Build Your Own Home Practice

w/ Melissa Cooley                                         1:30pm-3:30pm

Developing our own practice can seem daunting at first, but with a little guidance and outline of a preliminary practice, this essential step into a fruitful garden of bounty can be planted and nurtured.

The Introduction into the Ashtanga Primary Series is a wonderful template. The primary series is a set series of asanas (postures), that can be approached with confidence into a beautiful home practice opportunity, for anyone from beginners to advanced practitioners.

About Ashtanga: The Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series is a template sequencing of Asanas (postures) as taught by Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois. The sequencing of postures revolves around the ujjaya pranayama (breath form) which facilitates heat in the body to purify toxins and increase life force. The practice is both challenging and produces a deeply meditative state. A great series that can lead you into a variety of flow styles, self practice, and pranic movement.

Intention: This workshop trains the beginning or seasoned student to deepen their practice. We will cover basic technique as well as posture modification and alignment. We will open doorways into the "vinyasa" movement/breathing style, while still making sure to bring along our sense of joy and lightness of being.

Requirements: Participants must have a basic level of fitness and be able to approach sun salutations, standing sequences and open to the possibility of inversions.

All levels are welcome.

Cost: $25 early bird 11/19, or $30 at the door

Surviving the Season

w/ Natalie Stawsky                                      1:30pm-3:30pm

How do we relax during the busiest time of year?  During this season, nature is calling us to replenish and rest.  The natural inclination to slow down is in disharmony with the pressure to spend and socialize.  The demands of the season cause us to feel stressed, tired and overwhelmed.

Fortunately, this yoga workshop offers a remedy! 

In this workshop we will:

• Breathe the holiday stress out
• Create opportunity to get out of our head and find refuge in the body and breath
• Consciously cultivate an intention to take care of ourselves and our holiday obligations in a more centered way

All levels welcome.  Yoga poses shall promote a calm nervous system and will take the participant on a journey that finds peace of mind and heart that will last the season through.  Give from your heart, your full and undivided attention ~ you deserve it. 

Cost: $25 early bird 12/3, or $30 at the door

Celebrate the Season - Candlelight Seva Flow

w/ Beth Sparks                                                             6pm-8:30pm

a donation-based class for the good of our community

to benefit the Seva Foundation - www.seva.org       

This Winter Solstice, embrace the receptive quality of the season as we celebrate the passage from darkness to light with this deep, inwardly-focused Candlelight Flow.

Take time to reflect on the past year through the meditative qualities of movement within Chandra (Lunar) Namaskar, while exploring the beautiful practice of Seva.  100% of donations will go to charity (TBA).

Seva (pronounced 'say-va') is a Sanskrit word for service.  Seva is a spiritual practice of selfless service through which we make a difference in the world from a place of balance connection and fierce love.

"The fruit of love is service.  Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service."  ~  Mother Teresa

Suggested donation: $1-$20, whatever you can give!

Learn to Breathe, to Heal Yourself and Your Relationships

w/ Max Strom                                                   3pm-5pm

Renowned for his affective and unique breath seminars, Max will lead you step-by-step through how to begin yoga breathing and more importantly, why conscious breathing is so important.  How does the way we breathe affect our stress level, quality of sleep, depression, and even our relationships?  Breath penetrates, breath invigorates, and breath heals.

In this special workshop we will integrate breathing exercises, and gentle movement.  The effect of these done in sequence can lead to profound release and calm.  Other benefits may include increased energy and mental clarity. 

Once people have experienced the power of their own breath, they understand why it is called, Life force.

Class includes lecture.  Appropriate for all levels.

• Do not eat at least two hours before practice and eat lightly.
• Dress in loose fitting clothing
• Arrive a few minutes early.
• Leave your cell-phone in your car.
• Before class, inform Max of any injury or special condition.
• Workshop is not advisable if pregnant.

Cost: $35