The (Extended) Week in Yoga Holiday Edition 2007

Edited November 29

Well peeps in an effort to conserve energy during this hectic time of year, this will be the final TWIY for 2007. Research efforts indicate the following offerings for dedicated yogis...I know I would rather sweat than shop!

Every Saturday and Sunday this month: Yoga Window Demos (Live Models) at lululemon, Saint Johns Town Center

30 Fri:

The Ayurvedic Tradition of Prana with Doug Keller, at Winston Family YMCA (Ponte Vedra), 6 pm


1 Sat:

Agni: The Transformative Power of Prana with Doug Keller, at Winston Family YMCA, 9:30 am

Thai Yoga Massage with Iain Broadbent, at Yoga Ananda, 1 pm

The Awakened Breath with Doug Keller, at Winston Family YMCA, 2 pm


2 Sun:

Sati Chmelar leads the primary series, at Yoga Life, 9 am

Ajna Chakra: The Passport Office with Doug Keller, at Winston Family YMCA, 9:30 am

Yoga Detox with Alyson Foreacre, part of the Sunday Salutations series (i.e. free yoga), at lululemon, 9:45 am


4 Tues:

Yogabilities, for individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities, with Liz Little, at Yoga Ananda, 4 pm


8 Sat:

DJ Power Yoga Party led by Mark White, at MBody Yoga, 7 pm


9 Sun:

Sati in town for some more Ashtanga, at Yoga Life, 9 am


16 Sun:

Power Flow with Reece Ingold, part of the Sunday Salutations series (i.e. free yoga), at lululemon, 9:45 am


23 Sun:

Vinyasa Flow with Khristi Keefe, part of the Sunday Salutations series (i.e. free yoga), at lululemon, 9:45 am


26 Wed:

Full Cold Moon hot yoga, at Bliss Yoga, 6 pm

Reprieve

There have been so many changes going on in my life lately. Namely I have returned to my science career in the realm of academia, a major goal on its way to fulfillment. I am loving this new environment as opposed to the corporate world of which I am much too familiar. Then as things would have it, in the very same week I began my new job, I was appointed yoga therapist for a local private hospital! So my plate is full, my cup is running over....and it's a wonderful thing.

So it is in light of these new developments that I have decided to place teaching group classes on hold. I will continue to write Om Page, teach my private students, and keep up with my own yoga practice! With these holidays rushing towards us, it seems like the perfect time to transition back to student mode and rebalance the equation of my day-to-day existence. I hope everyone keeps their center and maintains peace in this hectic time of year. See you!

TWIY

5 Monday:

NEW Freestyle Ashtanga class begins at Bliss Yoga, 9:30 am--ALSO ON WEDNESDAYS!


6 Tuesday:

Frontline World's documentary on ayurveda (yoga's sister science), "India: A Second Opinion," 9 pm on PBS


10 Saturday:

Christ-Centered Yoga workshop at Yoga Life, 9 am


11 Sunday:

Happy Feet workshop with Lisa Long at Bliss Yoga, 2 pm

The Week in Yoga

25 Thursday:

Full Hunter's Moon (class in heated room), 5:30 pm, Bliss Yoga


26 Friday:

Lululemon store opens in Saint Johns Town Center
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm

Healthy Cocktail Party at the store, 5-9 pm


27 Saturday:

Face painting, henna tattooing, & yoga demonstrations at Lululemon with Shri Hamilton-Hubbard, store ambassador, starting at 10 am

Reiki level I (of III) training at Yoga Ananda, 9 am


28 Sunday:

Sati Chmelar in town to lead Ashtanga full primary series at Yoga Life, 9 am

Holiday Stress Management/Yoga Detox at Lululemon with Shri Hamilton-Hubbard, store ambassador, 10 am, followed by brunch. You must sign up in advance in order to attend. Please RSVP to jacksonville-community@lululemon.com.


31 Wednesday, Halloween:

Slow Flow with yours truly, 5:45 pm. Unless you are busy passing out candy or walking around your trick-or-treaters! I'll be sending out an email to the class list, so please RSVP as this is a holiday.

Master Ashtanga Instructor Tim Feldman to Visit Jax

Check out Sati with her feet behind her head!

Information retrieved from the Yoga Life website:

This weekend will include Tim's masterful technniques in hands-on adjustments. His methods give students the kinesthetic road map to understanding where the body needs to go in even the most challenging asanas ie. Supta Kurmasana, Janu Sirsasana B, Marichyasana D. In his own words, "The assists we all remember are the ones that spoke to us precisely where we were at in a given moment and gave us the gift of overcoming the next step we needed at that time in our practice."

In these two adjustment master classes, Tim offers you the framework for this style of teaching. Listening is the first step. Tim will teach you how to stop and listen to your student's body and in the simplest way, connect deeply with the human being in front of you. You will begin to share one aim-a positive human transformation of your student's practice and general well being. If you are seeking to develop strong, effective adjustment techniques that will give you the opportunity to connect and transform your students' practice: This is the workshop for You!!

