Today we had the wonderful opportunity to host our Spring Herbal Workshop led by our resident herbalist, Sharon Brewer.

At first Sharon talked about the seasons and how spring is the time when our bodies awaken, just as the earth livens up in spring. She then transitioned into springtime plants that can help bring balance and energy: Nettle, chickweed, violet, dandelion, red clover, and burrock root. Sharon emphasized how we can find these in the wild – in our own backyards. This is known as wildcrafting. She brought in samples of each plant to see.

Next we got to try these plants – tasting. Sharon first passed around a sample tea which she had made and then shared a great salad which she made exclusively by wildcrafting – save for a touch of her home-grown lettuce.

Sharon also introduced us to tinctures, tonics, and infusions. And much, much more.

Everyone left with a salve to combat “gardner’s hands”, and other skin issues.

Plus Sharon brought in so many different plants – some of which are shown above – and everyone got to depart with 2, 3, 4, or even more plants, like tomato plants, nettle, and a variety of other herbal plants.

Here – directly to the left – is that fateful moment just prior to selecting which plants we might want!

All in all it was a quality afternoon with lots of open discussion and the sharing of information.

Many thanks to all who came out and participated. Happy, happy wildcrafting and herbal gardening to all! May we all grow strong and wise and use the earth’s bounty in conscious ways to cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves, our community, the greater ecosystem and beyond….

Music, Movement & Meditation

Sun, June 24, 2p – 4p
Galesville Memorial Hall

$25 by June 20;
$30 after June 20

Register Today

Join us for this grand gathering of yoga, melodious sounds, gentle movements, and spirituality. This is a time to refine the mind and soothe the soul, as we bend, breathe and ultimately delve deep inside.

As many of you know, Anthony Malatesta is our great sitar player, yet on this occasion he comes to us on his guitar – his home instrument. This will certainly prove to be a dynamic session. We will move our bodies and still our minds; and we will still our bodies and move our minds. All done to the melodious sounds of  Anthony’s playing.

This will be an occasion to renew, refresh and be inspired. There will be ample scope for personal journeying as well as collective movement and meditation. Experience how the subtlety of yoga is neatly complemented by the soothing balm, healing touch, and gentle sounds of the world of music.

What to bring: Yoga mat, eye pillow (optional, we will provide), yoga block (optional, we will provide).

Yes, I would like to register…

The Chakra Workshop

Sun, May 20, 2p – 4:30p

Galesville Memorial Hall

$25 by May 16 // $30 after May 16

Register Now

Come discover the subtle energy system known as chakras. What are they? Where are they? How do they function? What effect do they have on the physical body – and the mental body? And the all important query: Are they real?

In this unique seminar, we will explore all these queries and much more. This open forum will feature theoretical review, practical demonstrations, and meditative techniques. The aim will be to gain a greater understanding of the yogi’s view of the human structure – from the inside out.

Yes, I want to register now…

We held our restorative yoga workshops yesterday led by our dear visiting teacher, Ms Sara Duke. And what a wonderful day it turned out to be.

The early session featured an investigative experience into deep relaxation where all had opportunity to experiment with props to find support for achieving release and rest. Sara brought with her a wealth of knowledge and techniques for enabling all participants to feel degrees of deep relaxation in various positions. One of Sara’s key approaches is to recognize that we are all different physically (and mentally) so there was wonderful scope within her guidelines for personal variation and trial. And I think that really allowed people to experience Sara’s motto: Go 50%, i.e. using that degree of engagement to find greater release and decompression.

The second workshop was a unique look into our inner core. Sara introduced the bandhas (mula bandha and jalandar bandha etc) and offered descriptive guidelines for finding the pelvic floor and isolating those inner, smaller core muscles, (need I say without engaging the hip flexors!). There was also very interesting work with the neck – all who attended can never forget how Sara’s head weighs 50lbs! Some of the other therapeutic approaches featured isolated and dual usage of the abductors and adductors. It was really a very eye-opening, intense, and specialized presentation – one which we will certainly incorporate little by little into our own classes and practice.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend with Sara & her partner Dave. Starting with the potluck on Friday evening (40 attendees and enough great food to feed half of South County) where we all got opportunity to talk and share, and culminating with Sara’s excellent seminars yesterday. As much as we appreciated her skills and insights, certainly it was her demeanor, manner and way that we all found so comforting and charming. This was the fist time I had a visiting yoga teacher come in and lead and I personally felt 100% comfortable – in all aspects. As I told those in the second seminar, I felt like I was with my sister all weekend long – and the feeling remains. I know many of you were also touched by her presence and we all truly hope she one day returns to South County – certainly she will be most welcome!

