A Red Lotus

The Exercise Studio Fitness and Yoga Center Open House

2008-09-06T00:54:00.002-04:00

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Exercise Studio Fitness & Yoga Center is having an Open House. Classes are free for new students! Please register at least 3 days before event

The Exercise Studio Fitness & Yoga Center Open House
in Brooklyn, 2073 86th Street
Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Saturday ...

11:30 a.m.
New! Plus Size Fitness
Beginner Yoga

12:30 p.m.
Stretch & Tone
New! Kids & Teens Yoga

1:30 p.m.
New! Kids & Teens Fitness
Vinyasa Yoga

2:30p.m.
Total Body Workout
Beginner Iron Yoga

Sunday ...

11:30 a.m.
Beginner Tai Chi
Beginner Yoga

12:30 p.m.
Total Body Workout
Iyengar Yoga

1:30 p.m.
Belly Dance (Beginner)
New! Plus Size Yoga

2:30 p.m.
Meditation & Reiki Healing Circle

This studio also is planning to start regularly scheduled Plus Size Yoga classes! If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact the studio.

Ayurveda Workshops

2008-09-05T00:49:00.000-04:00

This is a two-part workshop but it is possible to register for the separate parts.
Ayurveda: An Ancient Prescription For Healthy Living and Balancing Vata: Understanding Air Imbalance In The Body
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Thursdays, September 18 and 25, respectively
at Tibet House
with Scott Gerson, M.D., Ph.D.

Here's the description ... "Emphasizing roga nidaan (signs and symptoms) of Vata vikriti (Vata imbalance), Dr. Gerson will engage participants as both the patient and the doctor to interactively understand the symptoms and conditions caused by imbalances of Vata, including various digestive problems, anxiety and mental states, nervous conditions, hormonal changes, skin conditions, auto-immune diseases and metabolic effects, and what we can do to rebalance our system as we enter Vata season (Fall and Winter). Books, Ayurvedic massage oils, aroma oils, Ayurvedic teas, and select herbs will be available."

Native American Sound Healing

2008-09-04T00:05:00.001-04:00

Native American Sound Healing
Saturday, November 1, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, November, 2, 9:30 - 5:00 p.m.
at New York Open Center
with R. Carlos Nakai

Here's the description ... "Although we have come to understand the effectiveness of many Eastern healing modalities, we have only recently begun to recognize that some of the most important systems of traditional healing have emerged from Native American cultures, including a powerful form of Sound Healing. This weekend, R. Carlos Nakai, one of the world’s leading authorities and performers on the Native American flute, and one of the premier teachers of Native American Sound Healing, will focus on Amerindian sacred, secular and social music and its impact on the healing process. Using discussion, participatory exercises, deep listening, song, movement, ritual and commentary, we will explore highly effective sound self-healing methods as well as techniques we can use with patients or clients to support their healing process."

The Healing Power of the Human Voice

2008-09-03T00:17:00.000-04:00

The Healing Power of the Human Voice
Friday, November 21, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
at New York Open Center
with James D'Angelo

Here's the description ... "Sound healing expert James D’Angelo will introduce us to the ancient practice of using the human voice to promote health and self-development. He will delve into the healing attributes of the whole range of human vocal expressions, from vowels and consonants to mantras, both traditional and self-created, and natural sounds such as laughter, and demonstrate the power of group voicework. In the process, there is a purification of the chakra energy centers. We will leave this evening having learned practical and powerful vocalizing techniques that will promote inner harmony and sound health."

Yoga Health Festival Benefit Concert with David Newman and band

2008-09-02T12:26:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I blogged about Yoga Month. NYC's Yoga Health Festival is Sunday, September 7 and some of the workshops and free lectures are included in the workshop and event listings. Proceeds from all Yoga Month events benefit Youth Health Alliance. NYC's festival will end with a benefit concert.