Tim Feldmann is co-founder of the Miami Life Center, along with his partner Kino Macgregor. He is directly Authorized to teach by his teacher, the founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Method, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson, Sharat Rangaswami. Tim was set on the yoga path by his root teacher Lino Miele. A third series practitioner, Tim is dedicated to Ashtanga Yoga's traditional style. Tim's teaching integrates his extensive study of Alexander Technique and sitting meditation with 20 years of experience as a professional dancer and an internationally acclaimed choreographer. His in-depth knowledge of functional anatomy, alignment as well as the idiosyncratic body and mind in stillness and in motion creates the platform upon which his solid understanding of the Ashtanga Method rests. Tim is a cherished teacher giving workshops throughout Europe, India and the Americas.

Workshop Schedule:
Saturday 9:30-11:30AM Led Primary Series with Tim Feldmann
1-4pm Adjustment Workshop for First Half of Primary Series Poses.
Sunday 9:30-11:30AM Mysore Practice-Primary Series *Practice Sheets will be Available to peruse as needed.
1-4PM: Adjustment workshop 2nd Half of Primary Series Poses
4-5:00PM Both Days: Private Instruction by Tim Feldman for Yoga Life Teacher Training Students

Workshop Fees: Full Weekend: $175.00 Early Bird Discount: $160.00 until Nov. 1st.
Individual Sessions: Sat. Led Primary: $40.00
Sat. and Sun. Afternoon Sessions: $50.00 Each
Sun. Mysore: $30.00.

Click here to register, at least 2 weeks prior to this event, in order to attend.

Thanks to Sara for relaying the info!

This Won't Last Long

And especially since the last one was cancelled, here's our chance to get our DJ Power Yoga Party fix and check out the new lululemon store at the same time. For those who don't know, this will be only the third store in Florida...they chose Jacksonville as their second entry market after Miami. That is, to me anyhow, an astonishing reflection on the yoga community here and its potential. To my knowledge it opens Florida/Georgia weekend (October 26 to be precise) in, where else, the Saint Johns Town Center.

For the sake of full disclosure, Mark is one of the store's "ambassadors".

Location, Location, Location

Those of you who came to Slow Flow last week were sure to realize that space was tooooo small! Rest assured I have corrected this situation, and found a much larger practice room for class. However it is not available until next week, and as such we will not be having class this Wednesday, October 17. Please join us when class resumes next Wednesday, October 24.

Former Yoga Fusion students, just a reminder that you are free to use your remaining classes to attend. Please contact me at littlebirdyoga@gmail.com to make arrangements if you have not done so already.

Our new location is within Positively Fit at 4040 Woodcock Avenue. This is in building 2200 of the Midtown Center, which occupies the Northwest quadrant of the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Art Museum Road. You can access Midtown Center from either of those roads. Make your way to the third floor. See you then!

The Week in Yoga

17 Wednesday:

45 Day Challenge begins at MBody Yoga

Yoga for Stress Relief, six week series with Catherine Mohini Eddins, begins at Yoga Ananda, 6:30 pm

*Slow Flow at Little Bird Yoga cancelled for this week (see 'Location, Location, Location')*


20 Saturday:

Holistic Nutrition Workshop with Grace Justiss at Yoga Ananda, 2 pm


21 Sunday:

Clinic Days at Yoga Ananda, offering Acupuncture treatment on a sliding scale

Yoga Fusion Reincarnates

I post this announcement as the (former) owner of Yoga Fusion of San Marco and founder of its hatchling, Little Bird Yoga:

Yoga Fusion of San Marco will no longer operate at its current location (1630 Hendricks Avenue) as of Sunday, September 30. Please note the following:

-All annual memberships are cancelled effective immediately. Auto-debits will no longer take place. No further action is required.

-Outstanding class packages will be honored. If you have classes remaining on your account, please contact Mandy Dehlinger at littlebirdyoga@gmail.com or by calling 904.306.9800 . Include your name, phone, email, and the number of classes remaining.

-With our doors closing, others are opening. Details on where you can find Yoga Fusion instructors is listed below.

We have loved sharing yoga with all of our members. Thank you for sharing your practice with us. Until we meet again, it is with our sincerest thanks that we wish each of you peace, abundance, and continued growth on your yoga path.


