Offering both the largest number of rope wall stations in New York City, as well as ceiling slings that allow practitioners to take the discipline to a “higher” level, Yoga Union provides a unique setting for “Cross-Over Yoga,” where students can take both Structural and Flow classes.

They’re having two events next weekend:

Opening Party and Kirtan
Saturday, September 10th
7:00 PM

9/11 Memorial Yoga Flow Class and Meditation with Alison West
Sunday, September 11th
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Congratulations Alison!

Carrie Parker Gastel

There’s a growing (ha) need for prenatal teachers — if you’ve been thinking about getting the certification, there’s a deal this weekend. YogaWorks (Union Square) is offering a prenatal training for “yoga teachers, doulas, labor and delivery nurses, childbirth educators, midwives, and pregnant women interested in deepening their practice.”

Taught by Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator / yoga instructor Carrie Parker Gastel, the training will cover the physiological process of pregnancy and birth, asanas for “optimal fetal positioning” and easier labor and birth, asana modifications and contraindications, pelvic bodywork, kegels, pain coping techniques, vocalization, mantra, and more.

Yogoer readers get 10% off!

Download the flyer

June 4-5, 2011
Saturday, 12:30-8:30pm
Sunday, 12:30-6:00pm

YogaWorks Union Square
138 5^th Avenue, 4^th floor

To register call Nicole Montes at 646.442.6203

from Rod Stryker
The path of yoga is to clear the mind (as taught by Patanjali) or to clear the energy (as taught in Tantra). In yoga we usually feel better because we’re doing the latter. You’re probably doing more Tantra than you think! As we age, we focus less on a physical practice and more on an energetic one. We can learn to hold our energy in, to keep it from going to our heads or out through our senses. Muscular locks (bandhas), combined with mental intention, are one of the most important yoga practices. The senses are actually places where energy is lost, not gained.

from Seane Corn
The sign of an advanced practice is not strength or flexibility. It has everything to do with breath and intention. If you’re a beginner, and you find yourself in an advanced class, remember your sense of humor. Look around and learn. Breathe. How you react to a difficult situation might be a reflection of how you react to many things in your life… I was often using food to anesthetize myself from emotions that were rising. To move forward took self-reflection, recognition, standing in discomfort rather than disconnecting. But also honoring the impulse that needed comfort.

from Matthew Sanford
The principles of yoga don’t discriminate. The poses do. But the principles are universal. We must move inward in order to move outward. Root the heels in order to lift the head. Strength in service of a sense of direction is grace. What is the true nature of your strength? Where does it truly reside? What has yoga taught you about that? The best part of yourself is not a psychological realization. The best guarantee of presence, of connection to the world, is your body. When my son comes to me for a hug, he doesn’t want sympathy. The hug gives a boundary to the suffering, so it can be less… In yoga poses, you’re integrating what you can feel and can know with what you can’t feel and can’t know. I call this the silence. The conduit of the inner body is not the muscular action. It’s the silence. What you’re seeking in a yoga practice is the ability to synthesize the silence with daily life.

from Shiva Rea
In our twenties we think that we’re supposed to burn through everything, but as we grow older we learn how to keep the fire inside.

from Cameron Shayne
The way you do anything is the way you do everything. Find your stable base in any pose: keep the attention on the perimeter, and hug into the midline to grow light. Initiate movement from the ground up. What we think of as yoga comes mostly from one man, Krishnamacharya. If someone else had gotten there first, our practices would be very different. His style was very linear, and this is reinforced by the shape of our mats. In Budokon (yoga plus martial arts), we move in circles, spirals, waves. We leap, like all other animals… At some point you have to innovate. You don’t have to make up poses; you make your own voice within the poses.

from James Murphy
In order to turn, to twist deeply, we must first stretch and lengthen up. We must either ground one end, and extend the other, or stretch both ends away from each other. Access the periphery, and feed it back into the core. Start by pressing through the heels; feel the difference it makes. Raise the arms above the head, and feel how it helps the chest. “It’s impossible to be depressed with the armpits open.” –BKS Iyengar

from Ana Forrest
How do we learn to address our own needs? My bottom line is: what brightens/feeds my spirit? My yoga practice has drained a lot of the numbness, so that I feel the effects of everything. It gave me a sense of trust in my ability to discern my truth for myself. In healing my bulimia, I had to ask myself questions. What is contentment? (Especially for one who is so intense, and strives?) What is it I’m really needing? (Doing my best to stop, take some major deep breaths, and assess what’s really going on.) What is a correct relationship with food, for me? (What, when, how much, why?) Come back to what works for you, and find something better to obsess about.

