ECO YOGA DAY – Sunday, April 25, 2p – 4p Galesville Memorial Hall

All funds (100%, every penny) go toward a green project. Donate Today…

This is our ECO-YOGA Day Project… home sweet home – literally.

It is a bee hive for native stingless bees. Or what we call a bee condo as it comes complete with an indoor swimming pool, massage parlor and wi-fi. Along with a constant buzz. That way the bees need not make the noise themselves.

Kidding aside, this really is a wonderful and very neat project that every participant at Eco Yoga Day will be assembling. This project was conceived of by Karen McDonald, an environmental educator, who will be facilitating and leading the eco part of ECO YOGA DAY. Our trusted builder and yogi Bob Smith brought Karen’s idea to life. He built the prototype pictured here and is creating kits so everyone can make their own bee hive / hut / condo on Eco Yoga Day.

Come on out for this great event!! Reserve your spot by donating today…

…Or email me to reserve your spot and bring your suggested $15 donation the day of…

A very warm and hearty thank you to Greenstreet Gardens of Lothian, Md for donating a tree and bumper crops for Eco Yoga Day!!

Greenstreet Gardens is a local, family-run business operated by Ray Greenstreet II.

Our deepest gratitude to the entire Greenstreet Family, and in particular to Ray for his generosity, and Gale Poudrier for being the perfect liaison.

We are looking forward to a very successful Eco Yoga Day event this year.

Eco Yoga Day is Sunday, April 25, 2p – 4p at Galesville Memorial Hall!!

Eco Yoga Day Info ~ Eco Yoga Day Theme

Eco Yoga Day is Sunday. April 25, 2010…see what’s happening.

Our main presentation topic will be bees.

So we will begin with yoga and then transition to this wonderful, hands-on seminar – led by Karen McDonald of SERC – about bees. And then we will have a meditation and sharing circle and hopefully a planting or two.

See here what great things Karen has planned for us….

An Introduction to Bees and Native Pollinators

Bees are an important part of nature, helping flowers turn into fruits and making gardens thrive. Come learn about these fascinating creatures. We’ll explore how they live in their complex hives, feeling their way through many different jobs from raising young, tending the queen, building comb, foraging for nectar and pollen, and making honey. We will also discuss how you can keep native stingless bees right in your own yard. Afterwards we’ll try tasting some different types of local honey and make our own bee box, for native orchard mason bees, that you can put in your garden.

Our 2nd annual Eco Yoga Day

Sunday, April 25

2:00p – 4:00p

Galesville Memorial Hall

Be Part of the

Bendy Green Team!!

Suggested Donation: $15

What could be better than to do a 2nd Eco Yoga Day!! Last year we did yoga, dialogged about eco-friendly ways of living, made our own green cleaning solutions to bring home, planted a Sugar Maple tree  – thanks to Exterior Image, Lothian – behind the hall, and raised enough money to purchase a high quality hose extension as well as 1 River Birch and 3 Virginia Sweetspires – all of which were planted by the hall. 100% of the monies collected go toward a green project – period.

That is why everyone is saying: Let’s do it again!!!

This year once again Karen McDonald (SERC Community Education Coordinator) will be co-hosting this event with me and she will be treating us to another grand eco-project. She has already shared a list of topics and we are just about to select one – certainly it will be dynamic and exciting!

UPDATE: Here is our topic: Bees….

In addition we will have an hour-long yoga practice as well as a meditation circle.

Plus we have some other goodies up our sleeves – so you’ll just have to be there to find out!

There will also be time for sharing, caring & more!!!

Read all about last year’s event and see the photos!!

Let us know how you can contribute
to this year’s program to make it more green & vibrant!

Our special thanks to the West River Improvement Association for dontating the use of the hall and to Karen for offering her time, energy and special talents.

Restorative Yoga Workshop - Register Now!
Sun, Apr 11, 2:00p – 4:00p
Galesville Memorial Hall
$20 by Apr 1; $25 after Apr 1

New & improved featuring:
Facilitators (approx 5 – 1 student-instructor ratio), new poses & props,
yoga nidra, longer length session, and much, much more.

This program is really all  about responding to what
your body and mind are asking for!!