Here is a Sara’s write-up of her experience with us…

Spring Herbal Workshop:
A healthy transition into springtime

with Sharon Brewer, Clinical Herbalist

Register Now

Welcome spring as you cleanse, energize and reconnect through our Herbal Spring Workshop. We will discuss common wild spring plants easily found locally, describe these plants and their respective properties, investigate where we can find them, and learn how to prepare and use them in spring tonics, infusions, teas and food.

We will also reconnect with the earth by learning how to make a small garden and discuss the many benefits of gardening. We will have hands-on projects throughout the workshop – including preparations such as infusions, teas, and wild food dishes for the table.

To top it off we will prepare a gardener’s herbal salve to protect your hands and feet (just in case you like to garden barefoot!)

Hope you will join us for this unique springtime celebration!

Sharon Brewer is a clinical herbalist with a masters degree in herbal medicine from the Tai Sophia Institute (Laurel, Md). Sharon also runs a small business, Green Violet Herbs, in Fairhaven, and is a regular attendee of our yoga classes. Her first herbal workshop with us back in Sep 2011 was a great success!

Yes, I want to register now…

Vegetarian Potluck

Fri, Mar 30, 6p – 8:30p
Christ Church Parish Hall
(204 Owensville Rd)

RSVP Below…

We are very pleased to announce the first-ever Renaissance Yoga vegetarian potluck on Friday evening March 30, from 6p – 8:30p. All are invited: Yoga practitioners, spouses, friends, neighbors, kids, cousins – ALL.

Getting Together & Meeting Sara: This potluck is a time for us all to get together “off the mat” as well as a time to meet our visiting teacher, Sara Duke, who will be leading the restorative yoga workshops on Sunday, April 1.

This hall is an ideal location as it can turn into an indoor / outdoor affair (weather dependent).

RSVP: To best organize this joyous and sumptuous gathering, kindly respond in the comment section below. 1. Write your name; and, 2. What you plan to bring (more about this below).

By scanning the various comments we will organically organize our feast!

What to Bring: You are requested to bring any vegetarian dish of your choosing: Appetizer, main dish, salad, dessert, or beverage. (Note: No alcohol please.)

Going Green: To make this a green event, please bring your own place setting: Plate, bowl and utensils. Consider bringing containers just in case there is extra to take home.

What is Vegetarian: One question that may arise is what is meant by vegetarian. Well for this occasion we will use the lacto-vegetarian model. That means all kinds of grains, pastas, legumes (beans), nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. So there is lots to choose from. You may follow a recipe or use your own innate talents. Kindly refrain from using any eggs or meat or fish of any kind.

Ingredient Flags: Please include a list of ingredients that you used to prepare your dish, including what spices you used. This has multiple benefits. That way we can all learn about new ways of preparing food as well as what things to shop for, and those with allergies can easily know what dishes they can eat.

Participation, Participation, Participation: Your participation in this event – and it is an event(!) – is highly valued. This is a time to see old friends and meet new ones, a gathering to socialize and share, and so much more. More than any dish, your presence is the main ingredient that will make this successful. Look forward to seeing you there!

Yes I Am Coming: Ok great – so you will be attending. Now just write your name in the comment section and tell us what you might like to bring. (Click on the “add yours” link below and type away!)

This is a casual affair – come when you can – drop in anytime – all are encouraged to arrive at 6p to get things going!!

Great having everyone out for this afternoon’s seminar, Meditation: History, Culture & Practice. We had a very healthy and active community of 18 for the program.

As stated at the beginning, the aim was to cover several thousand years of human thought and realization in a 2 1/2 hr time slot!

