E&E Yoga ~ Fridays 10am - 11am

Hi everyone,

I just closed the doodle poll. There were several times that were tied for the highest number of votes, so I just chose one. I am sorry to those of you who's schedule conflicts with this time. We'll meet on Fridays from 10am to 11am. It looks like it will be nice on Friday, but it will probably still be a little chilly at that time so assume we'll meet in the 5th floor hallway. If it's nice enough to be outside I'll post an update on here.

What you need for yoga...

You'll need a yoga mat to practice on. I have two extras that I can share (just get in touch with me ahead of time). If you want to buy a mat, you can get cheap ones at Target or Walmart. If you're new to yoga I'd recommend borrowing one to start out.

If you have really tight hips or hamstrings you might want to bring a blanket or towel that is not too plush (so that it is firm when folded). We can fold it in a certain way to support your poses and make it a lot more comfortable to sit on the floor.

Yoga should ideally be practiced barefoot, and you should wear clothing that you can move comfortably in. Because we'll be either on a tile floor or outside you may want to wear layers...final relaxation can be chilly on a cold floor or with a breeze.

If you have injuries...

Please always practice yoga with compassion for your body, especially if you're working with injuries. If you have an injury that you would like to discuss with me ahead of time, please feel free to do that (especially disk or knee injuries). I can try to provide modifications for you to enjoy the benefits of the poses without aggravating your injury. You are also welcome to keep this information to yourself and simply listen to what your body is telling you...if it hurts, don't do it. You will always be your own best teacher and you should empower yourself to do what works for you during practice, even if it deviates from what the teacher is saying.

A little bit about yoga and my teaching background/style...

Yoga is for everybody and for every body. Lots of people are worried that they are going to be bad at yoga, but no one is bad at yoga! Yoga is about being where you are in the moment. It is a very common misconception that you need to be able to turn your body into a pretzel to "do yoga." Of course, if you aspire to be a pretzel you can certainly strive for that, but I am more interested in nurturing the breath-body-mind connection in whatever state of flexibility you happen to be in. I tend to teach slow, grounding classes that are appropriate for beginners and can be modified for more advanced practitioners.

I went through yoga teacher training and was certified in 2008 in Wilmington, NC (Yoga Alliance 200 hr training). My training was not guru-based or married to any one particular style of yoga. I enjoy taking classes in lots of different styles, and I tend to draw on anything that I find useful or meaningful for teaching without having allegiance to a particular style. I taught a gentle/beginner class at an Ayurveda health retreat in Alachua, FL (www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com) for two years. I had a few regular students and each week I had new students who were guests at the retreat, so I had to be flexible to accommodate different needs each week, while trying not to bore my regular students. Because many of my students were retreat guests who were resting, recovering from injuries, dealing with high stress, etc. I have become really interested in yoga therapy and I would like to do some continuing education in yoga therapy at some point. I have a lot yet to learn and I believe that teaching is a practice, but I am interested in trying to meet the needs of individual students.

One more random note...

You do not have to be certified to teach yoga (although the fitness industry in the U.S. might try to change that pretty soon)...if anyone else wants to lead a practice or part of a practice that would be awesome!

E&E Yoga ...

... coming soon!

taking a little break...no Rise and Shine yoga until 9/20

There will be no Rise and Shine yoga next Monday 9/5 (Labor Day) or the following Monday 9/13 (I'll be out of town). Please join us on Monday 9/20 at 7 am.

Free Yoga class in Alachua this Sunday, September 5th!

The Inspiration Yoga Institute offers a free yoga class on the first Sunday of every month from 10:00 to 11:15. This Sunday Shari will be offering an all-levels vinyasa flow class!

Also, just a reminder that Rise and Shine Yoga is still happening on Mondays from 7:00 - 7:50 outside Dickinson and Bartram/Carr Halls on UF campus. Please join us!

next Monday's Rise and Shine Yoga...Sivananda with Sarah! and some other news...

We have been practicing yoga every Monday morning at 7am for about 2 months now...hope you'll join us soon!

Next Monday (August 9th), Sarah has offered to teach a Sivananda practice. It will run until about 8:15. Thanks, Sarah!

In addition to teaching at the FLMNH, I also teach in Alachua at the Ayurveda Health Retreat (www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com). We are incorporating a new name for our yoga school, the Inspiration Yoga Institute (www.inspirationyogainstitute.com), expanding the number of classes we offer each week, and offering class coupons in groups of 5, 10, or 20. The more classes you purchase, the better the deal. Please join our new facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136806853022318#!/group.php?gid=141092255921018) to keep in the know about our classes, specials and community events.


Speaking of community events...we have one this Friday! World-renowned harpist John Senior will be giving a concert at 8pm. At 6:00 he will accompany his daughter, Shareshten Senior, who will be teaching a yoga class.

Yoga, Dinner and Concert, suggested donation of $35, or 2 for $50. All proceeds benefit the International Campaign for Tibet. http://www.savetibet.org/

Rise and Shine Yoga is back!

Rise and Shine Yoga...Mondays at 7am outside Dickinson Hall. I know it's early, but once you're up it is such a nice time to be awake and practice!

Start your morning/Monday/week with your right foot forward...followed by your left, inhale, ardha chandrasana, exhale, uttanasana, inhale, arms rise, exhale, tadasana....

Rise and Shine Yoga CANCELLED 7/5 and 7/12

I am heading out of town for a conference, so there will be no yoga for the next two Monday mornings (7/5 and 7/12). We will resume on Monday 7/19. Hope to see you there!