Ease into spring with a calm – come discover the wonder of restorative yoga. In this gentle session we will use a variety of props to bask in supportive, relaxing poses which enable our bodies and minds to heal, restore and find balance. This a great way to center oneself: physically, emotionally, and mentally. Along the way we will also explore breathing & relaxation techniques. This workshop is for everyone; no prior yoga experience is needed.

Note: All participants will be requested to bring a pillow and a blanket as well as x-tra clothes for layering: sweatshirt etc. If you have an eye pillow then bring that as well, otherwise we will have one for you. All other props will be supplied. A week before the program we will send you a detailed list of exactly what to bring.

YES, I want to register now on-line!!

Or bring your payment to any class.

Monthly Pass Holders: $12.00 by Apr 1

Yesterday, marked our first ever Restorative Workshop, and 23 participants braved the snow and made it in for the experience!

Restorative Yoga is the practice of bringing your mind and body into a state of balance through very gentle postures – supported by props – held for longer periods. It is a time to be still, quiet, and delve inside. Even then there is the occasional hurdle – as some will attest with regards to the standing/seated wide angle series! By and large though restorative yoga is a soothing program of restful poses that help to recharge oneself. In its totality it is a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual journey towards enhancement – with each participant having their own unique experience.

With bolsters abound, straps around, blankets covering, chairs side by, and eye pillows on top, we step by step embarked on our endeavor. It was new to some of us, like seeing an old friend for others, yet in the course of things we all experimented and found renewal and peace in our practice.

As a facilitator, it was a joy to partake and I also walked away with new and better ways of doing for next time.

This is something we do wish to offer more of and I hope everyone will come out and experience first-hand the joy and serenity inherent to a restorative yoga practice.

Well what a Yoga Day we had!!

View all the photos…

There was yoga (of course), great music performances by our local elementary schoolers led by their music teacher Ms Cheryl Logan, a raffle extraordinaire (thanks to all of you!) and other joys like yogi tea (thanks Michelle!), frosted vegan “yoga day” cupcakes, certificates & organic apple juice which we totally forgot to serve – that’s how much fun we were having!!

All in all more than 100+ people stopped in for Yoga Day!

Our gentle yoga class got it all going at 8am – 20+ participants were on board and ready to set sail in their yoga journey. We calmly progressed through our moves and sequences. Some of the attendees were new, some were experienced, yet all moved together. A neat start to the morning – bending, breathing, extending & ideating.

After class we talked for a moment about nandan vijiana (aesthetic science) and how to make the world beautiful through artistic expression – including music.

And then – amazingly – our 4th & 5th graders from Lothian Elementary and Shady Side Elementary performed!! And you can hear some of what they did by listening to the podcast below.

(Right now I can only get one sound file into a blog post – I have 14 short sound files and I will continue to try and get more up onto the site .)

Suffice to say here that our young musicians. were AWESOME!

There were strings, flutes, clarinets – all for our listening enjoyment. They did great…They more than deserved their certificate of participation and vegan “Yoga Day” frosted cupcake.

After that it was back to our yoga practice with Yoga for Strength and Fitness. And what a turnout we had – 30+.  There were newbies, oldbies and ones in between and everyone worked hard, played hard, rested hard, and then again lunged forward and did their best. Shavasana, meditation, and a story about a boy saving the starfish reminded us that with inspiration and coordination all kinds of problems can be solved.

Then we were treated to another musical performance by 3rd – 5th graders from Lothian and Shady Side featuring clarinets, flutes, and strings, followed by a grand vocal performance by first and second graders from the aforementioned schools. And how beautifully they sang! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performances – which were followed by more cupcakes and certificates!

Then came the free raffle – a raffle like no other!! Special thanks to all those who donated a most unique array of items.