The first half-hour was introductions followed by a discussion of big questions: Do you have a mind? Can you show me your mind? What is meditation? What is spirituality? What is the relationship between yoga and meditation? What is the relationship between mind and body?

From these grand queries we delved into the practice of breathing (svarshastra) and its many components and benefits. This was our base that we returned to again and again.

Basically, with everyone’s interest and participation the seminar became an interplay of theory and practice wherein we discussed philosophical and technical teachings and then put those into real application.

Further topics addressed & practiced: Visualization, chakras, mantra, mental health, pranayama and spiritual approach. Plus the all important point: How to set-up a home practice.

That meant discussing the theory and aims of the practices and then putting those yogic principles to work for us, in concrete ways. How do we apply these tools to our meditation and daily living patterns. How does it all fit together and what are the benefits.

Naturally more practice led to more inquiry which led to deeper reflection and inspiration. Really, it is just not possible to capture in this blog the overall flow and feeling of the session. All who came brought such an earnest and honest approach; and that made for a great communal gathering – both internally and externally.

More than tell about the seminar per se, I hope this blog will serve as a springboard for others to share their experiences. You never know how your sharing might inspire others – your words may be just what the next person needed to hear. So I hope you will consider recounting at least a little of what you experienced.

Thanks again for all who came out and made this such a worthwhile gathering.

We had a full house for today’s Yoga Anatomy: Practice & Prevention seminar. After brief introductions by Shawn (our resident DPT) and myself, the program transitioned into a highly interactive session: Full of queries, life accounts, practice and the near constant exchange of information.

We transitioned from seated breathing (expanding the belly and rib cage) to forward bends (are we stretching our hamstrings or back), to table and down dog (where we explored the shoulders and spine), to low lunges (where we worked on maintaining our core), to sphinx, cobra and friends (spinal extension) to child (ahhh).

Then up for standing balance (working from the core) to lunges (glut strength anyone) to triangle (bend the  knee just enough that the instructor cannot see) to therapeutic exercises (knees, wrists, hips & more) to supine poses (gentleness to close out) and finally a short shavasana.

Here the point is that our journeying was slow wherein Shawn highlighted the operative anatomical features and addressed common ailments and injuries. No matter one’s level, it really was an eye-opening experience where we explored our human laboratory and gained insight into our bodies and our practice.

Here are but a few of the many thoughts that participants had to share. “The best part of the seminar was…”

- The back and forth between yoga and pt information. It was easy to apply the information Shawn gave to my practice and I noticed several improvements right away.

- Everything! Q & A always helpful and other peoples’ experiences.

- Even without asking personal things about my own lower back issues, I learned how to manage it, when to do backbends vs forward bends, many variations of both in case something is uncomfortable, how to read my pain, and the idea that it could be a lopsided glut. Who knew?

- The basic theme of explaining what goes on anatomically as we move. Also the use of clear, layman’s language with analogies.

- The hints! Especially the persistent reminder to tighten the core – I think that alone will really improve my practice!

- And there were so many more – and I hope those who attended will write more about their experiences in the comments of this post!!

Thanks to all who came – you brought your energy, inquisitiveness, engagement and so much more to make this a successful workshop. Shawn and I look forward to seeing you again soon – at the next one!

Two Great Restorative Workshops
Presented By Special Guest Teacher: Sara Duke

Restorative Yoga: Discovery & Practice
Sun, April 1, 10a – 12:30p
$30 by Mar 26; Register Now (limited spaces)

Restoring & Rebuilding the Inner Core
Sun, April 1, 2p – 4p
$25 by Mar 26; Register Now

Galesville Memorial Hall

We wish to wholeheartedly welcome Sara Duke of Duluth, MN who will be coming to our area to present two wonderful restorative yoga workshops on April 1, 2012.

Sara and I met a few years ago as bloggers on the YJ blogsite and our relationship grew from there. She was instrumental in helping me develop the restorative workshops that I have presented to date and now we are fortunate to have her come to Galesville.