Namaste,
Yoga Fusion of San Marco
Gisela, Jamie, Lee Anne, & Mandy



Mandy Dehlinger, MAS, RYT:

• littlebirdyoga@gmail.com
• 904.306.9800
• ompage.blogspot.com
• littlebirdyoga.com
• Slow Flow (75 min) will continue Wednesdays at 5:45 pm starting October 10
• Location: 1437 Flagler Avenue, San Marco
• private lessons available by appointment: $50 per hour or 4 for $175
• semi-private lessons available by appointment: $35 first person plus $10 each additional, minimum 2/maximum 6
• on-site yoga to your determined location: call for details
  
  Gisela Morgan, RYT:
• gisela.morgan@gmail.com
• 804.397.0110
• Vinyasa Flow (75 min) Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 am currently in session on drop-in basis
• Continue with Tuesday and Thursday at 6 am? Contact Gisela if interested.
• Continue with Pilates on Sundays at 4:30 pm? Contact Gisela if interested.
• More to be added
• Location: Barbara Thompson School of Dance, 5667 Beach Boulevard (at University Boulevard), 904-396-3227
• private lessons in yoga and Pilates available by appointment: $50 per hour
• personal training available at Private Exercise
  
  Lee Anne MacDade, RYT:
• Yoga Life: Intro to Power at 7 pm on Tuesdays & Yin Yoga at 5:15 pm on Sundays on drop-in basis
• Bliss Yoga: Meditation in Motion at 9:45 am on Saturdays on drop-in basis
  
  Jamie Chalut, RYT:
• Yoga Den: Prenatal Yoga at 7:45 pm on Wednesdays, must pre-register
• 904.268.8330
• 8 classes for $100

First Coast Yoga Association

Well, it has been a while! I hope everyone is getting back into the swing of things with the change of season...school starting, football season (go Jags and Gators), and of course tapping back into a routine with your practice if maybe you slacked this summer.

I would like to make you all aware of a great informational resource for Jax Yogis. Please visit the First Coast Yoga Association website when you get the chance. You will also find it on my links at right.

Founded by Melissa Johnson of Yoga Ananda, had this to say: "For now, we have decided to make the First Coast Yoga (FCYA) site: www.firstcoastyoga.com an informational free resource. This means that all of the yoga studios that we know of will be listed with links to their respective websites. There will be no even listings or updates offered as we are changing to this free site format."

Another great resource to look for all things yoga with a local twist. No pun intended.

Jax Yoga MySpace Group

I recently created Jax Yoga, a new group on MySpace. If you are one of the poor addicted souls such as I who traverses the pages of myspace.com on a regular basis, join us won't you?

The great thing about the group page format is there is a forum for chatting. So unlike this blog where I am mostly talking out into the abyss, there is a chance for true dialog.

Furthermore, I hope you will use it to post yoga events and tangentially related events or other info, such as green living, massage, pilates, etc.

Be sure to "be my friend" and visit my personal page while you are at it!

The Week In Yoga

27 Fri:

Partner Yoga at Yoga Fusion, 6 pm


28 Sat:

Thai Yoga Massage at Ocean Yoga, 1 pm

Power Yoga for Dancers at MBody Yoga, 12:30 pm


30 Mon:

Full Buck Moon heated practice at Bliss Yoga, 6 pm

Yogi Times Television Premier Episode

TWIY

22 Sun:

Special Guest Michael Marchese of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health leads Movement for Peace, free, at Cobalt Moon Center, 10 am.

Followed immediately by “The Art of Dialogue: Creating a Path While Walking,” also free.

St. Augustine Retreat

Billed as the "Retreat at the Center of the Universe," yogini SuDevi Kramer hosts a weekend just a quick drive south of St. Augustine. Here's the info:

Find Your Center Through Yoga in an Incredibly Beautiful Natural Setting

August 10-13, 2007

SuDevi is certified in several styles of yoga, including Integral and Jivamukti.

We will be in a private home at Summer Haven on the Atlantic Ocean just below the Matanzas Inlet (south of St. Augustine.) Watch sunset and sunrise from decks overlooking the ocean and the river. Integrate your solar and lunar energies and come into a place of wholeness. We will realign ourselves with the elements earth, air, water, and ether.

Practice yoga asana (physical postures) meditation, nadam (sound), pranayama (breath work), and activate a higher level of awareness of self. There will also be a fire ceremony for world peace (agni hotra) to celebrate the approach of the new moon, an auspicious time for both change and development.

This is an all-inclusive retreat complete with scrumptious organic vegetarian cuisine prepared on-site by our personal chef. There will be free time for walking, swimming, and journaling.

Register now to secure your spot.

$450.00 includes lodging for 2 nights, five meals, and five hatha yoga classes (including both vigorous vinyasa and gentle classes), all designed to create a personal sense of peace and ease.

All levels of students are welcome.

Limited spaces and rates may be available for local students to drop-in for yoga classes, half-day, or single day sessions.

Being Yoga Conference

So if you don't know this already, there is a major yoga conference being held this November in Fort Lauderdale. Not too far of a drive to practice with teachers such as David Life & Sharon Gannon, Shiva Rea, Duncan Wong, Sean Corne, and so many more.

I have already made my hotel reservations...it's being held at the beautiful oceanfront Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. (Though if you try to reserve 11/2-4 through the website, it will tell you the hotel is booked. You have to call their reservations line and tell them you are with the Omega conference to get a room.)

Actually my point of this post is first of all to inform Jax yogis, but also to gauge interest/attendance. If anyone else is attending and is looking for a roommate, to coordinate practice schedules, share a ride or caravan, etc. please contact me: mandy@sanmarcoyoga.com. Now is the time to get your room and register for the conference, before it is too late! Hope to see you there...