Yoga Health Festival Benefit Concert with David Newman and band
Sunday, September 7
8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Their description ... "Join us for an inspired evening of ecstatic devotional music with Sacred Songwriter and Kirtan Chant Artist David Newman, aka Durga Das. David’s music is an eclectic and inspiring blend of Spiritual Song and Ancient Indian Mantra Chanting. Whether expressing the warmth of hypnotic reflection, blissfully calling forth the Divine Names, or soaring into the mystic – David’s music both soothes and grooves with every note. David will be joined by vocalist and percussionist MIRA, guitarist Rama Bala and bassist Moto Fukushima."

Lotus.Mgx Lamp Series By Janne Kyttanen For Materialise

2008-09-01T00:31:00.000-04:00

Here's some practical red lotus-inspired art, even if it's not at all in my budget. (It also comes in some other colors.)

Lotus.Mgx Lamp Series By Janne Kyttanen For Materialise

Here's the description ... "Combining art and technology and drawing on the forms of nature, materialise has produced these exceptional floor and table lamps. each lamp resembles a simple and elegant lotus blossom; belying the complex mathematics and high-tech rendering techniques that are used to create these stunning pieces. These lamps were created through the use of rapid prototyping technology, which is a 3D material printing process allowing for an unlimited freedom of design far beyond the capacity of traditional manufacturing processes. *.mgx is the file extension for materialise's proprietary software. Each product produced by materialise is rendered from a unique *.mgx file which accompanies your product on a cd rom. you can reproduce your product by sending the product's *.mgx file to materialise."

The Breathing Project Open House

2008-08-31T00:11:00.000-04:00

Annual Open House
at The Breathing Project
Wednesday, September 24, 12:30 - 9:1 5 p.m.

This will be a day of free classes and mini-workshops for yoga teachers, future yoga teachers, and students (first-come, first-served).

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Lunchtime Yoga Flow with Melissa Elstein
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Yoga Anatomy Talk with Leslie Kaminoff
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. ABC's clinic with Leslie Kaminoff
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Embodied Anatomy with Amy Matthews
5:45 - 6:15 p.m. MELT Foot Class with Edya Kalev
6:30 - 7:45 p.m. Vajra Yoga with Jill Satterfield
8:00 - 9:15 p.m. Embodied Yoga with Judy Feldman

Note that, as always, people with specific needs should read class descriptions and contact instructors to verify that they can be accommodated.

Red Lotus Art by Paul Heussenstamm

2008-08-30T00:06:00.008-04:00

Red Lotus

If you are not familiar with the incredible, amazing art of Paul Heussenstamm, his Mandalas.com web site definitely is worth a visit. His story is inspirational as well. He has created some works that focus on a red lotus, works that have goddesses with red lotuses, mandalas with red lotus overtones, and more. Several sizes of prints, as well as original work, are available at the site.

Music Rx: Journey of Exploration and Explanation

2008-08-29T00:51:00.000-04:00

Music Rx: Journey of Exploration and Explanation
Saturday, October 4, 9:30 -5:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 5, 9:30 - 5:00 p.m.
at New York Open Center
with Arthur Harvey

Participants will learn about and experience diverse approaches to the therapeutic use of music and sound, and discuss how they affect us physiologically and psychologically. Through lecture, discussion, audio resources and experiential exercises, participants will gain an understanding of the various uses of sound and music therapy in healthcare, elucidating what distinguishes sound therapy from music therapy and music for health from music medicine. This is an experiential workshop in which students participate in adaptive and traditional music making with instrumental and vocal processes. Special emphasis will be devoted to Stress Management approaches with music and the use of music and sound to accelerate learning.

Birth Lotus by Waltzing Dog Quilting Arts

2008-08-28T00:14:00.001-04:00

This red lotus-centered Birth Lotus is a photograph of part of a quilted pillow created by Wendy at Waltzing Dog Quilting Arts. She created the pillow while pregnant, "This image was powerful for me, and created a focus for my birth experience." The image is available from the artist as a stunning greeting card, as an 8x10 print, as other prints at imagekind, and on items at her cafepress shop.

The Healing Approach of Yoga

2008-08-27T00:41:00.000-04:00

This one is quite far out of town.