Sara and her husband are great travelers and are embarking on a mega tour of the US. When Sara contacted me saying that she was coming to the mid-Atlantic region in early spring, I was eager to have her come – for a variety of reasons: To finally meet her in-person, to have her meet our community and join in on some classes, and most certainly to have her share her expertise and present a workshop (or two!)

Sara is a wonderfully warm person and I really hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to take one or both of her below workshops. More about Sara is posted below her workshops descriptions…

Restorative Yoga: Discovery and Practice
Sunday, April 1, 2012, 10:00am – 12:30pm, Galesville Memorial Hall

This workshop will explain what Restorative Yoga is, talk about the risks and benefits, and introduce a number of postures that students can do at home. Students will: learn to become comfortable with multiple props; get familiar with how to set up each pose; learn options for using furniture and blankets at home to set up their poses; and learn to feel signs of discomfort in their own body and what to do to make themselves comfortable. Following this discovery process, students will be treated to a Restorative Yoga class which will include a short Yoga Nidra session.

Yes I would like to register now for Restorative Yoga: Discovery & Practice.

Restoring and Rebuilding the Inner Core
Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2:00pm – 4:00pm, Galesville Memorial Hall

In this introduction to the Inner Core we will discuss the main elements of the Inner Core, what can cause Inner Core dysfunction, and what you can do to gain or regain positive function.

How do you know if you would benefit from Inner Core work?

- Do you have back pain, neck pain, a tight jaw, incontinence, trouble sitting or standing still without propping? Any of these symptoms may indicate a need to restore the function of the Inner Core.
- Are you an athlete? Inner core work will help your performance.
- Do you need to “lock” your joints in your Yoga poses to support yourself? Inner Core work will support you from the inside out.
- Are you pregnant or have you had a baby? Inner Core work will help create a stronger support for you and your baby and will help you return to full function after giving birth.

If anything in the above list is true for you, then you are someone who would benefit from learning about the Inner Core.

We will learn exercises to isolate the muscles of the pelvic floor, the pelvic girdle, the respiratory diaphragm, and the deep muscles of the spine. These are the “Core 4″ of the Inner Core. We will also learn to isolate the Core’s “helper” muscles and to stop the “bully” muscles from taking over. (Read More…)

Yes I would like to register now for Restoring and Rebuilding the Inner Core.

Sara Duke, E-RYT 200, began practicing Yoga in 1998 as a way to get out of pain. After 3 car accidents as a teenager, Sara’s neck and spine were misaligned and caused pain throughout her body. Sara found a teacher that taught her Therapeutic Yoga and the Inner Core – revolutionary practices that helped her get out of pain. She decided to take teacher training to learn more and completed the 200 hour teacher certification requirements through Yoga North’s Teacher Training program in 2008 (Certified through Yoga Alliance). Since then she has expanded her knowledge and deepened her practice through multiple in-depth trainings: Therapeutic Yoga, Restoring and Rebuilding the Inner Core, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Somatics, the Therapeutic Spinal Strip and Backbender, and many philosophy classes. She has a particular interest in practicing and teaching Restorative Yoga and Restoring the Inner Core.

Meditation:
History, Culture, & Practice

Sun, Mar 11, 2012
2:00p – 4:30p

Galesville Memorial Hall

$22 by Mar 7;
$27 after Mar 7

Register Today

Meditation, or sadhana (literally meaning “effort”), is the foundation of all yogic practices. The vast arena of yoga stands upon the realization gained from meditation. In this seminar we will explore the ancient roots of this great practice from a historical, cultural, and spiritual perspective.

Why did those yogis of old meditate and what did they aim to achieve? In addition, we will apply those age-old principles to modern day life. Alas, theory without practice is but a meaningless pursuit, so say the yogis. Hence we will interweave meditative techniques and practices throughout the session.

This seminar is a time to deepen your understanding of yogic thought and learn how meditation can become a more active element of your life. Whether you follow a regular meditation practice or not, this is a seminar for you to come and explore the intuitional and spiritual foundations of yoga. All are welcome.

Yes, I want to register now…

Yoga Day – 2012
Sat, Jan 21
Galesville Memorial Hall

Free Yoga All Morning Long!!