TWIY

20 Wed
Organic Produce Pick-Up starts at Yoga Ananda

21 Thurs
1st Annual Solstice Salute, 6-8 pm at Yoga Fusion

Childrens Yoga, 11 am & 12 pm at Yoga Fusion

23 Sat
Thai Yoga Massage with Iain Broadbent, 1-5 pm at Yoga Ananda

Ashtanga Immersion, Foundation, 1 pm/Intermediate, 9am with Sati Chmelar at Yoga Life Studio

DJ Power Yoga Party at Cobalt Moon Center

The Week In Yoga

It's Back!

13 Wed:

Yoga 101: Foundational Series for Beginners, starts this week at Yoga Fusion

14 Thurs:

Childrens Yoga, for ages 2-4 and 5 & up, starts this week at Yoga Fusion

17 Sun:

Father's Day

Solstice Salute

For us in the northern hemisphere, June 21 will be the longest day of the year--when the sun's unparalleled energy shines on us longer than any other time in 2007.

To welcome the summer season Yoga Fusion is hosting our first annual Solstice Salute, a special two-hour long solar vinyasa flow practice at 6 pm.

Honoring the warmth and energy of the summer sun, we'll be practicing in an extra hot room to the sounds of summer classics. Juicy refreshments and island music continue following our invigorating, purifying practice.

Come salute the sun season!

Cost: $20

Where: Yoga Fusion of San Marco, 1630 Hendricks Ave.

To register: Call 904-306-9800
or email mandy@sanmarcoyoga.com

Major News!

In the works for some time now, it is finally official. As of June 1 I became the owner of Yoga Fusion of San Marco! I could not be more excited and feel so lucky to have this opportunity.

By the by, this goes to explain my lack of posts recently...wow is taking over a business a lot to do! But I can't complain, I am loving and savoring every minute of this ride.

There are lots of changes happening at the studio. The new schedule starts this Monday, June 4. Included are our newest teacher additions: Sati Chmelar, Gisela Morgan, and Pam Ognjenovic. Their combined talents will no doubt round out the roster of amazing teachers already on board. These three ladies have unique specialties which we have incorporated into the new class offerings, such as Ashtanga, Pilates, Restorative, and Childrens yoga.

For the summer there are two six-weeks series being offered. Yoga 101, a foundational class for yoga newbies, begins June 13 at 4:45 pm. Childrens' Yoga, for age groups 2-4 & 5-8 begins June 14 at 11 am and 12 pm, respectively.

Last but not least, there is a special for new members effective immediately. For just $20, receive one week of unlimited classes. I invite every one of you to come check out all the exciting new happenings for his or herself!

My gratitude goes out to my teacher, Alyson Foreacre, former Yoga Fusion owner & founder (and current teacher!), Jennifer Watson, and of course my completely supportive and totally wonderful husband, Charlie.

The Week in Yoga

This week I am guest teaching several times so I have included those here along with the special events for the week.

15 Tues:

Restorative Yoga at Yoga Fusion of San Marco, 9:15 am


17 Thurs:

Restorative Yoga at Yoga Fusion of San Marco, 9:15 am


18 Fri:

Power Yoga, 5:30 pm at Yoga Life, guest instructor

Serenity Yoga, 7:00 pm at Yoga Life

19 Sat:

St. Jude Yogathon at Yoga Den: Sun-Power (8-11 am) & Mind-Body (1-3 pm)

Baby Yoga and Sign Workshop, 1-2 pm, at Yoga Ananda, a Center for Yoga and Wellness

So Big Yoga and Sign Workshop, 2-3 pm, at Yoga Ananda

Tot & So Big Yoga Teacher Training, 11 am-4 pm, at Yoga Ananda

Women's Wellness Night, 5:30-7:30 pm, at Yoga Ananda


20 Sun:

Advanced Yoga Beat & Meditation Magic, 9:30 am, at Yoga Fusion of San Marco, led by guest instructor (c'est moi)


21 Mon:

Serenity Yoga, 5:30 pm at Yoga Life (guest instructor)

Power Yoga, 7:00 pm at Yoga Life (guest instructor)

The Week in Yoga

8 Tues:

Restorative Yoga begins at Yoga Fusion, 9:15 am, with YOURS TRULY

12 Sat:

108 Sun Salutations for the Cure to benefit St. Jude Hospital, 9 am at Yoga Life, in conjunction with the studio's Grand Reopening, led by Sati Chmelar

Dynamics of Meditation workshop at Yoga Ananda, 1pm, with Deolal Mahabir

Yoga Life Teacher Training

Yoga Life is now a registered school with the Yoga Alliance and is offering two teacher training formats this year. There are about three weeks left to register for the intensive 5-week option, so if you are interested time is of the essence!

