There are many different techniques of meditation but essentially their aims at the outset are the same; Meditation is prolonged concentration.

The second part of our focus deals with the body in meditation. As you know it can be particularly uncomfortable sitting for a prolonged period of time; therefore we will work on the marichyasana series (look to Light on Yoga plates 143-147 and 301-306) These are deep hip and shoulder openers, forward bends and twists. This will be lot to cover, and for those of us with extra tight hips we will explore many helpful modifications.

6 Week Beginner Series
with Carla Stangenberg
Sunday March 2 - April 14 from 2 - 3:15 pm
This class is tailored for the new comer to yoga. You will be eased into the practice by the skillful attention of your teacher. You learn basic body awareness exercises, basic asanas that stretch lengthen and strengthen your body and a handful of technique to help reduce stress in your daily life. At the end for you six classes you will be ready to join any of our basic level classes.
$85 for the course or $15 to drop in.

NOTE: this series skips Easter Sunday. Pre-registration and pre-payment required: namaste@jayayogacenter.com

Thai Massage Intro Workshop
with Elise Constantine, LMT
Saturday March 8 from 5:45 - 8:45pm
Thai Massage is an ancient healing art that combines acupressure with assisted yoga stretches. This form of "lazy persons yoga" benefits all types of people as it stretches the body, calms the mind and expands the spirit. Working with partners, we will learn a routine of easy-to learn Thai Massage stretches that we can share with loved ones.

Thai Massage is performed on a cushioned floor mat. There is no use of oil and the recipient remains fully clothed throughout the session. This workshop will be hands on—and feet, too! No prior massage experience is necessary to enjoy this class. However, in order to be able to give Thai Massage with ease, participants should be comfortable in sitting and kneeling

$45 or sign up with a friend for $80 - ONLY 4 SPACES LEFT
Contact the front desk or namaste@jayayogacenter.com pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Down Dog for Kids!!
with Lauren Maples
March 17 – April 14 from 3:30 – 4:15 pm
5-week series for 4-8 year olds
Down Dog for Kids classes introduce children to the practice of yoga. Yoga poses and principles are explored in a variety of fun ways. Nature, basic anatomy and imagination are all key aspects of the class. Children are encouraged to  explore the way their bodies move through creative projects,  collaboration,  story time and songs. Chanting, breathing exercises and simple meditation practices relax and calm the mind. Each classes finishes with relaxation - something the little yogis come to look forward to! No prior yoga experience required.
$75 for the series.
Space is limited sign up early. Pre-registration and pre-payment required
Please email namaste@jayayogacenter.com.

More about Lauren:
As a lifelong dancer, Lauren was introduced to yoga in 1997. After leaving the professional dance world in 1999, Lauren began to study yoga with a new sense of focus. In 2003 she became a Registered Yoga Teacher through Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. In 2005 she completed a continuing education for teacher’s course with Cyndi Lee and was certified to teach kids through Karma Kids Yoga. Lauren’s yoga classes are lively and upbeat, focusing on freedom through a deeper understanding of each pose. In 2004 Lauren opened “Bija” a children’s movement arts studio specializing in dance, tumbling and yoga classes for kids age 9mths+. She currently teaches children’s and family yoga classes at Bija and throughout Brooklyn that focus on understanding the physical body, calming the mind and cultivating a joy and appreciation for the beauty of life and the natural world. Lauren holds a Bachelor of the Arts from New School University and she is American Red Cross CPR and First Aid certified.

Morning Meditation Program
Facilitated by Carla Stangenberg
March 17 – March 21
Monday 8:00 am – 8:30 am mediation
Tuesday 8:15 am – 9:15 am Lessons from Retreat Listening Series
Wednesday 8:30 – 9:15 am meditation
Thursday 8:30 – 9:15 am meditation
Friday 8:00 am – 8:30 am meditation
Please join us for special Program. If you need to jumps tart your mediation practice do it now!! If you have special concerns please email the studio. Note the start times as they are slightly different each day. Please be on time we will start promptly and the door will be locked.
FREE FREE FREE to all who attend.

All Levels Benefit Class
taught by Carla Stangenberg
Saturday March 29^th from 2-3:30 pm
To help us celebrate Women’s History Month, please join us for a yoga class to benefit. The New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA). Practicing with you will be Carly Sachs, a local Jaya yogi and published poet, whose anthology, the why and later, an anthology of poems about rape and sexual assault was recently released by Deep Cleveland press.
The book will also be for sale for the month of March, along with hip t-shirts and proceeds these items will also be donated to NYSCASA. None of the profit of these items or the class goes to Jaya Yoga Center. 
Suggested donation $15
If you cannot attend the class but would like to make a donation you can do so at the front desk.
RSVP namaste@jayayogacenter.com

Every Thursday Night
Beginners Night at Jaya
with Judy Atrubin
7:45 pm Beginner / Basic Level Class
Please bring yourself and your curiosity about the practice of yoga. In this class you will experience basic level asana (poses) to get you moving, breath awareness exercise to help you deepen your lung capacity and meditation to help you intentionally let go of stresses from your daily activities. You will be surrounded by like minded souls.
$15 to drop in or use your class card. Pre-registration not required.

Suggested Reading for March
The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker's Guide to Extraordinary Living
by Stephen Cope
Many of you often ask your teachers for book suggestions, here is a great one. This will mark the beginning of a very informal book club (this is actually our second attempt to get this going). So, pick this book up at your favorite bookstore. Read it. We will have tea and cookies on Saturday March 29th at 5:45 pm to discuss the gems of wisdom in it. Everyone is welcome!!

LOOKING FORWARD TO APRIL
Head Shoulders Knees and Toes INTERMEDIATE Series
Asana Extravaganza: Back Bending
with Sarah Lewis and Carla Stangenberg
Saturday April 5 from 5:45 - 8:45 pm
We will work on deep healthy back bends - we are taking requests.
$40 for the workshop (sign up before March 20th $40)
pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com

Free Introduction to Yoga Class
Thursday April 24 from 5:00 - 6:10 pm
Please bring yourself and a friend to Jaya Yoga for a free introduction to asana practice, meditation, and a little philosophy. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions contact namaste@jayayogacenter.com

BASIC LEVEL Back Bending Workshop
with Sarah Lewis and Carla Stangenberg
Sunday April 27 from 2 - 4 pm
Learn basic level back bends smart healthy ways in and out of them. We will work on camel (ustrasana), bow (danurasana), and cobra (bugangasana), maybe even one or two more. We are really going to focus on listening to the body so we know when enough is enough.
$30
pre-registration required contact: namaste@jayayogacenter.com


Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor
-Jaya News Department