Teresa Crofoot of 1 Tree Yoga: Two Yoga Bags, Glass-Beaded Bracelet; Karen McDonald of SERC: Amarylis Plant; Patti Sachs:  Hand-Made Mahogany bowl & 2 rocks from Alaska; Lisa Oswald:  Homemade Jam (2) and Apple Butter;  Michelle Drake: 2hrs Face Painting; Janel Boises: 3 hrs of Creative Child Care; Dona Haske: Silpada Jewelery Gift Cert $25; Holly & Kerry Pierce: Annapolis Symphony CD, Hot Cocoa Kit, Wall Clock, Candle; Laurie Morin of Health, Prosperity & Abundance: Skin Care & Wellness Gift Package;  Nancy Bateman: Karma Free Gift Set featuring Washes, Creams, Soaps, & much more; Kirk Johnson: Hand-Made Hinged Cutting Board; Sharon Brewer of Green Violet Herb Farm: Balms, Salves, Teas, and Lavender; Holly Ross: Candle Holders; Renaissance Yoga: 2 CD’s,  Monthly Yoga Pass.

I think all the winners thoroughly enjoyed their prizes as there were a lot of ooohs & aaaahs!!

That’s right – after an exciting free raffle like that it was time for our relaxation segment of the morning. We did a guided seated meditation followed by a lying visualization, complemented by a personal journey of peace and tranquility.

There were some who even stayed for the entire program!

By that time it was time to pack it all in – and what a morning it was! Lots of free yoga, great giveaways, wonderful music, and your spirited participation.

Plus we also raised a healthy sum of $150 for the Haitian Earthquake victims which was donated to Doctors Without Borders via their on-line donation program on Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 .

Thanks to all for coming in and attending!! We look forward to seeing you there next year!!

Here is a list of all of our musicians:

Shady Side Elementary: Melissa Witte, Sarina LeCroy, Destiny Smith, Morgan Stueckler, Delaney Sancomb, Kate Gott, Ellie Broglie, Joshua Baker, Greg Smith, Katie Bedard, Caterina Grandi, Emilee Williams, Fin von Schilcher, Paula Duck.

Lothian Elementary: Jennifer Potter, Caitlin Brumley, Aaliyah Allen, George Carney, Abby Adey, Grace Barber, Ashely Liston, Madison Collins, Ciara Tongue, Shaun Butler, Sarah Webster, Ava Wishnow.

Podcast: Play in new window
| Download

Yoga Day Schedule of Events

Sat, Jan 23, 8am – Noon

Galesville Memorial Hall

All  below classes & events are FREE!

8:00am Gentle Yoga

9:20am Music Performance by Shady Side & Lothian Elementary Schools. For more info contact: clogan@aacps.org

9:45am Yoga for Strength & Fitness

10:45am Voice Performance by Shady Side & Lothian Elementary Schools. For more info contact: clogan@aacps.org

11:15am Meditation Circle and Relaxation

Noon: Closing Ceremony & Thank you!

Also Featuring:

* Free Yogi Tea * Raffles * All T-Shirts 1/2 Price

* Yoga CD 40% Off, just $10 * All of You!!

A Call for Raffle Items:
We are accepting give-away type of items to raffle off at this event. This is a great way to promote your business and/or personal skills as well as bring a smile to someone’s face. No item is too small. Please do consider sharing something…Thank you!!!

Restorative Yoga Workshop - Register Now!
Sun, Jan 31, 2:00p – 3:30p
Galesville Memorial Hall
$16 by Jan 25; $21 after Jan 25

Start the New Year with a calm – come discover the wonder of restorative yoga. In this gentle session we will use a variety of props to bask in supportive, relaxing poses which enable our bodies and minds to heal, restore and find balance. This a great way to center oneself: physically, emotionally, and mentally. Along the way we will also explore breathing & relaxation techniques. This workshop is for everyone; no prior yoga experience is needed.

Note: All participants will be requested to bring a pillow and a blanket. If you have an eye pillow then bring that as well, otherwise we will have one for you. All other props will be supplied.

YES, I want to register now on-line!!

Or bring your payment to any class.

Monthly Pass Holders: $10.00 by Jan 25

Join us in celebration of Yoga Day!!

Schedule of Events

Sat, Jan 23, 2010; 8am – Noon

Galesville Memorial Hall

Free  Classes * Live Performances * Raffles & Giveaways * Much More!!

This is a special day to enjoy the benefits of yoga and embrace the spirit of community. We are in the midst of planning all kinds of performances and activities for the day – all totally FREE!

If there is something you feel you’d like to contribute, let us know.