Full information:



Monday, June 04, 2007
225 HR Ashtanga/Power Vinyasa Teacher Training

225 Hr. Ashtanga/Power Vinyasa Flow Teacher Training Program 2007/2008
Registered Yoga School, RYS 200

Program Overview/Mission
The Yoga Life 225 Hr. Ashtanga/Power Vinyasa Flow Teacher Training Program is a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of yoga's practical, spiritual, theoretical and historical methods. While delving into the whole of yogic science, this program will focus on the Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of T. Krishnamacharaya and how the Ashtanga tradition has affected the invention of vinyasa flow or "vinyasa karma". The dual certification allows students to choose to either be certified in Ashtanga or Vinyasa Flow Yoga Methods. Both aspects will be covered in great detail during the training and the student can choose their focus.

Ashtanga focused students will learn how to teach led primary series classes and vinyasa flow students will learn how to develop mature asana sequencing as well as how to construct a full spectrum teaching approach that combines asana, pranayama, meditation and chanting.

Students will receive additional training from specialty faculty in Anatomy, Ayurveda Medicine and the art of Kirtan. Students will be expected to observe and assist weekly Yoga Life classes, in addition to attending asana classes 5-6 days/week. Preliminary reading assignments before training commences and students should be prepared to write reports on requested topics. Several written and oral exams will be given during the course of this training. Through this rigorous course of study we hope to offer you the tools to teach this dynamic spiritual tradition in a mature, educated, inspired, and passionate light.

Directors:



Sara Torbett



Sati Chmelar

Yoga Alliance:
Students who complete the program are eligible to apply for RYT status from Yoga Alliance thru Yoga Life School or Independent.

Topics to be Covered:

Asana (Asana vocabulary from Ashtanga and Power Vinyasa Flow Variations)
Pranayama-Dhirga, Kappalabhati, etc.
Meditation (Vipassana, Japa, Zen, Walking)
Physical Anatomy
Subtle Body Energetics (chakras, nadis, kundalini, sen lines)
Diet (Sattvic Diet)
Teaching Practicum (Verbalization, physical assists, class and flow layout, developing a teaching philosophy/Ashtanga Methodology)
Kriyas
Yoga Philosophy(Yoga Sutras, The Gita, and various schools of yoga.
Yoga History (overview of various traditions with additional Ashtanga focus) Ayurveda and Thai Yoga Therapy.
Business of Yoga
Yoga Teaching Ethics/Role
The Art of Kirtan and Sanskrit Chanting

Location:

Yoga Life Studio, 9948 Old Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256
Phone: 904-564-1660

Tuition: $2,200.00
Tuition includes: Full program instruction, comprehensive instruction manual, one yoga life t-shirt, one Ayurvedic mini-consultation with Dr. Bapat, free monthly unlimited membership to Yoga Life for one year and free attendance to all workshops during the duration of the teacher training program itself.

Program Discounts!

10% off tuition if registered for 5 week program before March 31st.
15% off tuition for Yoga Life Studio teachers and other yoga teachers who have already completed 200 Hour Teacher Training Program.

Program Faculty:

Sara Torbett E-RYT 200, OTR/L, CHT

Sara Torbett created and established Yoga Life Studio in February 2004. She has been practicing yoga for 6 years and has trained with some of the world's most renowned teachers including: Shiva Rhea, Dave Swenson, Doug Swenson, Baron Baptiste, Anna Forest and Sean Corn. Sara is a Certified Hand Therapist which is the highest specialty for upper extremity rehabilitation and an expertise in Occupational Therapy. She has been practising since 1996 and became a CHT in 2001 with only 12 active CHT's in her local city of Jacksonville, Florida. Her extensive knowledge in anatomy and physiology has helped her create powerful dynamic yogic flows which balance strength with flexibility. Sara recently completed a 40 Hour Ashtanga Teacher training with Dave Swenson and is certified in Pre-Natal yoga. Sara completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. Sara is committed to bringing her students excellent teaching, innovative trainings, supportive learning environment and high quality yoga products/resources.

Primary Instructor in: Anatomy, Chakra System. Co-Instructor: Asana, pranayama, teaching practicum, kriyas, sattvic diet, business of yoga, ethics, meditation and guided relaxation techniques.

Director
Sati Chmelar

After pursuing dance and contemporary performance methods for 10 years, Sati discovered yoga in 2001. She began teaching in 2004 after extensive study/training. Sati has completed a 40 Hour Ashtanga Primary Series training at Bliss Yoga in 2004, a 40 Hr. Ashtanga Teacher Training with Dave Swenson, a 200hr. Vinyasa Flow Teacher Training at Frog Lotus in MA, a 300 hr. Ashtanga Teacher Training by Paul Dallaghan at his retreat center in Koh Samui, Thailand. She has studied under numerous master teachers including, Paul Dallaghan, Jeff and Harmony Lichty, Beryl Bender-Birch, Duncan Wong, Dharma Mittra, Ana Forrest, David Ingalls, Gary Kraftsow, Doug Keller, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and continues to study with great earnest under Mnaju Jois. In addition to her yoga studies, Sati has completed over 400 hours of Thai Massage training in Chiang Mai, Thailand graduating from ITM School and The Sunshine School.

