Come and see the beauty of Lake Champlain in a unique way as we glide across the water.  Class starts with specific Yoga poses to strengthen and center the body.  Then we move on to the docks for a dry land lesson of Paddle boarding.  Then finally we move on to the water to experience the gentle yet physical practice of SUP.  Ultimately, in our final lesson we will be doing Yoga on the surf board in the water to develop skills of concentration, awareness and balance.
No problem if you have no experience at yoga or paddleboarding. Sign up online now or Call 802.864.YOGA to book your spot!  Please join us for this special experience.

Register Here!

During our 8 week session we will focus each week on a single Chakra beginning with the root and ending with the crown. On the final week we will do a culminating practice with a feeling of openness throughout the center channel (Nadis) that connects each energy center. You will be guided through meditation, hatha, yin, vinyasa, dance and principals of physical alignment to allow each Chakra to radiate to its fullest. Through specific Chakra related postures (Yoga Asanas) we will experience how to activate the energy and will learn how to discover if there are any blockages and work to free them. We will experience bliss with calming and invigorating colors, sounds and aromatherapy. The world of the chakras can be experienced and felt using all the senses. Each Chakra has its own characteristics. Not only are they responsible for receiving and expressing energy but are also storage centers for our life experience and affect us physically and mentally. Join Danielle in an adventure of awakening for your physical and emotional bodies!

During our 8 week session we will focus each week on a single Chakra beginning with the root and ending with the crown. On the final week we will do a culminating practice with a feeling of openness throughout the center channel (Nadis) that connects each energy center. You will be guided through meditation, hatha, yin, vinyasa, dance and principals of physical alignment to allow each Chaka to radiate to its fullest. Through specific Chakra related postures (Yoga Asanas) we will experience how to activate the energy and will learn how to discover if there are any blockages and work to free them. We will experience bliss with calming and invigorating colors, sounds and aromatherapy. The world of the chakras can be experienced and felt using all the senses. Each Chakra has its own characteristics. Not only are they responsible for receiving and expressing energy but are also storage centers for our life experience and affect us physically and mentally. Join Danielle in an adventure of awakening for your physical and emotional bodies
Mondays, 5:45-7:15 pm
(Note: There is no class on May 31 (Memorial Day), 1 class will be added to the end of the session on June 14)
8 week series for $125
Series begins April 19!
Register

In this workshop you will discover how to make everyday movement intelligently and without strain. Uwe Mester will teach Awareness Through Movement lessons that will enable you to move more easily from lying on the floor to a sitting position. You will also learn to move from standing into a cross-legged sitting position in one motion without strain. You will learn how to utilize motion, leverage and body weight rather than muscle power. This access to your internal intelligence for movement will result in relaxation and a better understanding of how you can  organize movement.

You do not need prior Feldenkrais experience to enjoy this workshop. If you have never taken a Feldenkrais class before, please show up 10 minutes early, so Uwe can explain the main principles of the Feldenkrais-Method.

Saturday, Feb. 27:  2:00-4:30pm at Evolution
Cost: $25
Pre-Register Now

The new 5 week Feldenkrais for Yogis Series will start on Feb. 24, 2010.  Every Wednesday  9:00 – 10:00 am at Evolution . Cost: $75
Pre-Register Now

Peace,

Jane

1. Traditionally, what’s the connection between yoga and outdoors or nature?
For instance, there’s sun salutation, mountain pose, tree pose, etc. I’ve also read that yoga was originally done outdoors to connect with Nature or the Universe. Any thoughts?

I did a bit of research here on the origin of yoga and learned that in the main texts of the yoga tradition, there is not a mention of or connection between nature and yoga, at least not a formal mention in Patanjali’s yoga sutras specifically, which have come to encompass hatha yoga.   Someone well versed in the yogic scriptures may be able to draw a specific correlation between hatha yoga and nature in the ancient texts.

I do know that after the philosophy of yoga evolved, many physical asana developed from the yogis study of the world, the Earth, and how animals move and relax. Patanjali implies in the yoga sutras that yoga postures, though movements of the body, are actually meant to prepare the yogi for comfortable stillness and seated meditation.  As the entire world spins and is alive with energy, so too it my appear still or unmoving. In the stillness of the posture, there is movement of  breath and prana, the same energy flowing through us that flows through the entire world.

By putting your body into the shape of a tree or a stretching cat, by exploring the graceful wingspan of a bird or the fluidity of the sun salute, by breathing with the same cyclical sense as the tides or with an ocean sound, you will evoke a sense of harmony, timelessness and connection to the Universe.  Being in nature puts individual problems in perspective. We can tend to hide ourselves inside our homes and jobs, egos, hurry, worry, and stress,.  When we go out into the world, specifically to practice yoga, we are breaking down barriers of isolation on many levels and opening ourselves up to new space and ways of bring in the world.