The Healing Approach of Yoga: Frameworks on Applying Asana and Pranayama in the Therapeutic Context
at Agama Yoga Centre, Melbourne
October 22 - 31
with Kausthub Desikachar

Through this intensive seminar participants will learn the fundamentals frameworks on adapting and evolving asana and pranayama practices in the context of yoga therapy. The course is also strongly recommended for all those interested in pursuing the KHYF Yoga Therapy training at a future date, as well as those who are interested in the practice of Yoga Therapy.

Holistic Lifestyle and Adaptive Yoga for People with Multiple Sclerosis and Similar Conditions

2008-08-26T00:20:00.000-04:00

Holistic Lifestyle and Adaptive Yoga for People with Multiple Sclerosis and Similar Conditions
October 13 - 17
at Kripalu
with Chaya Sharon Heller

This workshop is for people with MS, caregivers, yoga teachers, and health professionals. Participants will relax, renew, and restore in this unique retreat designed with the needs of those with MS in mind. This workshop will include: safe yoga postures for increased flexibility, strength, and movement without pain; postures, breathing, meditation, restoratives, deep relaxation, and yoga nidra; wholesome and fun daily routines; tools for awareness, managing stress, optimal diet, and self-care; skills to restore balance and empower you to make clear decisions about your life; and opportunities to gain insight into yourself and your health.

Gentle Yoga Teacher Training

2008-08-25T00:50:00.001-04:00

This is one of the few yoga teacher trainings that actively supports training teachers who have specific needs!

A Gentle Way offers gentle yoga—including yoga for plus sizes, seniors, and the health challenged—in San Diego, CA. They have been systematically modifying traditional yoga in a way that is relaxing, fun, and doable for people of all sizes and ages as well as the health challenged since 1996.

They are offering 200-hour (Yoga Alliance certified) east coast trainings in South Carolina. (They also offer other 200-hour formats, see below.) The focus of the training is learning how to work with people with health challenges, whether they be the aging, plus size, those with chronic illness even the beginner of less flexible healthy student, but you also will be able to lead a satisfying slow but deep traditional class, or active but doable and joyful vinyasa flow classes. They also host Relax & Renew® trainings, and will be offering 500-hour training.

Gentle Yoga Teacher Training, Session #1 (of 5)
Wednesday - Sunday, October 8 - 12
Session #2: April 29 - May 3
Session #3: September 30 - October 4
Sessions $ & 5: 2010
in Myrtle Beach, SC

Gentle Yoga Teacher Training 200-hr. - 28 Day Summer Intensive
July 12 - August 8, 2009
in San Diego

Gentle Yoga Teacher Training 200-hr. - 16 Month, Sunday Local Training: ongoing in San Diego

Note that they recommend a weekend at their San Diego studio for out-of-towners considering their training (and other students, too). These weekends are designed for: out of town students who need help beginning a yoga practice, learning about how to find the best yoga center and teacher in their city, or how to set up a home practice; students interested in becoming a yoga teacher; yoga teachers interested in taking their teacher training; and alumni who want time with Lanita and a refresher course.

Weekend with Lanita
December 5 - 7
in San Diego
with Lanita Varshell and AGW staff

Do-In Self Massage

2008-08-24T00:57:00.000-04:00

Do-In Self Massage
Friday, October 17, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
at New York Open Center
with Masahiro Ouchi

"Do-In is a self-rejuvenation, healing technique that has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years. In this workshop we will learn the basics of this massage system that uses touch, tapping and subtle energy to move chi (vital force) to clear blockages and harmonize the body. We will learn how to rejuvenate our sense organs, glands, tendons and joints, and how to accumulate chi in our body’s center." No experience required.

Ayurvedic Self-Massage

2008-08-23T00:41:00.000-04:00

Here's another one of several from the new New York Open Center schedule.

Ayurvedic Self-Massage
Friday, September 26, 7:00 –10:00 p.m.
at New York Open Center
with Naina Marballi and Amita Banerjee

In the Ayurvedic medical tradition, the art of nurturing one’s body and mind with massage, herbs and essential oils to enhance one’s life-force is called abhyanga. Participants will learn: how we can use abhyanga for daily healing and rejuvenation; how to customize it according to our constitutional type; how to work with the chakras (energy centers), nadis (akin to meridian lines) and marma points (similar to acupuncture points); and how to chose the right aromatherapeutic oils and herbs.