Primary Instructor: Yogic Philosophy, Yoga History, Ashtanga Methodology, Thai Yoga Therapy.

Co-Instructor: Asana, pranayama, teaching practicum, kriyas,sattvic diet, business of yoga, ethics, meditation and guided relaxation techniques, Sanskrit chanting.

For more info on adjunct teachers/required reading etc. go to satiyogabodywork.com

Deadline to Register:
June 2007 Program-Deadline is May 25, 2007 and for the Sept. 2007 Program-August 30th, 2007. Full refunds minus deposit of $50 will be issued up to 4 weeks before application deadline. After deadline no refunds will be issued.

Download application here and register here.
Mail or Drop Applications off at Yoga Life Studio.

The Week in Yoga

1 Tues:
Yoga Ananda is now a Center for Yoga and Wellness


2 Wed:
Mysore Ashtanga begins at Bliss Yoga, 9:30 am, then every Monday and Wednesday


5 Sat:
T5T The Five Tibetans workshop, and Contra Dance at Cobalt Moon

Chakra Yoga Dance with Dana Preacher, E-RYT500 at Ageless Yoga and Massage Center


6 Sun:
Portraits at Cobalt Moon (see my post "Portraits," below, for full information)


7 Mon:
FREE massages at Yoga Ananda, 4-7 pm. Call 680-7344 to reserve your space.

Postnatal Fushion and Baby Yoga begins at Howell Park in Atlantic Beach

चांगe इस थे ओनली कोन्स्तंत

And that is Hindu for "change is the only constant." This seems appropriate as I announce yet MORE additions to my teaching schedule (!). Plus I wanted to show off my new Hindu translator. Isn't it pretty?

So what do we have...you can now come enjoy Restorative Yoga at Yoga Fusion of San Marco. This will be the studio's initial foray into the uncharted territory of morning classes. I would love to see you there to support the new additions to Yoga Fusion's schedule. With enough interest expansion throughout the week with a variety of class styles is likely. Restorative Yoga classes last 90 minutes and will be conducted in the heat. Restorative yoga is designed as a therapeutic release of stress and tension where we will explore deep stretchig and relaxation. They will be every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15 am beginning May 8--next week!

Click here to see the map for the studio. Parking and entry is around the back. Turn west onto Lasalle Street from Hendricks and follow the alley off the left side of the street.

Portraits

Greetings! An exciting event has come to my attention and I had to share. My fellow yogi and friend Gisela and her husband Glenn will be performing with several others in an evening of dance at Cobalt Moon Center. Check out the flyer below for more info. I am psyched to see one of the most graceful yogis I know do her dance thing!

The Week in Yoga

24 Tues:
10 Week T'ai Chi Workshop begins, at Cobalt Moon Center


27 Fri:
Teachers Assistant Weekend with certified Master Baptiste Instructor Elizabeth Huntsman, at MBody Yoga, through Sunday


28 Sat:
Understanding Chakras, at Yoga Den

Thai Massage Workshop with Iain Broadbent of Blue Lotus Ancient Healing, at Cobalt Moon Center

Healthy Back Yoga with Joan and Jim Ryan,at at Ocean Yoga

DJ Power Yoga Party, at MBody Yoga


29 Sun:
Prenatal Yoga Birth and Baby Sign & Yoga Class Series begin, at Tranquil Waters


30 Mon:
Kate Proctor returns from baby leave (yea!), at Yoga Den

Serenity Now! Changes to Schedule...AGAIN!

Hello one and all! As we head into the month of May please note some changes to my teaching schedule:

Core Fitness San Jose
Wednesdays.....7pm.....Fitness Yoga.....ongoing
*Mondays have been cancelled and Tuesdays will resume with Lee Ann.....effective May 1

Yoga Life
Thursdays.....7pm.....Yogilates.....ongoing
Fridays.....7pm.....Serenity Yoga.....effective May 1

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That lovely shirt you see below is available along with lots of others at the studio. Here is my bio from the Yoga Life site:


Mandy Dehlinger, RYT

""I always aim to guide students in awakening their positive energy and igniting their mind-body connection. I strive to create an environment where everyone can transcend the physicality of yoga and go out and apply what they take from class and make practical improvements in their lives.""

Mandy's teaching style focuses on proper alignment and engaging pranayama breathing techniques, both which serve as the basis for a strong and safe practice.

Mandy came to yoga in 2000 as a way to get exercise for her body. She soon realized and developed a greater appreciation for the deeper levels of this transformative practice. She was so moved by the many benefits yoga has to offer she recently left her career in scientific research to dedicate herself to teaching yoga and continue her yogic studies. Mandy is a 200 HR Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and is certified in mind-body and sun-power yoga styles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Looking forward to seeing you there. This leaves my days free for private clients and the usual l-i-v-i-n'!

News on My Teaching Schedule, and Praise

This has been an amazing week. I have had the chance to practice and teach at three studios and meet inspiring teachers and business owners.

