga experience, please). 

$35 pre register/$40 at the door

Comfortable and safe Inversions are a result of knowing and practicing the techniques that create a firm and solid foundation.
Inversions nourish the glandular system and brain by reversing the blood flow, changing the relationship to gravity and revitalizing the body. They are fun, healthy—physically challenging and emotionally uplifting.

In this workshop, we will develop a solid foundation for the practice of inversions, as well as explore a few variations. Turning upside-down gives us the opportunity to refresh and re-examine our perspective.

The ancient yogic philosophers noted that we humans can be very attached to our point of view, even when it repeatedly brings pain or sorrow.  They recommend a practice of self-study, or Svadhyaya, in order to keep our minds open and questioning. Even the awareness of the body’s position in an asana posture is a form of self-study. Practicing inversions is yet another way to observe and release attachments and enjoy new ways of seeing the world, new ways of living in our bodies.

$35 pre register/$40 at the door