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.
Sages & Sutras:
An Investigative Survey of Yogic Philosophy
Oct 16, 2p – 4:30p, Galesville Memorial Hall
$22 by Oct 12 // $27 after Oct 12
Register Now…
Come discover the teachings of some of the great sages who helped shape the philosophy of yoga. Starting as far back as the time of Sadashiva and continuing forward to the present day, we will examine the major philosophical tenets and treatises including the works of Sri Krishna, Buddha, Mahaviira Jain, Maharishi Patanjali, Shankaracarya and Sri Ramakrishna.
This philosophical cum historical survey will review aspects of the Bhagavad Giita, the vedas, yogic sutras (aphorisms) and shlokas (verses), and other foundational teachings and stories. The aim will be to create a gateway into the vast arena of yogic thought and apply those principles to everyday life.
This will be a unique opportunity for dialog, questions, and the sharing of personal experiences and practices.
Yes, I would like to register now…
Today we held our first ever “Food, Fasting & Health” seminar. What could have been a weekend, we did in 2hrs! It was a big topic wherein we looked at our eating habits in broad, sweeping brush strokes – food timing, digestion, attachments, choices, & more – and then transitioned into fasting.
While there are many different types of fasts, we mostly looked at the strategy and benefits of managing a one day (24hr – 30hr) fast. And then we focused on a very unique and special way for how to break our fast.
The plan is to follow-up with an email forum for those who attended so we have a support group / community for those who wish to share their experiences, trials, struggles, and successes.
Here is what some had to say in answer the to question, “The best part of the seminar was…”
- The breaking fast information – this is key information that I have been missing – no wonder why I never fully cleansed!
- The introduction hearing other people share their personal experiences that are similar to my own.
- The stress you put on listening to your body and that what you eat or don’t eat is not a matter of [one's] personae being good or bad.
- I am very encouraged by the idea that fasting doesn’t have to be done too many days to be effective – very excited to try it.
- Feeling reinspired.
- This seminar came at the perfect time for me! Was hoping to gain knowledge on this subject and this seminar definitely helped. Now I feel more confident about incorporating fasting into my yoga practice!
- So easy to ask questions and getting everyone involved in the discussion.
Yoga Anatomy:
Neck & Shoulders
Sun, Feb 27, 2p – 4:30p
$30 by Feb 23; $35 after Feb 23
Click to Register
Explore your anatomy – theoretically & practically – in this highly interactive workshop. Co-presented by Shawn C. O’Neill, D.P.T. (Bayside Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation) & Satyam, this session will focus on developing a greater understanding of how our yoga postures (asanas) and related movements affect the health of our neck and shoulders. Particular attention will be given to the rotator cuff, thoracic extension, common shoulder injuries, as well as basic do’s and dont’s for keeping your shoulders mobile and strong. There will be maximum opportunity for dialog, inquiry, and modifications. While the class will address the “big anatomical picture” of the neck and shoulders, there will certainly be time to address personal health issues & concerns related with these areas. This is a unique opportunity to gain an expanded perspective of your yoga practice and enhance your ability to maintain proper care of your neck and shoulders. All are welcome – register early as we expect this to fill quickly.
Handouts given; please bring a pen; notebook, i-Pad or journal (optional).
Dr. O’Neill 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.
YES, I want to register now
The Yoga Anatomy Back & Hips seminar in September filled quickly and we had to turn people away. Please do not wait till the last minute if you wish to attend.
Restorative Yoga ~ Full
Sun, Nov 21, 2p – 4p, Galesville Memorial Hall
$25 by Nov 17; $30 after Nov 17
Ease into life with a calm – come discover the wonder of restorative yoga. In this gentle and serene 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, moments of silence, and so much more. This workshop is for everyone; no prior yoga experience is needed. Trained facilitators will be present to ensure personal attention, care and ease during the program. We also have a special guest to make things a little more sweet – a live flautist for the program’s culmination.