8a Gentle Yoga
9:15a Absolutely Abs
9:45a Yoga for Strength and Fitness

Last year we had a great, great turnout for this event where so many from the community practiced together in one flow, one heart, and one mind. Your presence is highly needed so please do come on out and spread the word to all…

Special Deals on Shirts – Just $5 & $10!!

New People Buying A Monthly Pass Save $15!!

And More…

Everyone is welcome – Bring Your Friends – Enjoy this Day of Practice

Yoga Anatomy:
Practice & Prevention

Sun, Feb 12, 2:00p – 4:30p
Galesville Memorial Hall

$30 by Feb 8; $35 after Feb 8

Register Now

This is the third seminar in our Yoga Anatomy series, and once again we are pleased to welcome Shawn C. O’Neill D.P.T. to serve as our guide. This particular workshop will be a highly interactive session as we apply fundamental anatomical concepts to our yoga practice, with lots of time for experimentation and dialog.

We will use the functioning of the spine and hips as our starting point and then take a careful look at injury prevention of the wrists, knees, and more (as time allows). Learn how proper alignment enhances and strengthens your joints, what to avoid, and how to rehab areas of pain or weakness.

Shawn and I (Satyam) aim to create an open forum for inquiry and practice. Gain insight into the inner workings of your asana practice or come to learn how to relieve some nagging aches and pains. This is a workshop for everyone; all are welcome. Do register early as these seminars fill quickly.

Handouts given; please bring a pen; notebook, i-Pad or journal (optional).

What to Bring: Yoga mat, block (if you have one), strap (if you have one), PT band (if you have one), water bottle, yoga wear, long-sleeve top for warmth, writing utensil.

About the Presenter: Dr. O’Neill (Bayside Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation) holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from University of Maryland – College Park, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Maryland – Eastern Shore.

Read About Past Yoga Anatomy Seminars: Yoga Anatomy: Back and Hips ~ Yoga Anatomy: Neck & Shoulders

See Our Past Preview Video: Yoga Anatomy Video

Yes, I want to register now…

Thanks to all who came out today for the Enhance and Advance workshop. You brought a lot of experience and inquiry to our space and made it very successful.

And for those who could not be there, here is a recap of the workshop.

After a brief welcome and overview, we took some time to introduce ourselves and share what we hoped to gain from the day. Meditation and breathing techniques were high on the list. So we spent the first 45 minute segment talking about and practicing particular techniques. Moreover we investigated practical ways to include contemplative endeavors – meditation and half-meditation – into our daily (and very busy) lives.

We then transitioned into a gentle warm-up of asanas, breath and use of mantra. Just a slow sequence to get us going and bring balance.

Thereafter delved into balances poses and some more challenging standing sequences: From Gail’s request for 2 pointed downward dog to soaring into Warrior III and half moon.

More than that, the poses & our session became a platform for talking and sharing about our practice and what our poses are for. We discussed how it was not about looking a particular way – as every body is different – and how a single person is not meant to do ALL the poses, just those with suit them. And so much more came up: personal queries and philosophical review.

In spontaneous fashion, we entered into small exploration groups to go over particular poses. Michelle (shown here), Frannie & others tackled chaturaunga dandasana, and we discussed how chatur means four, aunga means limb, dand means staff or spine, and asana means posture. Then we practiced how the alignment fits together.

Meanwhile Sharon, Annie and Co. broke down the nuances of pigeon, making it look all too easy, and still others were working on back bends. All in all it was a time for sharing, learning and experimenting.

We summed up day by reviewing how the conception of an idea leads to its verbal expression and ultimately its physical manifestation. With that some shared goals that they had and how they were making and taking steps to achieve them.

All in all a wonderful year-end seminar and I wholeheartedly thank all for coming out!!

Well, Bethanne & Kenny did it again! Today we held our 4th ever Eating Healthy seminar and it was a smashing, sumptuous success. We had a full house (18) for the event – a mix of Renaissance Yoga yoginis and Bethanne groupies.

The seminar was  smooth & seamless throughout with plenty of tasty dishes for all to try, savor, and take home. We started off with “breakfast” and enjoyed donut holes (vegan of course!) that were tasty, sweet & moist. And there was much more such as energy bars, and other treats to give your morning a GO.