First, and perhaps the biggest news for me personally, is the news that I have added a new class to my teaching schedule. I will be teaching yogilates every Thursday evening from 7-8:15pm at Yoga Life in Deerwood. This is a very high-energy class and it's relatively new to my repertoire as far as teaching goes, though I have practiced this style personally many times. I was sweating buckets the first night! The routine works you from head to toe, inside and out. Very rewarding. I am loving the change of pace and getting the opportunity to work with a new set of students. A huge thank you to owner Sara Torbett for allowing me this time slot. Please drop in for a class and check it out!




On Friday I dropped into Yoga Ananda for the Happy Hour class with Melissa Johnson. A very fun and creative flow. I have to admit that my tear ducts are hypersensitive, but Melissa read a great passage during savasana about loving your enemy as your brother that resulted in a few drops falling. It speaks a lot to a teacher's ability when she is able to guide you into that state of receptivity and then deliver some powerful words to contemplate. It made me think about enemies on a grander scale, and what is going on in the world. To paraphrase, consider the idea that we should look upon our enemies simply as our friends that are gravely misunderstood. Offering compassion to those we are most angry with. Thank you, Melissa, for reminding me!

Finally on Saturday I attended a morning class and an afternoon beginner's workshop at the invitation of Mark White, owner of MBody Yoga . If you are a fan of Baron Baptiste and you haven't already been to one of Mark's classes, the time is now! Mark has nailed down this particular teaching style and manages to keep the lightness required in yoga while still offering a very challenging sequence. It was the perfect balance in my view. I also learned some very useful info on alignment and adjusting during the workshop. There were 4 men in the workshop! I love seeing the males interested in yoga...I really feel like it is going to snowball the more guys that discover yoga. There are some great upcoming events at the studio beginning April 27, such as a teacher's assisting weekend with a master Baptiste instructor, and the always popular DJ power Saturday night extravaganza. Click through to MBody to find out more!

Spotlight: Alyson Foreacre, Yoga Den

Welcome to the first installment of a series spotlighting yoga business owners and operators here in Jacksonville. I thought what better way to kick things off than with none other than one of my own teachers.

Alyson Foreacre began Yoga Den in 2002 and is located in Mandarin. I have been one of the lucky students to train as a teacher there and earn my certification. Yoga Den is the only Yoga Alliance registered school in metro Jacksonville. Latest offerings include prenatal yoga and new modular training for teachers. For more information, click here.

Om Page: When and why did you start practicing yoga?

Alyson Foreacre: I took my first class 2000. A good friend of mine said we should try it. I was marathon training at the time and felt that I was in pretty good shape; however, I was not prepared for Power yoga! WOW! I couldn't believe how many muscles were talking to me the next day. Loving the challenge, I couldn't wait to get back to class. I noticed a difference in my posture in only my second week of practice, and my running felt better than ever...I was hooked!!

OP: What is your favorite style of yoga to practice? Favorite pose?

AF: Being an endurance junkie with a history of tight muscles, I like Power yoga practiced in the heat. I don't have a favorite pose, I love many! I do have a least favorite...FROG!!

OP: What made you decide to open your own studio?

AF: It just evolved really. My first job was teaching in my neighborhood at the pool house, but after only 2 months, the space was needed for summer camp. There were about 20 people wanting to continue, so I found a little month to month rental place close by. My thoughts were to lease until camp ended and then move back to the pool house. Unlike my neighborhood gig, this rental space was open to anyone who wanted to come, and the first month brought us 75 students! It was that fork in the road thing, and my very supportive and optimistic husband said "let's go for it!", and here we are 5 years later!

OP: Provide a brief history of your yoga business to date.

AF: We opened in April of 2002 where Guitars United is now (my brother-in-law's shop...very cool!), and moved to a larger space in July. We started training teachers in 2004. Branched out to a few other locations in 2004 also. We sold the Southside studio to one of our instructors, Mark White, who now owns MBody Yoga, and the original owner of the Ponte Vedra studio came back after about 10 months. Having one location is much more enjoyable, but we wanted to try to save the 2 studios that were about to shut their doors (Southside was Yoga 101, and Ponte Vedra was Bridges to Health), and we had plenty of freshly trained teachers ready to roll out their mats. The Ponte Vedra location is no longer there, but MBody Yoga is rockin', so no regrets! It was a great lesson in many things...mainly, the realization that I needed to keep a healthy balance between my family and my job, and multiple studios wasn't how do do it! 2006 was a much happier and healthier year, and I love our Mandarin studio! We have been in this location for 2 years now, and it feels like home.

OP: What is the greatest pleasure of yoga business and what is the greatest pitfall?

AF: The greatest pleasure is seeing the positive changes yoga has on the students; both short term--the before and after class difference in state of mind, and long term--physical, mental and emotional benefits are evident after just a few months! People really seem to wake up, and become more vibrant. That rocks!! The pitfall? Personally, none really...don't get me wrong, there can certainly be stress, but that's just part of the ride. If you're in it for the right reasons, and believe that this is really what you were meant to do, then potential "pitfalls" that could take you down become learning opportunities.

