Gallery Hop begins Fri., March 18

Posted on March 16, 2016 by 4yoga

The 2016 season of Bowling Green’s annual Gallery Hop series begins this Friday, March 18.  4yoga continues to offer its usual Yin classes at 5:30 p.m. on Gallery Hop evenings, and students may want to allow a little extra time to park and make their way to the studio before class.  Students may also want to spend time after class checking out the displays at The Pots Place and other downtown galleries.

For more information about the Gallery Hop, see the event’s website or Facebook page.  The website also features a helpful map of all the sites to help you plan your visits.  If you cannot enjoy the galleries this week, you will have four more opportunities this year:  additional Gallery Hops will take place on June 3, August 5, October 14, and December 2.

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Community books & magazines available

Posted on March 11, 2016 by 4yoga

Recently, 4yoga students and teachers have decided to share books and magazines that they no longer need.  Kathie, in turn, has generously provided a bookshelf for us to use to exchange these reading materials with each other.

community book case
current offerings

The next time you’re at the studio, we invite you to browse through the offerings and take any that interest you.  Or, if you have items to donate, please drop them off for others to enjoy.

Although most materials will likely pertain to yoga in some way, that is not a requirement–feel free to share anything you think would interest other members of our community.

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March 2016 focus and class schedule

Posted on February 29, 2016 by 4yoga

March brings balance all over the globe: on Sunday, March 20, the vernal equinox balances the length of the day and the night. Yoga can give us a sense of balance within ourselves, both physically and emotionally. Physically, we know that to achieve balance in a standing pose requires a visual focus on a single point—as our attention is drawn into that point, the wobbling settles into stillness.

Similarly, we can use focus to achieve emotional balance by becoming aware of our breath. The focusing point of the energetic or emotional body is the spine, and either side of its channel house the upward and downward energy flows. Focusing on that center helps develop emotional detachment from being pulled this way and that by the ups and downs of life.

To practice, first calm the feelings of the heart. Then concentrate on the energy flow in the spine as you inhale and exhale smoothly, evenly, and deeply. You may become aware that disruptions in this energy flow are the cause of any emotional reactions you may have. By controlling our breath and centering our awareness in the spine, we can control our emotional reactions—and experience balance.

March updates:

  • Talk/meditation session on Friday, March 18. This month, Juanita will host this session on Friday, March 18, at 6:45 p.m. As always, there is no charge for this informal gathering, which provides an opportunity to ask questions about and discuss meditation and to experience a short meditation.
  • Living Our Yoga class on Friday, March 25. Angie and Alice will continue this series on Friday, March 25. The class includes readings and teachings to enhance students’ experience and to create conditions that may take them deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of this wonderful gift of yoga. The traditional yin asanas remain the same as in our classic yin class.
  • Restorative class takes a hiatus. In March, the Sunday Restorative class will be on hiatus; however, please let us know if you would like to see that class return to the schedule for April.

For a full list of March classes, please see the calendar page or pick up a hard copy available at The Pots Place. Note, too, that we post daily updates on our Facebook page, should you prefer to keep up with us there.

Accessing studio after class has begun: Remember that even if you are running late when the gallery downstairs is closed, you can still join us for class. If the front door is locked, come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer. The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.

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Buddhist meditation event @ Christ Episcopal Church, Sun. 2/28, 3 p.m.

Posted on February 18, 2016 by 4yoga

Sharing a message from Leslie Weigel about an upcoming meditation opportunity:

I want to invite you to a special event in our community at Christ Episcopal Church, Moore Hall, beginning at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, 2/28.

Tsering Phuntsok will lead a Tibetan Buddhist Chod ritual. This meditation ritual employs chanting, drums, bells, and horn and moves us on a spiritual path to cut through obstacles, negativity and self-delusion.

Tsering has been a practicing Buddhist monk for over 25 years. His root monastery is in India and his home is a short 2 minute walk from the Dalai Lama’s temple in Dharamsala. Over the last 10 years he has been working to bring American social work students to India for study abroad. In the last few years, Tsering has led two community Tonglen meditation practices in Bowling Green.

The session will last about 1-1/2 hours. Christ Episcopal Church is located next to the Public Library on State Street in Bowling Green. Access to Moore Hall is through the covered walkway on the library side of the church. Dress comfortably and bring meditation cushions if you have them. There will be some yoga props and chairs available at the church as well.

There is no admission fee, but we will collect cash donations from participants to present as a gift to Tsering. Please share this information with others who might be interested in this unique opportunity to experience a classic Tibetan Buddhist spiritual practice. No pre-registration is required.