Lunch featured great salads including “fall slaw” with maple tahini dressing (shown here), a colorful herb and kale tabouli / tabbouleh, Marrakesh red lenil soup over fresh organic chard, and more.

Of course the great thing with Bethanne is that along the way you learn all about the properties of the foods, their healing qualities, where to get them, how to prepare the dish, and how to enjoy it. So each dish becomes a whole presentation & experience unto itself – and the entire time Kenny is quietly plugging away as the sous-chef par extraordinaire making sure everything is ready and on track.

After a great “lunch” we had a few snacks – what else!?! How about 2 kinds of popcorn that was really cauliflower: One style raw and seasoned to perfection and another dehydrated. Everyone got to pick their favorite.

So after breakfast, lunch, and snacks (of which there were multiple of everything), we had dinner.

Here is a wonderful asian noodle dish with kelp noodles and I believe this is also the dish where we used the spiralizer with a wonderful daikon radish. And of course the sesame-everything sauce was out of this world.

Here is what it looked like when it was completed – a perfect presentation as always!

Then we had a stuffed butternut squash casserole which was baked magnificently – and tasted even better!

Here you have to understand that the array of ingredients, the meticulous preparation and the tasting experience is unparalleled. Top of all we learned the secret to making this at home – and it is easier than you think.

Finally, after breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner we had – dessert. And there was a great selection!!

We had desserts like superfood brownie bites, chocolate chip cherry bites, cookies, and an incredible raw pumpkin parfait with cranberries and ginger “whipped cream” made from soaked cashews, coconut oil and more. The parfait was built in layers and everyone made their own. It was truly a work of art and tasted even better!

But to be honest, no matter what I write and how many pictures I post – you really had to be there to experience it. And it was that – AN EXPERIENCE!!!

Last but not least, we had such a great community of people present who shared, learned, and took delight in the whole program. Special thanks also to Frannie for running such a tidy ship.

Everyone left with a recipe book, plenty of food for tomorrow, and a warm feeling inside. All in all a great experience – see you at the next one!!! It is not to be missed…

Enhance & Advance Your Practice
(All levels)

Sun, Dec 11, 2p- 4:30p
Galesville Hall

$22 by Dec 7 // $27 after Dec 7

Register Now

Bring it all together and then go beyond. This is a time for you to build your practice from the ground up. Tie up all the loose ends from 2011 and take your practice to another realm as we enter 2012.

Amp up your asanas in an open, supportive atmosphere. That might mean adding yet another version of crow pose to your repertoire or gaining a deeper appreciation of child pose. This workshop will be tailored to your needs and your practice while maintaining a collective flow.

Along with our physical refinement we will set our sights on overcoming those mental hurdles to ensure a smooth ride into the new year. This seminar will serve as a personal challenge, a collective journey, and a platform for you to grow. Come join us!

We look forward to having you there!

Yes, I would like to register now…

Thanks to all who came out for the first-ever Sages & Sutras philosophy seminar today. You all did a wonderful job of raising excellent questions, offering insightful responses, and keeping pace with our dramatic explorations.

Some of the many, many topics we covered or touched on were: Codes of yoga, philosophy of mind, Buddha & Mahaviira Jain, dharma, yogic prinicples, Patanjali and really quite a bit more. And of course there were stories.

It was all done in dialogue fashion which meant we basically flowed from topic to topic, and back again, depending upon the interests, inquiries and inspirations of those present.

Here are but some of the reflections attendees had when asked, “The best part of the seminar was…”

* The open forum discussion made everyone feel at ease and able to share thoughts and ideas.

* Your passion for the topic – seems off calling this a “topic” – it is clearly your way of life. I also really liked [hearing] the view and knowledge of other participants.

* I liked that we started the discussion with the students’ impressions and questions.

* I loved this – I loved the one page idea – seeing all those lists together makes it feel less overwhelming as their connection is more obvious now.

* I would love another seminar focusing on progressing on the path…

* The flow of discussion as it related to the handout – I think there is an ongoing class that could come out of this workshop.