OP: What made you decide to start training teachers?

AF: When I first opened, I taught all the classes, and quickly realized I could use some help! I sent several people to Discovery Yoga,(the school where I trained), to get their 200 hours, but I knew that the power yoga training was needed, as this was not offered there. In fact, it was not offered anywhere around, and as time went on, I had more and more requests for some power training. One thing led to another, and I thought it would be good to offer both all-level and power yoga training, so teachers could be more marketable.

OP: Do you think there is enough demand for the influx of new yoga teachers? Why or why not?

AF: Yes, because yoga is just scratching the surface in small-town America, and in this market there are so many untapped areas of opportunity. I can think of several locations where a studio could rock, and most neighborhood clubhouses offer classes, or are open to it, not to mention corporate yoga. Like anything though, just because you have a certification, doesn't mean you'll get the job. Think of growing up in school...some teachers you connected with, others you didn't. It's the same thing with teaching yoga. I think personality and energy have more to do with teaching yoga than the academics of the practice. Anyone can call a pose, but it's all in the presentation. There is something to be said for natural talent, confidence and one's ability to inspire others.

OP: What trends do you see on the horizon for yoga in the western world?

AF: I think more and more people will start practicing, from word-of-mouth testimonials, Dr. referrals and curiosity. Once you start, you quickly realize it's something you should not do without; you feel better than ever!!


Thank you so much to Alyson for agreeing to this article! Look for the next spotlight coming very soon.

Elaine Benes did not edit this!!!!! All those extra exclamation points are Alyson's own. This totally goes to show what an enthusiastic and energetic yogi she really is. ;-)

Upcoming teacher training

Here is your chance to train with a master! Naader Shagagi trained none other than our own Melissa Johnson, proprietor of Yoga Ananda. This teacher training intensive is not just for those planning to teach. Even if you just want to get deeper in your practice and/or learn the history and philosophy of yoga, teacher training is a great place to do it. And with this intensive format over just 10 days, you can really delve in while making the most of your time.

Here's the info:

http://www.yogaanandastudio.com/Events.htm

200 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING

Description:
10 DAY INTENSIVE! SIGN UP NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE. $200 deposit required. Join us for this rare opportunity to train with a true master of Yoga.This training will certify you with Naader Shagagi's creation of CURATIVE YOGA™ the therapeutic way of harmonizing your first 3 bodies. This is an ideal course for students who want to deepen their own practice or develop skills to teach others classical Hatha Yoga of Mystics™. Training will span over Ten 10 hour days with a total of 100 intensive contact hours, home study, teaching experience at the studio as well as follow-ups through Melissa Johnson of Yoga Ananda. Make up lessons available.

Training is $1200

CLICK HERE to leave your $200 deposit or pay in full.

For more information about Naader Click here

200 Hour Certification will include:
· Breath and Movement, POSTURES
· Anatomy & Philosophy
· Structure of Poses
· Alignment
· 8 Limbs of Classical Hatha Yoga
· The Realms of Mind
· Inner Purpose

Facilitator:
Naader Shagagi

About the Master Teacher:Trained in Raja Yoga at the Self Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, and Hatha Yoga at The Yoga College of India, Beverly Hills, Naader Shagagi has been studying Yoga and Meditation since 1983. A former Ph.D. Candidate in Engineering at the State University of North Dakota, Naader also studied Philosophy and religion before coming to Los Angeles as a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1985.

Location:
Yoga Ananda

Date:
April 20-29, 2007

Time:
Times will vary daily

Price:
$1200 ($200 deposit required by March 15th)

All I can say is this is truly a very reasonable tuition cost. Most 200-hour programs are about $2000 and up, up, up.

Links & More

Namaste everybody! I have put up links to every Jacksonville yoga studio...Jacksonville proper. Beyond the metro region we have many other talented and dedicated yogis in the Beaches, Amelia, Orange Park, St. Augustine, and on and on. Also up is the myspace page for Urban Core Yoga as well as the main site. Check these out!

And so it is...

...as it should be. Here I am making lemonade and so here is this blog, Om Page. Om being the first sound, the audible manifestation of universal creation, and this blog being a first for this mystifying town I live in on the First Coast. I love yoga and I love to write, and I hope these two truths are patently obvious to anyone who knows me, meets me, or just reads these words. Sure there's Yoga Journal and the like, but I don't live in California or New York so I really felt that yogis in Florida, especially in Jacksonville, needed their own source of the latest yoga news with a local emphasis.

I have so much planned but all in due time. Feel free to post comments as I would love to hear your views on what I publish. Please just remember to observe the yamas and niyamas here, follow the golden rule, and so on...respect each other and drop the ego! My goal is to only publish information that I have received the express permission for which to do so, and in the process hopefully getting to know other like-minded yoga trailblazers in the city. Om Page should be viewed as an information source as well as an online community. Drop me an email with suggestions for articles, requests to post your upcoming yoga events, etc. or just to introduce yourself!

Namaste.