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How to find the right yoga teacher for you

Posted on February 15, 2016 by 4yoga

At 4yoga, we field many inquiries from potential students searching for the right yoga teacher and yoga studio for them to begin or to enhance their existing practice.  We are always happy to answer those questions and help guide folks to the right fit for them–and we are fortunate to, among our teachers, have a wide range of experience of other local teachers, as well.  So definitely keep those individual questions coming!

If you are looking for general advice about finding the right teacher, though, you might find this piece by Pamela Nixon helpful.  Titled “Finding the Right Yoga Teacher,” it provides six questions to ask and shares information about why those questions are valuable.  Bowling Green enjoys a thriving yoga scene, and we hope everyone can find the right fit for his or her practice.

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February 2016 focus and class schedule

Posted on February 1, 2016 by 4yoga

How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Are they beginning to fade away? The deep groove of habits is not easy to change. If you find yourself slipping into the old habit patterns you thought you wanted to change, do not condemn yourself! Instead, ask yourself, “What do I really want?” Let that question come from the depths of your inner being. The answer that comes deep from within will come with the spark of sankalpa shakti, or willpower. Nothing can change without this spark of determination.

If you find yourself needing a little boost or inspiration, check out this article on Yoga International. In it, the author cites research into three concepts—willpower, self-compassion, and surrender—that are essential in overcoming temptation.

‘Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus.
Our bodies are our gardens
to the which our wills are gardeners. —William Shakespeare

Join us in practice this month to tend the garden in your asana practice…

February updates:

  • Super Bowl Sunday classes. We will hold our full class schedule on Sunday, February 7, with all three classes meeting as usual: Carly will teach the 10 a.m. Basics class, and Chie will teach the 4 p.m. Basics and the 5:45 p.m. Restorative.
  • Talk/meditation session on Friday, February 19. This month, Juanita will offer this session on Friday, February 19, at 6:45 p.m. As always, there is no charge for this informal gathering, which provides an opportunity to ask questions about and discuss meditation and to experience a short meditation.
  • Living Our Yoga class continues on Friday, February 26. Thank you to those of you who attended and shared feedback about the Yin class that Alice and Angie team-taught in January! We will offer another session of this special class on Friday, February 26. The class introduces readings and teachings to enhance students’ experience and to create conditions that may take them deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of this wonderful gift of yoga. Practicing the traditional yin asanas will remain the same as in our classic yin class
  • Welcome new teacher, Cre Dye: Dr. Lacretia “Cre” Dye is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at WKU. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a National Certified Counselor, Dr. Dye has served her local, regional and national community with Heart, Mind and Body Wellness for over 15 years. Dr. Dye is a Certified Yoga Calm Instructor & Trainer, Adult Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) and licensed Professional School Counselor. She is currently conducting research on mindful yoga and graduate student well-being.

For a full list of February classes, please see the the calendar page or pick up a hard copy available at The Pots Place. Note, too, that we post daily updates on our Facebook page, should you prefer to keep up with us there.

Inclement weather policy: During inclement weather, we decide whether or not to cancel classes independently of area school districts’ decisions. However, if we do need to cancel a class, we publicize that information at least one hour before it begins, and we announce all class cancellations in these three ways:

  • an update to the online schedule of classes
  • an email to all members of our list  (please let us know if you want to be added to this list)
  • a status update on our Facebook page

Accessing studio after class has begun: Remember that even if you are running late when the gallery downstairs is closed, you can still join us for class. If the front door is locked, come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer. The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.

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Reminder: special Yin class, Living Our Yoga, on F 1/29 @ 5:30 p.m.

Posted on January 28, 2016 by 4yoga

Alice and Angie would like to remind members of our community about this week’s co-taught Yin class, Living Our Yoga, and we invite  you to join us on Friday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m.  In case you missed it in the January email, here is the class description:

Many of us started our yoga practice to tone our bodies, decrease stress, or focus our minds. Along the way, we gradually began to feel and think and “intuit” another realm of yoga. Slowly our minds and spirits were awakened to something more: a seed of newfound peace, compassion, and energy was planted. In this special class, Alice and Angie will introduce readings and teachings to enhance your experience and to create conditions that may take you deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of this wonderful gift of yoga. Practicing the traditional yin asanas will remain the same as in our classic yin class. If the response is favorable, this class could join the regular schedule.

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Inclement weather and class cancellation announcements

Posted on January 19, 2016 by 4yoga

As the Bowling Green area prepares for its first substantial snowfall, we want to take this opportunity to review 4yoga’s inclement weather policy regarding class cancellations.  We make these decisions independent of area school districts’ decisions and publicize them at least one hour before the beginning of a class.

Any class cancellations are announced in these three ways:

If you would like to have your email address added to our list, please either sign up at your next class or send a message to 4yoga.me@gmail.com .

