Downtown events: Fri. 12/5 and Sat., 12/6

Posted on December 3, 2014 by 4yoga

If you plan to attend the Yin class on Friday night or the Basics class on Saturday morning, please be aware that the holiday season will be in full swing this weekend in downtown Bowling Green!  We encourage everyone to leave a little extra time to navigate traffic and street closings and to be prepared to park a little further than usual from the studio.

Friday, Dec. 5:  Downtown Lights Up, 5-8 p.m., and the last 2014 Bowling Green Gallery Hop, 5-9 p.m.  Parking suggestion:  the garage next to the ballpark, at Hitcents Park Plaza, just a short walk from the back door of The Pots Place.

Saturday, Dec. 6:  Bowling Green-Warren County Jaycees 2014 Christmas Parade, 9:30-11 a.m.  Parking suggestion:  a lot between State and Chestnut streets because the parade begins at Main and College and concludes at 6th and State.

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December 2014 class schedule and focus

Posted on December 1, 2014 by 4yoga

wreath_photo_12.01.14

Here we are again, like it or not, at the holiday season!  Even with intentions not to spend too much, eat too much, or drink too much, we often succumb and are thrown out of routines and stress levels increase. Perhaps we can support each other to put self-care at the top of the list this year to increase the chances that we don’t deplete our energy bank accounts.

Using your yoga practice to recharge is a great idea, especially in a yin class.  As you turn your focus inward, breathe deeply and allow the mind to settle with a long, slow exhale.  Be open to receiving grace. Grace, that impulse that comes to us when we cease doing, has been defined as the divine influence which operates in humans to regenerate and sanctify. Be open to allowing this impulse to light the lamp in your heart and to guide you to actions that are meaningful to you instead of blindly following tradition. Then, trust it.

For December, we are pleased to announce three special events:

  • Restorative class:  If you find yourself in need of some extra relaxation this month, mark your calendars for Friday, Dec. 12, when Susan Polk will offer a full class of Restorative yoga at 5:30 p.m.
  • Talk/meditation session:  For the monthly discussion and meditation, join Juanita on Friday, Dec. 12, immediately after the Restorative class.  There is no charge for this session, and everyone is welcome.
  • New Year’s Eve class:  On New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 31), we offer a mixed-level holiday class at 9 a.m. with Susan Polk.  Come conclude 2014 with a yoga practice accessible for everyone.

Please note that we will take a brief break from classes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; otherwise, we look forward to practicing with you throughout December.  For a full list of classes, please see the attached schedule, the calendar page, or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.

Sandbags now available:  Thanks to the generosity of several students, many from the Gentle class, and teachers, we now have sandbags available to enhance our practice!  Teachers will be offering suggestions in how to incorporate these new props during class, and please ask questions if you would like additional feedback on their use.

Inclement weather policy:  If we need to cancel class because of winter weather, we will announce that cancellation at least one hour before the beginning of the class, and we will share the cancellation notice both via email and on Facebook.  If you would like us to add a supplemental email address for you so that you receive these notices quickly (e.g., if you want both your work and home addresses in our list), please let us know.

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.

Happy Holidays from all of us at 4yoga!

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Thanksgiving Day class: 9 a.m. mixed level

Posted on November 21, 2014 by 4yoga

We hope everyone is planning something delicious and delightful for the Thanksgiving holiday!

Many of you already have a copy of our class schedule from our monthly email or from picking one up at the studio, but we just wanted to share a reminder about the classes surrounding the holiday.  We continue our usual class schedule all week with one exception:  the Thursday-morning (Thanksgiving Day) class meets at 9 a.m. and is mixed level.  By “mixed level,” we mean everyone is welcome; Angie will offer options for students to work at their own level.

If you are spending Thanksgiving in Bowling Green, please consider joining us.  And we are grateful for all of you and the whole yoga community here in south-central Kentucky.

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November 2014 class schedule and focus

Posted on October 31, 2014 by 4yoga

“On a bare branch / a crow has settled / autumn dusk.” — Haiku by Matsuo Basho

This month we reframe our use of time to adapt to the shorter days with the “fall back” time change. Perhaps you can pause for a moment in the late afternoon dusk to notice the silhouettes against the sky and in this moment notice that the tendency of your mind is to “fall back” into memory.  Ask yourself, “What am I feeling in this moment?” Sense that feeling in your body and in your breath. Stay with it.

Now, here’s the challenge: notice how the mind wants to take the emotion from the memory and attribute it to a condition or person in your life and project some scenario in the future.  Also realize that the source or memory of the feeling may have nothing to do with what is currently happening in your life, although the mind will want to make it so. As you do asana practice with awareness, you will develop skill in using body sensation to ground you in the present moment as you ride the emotional waves of your life.

For November, we are pleased to announce two special events:

  • Talk/meditation session:  For the monthly discussion and meditation, join Juanita on Friday, Nov. 14, immediately after the Yin class.  There is no charge for this session, and everyone is welcome.
  • Thanksgiving Day class:  We invite you to join Angie for a 9 a.m. mixed-level class on Thanksgiving Day.  Everyone is welcome at a mixed-level class, and we look forward to celebrating the holiday with you.

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

Please be aware of these upcoming events on Fountain Square that are likely to draw large crowds.  If you plan to attend class on one of these days, we encourage you to leave a few extra minutes to navigate traffic and to locate parking.

  • Friday, Oct. 31:  Scare on the Square, 4-7 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 7:  WKU Homecoming Events, concert at 5 p.m., parade at 5:30 p.m., pep rally at 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 8:  Veterans’ Day Parade at 10 a.m.

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.

As a bonus for those of you who haven’t already seen it on Facebook, here is a view from the studio, taken on Oct. 30.

Fall_Fountain_Square_10.30.14

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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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