yoga

Partner Massage Workshop: Oct. 9, 2010; $70/couple or $35/single

Love getting a massage, but can't afford to on a regular basis? Want to receive a better massage from your partner or be more confident giving one? Want to learn self-massage tricks for neck and shoulder pain?

This three-hour workshop will give you the tools to relieve your partner's back, shoulder and neck pain using simple massage techniques, as well as some Thai Yoga Massage stretches. Kelly will demonstrate each sequence, then supervise and assist as needed as each partner takes a turn practicing. Techniques will be performed with the recipient lying on his or her stomach, sides and back, with some seated stretching. Modifications will be provided as needed.

One of the primary benefits of massage comes from the simple power of compassionate touch. A short time will be spent at the beginning of class setting an intention of compassion for your partner and learning to communicate that through your hands.

$70 per couple, $35 per single. 
*Fee includes a follow-along booklet with pictures and directions for home practice.
*This is not a romantically-themed workshop; feel free to come with a friend.
*Singles will be paired up on a first-come basis.
*No massage experience required!
*Bring 1 pillow per person.

Yin Yoga: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, 4-6 pm, $15 [at North Main]

As the seasons shift, it can be difficult to maintain solid footing in our life and relationships. Classes will balance the Earth energy, the force responsible for staying grounded without becoming bogged down in self pity or worry.

The fiery energy of Summer can pull too much energy upward in our body, leaving us anxious and spinning mentally. Meditations throughout class will draw the energy down the spine, rebuilding a connection with the Earth--the element connected to Indian Summer or any transitional phase in life. Grounding visualizations can be especially helpful for those affected by the academic calendar, as things move into high gear with the start of another semester.

Our Earth element can relate to our sense of home and security as well. When that sense of well being is threatened, we can become overwhelmed with self-focus and worry. BreathingYin yoga is a series of seated stretches held for minutes at a time in a relaxed or collapsed manner in order to stretch the connective tissue and the energy pathways embedded in it.

Yin can soothe the nervous system, detoxify the emotions and re-lubricate the joints. This practice may not be appropriate for those with recent ligament or joint injuries. techniques designed to center the mind can bring balance to our life and increase our compassion for others around us.

Yin Yoga: Nov. 20, 2010, Saturday, 4-6 pm, $15 [at North Main]

With the changing of the leaves, the energy of the tree is beginning its retreat down into its core and roots to prepare for Winter's cold. All unnecessary energy is conserved and protected, and what is no longer useful is let go. It is a symbol of the beautiful process of transformation--of ongoing change.

Fall is a time for examination, for letting go of what is burning our energy up unnecessarily. Metal, the element associated with Fall, is a symbol of detachment and dividing what is essential from what is not, so that we are purer in the end.

Class will include upper body stretches to stimulate the Lung channel and deep breathing to detoxify the body and emotions. Yin stretches are held for minutes at a time in a collapsed manner to target the connective tissue. Class may not be appropriate for those with recent disc or ligament injuries.

Yin Yoga: Dec. 11, 2010, Saturday, 4-6 pm, $15 [at Augusta Road]

Winter, the most Yin season of the year, is often the most hectic. As evidenced in nature, we are intended to rest during this season, like the trees and rivers. Although perhaps not hibernating like a bear, we are intended to enjoy a season of deep introspection. Instead, most of us find ourselves stuck in mall traffic and attending more Christmas parties than we can count. Drained of energy, we find our reserves lacking when the next year begins.

This year, use Yin as a way to restore your energy and feel renewed for the New Year. Class will target the Urinary Bladder and Kidney channels, both connected to our Water element which is associated with our essence, our life force. When out of balance in this element, fear and anxiety can dominate our lives.

Class will include deep breathing techniques and meditations designed to calm the spirit as we look into the unknown of a new year. Yin stretches are held for minutes at a time in a collapsed manner to target the connective tissue. Class may not be appropriate for those with recent disc or ligament injuries.

Yin Yoga: Dec. 31, 2010, Friday, 4-6 pm, $15 [at Augusta Road]

This class will restore your energy and leave you feeling renewed for the New Year. Class will target the Urinary Bladder and Kidney channels, both connected to our Water element which is associated with our essence, our life force. When out of balance in this element, fear and anxiety can dominate our lives.

Class will include deep breathing techniques and meditations designed to calm the spirit as we look into the unknown of a new year. Enjoy candlelight and soothing music as a calming close to your 2010.

Yin stretches are held for minutes at a time in a collapsed manner to target the connective tissue. Class may not be appropriate for those with recent disc or ligament injuries.