View from studio, Feb. 19, 2015.

View of Fountain Square from studio.  Feb. 19, 2015.

 

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Beginners classes start in February (2016)

Posted on January 1, 2016 by 4yoga

With the start of a new year, many people may be looking to begin or to re-start their yoga practice.  Therefore, we are happy to provide advance notice about two upcoming Introduction to Yoga series, taught by Susan Polk of Be Happy Yoga through Community Education and meeting at the 4yoga studio.

Each series/session will run for 4 weeks and meet on Sunday afternoons, 1:45–3:00 p.m.  The cost for past series has been $48, but check the Community Ed class website when it is updated to determine this year’s fees.

  • Session A:  Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28
  • Session B:  March 6, 13, 20; April 3 (skips Easter Sunday)

Full information about the classes will be posted on the Community Ed class website when it is updated to include the February/March classes, so if you are looking for an affordable and accessible introductory series, keep an eye on that site for full details and instructions to register!

1/7/16 update:  Registration is now open on this page of the Community Ed website.

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January 2016 focus and class schedule

Posted on December 29, 2015 by 4yoga

Happy New Year! Out with the old and in with the new!

Let’s look a little deeper into this phrase…”the old” implies the past, and “the new” is now, the present. So, how about saying, “Out with the past and in with the now?” OK, we can say that sentence, but unless there is actually some way to DO it or experience it, nothing will change. We can find ourselves living the re-runs of our programing (memories from the past) over and over.

Many cultures and traditions prescribe practices with the goal to improve ourselves, to be happier and healthier, more in tune with our divine nature. One of those is an ancient Hawaiian teaching called Ho’Oponopono. Very simply stated, it is based on the premise that in every given moment we are creating thoughts, emotions, words, and actions that are either coming from memories or inspiration. (This theory, by the way, is congruent with the teachings of the yoga sutras.)

Right now, are you experiencing the memory of the thorn or the inspiration of the rose? The practice of replacing memory with inspiration, of healing ourselves and thereby those around us, is to recite these four phrases, preferably from the heart: I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you. This is a powerful practice that is oversimplified in this brief introduction.

To understand and read more about this practice as a tool to implement the changes you would like to experience in the new year, you may find it helpful to look at the book Zero Limits, by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len, Ph.D., or this website that explains the practice further. In addition, realizing that memories are stored in the body, using those four phrases in an asana practice may be a great experiment.

Wishing you peace, hope, and inspiration for the New Year.

January updates:

  • New Year’s Eve class at 9 a.m. To conclude 2015 with a Mixed-level practice, join Angie on Thursday, December 31, at 9 a.m. Mixed-level classes are appropriate for all students, with modifications provided to make the poses accessible for everyone.
  • New Year’s Day class at 10 a.m., followed by potluck. To begin 2016 with a Mixed-level practice, join Angie on Friday, January 1, at 10 a.m. This class will be followed by a casual potluck brunch.
  • Talk/meditation session on Friday, January 15. In January, Juanita will offer this session on Friday, January 15, at 6:45 p.m. As always, there is no charge for this gathering, which provides an opportunity to ask questions about and discuss meditation and to experience a short meditation.
  • Special Yin class: Living Our Yoga on Friday, January 29. Many of us started our yoga practice to tone our bodies, decrease stress, or focus our minds. Along the way, we gradually began to feel and think and “intuit” another realm of yoga. Slowly our minds and spirits were awakened to something more: a seed of newfound peace, compassion, and energy was planted. In this special class, Alice and Angie will introduce readings and teachings to enhance your experience and to create conditions that may take you deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of this wonderful gift of yoga. Practicing the traditional yin asanas will remain the same as in our classic yin class. If the response is favorable, this class could join the regular schedule.

For a full list of January classes, please see the calendar page or pick up a hard copy available at The Pots Place. Note, too, that we post daily updates on our Facebook page, should you prefer to keep up with us there.

Welcome new teacher, Shigeko Sleeper: Shigeko is from Tokyo and holds shihan (Master) of Japanese flower arrangement and 3rd degree of Tae Kwan Do. She also studied Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, Kung Fu and Tai Chi. In May 2015 she completed her 200RYT at Harmony Therapeutic Yoga in Bowling Green and obtained the certification of Jikiden-Reiki practitioner in Japan. Since September, she has been teaching Basics yoga classes in Franklin, Kentucky, and substitute teaching the Relax and Flow yoga classes at BAC. Her classes focus on strengthening and stretching the neck, shoulders, and back and provide relaxation.

Accessing studio after class has begun: Remember that even if you are running late when the gallery downstairs is closed, you can still join us for class. If the front door is locked, come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer. The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.

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