More than anything else, yoga is about realizing the greatness of the human spirit. To overcome obstacles and challenges and create a totally positive flow of life. Let’s together celebrate and embrace that spirit on Yoga Day.

Yoga Day is also a BIG thank you to the entire Renaissance Yoga family – it is our small way of expressing our gratitude for your friendship, support, and good cheer!!

Twin Beach Health Expo!!
Sun, Nov 8, 12p – 5p
Holland Point Civic Center
919 Walnut Ave (Rt 261), North Beach
Free Admission!!

Join us this coming Sunday at this upcoming health expo. We will be on hand along with many other health and wellness professionals from our local area.

Renaissance Yoga will be doing a short demo at 1:20pm, and of course we will be at our table all day during the program. So stop by and say hello.

For more information or for a flier to post in your area, contact us.

This seminar is now full – email us to get put on the waiting list – Thank you.

EATING HEALTHY:

For The Holidays

& Always

Sun, Dec 13, 2009
2:30pm – 5:30pm

Experience food at its freshest- tasty and healthy! In this dynamic cooking and tasting experience, learn the essentials of healthy eating. Learn tips for “transitioning” from your current diet, learn to eat with the seasons, try new ingredients, take home easy recipes, explore “super foods”, eat heartily, knowing that it’s all good for you. No one will go home hungry…we’ll have soup, salad, main dishes and dessert. This is a hands-on, taste-bud sensation. Along the way we’ll review some fundamentals of vegetarian/vegan nutrition. Join in and take the principles of yoga off the mat, into your kitchen, onto your plate, and into your heart and stomach!

This seminar is now full – email us to get put on the waiting list – Thank you.

About our Chef:

Bethanne Kashkett is a vegetarian/vegan cook who specializes in creating simple, healthy dishes. She does culinary demonstrations at MOM’s Organic Market. She also works part time as a personal chef, teaches culinary courses at community colleges, and caters small retreats and gatherings. In addition, she is the founder of the Quaker project: “Cooking for Peace”, which raises money and awareness for social causes through cooking classes.

Eating Healthy: For the Holidays & Always
Sun, Dec 13, 2:30p – 5:30p
Galesville Memorial Hall
$35.00 by Nov 24 / $40.00 by Dec 4 / $45 after Dec 4

This seminar is now full – email us to get put on the waiting list – Thank you.

HALLOWEEN YOGA PARTY:

Free Yoga for all  in costume.

7:15pm, Wed Oct 28 at Galesville Memorial Hall

Healthy refreshments served after class – please do stay!

See photos from last year.

Join us for this unique and inspiring program!!

Read more about the program.

FREE YOGA FORUM:

Mon, Oct 19, 7:45p – 8:45p at NECC in Chesapeake Beach.

Learn about the history of yoga.

Call 410.257.2554 to register; reference #112311A.

This event is totally FREE!

Here are some of the many seminar topics that
Renaissance Yoga has covered in the past.

#1: Achieving Prama in this Modern World (Oct ‘06)
#2: A Timeless Epic – The Mahabharat (Nov ‘06)
#3: 50 Secrets of Yoga for the New Year (Dec ‘06)
#4: Cakras– Unraveling the Mystery (Jan ‘07), (Apr ‘07)
#5: The Way of the Buddha (Feb ‘07)
#6: The Dharma of Karma (Mar ‘07), (July ‘07)
#7: The Foundations (Apr ‘07)
#8: 50 Secrets of Life (Jun ‘07)
#9: Yoga: Body of Balance & Mind (Jan – Feb ‘08)
#10: Yoga, Food, & Health (Mar ‘08), (Jun ‘08)
#11: Yoga & Live Sitar: A Journey into India’s Mystical Tradition (Oct ‘08), (Jan ‘09), (Jul ‘09)
#12: Yoga: Back Care for the Avid Gardener (Jan ‘09), (Nov ‘09)
#13: The Mindful Gardener (Feb ‘09), (Nov ‘09)
#14: Free Yoga Forum (Apr ‘09), (Jul ‘09), (Oct ‘09)
#15: Eco-Yoga Day (Apr ‘09)
#16: Conscious Breathing For Health (Jun ‘09), (Sep ‘09)
#17: Yoga for Longevity (Jul ‘09)