Self-Healing with Acupressure: Balancing Body, Mind & Spirit

2008-08-22T00:33:00.000-04:00

This workshop probably is of interest to a lot of people.

Self-Healing with Acupressure: Balancing Body, Mind & Spirit
at New York Open Center
Free Intro class, Wednesday, September 10, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays September 17 – October 22 (except 10/8), 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
with William J. Kaplanidis

Participants will first receive a theoretical overview of Chinese medicine and its use of these channels and acupoints, and then learn acupressure techniques for specific points located on the head, torso and limbs, as well as the function and potential benefits of each point. We will also learn how to apply essential oils and other topical formulations to certain points to boost healing. We will discover how the techniques we learn can be used to help address a wide range of symptoms and ailments, including pain, digestive problems, nasal congestion, eye strain, headaches, PMS, anxiety and depression. No previous experience necessary.

Charity Classes with Wesley Collier

2008-08-21T00:49:00.001-04:00

Here are two classes for a good cause. Note that they are hot yoga classes and not necessarily adaptive, so people with specific needs should make sure the class is appropriate before attending.

Charity Classes
Friday, August 22 and Friday, August 29, 8:00 p.m.
at The Yoga Room, Astoria
with Wesley Collier

These two charity classes will benefit Service by the Water, a weekly soup kitchen which serves only vegetarian food to the community. A cash donation or any kind of non-perishable food product equivalent to a $10 donation will be greatly appreciated. Beans, rice, pasta, iced tea mix, hot chocolate mix, powdered juice, paper plates, forks, and spoons are all great ideas for donations.

Art and Kundalini Yoga Retreat

2008-08-20T00:05:00.001-04:00

Here's another Kripalu workshop and another one for artistic types.

Art and Kundalini Yoga Retreat
September 28 – October 3
at Kripalu
with Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa

Workshop participants will: deepen their yoga practice through image making, movement, and writing; be introduced to a variety of art materials that are safe for you and the environment; share their artwork in a supportive community setting; learn creative and collaborative activities to share with your community, yoga center, or family; and return home with completed artwork and a plan for daily yoga and art practice. Each session of the retreat will include Kundalini yoga, meditation, and creative work. The workshop is designed for everyone with an interest in the healing power of art and yoga. Seasoned artists, teachers, and healers will work alongside beginners.

Note this is not specifically an adaptive yoga workshop. Those with specific needs should make sure they can be accommodated prior to signing up.

The Buddhist Path to Freedom: Breaking the Addiction to the Mind

2008-08-19T00:56:00.000-04:00

I'm still getting caught up on the Kripalu workshops. This one's for all the meditators.

The Buddhist Path to Freedom: Breaking the Addiction to the Mind
September 26 - 28
at Kripalu
with Noah Levine

Open to all levels of experience, this weekend will provide an opportunity to learn and practice several different forms of Buddhist meditation oriented specifically toward breaking free of old ways of thinking. People in 12-step recovery programs are especially welcome.

Prime Time Yoga with Vandita : Radiant Health After 50

2008-08-18T00:31:00.002-04:00

Prime Time Yoga with Vandita: Radiant Health After 50
September 12-14
at Kripalu
with Vandita Kate Marchesiello

This Kripalu Yoga workshop will help you get motivated for success in aging gracefully. The weekend will include mindful walks in nature, gentle yoga stretching from the inside out for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, creative visualization, journaling, deep relaxation (yoga nidra), and conscious eating experiences to enhance your diet. "Relax, refresh, rejuvenate, and bring a friend or family member you want to introduce to yoga. Supporting each other when you return home will make a world of difference."

Being Yoga Main Conference Sessions

2008-08-17T00:40:00.001-04:00

As promised, here are some ideas for the main conference sessions at Omega Institute's Being Yoga NYC 2008 Conference. Although there are several sessions for people with an interest in specific needs yoga, non-instructors with specific needs might find it challenging to attend the full conference due to the scheduling of the sessions. These are just some of the obvious ideas. There are many other sessions that might be of interest!