2. What do you see as some of the benefits of taking your asanas and breath work out of the studio? What do you get outdoors that you don’t get inside?

Each breath connects us to our planet.  The health and vitality of the earth play an important role in our own health and wellness.  For me, being outdoors and practicing yoga are both natural states that awaken me to expansiveness around me and within me. Treating the planet well, also means caring for ourselves. When I practice yoga outside I feel at home in my body and on the Earth, connected to the ground beneath me and open to the entire sky.  Fresh air oxygenates the lungs and fills the body with wellness.   In naturally flowing air, deep breathing sequences are quite fulfilling and the invigoration of asana has a refreshing quality to it.

The silence available outdoors helps to open the heart, mind, and create a sense of contemplation.  The firm ground beneath, the cool breeze, the whispering trees or birds- each is an invitation  to cultivate meditative awareness.

3. Are there do’s and don’ts related to sun, heat, cold, and surfaces (I.e.

I live in Vermont and we experience about 6 months of winter here.  Though I don’t recommend unraveling your mat on any icy driveway, there’s something magical about heating your body with a warrior two, perhaps even on snowshoes, while snowflakes land softly on your nose.   Try yoga outside, despite the weather, as long as you’re protected from the elements, both sun and snow.

Most sticky mats don’t appreciate overheating.  A beach towel works great for warm surfaces.  When I’m on the grass, I enjoy barefoot yoga but many of my students like to unroll a mat.  In the sand, I also adore bare feet and direct contact- especially during standing poses. For seated postures and shavasan on the beach, I use a towel or beach blanket. I do not recommend a sticky mat in the sand, unless you have a devoted outdoor mat for weekend outings, camping trips, etc, but some people prefer to compact the sand by lying a mat down to practice.  Try practicing on the beach with and without your mat to see what works best for you. and grass

In any case, the best mats are eco-friendly!

4. Do uneven surfaces add a challenge or make it easier?

I find a slight variance in natural terrain can focus balance more than a flat floor.  If some folks feel distracted by uneven ground, I invite them to use the distraction as opportunity to find some, peace, patience, and center.

5. I’ve seen some people with and without a mat at the beach or in a wooded area, so I wonder what teachers recommend.

(Please see answer # 3 here as well)  Depending on the terrain, you may or may not need a yoga mat.  I would carry one on outdoor outings to be safe because it’s always nice to have the option.  On a smooth warm rock you may not want a mat but on crunchy pine needles during forest sadhana, it’s necessary!
6. Is there a time of day that’s best? Early morning or evg (moonlight)?

Many wise teachers and traditions find the best practice hours to be early morning- between 5 and 7 am.  I enjoy practice thoroughly during this time, certainly outside or at least near a window.  any time of day or eve that has inviting temperature and a certain softness is a perfect time to practice !

NAMASTE!

What gave you the idea for HOT and SPICY VINYASA with Indian food?

What yoga poses build heat in this class?

Each class is really different and focused on leading to some fun and challenging pose or poses, so the poses vary quite a bit.  I’ve been playing music in bands for more than 25 years, so I think of the class a lot like a concert.  In playing a concert there is a pacing to the set of music that builds energy and keeps people engaged without getting burned out. In deciding on the poses and sequencing for the Hot & Spicy class I think about it in the same way.

What makes H and S Yoga so fun?  Tell us about last month, April 2009.

What is your favorite Indian dish?

Join me, TU or TH mornings, for yoga on the lake, in an all-levels, fun, and inspiring six-week series.

Traditionally, the connection between yoga and the outdoors is strong.

For instance, there’s sun salutation, mountain pose, tree pose, breath of fire, Ocean Breath and much more.  Practicing these asanas and pranayam,  creates a sense of connection  with the Universe, being grounded, and openness.

Morning is an especially soft and quiet time to practice and I find I’m quite receptive to my sadhana.

Allow clean air to oxygenate your body and yogic breath to infuse your lungs with clearness.  Inward focus and the lake environment will both calm the nerves; nature and yoga postures will invigorate your body.

You can use your Evolution yoga card to practice with me on the lake this summer.  Pre-register for either once or twice a week to reserve your space in the class, or you may drop in to class whenever your schedule allows.

Register Here!

Dates:

Session 1: June 2-July 7

Tuesdays: 7-8:15 am and/or Thursdays: 7-8:15 am

Session 2: July 14-August 20

Tuesdays: 7-8:15 am and/or Thursdays: 7-8:15 am.

Cost:

Drop-in: $14 a class (you may also use an Evolution Yoga class card)

1x week: $ 80 for 6 weeks (6 classes- please specify Tuesday or Thursday)

2x week: $150 for 6 weeks (12 classes)