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. Only 16 spots available…so sign up today.
This session is now full, please email us to be placed on the waitlist.
We held our first ever Yoga Anatomy seminar yesterday and it was packed with information, movement, questions, and active engagement.
We had a full-house with 29 participants, 2 videographers, and 2 presenters - Shawn C. O’Neill DPT and myself.
After a short welcoming message and a brief history of yoga from its mystical and esoteric beginnings to today’s widely-popular practice by yours truly, we then turned the program over to Shawn for a brief (20 min), yet comprehensive, overview of the back and hips. Shawn covered topics such as planes of movement, spinal anatomy, muscular anatomy, and common pathological conditions. Shawn also brought in “Bob”, a wonderful replica of the spine that was portable, bendable, and precise. Contrary to popular myth, “Bob” is not a former patient!
Thereafter we delved into an extended yoga practice covering seated postures, forward bends, table positions, backbends, partial inversions like downward dog & bridge pose, standing sequences, twists, and more.
For each pose we investigated how to enter into the pose safely and properly, and then Shawn would give insight as to what was happening with the body anatomically. From there we would illustrate what problems arrive if the body is not in proper alignment in the pose, and invariably along the way there was opportunity for further dialog, stories and questions.
Plus we got the whole seminar captured on video – this week we are exploring what to do with that. We chose to video it as we knew it would be filled with info and detailed explanations that would make it difficult to “take it all in” on the first go.
All in all it was quite a dynamic afternoon. And we look forward to presenting more seminars in this series. Next up, Yoga Anatomy: Neck and Shoulders. Thanks so much Shawn for your expertise and we look forward to our further travels with you.
The program drew very favorable course evaluations – with excellent suggestions for next time – and I hope those who attended will share a thought or two here about their experiences at yesterday’s seminar.
Yesterday was our Live Sitar and Yoga program – we had a full house (23 participants) – thanks to all who came!
Anthony Malatesta played the sitar beautifully and via those soothing & mystical sounds, we ventured into yoga’s more meditative side. Yes we did a range of physical poses, but more than that we explored sadhana practices like yoga nidra (deep relaxation), svarshastra (science of breath control), pranayama (specific breathing techniques), and more.
Sometimes all were lying down with their pillows and eye pillows gazing within, and other moments striking a pose of challenge. Mostly though it was about the meditative approach.
As a teacher, it was a sweet joy to be part of this collective as everyone delved deep into the introversial flow – i.e. exploring within.
Diane Burr of the Chesapeake Current was also on hand and she plans to do an article in the near future about the program. Please watch for it.
All in all, the program went well and everyone reached a state of peace and realization. All got what they wanted – except for one. A faithful & long-standing member of the Tuesday morning abs class asked if from now on the 20 min abs intensive could incorporate the relaxation elements of the yoga-sitar program – the answer was a firm “no”. We have our standards after all!!
The live sitar and yoga is a special gathering and we certainly hope you will consider coming out for the next one!!
Sun, June 13
2:30pm – 5:30pm
Galesville Memorial Hall
Register Today!!
$40 by May 25 ~ $45 by June 1
$50 after June 1
Summer brings forth nature’s finest. Treat yourself to this dynamic foodie event and learn all about summer’s bounty. We will primarily focus on exciting zesty salads and sumptuous raw foods – using (mostly) local ingredients. It will be a very varied veggie extravaganza featuring lighter fare that helps detox the body. Did you say dessert? How about plentiful, easy, tasty, and free of all processed sugars. 
Come and enjoy: Taste new ingredients, help with food prep, inquire about new ways of doing, and much, much more. Your next garden picnic or lunch on the boat will be like no other. Oh, be sure to come hungry and bring plenty of plastic containers – you’ll return home with them full of wonderful delights.
Space is limited – spots fill quickly – reserve your place early & save $$.
$40 by May 25 // $45 by June 1// $50 after June 1
Register Now!!
Read About Last Winter’s Eating Healthy Event
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.
