Thanks to the Daily News for sending photographer Austin Anthony to Laughing Yoga on Friday, Oct. 3!  We enjoyed having Austin join us and appreciate the coverage in Saturday’s paper!

DN_laughing_yoga_2014-10-03

Posted on October 6, 2014 by 4yoga | Leave a comment

October 2014 class schedule and focus

Posted on October 1, 2014 by 4yoga

October is an evocative month; some feel sadness at the bittersweet ending of summer, while others are invigorated by smells, colors, and cooler temperatures.  Change is undeniable. Memories of events that have happened at this time of year can be more powerful due to association with the senses.  What other time of year do we celebrate the mystery of darkness by disguising ourselves and walking right up to strangers’ houses in the dark expecting to receive a treat?  (You can tell that that memory is from “the good ol’ days” before commercialization and fear predominated.)

All matter (including the most subtle forms of matter such as a thought) is subject to change and flux, yet the system of Sankhya philosophy states that the absolute true nature of everything does not change (purusha).  Anything of primal matter that is subject to change is known as prakriti.  Yoga is sometimes called Sankhya-Yoga, because it gives us practical methods to realize through direct experience the truth of this philosophy.

Here is a practice for you:  find a quiet space to be still.  Contemplate something such as a dried leaf on the ground.  It appears to be dead.  Now, zoom in to the cellular structure and you will see all the change of decomposition happening. Zoom in as far as you can imagine.  Change, change, change.  Now zoom out as far as you can imagine by gazing into the night sky and contemplating the expansiveness of the universe, the multiverse.  Again, change and flux.  Where is the still place?  The closest we can get to the experience of pure consciousness and still perceive it is to identify as the witness of this change.

Now, how can this practice and awareness help you to be happier and freer?  When you can experience the drama of your life as much as possible from the witness stance, you can be less reactive to the changes and be able to “go with the flow.”  Sit back, relax, and maybe even make some popcorn balls for the show!

For October, we are pleased to announce two special events and a 10 a.m. start time for one Saturday class:

  • Laughing Yoga class:  Join us on Friday, Oct. 3, at 3:30 p.m. for a laughing yoga class with Susan.  All levels of students are welcome, and you can read more about this style of yoga on our website.
  • Talk/meditation session:  For the monthly discussion and meditation, join Juanita on Friday, Oct. 17, immediately after the Yin class.  There is no charge for this session, and everyone is welcome.
  • Later start time on Saturday, Oct. 18:  To allow time for the downtown roads to be reopened after the 10K on Saturday, Oct. 18, the Basics class will begin at 10 a.m.

For a full list of October classes, please see the calendar section of the site or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.

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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Props workshop: Sun., 9/21 @ 3 p.m. (no pre-registration required)

Posted on September 15, 2014 by 4yoga

Have you been considering starting a yoga practice but would like extra instruction and assistance in your first class?

Have you been attending Basics classes but wondering how you can use props to enhance your experience of and safety in the poses?

Have you been practicing at home but would like more instruction in how to incorporate props into your practice?

If any of these questions sounds familiar, we extend a special invitation to you to join us for 4yoga’s first props workshop!  What is a props workshop, you ask?  Well, it is a chance for you to work with a team of 4yoga teachers (Kim, Angie, Susan Polk, and Alice) to experiment with using blankets, blocks, bolsters, and straps to enhance your yoga practice.  We will provide instruction on integrating props into seated, standing, and reclining poses and allow opportunities for experimenting and asking questions as we go along.

The details:  the props workshop will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m.  Like other 4yoga classes, no pre-registration is required.  The workshop will last 70 minutes, and the usual $5 class fee will apply.  If you desire an opportunity to try out your new props knowledge immediately, please plan to stay for Alice’s 4:30 p.m. Basics class that afternoon.

If you have any questions, please post them as comments on this post, email us at 4yoga.me@gmail.com, or send us a Facebook message.  We look forward to seeing you on Sunday afternoon!

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September 2014 class schedule and focus

Posted on September 1, 2014 by 4yoga

It is hard to imagine that, while still enduring the sweltering days of August, we are heading for the Autumn Equinox in September.  On this day there is perfect balance between lightness and darkness of days before we tip into the dark phase of the year.  In some ancient traditions such as Judaism, the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which is in September, signifies the New Year and provides a time to reflect on the past year, to take actions that compensate for what we regret, and to set intentions so as not to repeat or stay trapped in habits that are not helpful to us.

From the broad view of the Vedic texts (origin of the yoga sutras), our whole lives exist to move out of our Karma (any action, usually associated with the past, that results in further bondage or freedom) and into our Dharma (one’s duty or destiny).  By approaching your asana practice on the mat with presence and awareness of body, mind, and emotions, you are able to know yourself more fully and embrace the opportunity for change, rather than resist it out of fear.  Moving into our dharma takes courage and support.  Receive the feeling of gratitude for your practice and for being a part of this yoga community!      

For September, we are delighted to announce three special events and one ongoing addition to the 4yoga schedule:
  • Labor Day class:  Join us on Monday, Sept. 1, at 9 a.m. for a mixed-level holiday class with Kim.  All levels of students are welcome, and options will be provided to allow everyone to practice at his or her own level.
  • Chair class:  Tuesdays at noon.  Join Kathie for traditional yoga postures adapted for sitting on or supported by a chair.  This class is ideal for employees who do not have an opportunity to change clothes but want a lunchtime relaxation break and people who prefer not to move to the floor for traditional yoga.  It will focus on flexibility, strength, and relaxation using movement and breathing exercises.  All levels welcome.  Please note:  although the yoga studio is upstairs, the staircase does have hand rails on both sides.  
  • Talk/meditation session:  For the monthly discussion and meditation, join Juanita on Friday, Sept. 19 immediately after the Yin class.  There is no charge for this session, and everyone is welcome.
  • Props workshop:  By student request, on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m., we will offer our first props workshop.  If you have ever wondered how you could use props like blankets, blocks, bolsters, and straps more effectively in class or in your home practice, please join us for this 70-minute workshop.  Taught by a team of teachers, the session will introduce, demonstrate, and allow you to experiment with the use of props in seated, standing, and reclining poses.
For a full list of September classes, please see the attached schedule, the calendar section of our website, or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.  
 
