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March 2009
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Focus of the Month for February
All Things Breath This month, we will combine the physical and philosophical focus into one as we dive into all things breath. You will find some teachers decide to focus on the actual act of respiration, some who want to use vocalization, chanting (look for Kirtan this month at Jaya), or using the Sanskrit names of the asanas, or maybe pranayama. How is the breath affected by each asana we do? The breath is associated with the heart chakra – the chakra that's a gateway to higher levels of consciousness (imagine that). There is a lot to learn about something we are doing every moment of our lives. The subject is wide and deep – please come explore and learn with us. Little Lotuses Monday March 2 - April 13, 11:30 - 12:15 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. Class size limited to 9 children. $90 for the series. $17 to drop in. (please note series skips March 23rd.) DEEP REST Class Every Other Sunday 7:45 - 9:00 pm 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. "The deep rest that comes when you lay down your burden." P. Doobinin March 1, Danika Hendrickson March 15, Alison Dorfman March 29, Ruthie Streiter This Friday Night!! KIRTAN with Nina Rao March 6, 7:45 pm (after the 6 pm intermediate class) Nina is back from touring with Krishna Das and is ready to lead us in Kirtan. No experience needed - or batteries for that matter. The chants are real easy to follow. The practice of chanting, similar to the practice of assana is good for the body, mind and spirit. Nina will be accompanied by Devadas on the Indian drums. Come share the experience and stretch your vocal chores. This event is offered by donation. Advanced Class with Carla Stangenberg Saturday, March 7, 5:45-8:15 pm Give yourself a little extra time to explore more advanced asanas (including an elongated guided savasana). This time around, we will focus on the bandhas, core muscles, and how they relate to one of our favorite subjects – arm balances (working on peacock in particular). We will discuss the actual function of the bandhas. The secret information of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika will be one of our reference manuals. Please join in this exploration of advancing your practice. $25 (please sign up in advance by email or at the front desk). All Levels & Kirtan Class March 20, 7:45 - 9:20 pm with Ruthie Streiter One hour of asana, pranayama, rest, philosophy and suprise along with 35 minutes of chanting (kirtan). Join Ruthie for this wonderful and new experience. She will be accompanied on her harmonium by her friend Tamara on Indian drums. Please send us an email letting us know you would like to attend. This special class will be on the schedule once a month for the next three months. Next: April 20 $15 (class cards do not apply) For Beginners 6-Week Beginner Series Sunday, March 22 from 2 - 3:15 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. Wear comfortable clothes. All of the props you will need for your classes will be provided by the studio. At the end of your six sessions, you will be ready to join any of our Basic level classes. $85 for the series or $17 per class to drop in sign up now email for beginner series BOOK CLUB REPORT We had a great time with a record number of people showing up for the last meeting. For our next book, we will be reading Open to Desire, by Mark Epstein. Pick up your copy at the front desk for just $15, then plan to join us at the next meeting of the book club. March 26, 7:45 pm (after the 6 pm intermediate class). Advanced Class with Carla Stangenberg Saturday, March 7, 5:45-8:15 pm Give yourself a little extra time to explore more advanced asanas (including an elongated guided savasana). This time around, we will focus on the bandhas, core muscles, and how they relate to one of our favorite subjects – arm balances (working on peacock in particular). We will discuss the actual function of the bandhas. The secret information of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika will be one of our reference manuals. Please join in this exploration of advancing your practice. $25 (please sign up in advance by email or at the front desk). Looking Forward to Sharon Salzberg teaching on Lovingkindness (metta) Thursday April 2, 8 - 10 PM The renowned Sharon Salzberg has agreed to come to Jaya – this is huge!! Mark your calendars; this is the first time she has taught in Brooklyn in 5 years. "One of America’s leading spiritual teachers and authors, Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts. She has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West. The ancient Buddhist practices of vipassana (mindfulness) and metta (lovingkindness) are the foundations of her work." (from her website) Taking reservations now by email. Don't Forget Down Dog for Kids with Lauren Maples Wednesdays, February 4 - April 22, 3:30 - 4:15 ages 4-8 yrs Bija Yoga’s 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 class finishes with relaxation - something the little yogis come to look forward to! No prior yoga experience required. Email if you would like to attend. $17 to drop in Highlights Intermediate Classes at Jaya Taking a moment here to highlight the Intermediate level classes at Jaya. The Intermediate level is smack dab in between our Basic level and Open level classes. It is meant to act as a bridge between the two. At this level, you are introduced to poses that are a little more tricky, like upward facing dog, chaturanga dandasana, crow, forearm stand, and full wheel. The poses are broken down into bite-size pieces so you can begin to master them. If you are a Basic level student and wonder what is next, check out the Intermediate level. Sunday 10:30 with Alison Friday 6 pm with Christine 12 noon with Ruthie (another one to be added to the schedule in the next few weeks...) Recession Special! Tuesday Open Level 6:15 pm with Tina West 6 pm Try this wonderful class for the next month for only $10 (offer ends March 31) Peter Doobinin: 6-Week Meditaion course at The Open Center, NYC Peter is an amazing teacher of meditation!!! So amazing that even though this event is not happening at the stuido we are putting it in the newsletter. This course begins March 2. Go to his web site www.dnymc.org. This will be well worth the time and energy!! Thank You The Survey Thank you to everyone who answered the survey (over 100 people). It was really helpful. You can look forward to some of your requests manifesting early spring, including a few classes being added to the schedule. ART OPENING Seeing God In Prints Indian Lithographs from the Collection of Mark Baron and Elise Boisante Mark and Elise are recently back from India where they picked up, the word is, some amazing prints of you favorite Hindu gods. This is a must see show!! March 4 - April 11 Opening Reception March 4 6-8pm www.ipcny.org Thank you for your practice, patience and good humor -Jaya News Department |
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