The Living Yoga seminar series takes a dynamic and innovative look at the heart and soul of yoga as well as how the practice of yoga can enrich our lives. This is a unique opportunity to go beyond the mat and delve deep into the essence of yoga.

Note 1: Handouts given. Bring a mat & a pen. (Not at Yoga / Sitar)

Note 2: Yoga attire needed. Bring your yoga mat and a sit pillow or blanket if you wish.

Note 3: These seminars are NOT traditional hatha yoga classes; rather they are seminars where information is presented, discussed, and reviewed.

The Living Yoga seminar series is both for those making their initial inquiry into yoga as well as the experienced practitioner.

Living Yoga seminars are held at yoga studios, halls, or community centers throughtout Anne Arundel and Calvert counties. Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a Living Yoga seminar.

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(2) Bring a check or cash to any class prior to the seminar. (Please see registration pay dates below.)

Any questions, then email us: info@renyoga.com

Title: Yoga Anatomy: Practice and Prevention
When: Sunday, Feb 12, 2012, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

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.

We look forward to having you there!

Title: Yoga Anatomy: Practice and Prevention
When: Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 from 2:00p to 4:30p
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

$30 by Feb 8 // $35 after Feb 8

Title: Meditation: History, Culture & Practice
When: Sunday, Mar 11, 2:00p - 4:30p
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

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.

Title: Meditation: History, Culture & Practice
When: Sunday, Mar 11, 2:00p - 4:30p
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

$22 by Mar 7; $27 after Mar 7

Title: Restorative Yoga: Discovery & Practice
When: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

Note: This workshop is being led by Sara Duke, a specialist in restorative yoga. Please see her bio below the course description.

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.

About Sara:
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.

Title: Restorative Yoga: Discovery & Practice
When: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 10:00am - 12:30pm
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

$30 by March 26 // $35 after March 26

Title: Restoring and Rebuilding the Inner Core
When: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

Note: This workshop is being led by Sara Duke, a specialist in restorative yoga. Please see her bio in the above seminar description.

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.

Benefits of Pelvic floor work:
Helps reverse or prevent incontinence; Can assist in reversing or preventing prolapse; Improves your fluid movement and connection with your inner core.

Benefits of Pelvic girdle work:
Creates stability in the pelvis; Reduces back pain; Reduces SI pain; Creates a center that is unshakable; Improves posture and stability from the inside out.

This is very slow and meditative work. For some of us this work can be life changing and may become our daily "medicine."

Title: Restoring and Rebuilding the Inner Core
When: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Galesville Memorial Hall

$25 by March 26 // $30 after March 26

#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), (Jul '10), (Oct '10), (Jun '11)
#12: Yoga: Back Care for the Avid Gardener (Jan '09), (Nov '09), (Feb '10), (Apr '10) (Aug 10)
#13: The Mindful Gardener (Feb '09), (Nov '09)
#14: Free Yoga Forum (Apr '09), (Jul '09), (Oct '09), (Feb '10)
#15: Eco-Yoga Day (Apr '09), (Apr '10), (Apr '11)
#16: Conscious Breathing For Health (Jun '09), (Sep '09)
#17: Yoga for Longevity (Jul '09)
#18: Eating Healthy: For the Holiday & Always (Dec '09)
#19: Restorative Yoga Workshop (Jan '10, Apr '10, Nov '10, May '11)
#20: Eating Healthy: Discover Summer's Finest (Jun' 10)
#21: Intermediate Yoga Workshop (Aug '10), (Jan '11)
#22: Yoga Anatomy: Back & Hips (Sep '10)
#23: Eating Healthy: A Winter's Treat (Dec '10)
#24: Yoga Anatomy: Neck & Shoulders (Feb '11)
#25: Food, Fasting & Health (July '11)
#26: Herbal Remedies & Healing (Sep '11)
#27: Sages & Sutras: An Investigative Survey of Yogic Philosophy (Oct '11)
#28: Eating for Healing and Health (Nov '11)
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