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.
 
Special note:  since sending this message in its email form, we have received several compliments on its introduction.  Therefore, we want to be sure to credit Erica (or, as we call her, 4yoga West!) for her ongoing contributions to our community yoga adventure.  She contributes these pieces for each month’s email.  To keep up with Erica’s Colorado activities, see her website.
 
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Labor Day weekend class schedule

Posted on August 28, 2014 by 4yoga

If your Labor Day weekend plans include yoga, we invite you to come to any or all of our 4yoga classes!

  • Friday @ 1:30 p.m.–Mommy & Me with Eri
  • Friday @ 5:30 p.m.–Yin with Alice
  • Saturday @ 9 a.m.–Basics with Kim
  • Sunday @ 4:30 p.m.–Basics with Eri
  • Monday (Labor Day) @ 9 a.m.–Mixed with Kim
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Schedule preview: Chair class starts in Sept. (noon on Tuesdays)

Posted on August 27, 2014 by 4yoga

Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 2, join Kathie Downs at noon for a Chair Yoga class.  This class features traditional yoga postures adapted for sitting on or supported by a chair.  It is ideal for employees who do not have an opportunity to change clothes but still want a lunchtime exercise and relaxation break and people who do not want to go down to the floor for traditional yoga.

The Chair class will focus on flexibility, strength, and relaxation using movement and breathing exercises.  All levels of students–including beginners–are welcome.

Please note:  although the yoga studio is upstairs, the staircase does have hand rails on both sides.

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Talk & meditation returns: Fri., 8/15 @ 6:45 p.m.

Posted on August 14, 2014 by 4yoga

After a brief hiatus, the monthly talk and meditation session with Juanita will return on Friday, August 15, at 6:45 p.m. (immediately after the conclusion of the Laughing Yoga class).

As always, the talk and meditation session is an opportunity to discuss deeper aspects of yoga with other students in a casual setting and to participate in a guided meditation.  There is no charge for attending, and we hope that all interested community members participate.

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Laughing Yoga returns: Fri., 8/15 @ 5:30 p.m.

Posted on August 12, 2014 by 4yoga

For anyone curious about Friday’s Laughing Yoga class with Susan Polk, we are re-sharing this June post:  4 Reasons to Experience Laughing Yoga.

We hope those of you who enjoyed the June class will be able to attend again…and those of you who were unable to join Susan in June are able to participate this Friday.

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August 2014 focus and class schedule

Posted on August 8, 2014 by 4yoga

As we melt into August, the shortening of days is accelerating, the harvest of crops is peaking, and first glimmers of autumn are felt, especially at the end of the month when the quality of light changes and dryness in the plants is noticed.

We cannot control the dryness in the environment, but we can influence the hydration and flexibility in the muscular-skeletal structure of our bodies with regular asana practice.  With regular (preferably daily) practice, our bodies can remain pliable as they age.  Stiffness, aches, and pains decrease.

Specifically, such aches and pains of the head, neck, shoulders, and arms can be relieved by such postures as shoulderstand and fish which stretch the ligaments in those areas and thus relieve compression of the nerves and sensitivity of the nerve branches. The bundles of fiber woven to create our connective tissue are designed to withstand enormous strains and stresses and have tremendous strength. The tendency is for them is to shorten and become dry.  Poses mindfully practiced and held for longer periods of time are the best way to create length and hydration in those tissues.  The net effect is to experience our lives in these vehicles of our bodies as if we were wearing them like a glove instead of dragging them around.  This translates to having more energy for experiencing joy and happiness in all that we do.

For a full list of August classes, please see the calendar page or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.  See the list below for two special opportunities the evening of Friday, August 15.

  • Laughing Yoga returns on Friday, August 15, at 5:30 p.m. with Susan Polk.  If you attended the June session and enjoyed it, please return; if you missed that class, here’s your chance to experience a different style of yoga!
  • Talk and Meditation session also returns on Friday, August 15, at 6:45 p.m. with Juanita.  This informal gathering provides an opportunity to talk about meditation and then to practice a short meditation.  No experience is necessary, and there is no charge.

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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“Just Think: The Challenges of the Disengaged Mind” (research study)

Posted on July 14, 2014 by 4yoga

Some of you have heard Angie mention the results of this study in class recently, and we are sharing it for people who would like to learn more about the methodology and results.  Angie initially heard about the study on NPR’s All Tech Considered, and the full study is available via Science. 

One of the most discussed results of the study is that so many participants, when left alone in a room to entertain themselves with their thoughts, chose instead to administer an electric shock to themselves.

Many participants elected to receive negative stimulation over no stimulation—especially men: 67% of men…, compared to 25% of women… Note that these results only include participants who had reported that they would pay to avoid being shocked again….The gender difference is probably due to the tendency for men to be higher in sensation-seeking. But what is striking is that simply being alone with their own thoughts for 15 min was apparently so aversive that it drove many participants to self-administer an electric shock that they had earlier said they would pay to avoid.  

What do you think?  If you were a participant, how would you spend the 6-15 minute period alone in a room without books, writing instruments, or electronic devices?  According to the article, “the only rules [are] that [you] should remain in [your] seats and stay awake.”

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