Whether you want to drop in for one of our 54 yoga classes, join us for an anniversary celebration at a new downtown venue, or try out the Zoom option for yoga nidra, we hope we can offer something to support you in October!

October’s post of the month: Vrikshasana (or Tree Pose)

vrksa = tree

asana = posture

This pose helps with balance and focus, helping students with the mind-body connection. 

To get into the pose, start in mountain pose (tadasana), grounding the feet into the mat. Take the gaze (drishti) to the floor a few feet in front of you and fix it on an unmoving spot. Point one toe to the side and, while keeping a slight bend in the knee, press the foot to the inside of the ankle and turn the knee out to the side.The foot can also be brought to the calf or inner thigh (note: avoid pressing into the knee). Breathe deeply and bring the hands together at the heart center or raise the arms up to your “branches.”

This pose can also be practiced with the back against a wall or using a chair. 

—Maria

14th Anniversary Party: Thurs., Oct. 16 at Lily May!  

We are excited to celebrate our 14th anniversary together at a new downtown venue, Lily May Bourbon Company, on Thurs., Oct. 16, 5:30–8 p.m.  We have reserved a 4th floor room with elevator access and a view of Circus Square and look forward to seeing you there!  We’ll provide light refreshments, and you’ll be able to order from the restaurant’s menu for beverages and additional food. 

To help us plan, please either RSVP “going” on the Facebook event page or let Angie or Heather know you’ll be coming.

October Updates

In order of chronological appearance, here are our additional October highlights!

1. Four weekend classes continue.  We are continuing to offer a pair of classes on Saturday morning (Basics, then Flow) and a pair of classes on Sunday afternoon (Basics, then something more meditative—Restorative, Yoga Nidra, or Yin).  Drop in for one or both classes each day—and, if you choose to double up, treat yourself to a mini-yoga retreat for only $20! 
2. Donation class to benefit Hope Harbor.  Thank you to Maria for offering a second donation class this year!  Join Maria on Sat., Oct. 11, at 9 a.m. for her Basics class.  Remember that donation classes serve our community in two ways: 1) by providing an opportunity for folks to take a class without paying a fee—donations are entirely optional; 2) by supporting a local non-profit organization with the fees that are donated.  Maria has selected Hope Harbor to receive 100% of donations made to her class!
3. New Zoom option for yoga nidra.  We have heard that some of you would like to practice yoga nidra from the comfort of your home, and Shigeko is ready to make that happen on Mon., Oct. 13, at 5:30 p.m.  To allow Shigeko to send you the Zoom link for the session, register here and follow the instructions to submit your class payment in advance.  If you prefer to practice in person, Shigeko will offer yoga nidra at the studio on Sun., Oct. 12, and Mon., Oct. 13, both at 5:30 p.m.  (The Monday class is a “hybrid” class and will welcome participants both in person and on Zoom.)

Reminder:  next book club:  Sun., Nov. 16, 1:30 p.m.

Participants in the August book club selected The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté as our next read.  If you prefer borrowing to buying, know that our friends at the Warren County Public Library have copies available in both physical and audio formats.

Whether practicing, celebrating, or—ideally—both, we look forward to seeing you in October!  For a full copy of the month’s schedule and descriptions of our class styles, please see the attached file, check our website, or pick up a hard copy at the studio.