Friday, October 10, 8:45 - 9:30 p.m.
Keynote Speech: Yoga & Social Action with Russell Simmons and Seane Corn

Saturday, October 11, 7:00 - 8:30 a.m. Session 1

Greeting the Day in a Sacred Way: Morning Meditation
with Lilias Folan, general level

From Body to Mind & Mind to Body (yoga therapy topics) with Kelly McGonigal, general level

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Session 2

Challenging Yourself to Be of Service: Choosing Compassionate Action Over Charity with Mark Lilly and Katie Arrants, general level

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Session 3

Meditation on Light & Vibration with Swami Lalitananda, general level

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Session 4

Essential Poses for Women's Health with Bobby Clennell, general level

Yoga for Healing Upper Back, Neck & Shoulders with Gary Kraftsow, general level

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Evening Panel Being Yoga: The Changing Face of Yoga

9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Session 6

Awakening Yoga in Midlife with Lilias Folan, general level

The Front of the Back with Tias Little, intermediate level

Bridging From Yoga to Yoga Therapy: From Concept to Sustainable Career with Matthew Taylor, advanced/teacher level

Meditation Arising with Mark Whitwell, general level

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Session 7

Yoga for Emotional Health: Focus on Anxiety & Depression with Gary Kraftsow, general level

Shamatha: Calm Abiding (meditation) with Cyndi Lee, general level

Portable, Compact, Real & Immediate: How to Teach Yoga to Anyone, Anywhere with Mark Lilly, general level

Red Lotus Jewelry at Etsy

2008-08-16T00:59:00.001-04:00

Here's a sampling of the handmade red lotus jewelry I mentioned could be found at Etsy. A lot of the work features red lotus carnelian beads.

Hawaii Winter Solstice Yoga Retreat with Ana Forrest

2008-08-15T00:30:00.000-04:00

In case you needed an excuse to go to Hawaii or can't make the The Samarya Center's upcoming Hawaii trip, a portion of the proceeds from this workshop will be donated to YogaHope.

Note that this is not an adaptive-focused workshop, so people with specific needs should make sure that they can be accommodated before signing up.

Hawaii Winter Solstice Yoga Retreat
with Ana Forrest
at Kalani Oceanside Retreat (Hawaii)
December 12 - 17

Each morning begins with an invigorating 3 hour yoga practice. Afternoons are free for excursions and Hawaii adventures. Late afternoons offer 1 ½ hours of Q&A and light yoga. The workshop culminates with a powerful Winter Solstice ceremony.

About Forrest Yoga ...
"... Forrest Yoga challenges you to heal, grow and welcome your Spirit home. Forrest Yoga does not require strength or flexibility; it only requires that you bring a willingness to learn how to feel authentically and respond honestly. Learning to work honestly at your edges, you develop effective tools to deal with fear and struggle. This makes it possible for integrity, self awareness and playful curiosity to become part of your daily life."

Viniyoga for Emotional Health

2008-08-14T00:49:00.001-04:00

One of the Being Yoga Conference's Full-Day Post-Conference Intensives might be of interest:

Viniyoga for Emotional Health
Monday, October 13
with Gary Kraftsow

Participants will explore the complex interaction between thought, emotion, and physiology, and learn the yoga practices that can be used to nourish our emotional health and restore equilibrium, including asana, pranayama, chanting, and meditation. CE credit available.

From Body to Mind & Mind to Body: The Tools of Yoga Therapy

2008-08-13T00:39:00.000-04:00

One of the Being Yoga Conference's Full-Day Pre-Conference Intensives might be of interest to specific needs yoga instructors:

From Body to Mind & Mind to Body: The Tools of Yoga Therapy
Friday, October 10
with Matthew Taylor and Kelly McGonigal

Through asana, pranayama, meditation, and mudra practices, as well as other yoga therapy skills whose healing properties are supported by both traditional yoga philosophy and modern scientific evidence, we learn how to create healing yoga practices for ourself and our students. Presented by the International Association of Yoga Therapists. CE credit available.