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April 2008
| Focus of the Month for April Ardha Chandrasana variations / the Yoga Sutras on Posture You may know this asana by its English translation, Half Moon pose. In Light on Yoga, Iyengar says, "It tones the lower region of the spine and the nerves connected with the leg muscles [if you suffer from sciatica, this could be the pose for you] and it strengthens the knees." Interestingly, you will not find the variations of this pose in Light on Yoga (and you thought it had everything). We will also practice the revolved and bound variations. The teachers agreed we would start with the basic variation and, throughout the month, add the more challenging ones. You can look forward to sequential progression over the next four weeks. For our philosophical focus of the month, dust off your copy of the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, and take a good look at Chapter 2, sutras 46 – 48. Here you will find how Patanjali believes we should be experiencing the asanas and the results of practice of the postures. Deisakchar translates II:46 as: "Asana must have the dual qualities of alterness and relaxation." Don't Forget! Sharon Salzberg teaching on Lovingkindness (metta) Thursday, April 2, 8 - 10 PM Please NOTE: The 6:15 open level class on Thursday will get out at 7:30 instead of 7:40 so we can prepare for the Lovingkindess event. For this evening the 6:15 class will cost only $10. New Classes Added You asked for them and here they are! Friday Open Level 7 - 8:15 am with Stacey Sperling Stacey's bio. (begins Friday, April 3) Monday Intermediate Level 12:30 - 1:55 pm with Ruthie Streiter Ruthie's bio. (begins Monday, April 6) Come and try these new classes to our permanent schedule for just $10 for the month of April. Thai Yoga Massage Workshop with Elise Constantine Saturday, April 25, 5:45 – 8:45 pm Thai Massage is an ancient healing art that combines acupressure with assisted yoga stretches. This form of "lazy person's 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 positions on a cushioned floor mat. $45 or $85 for two pre-registration required email Next Series of Kids Classes Little Lotuses Monday, April 27 - June 8, 11:30 - 12:15 pm with Lauren Maples (crawling - 3 yrs) This class is our "mommy and me" yoga class. Children from crawling to 3 years can practice yoga along with their parent or guardian. $90 for the series or $17 to drop in Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please contact 718-788-8788 or email. (please note that both kids' classes skip Memorial Day) Down Dog for Kids Wednesday, April 29 - June 8, 3:30 - 4:15 pm with Lauren Maples From 3:30 - 4:15 pm for ages 4- 7 yrs. 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. $90 for the series or $17 to drop in Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, please contact 718-788-8788 or email. DEEP REST Class Every Other Sunday, 7:45 - 9:00 pm April 5, April 19, May 3, and May 17 Restorative Yoga, also called Deep Relaxation, focuses on how the yin (receptive) qualities of the poses can be tapped into 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. Explore breath observation and guided meditation exercises. 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 if you wish to reduce stress in your daily life. Please take advantage of this class before the end of may. "The deep rest that comes when you lay down your burden." P. Doobinin 6- Week Beginner Series through Sunday, May 3, 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 or $17 to drop in. Next Beginner Series starts May 31 at 2 pm. Sign up now email. For Men Only 4-Week Beginner Series with Michael Gates Sunday, May 31 - June 21, 7:45 - 9:15 pm The primary content of the course will be fundamental alignments for a basic set of asana, with a focus on physiological patterns common among men. Students will also be introduced to techniques for meditation and pranayama and the health benefits of a regular practice. At the end of the course, students will be ready to join any of our basic level classes. $60 for the series - preregistration required. Sign up now email. Great gift for Father's Day (June 21). Other Offerings BOOK CLUB REPORT Our next book is In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan. Pick it up and start reading. Meeting time to be determined. Free MELT Foot Treatment Sessions Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10 5:15 – 5:45 pm MELT Instructor Sara Bethell will demonstrate a few simple self-treatment techniques that can make a big difference in your yoga practice. The MELT Foot Treatment relieves common foot pain and problems (like plantar fasciitis), helps alleviate tension in the low back and spine, improves balance and flexibility, and feels great! Come for a FREE introductory class! MELT Hand and Foot Classes Fridays, 5 - 5:45 pm, April 24, May 1, May 8 Learn easy self-treatment techniques you can use to improve balance and flexibility and ease pain and discomfort throughout the body. Stay for an evening yoga class and discover the difference! Drop in $10 Coming Soon Yoga Classes for Breast Cancer Surviviors Go See This Movie Enlighten UP This is a funny, thought-provoking movie about a guy and filmmaker who are looking for the meaning of the yogic experience. If you look real hard, you might see the director of Jaya. In fact, if you spot her, let us know and you will get a free yoga class. Showing at ICF in Manhattan www.enlightenupthefilm.com Schedule Changes for Holidays Wednesday, April 8, 7:45 pm class cancelled for Passover Sunday, April 12, 6 pm class cancelled for Easter IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: As of February 1, unfortunately but not unexpectedly, our expenses have gone up. As a result, we will be increasing some of the class card prices. April 30 will be the last day to purchase class cards at the current price. Feel free to buy as many class cards at the current price as you like. As of May 1, prices will be: $10 (first class) $15 (single) $125 (10 classes in 6 weeks) $145 (10 classes in 12 weeks) $235 (20 classes in 12 weeks) $160 (30-day unlimited) $385 (3-month unlimited) $685 (6-month unlimited) You can freeze a class card for injury (not vacation). Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor -Jaya News Department |
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