First of all, we are going to look at how we can ease into the use of the knee joints using props, and from there find the physical edge where we can best work without being limited by our thoughts on the subject. We will then explore how to safely and effectively engage the gamut of poses incorporating the flexion and extension of the knee joint. You are encouraged to ask plenty of questions regarding your particular knee issues.

Samskara, our philosophical focus, refers to habitual patterns of behavior (physical and mental). One view holds that the samskaras are ingrained predispositions -- karmic imprints created before this birth (a point of debate we may pursue in the months to come). But looking at more mundane examples, we can certainly all see how what filled up our yesterday has a part in creating today. If we ate sugar yesterday, the chances are greater our body and mind will want it today. Similarly just coming to class one day helps to create the habit to come back the next. Imagine if low self- esteem was just a bad habit, not a life sentence. Couldn't that mean we could, with practice, turn the ship around and change course?

We will explore our own personal menu of samskaras during our practice together this month. We will seek to shed light on our habitual mental and physical tendencies, confining this question for the moment to the container of the yoga practice will help ground this subject.

You will be given tools to help you see more clearly these patterns. As an example, here's a tool to try right now: create an intention (sankalpa) for the rest of the day (set the bar high so you have something to aspire towards) and just notice how your mental habits bump up against your stated intention. (Resistance, angling, or annoyance might be some examples).

"No effort on the yoga path is ever lost,
nor can any obstacle ever hold one back
forever. Just a little progress on this path
can protect one from the greatest fear."
-The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 40


Special Classes and Events

BACK ON THE SCHEDULE
DEEP REST
Sunday October 12th 7:45 pm
Restorative Yoga, aka Deep Relaxation, focuses on how the yin (receptive) qualities of the poses can be tapped to induce deeper states of rest and relaxation. This class has one sole aim: deep mindful rest. You will be exposed to a combination of restorative yoga poses and be guided to hold these poses for an extended period of time (using props to provide physical support). Breath observation and guided meditation exercises are also included. Taken as a whole, these techniques are used to usher your mind, body, and spirit into a state of deep internal awareness where we may let go of our hardened and habitual daily reactions in the body (samskaras). This is a great class is you wish to reduce stress in your daily life.

NOTE ON SCHEDULE: This class will be offered every other week starting on the 12th next class will 10/26, 11/9, 11/23 ...

FREE Introduction to YOGA CLASSES
Monday October 13 (Columbus Day) from 4:45 - 5:50 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 email us or ask at the front desk.

Beginners Only
6- Week Beginner Series
Sunday October 19 - November 23
From 2 - 3:15 pm
This class is tailored for the newcomer to yoga. You will be eased into the practice by the skillful attention of your teacher. You will learn basic body awareness exercises, basic asanas (yoga poses) that stretch, lengthen and strengthen your body and a handful of techniques to help reduce stress in your daily life. At the end of your six classes you will be ready to join any of our basic level classes
$85 for the series
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please contact 718-788-8788 or email.
Sign Up Now!!

Jaya Yoga Book Club Next Reading & Meeting
Sunday October 19 , 2 pm
in Prospect Park
We are reading The Call of Stories: Teaching and the Moral Imagination by Robert Coles. Apparently it is a bit difficult to find on the bookstore shelves: you will probably have to order it through your local bookstore or online. Maybe we can recycle by lending to each other. Note: we will meet at studio will walk over together.

Weekly Short Chants with Nina Rao
Every Tuesday at 11:10 am
Please join Nina and her harmonium for 1/2 hour of chanting after the 9:30 am open level class. We are thrilled to have Nina back!!! This 1/2 hour chanting session is a weekly offering, beginning on the 9th. Please bring yourself, your family, your friends. BY DONATION

Looking Forward to November
Next Round of Kids Classes
Bija Yoga's Down Dog for Kids
Starts Monday November 17th - January 19th
3:30 - 4:15 pm & 4:30 - 5:15 pm
for ages 4-7 yrs
8-week series
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, storytime 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.
$120 for the series
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please contact 718-788-8788 or email.

Also offering
Little Lotuses
Starts Monday November 17th - January 19th
11:45 - 12:30 pm
8-week series
for ages crawling - 3 yrs
with Lauren Maples
8-week series
This class is our "mommy" and me yoga class. Children from crawling to 3 years can practice yoga along with their parent or guardian, limited to 9 children.
$120 for the series
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please contact 718-788-8788 or email.

PLEASE NOTE: both kids classes skip December 22 & 29. Also note class size limited to 9 children.