OM. Fashion OM. “Spiritual Stretching.” Click on this link to see outtake photos of Michael O’Neill’s fine India yoga story that runs in the June issue of Vanity Fair. All the stars are there, including some from Rishikesh. The Ganges never looked so glamorous!
Vanity Fair
Here’s my favorite, Guruji on the roof of the Institute in Pune with Hanuman!
It’s time for me to leave for India. This year, after a short respite at a yet unnamed beach, I will be traveling to Calcutta to explore this holy and crazy city. After that, I’ll be on a private retreat in Rishikesh before my Iyengar Intensive Course starts in March. There is still space available if you are interested in coming. Click on Rishikesh Retreat at the right for more information.
The last class I teach will be Sunday, February 4th, 2007.
I will begin teaching again on Sunday, April 15th, 2007.
IT WILL BE A NORMAL CLASS SCHEDULE THIS WEEK.
Friday, Dec. 29, CLASSES ON AS NORMAL, 10:30-12:30 Level II at Mt. View Studio and 6-7:30 at Satya Yoga, Rhinebeck.
Saturday, Dec. 30, Special “BEAT THE WINTER BLUES” YOGA CLASS, 12:30-2:30 at Mt. View Studio. Come to special 2 hour yoga class to shift out of the Holiday Blues! It will be a restoring and energizing Iyengar Yoga sequence to move the prana and to deeply rest. Open to all levels and students of all schools of yoga. Preregistration is not necessary, but call or email if you want to reserve a spot. $20
Sunday, Dec. 31, Special “NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS” YOGA CLASS, 10-11:30 at Mt. View Studio. Sunday’s regular 10am class will be extended to 2 hours to become a special meditative Iyengar Yoga Class to close out the year and to prepare for the next. We will chant mantras, make personal affirmations, sit for meditation as well as practice Iyengar yoga. Open to all levels and students of all schools of yoga. Preregistration is not necessary, but call or email if you want to reserve a spot. $20
Monday, Jan. 1, LEVEL I BASICS CANCELED, 12:15-1:30 at Mt. View Studio.
Monday, Jan. 1 Special “NEW YEAR / NEW BEGINNINGS” YOGA CLASS, 1-3 at Mt. View Studio. Ring in the New Year with a special meditative and energizing Iyengar Yoga Class. We will sit for meditation AND work off any residual ill-effects of last night’s parties…. Open to all levels and students of all schools of yoga. Preregistration is not necessary, but call or email if you want to reserve a spot. $20
** For all Special $20 Classes, students with $15 class cards can pay $5 additional for the class, students with $18 class cards can pay an extra $2. This gives all of you regular students a $1 discount from the price of the special class. **
Wednesday, Jan. 3-31, PRANAYAMA / RESTORATIVE COURSE BEGINS, 6:45-8:30 at Mt. View Studio. After such great response (and a huge waiting list) to December’s course I have decided to offer it again in January. Click on the page listed at the right under CLASS SCHEDULE for more details. Pranayama (yogic breathing) prepares us for the inward journey towards Samadhi. Learn to refine and regulate the breath; learn correct uses of props for restorative poses and deeply relax. Please sign-up and pay to reserve your spot RIGHT AWAY if you want to attend. Prerequisite a minimum of 6 months regular study of any form of yoga. Yogis who took the first course have priority sign-up. 5 week course, $100. You can pay via PayPal or send me a check.
There will be more special classes and workshops in January. Watch for an email or check back for updates.
INDIA. I plan to leave February 9 – April 10 this year. My last regularly scheduled class will be Sunday, Feb. 4. I will resume teaching classes April 15. THERE WILL BE SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS FOR ALL CLASSES. Stay tuned for details. If you are interested in a private yoga session before I go, please contact me right away, as my schedule is getting very full.
RISHIKESH IYENGAR YOGA INTENSIVE, March 20-30, Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Rishikesh, India. I will be teaching my 4th Intensive in India with Usha Devi for 10 days this year on the banks of the Ganges in a most amazing yoga studio. There are two asana classes and one philosophy class daily. The cost for the intensive and housing is very affordable. The majority of the proceeds of the workshop go to support village schools run by the Omkarananda Ashram in the hills of the Himalayas. You are responsible for your own travel to India. Contact me for more information if you are interested in attending. You should be a serious student with no injuries, this is a very strong yoga course. Click on the links at the right for more information, prices and pictures of prior courses.
PRIVATE YOGA SESSIONS & GIFT CERTIFICATES
If you have questions that never seem to get answered in a yoga class, or if you are constantly struggling with an asana and need some extra attention to figure it out, sign up for a private session. Private Sessions can be any way you want: Q&A, hard work, problem solving, meditation instruction, restorative and relaxing. It’s the best service you can give to your yoga practice & your self. And it’s good way to design a personal yoga practice for the winter while I’m away. Call to set up an appointment. Great Gift for your yogi friends! Sessions are $75 for one hour and $100 an hour and a half.
Hello yogis, I have finally got on line again, and have started posting things from Pune. Sorry for the long delay. Please scroll down for some pics and comments from Pune days.
In Rishikesh, I have taught 2 classes so far for Usha. And otherwise I’m savouring my last week of solitude before the course starts. There are 43 people registered, many more than expected. It looks like a good strong group (and a VERY full room!). Already I have met some of them, and they have wonderful practices.
I’ve been spending my time here at Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, in my lovely yellow room that looks out over the Ganges, mostly reading and resting. I have been inspired by Ashok Banker’s retelling of The Ramayana. He has rewritten the story in a ‘fantasy’ mode (a la ‘The Lord of the Rings’) with yogic wisdom interspersed. It is totally irresistable! I devoured all 5 books that are available here in India. The 6th and final book isn’t avaliable until the summer. It has also moved me to start reading one of the original versions, Sant Tulsidas’s Ramachitramanas. I have developed much love for Lord Rama. And admiration in a new key to dear Hanumanji.
And many thoughts about the state of our Kali Yuga.
The other day I had an amazing Ganga Snan (bath). The sun is very hot during the day, and Ganga is very cold. I stayed in for a long time, and had a peaceful sit on the ghat afterwards. Jai Devi Gange!
Teaching Uttitha Parsvakonasana: softness and space. That’s Usha Devi behind me with crossed arms.
Teaching Uttitha Parsvakonasana with Pillow. Thighs back Barbara!
Usha in the backbend we affectionately call “Prashant-Asana” after Prashant Iyengar. Notice that the room has all the standard Iyengar props.
A nice view of the practice room. That’s Patanjali in the background and Ganga through the windows. The room has morning light and holds around 28 people. Surya Namaskars facing the rising sun and the Ganges. What more could you ask for?