from Aadil Palkhivala
A body in balance craves that which keeps it in balance. A body out of balance craves that which takes it further from balance. What we need to do is not to stop the craving, but bring the body back in balance.

from David Romanelli
A “yogic diet” is one that focuses on savoring food, slowing down, instead of speed and efficiency… There are many ways to reach yoga (that comfortable, relaxed state). Chocolate is one of those ways.

from Judith Lasater
How do you define a senior? BKS Iyengar is 92, you wouldn’t put him in a senior class. The real definition is someone 10 years older than you. Slowing down is the same thing as waking up. Everything you do in yoga should be a metaphorical speed bump, to slow you down. Your homework is to do everything 10% slower.

The physical classes associated with these lessons were of course wonderful — you get to feel these lessons, as well as understand them intellectually — but the parallel principles of teachers from all over the world will keep me thinking for a while.

All photos courtesy of yjevents.com

Curious to learn more? Here are a few cool talks and events that are free and open to the public:

Keynote Address by Matthew Sanford (Saturday, May 14, 1:30pm – 2:30pm). Matthew Sanford shares his remarkable story of surviving a devastating car accident and living with paralysis for the past 32 years–and how, through yoga, he has discovered new levels of sensation within his entire body. His story not only changes how one thinks about yoga and yoga poses but also shows how yoga can practically transform the world around us.

Panel Discussion: The Yoga of Food. (Sunday, May 15, 1:30pm – 2:45pm). What does it mean to eat like a yogi? Is there such a thing as a yogic diet? Join Aadil Palkhivala, Ana Forrest, Seane Corn, David Romanelli as they discuss how the practice of yoga affects our food choices. Moderated by Yoga Journal’s Dayna Macy, author of the new book “Ravenous: A Food Lover’s Journey from Obsession to Freedom.”

Closing Savasana with David Swenson (Sunday, May 15, 5:45 – 6:15pm). Let go of fatigue and adopt a state of profound meditation as Swenson guides you through a simple inward journey designed to show you how to relax, release, and unwind.

There’s also a Business of Yoga workshop, for those learning financial balances, and special events for both teachers and new beginners.

If you’ve been in the past, I’d love to hear about your experience, leave a comment below!

Free Yoga with Tara B.
April 17th — 23rd, 2011
at New York Jiu Jitsu
666 Broadway, Lower Level

At the age of six, Gaura Vani left the US to study sacred music in a gurukula or temple school in the timeless town of Vrindavan, India. He learned ancient prayers in Sanskrit and Bengali and to sing and play ethnic instruments like the harmonium and mrdanga. 25 years later, he continues to share the magic he received and performs extensively throughout the world with As Kindred Spirits, his ensemble of musicians, dancers, and performers.

Kirtan with Gaura Vani, Ananta Govinda Das & Acyuta Gopi Dasi
Saturday, April 16, 7:30-10:30pm

Om Factory Yoga Center
265 West 37 Street, 17th Floor
info@omfactorynyc.com – 212 616 8662

$15 pre-registered / $20 at door / or by donation

Boca Sombrero

Tara Glazier, the brilliant anatomy and philosophy teacher I am lucky enough to study regularly with, is leading a retreat to Costa Rica next month. I just booked my ticket! There are some budget spots left — only $900 to share a beach cabana — as well as some larger, gorgeous rooms with pools and things for $1700–$2200. She’ll be accompanied by James Bae, a healer and acupuncturist.

The days will be filled with two complete Asana practices, meditation, breath work, and individual healing sessions with James where he integrates his knowledge of Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, yoga therapeutics, and acupuncture. Three organic, whole food meals will be provided daily. There is the option to take part in the many activities the Osa provides such as surfing, bird watching, rainforest hiking, waterfall tours, or simply relaxing in a hammock near the beach.

I can’t recommend Tara highly enough; she’s translated the sometimes murky language of Anusara into real benefits in my yoga practice. She corrected the habits that were causing my sciatic pain, and has totally reshaped poses like Pigeon, Down Dog, and Handstand so that I’m feeling secure and healthy in all my joints. If you’re a seasoned yoga practitioner, you’ll learn a lot of great details; if you’re newer, you’ll learn them correctly. And I am always impressed by her ability to dish out complex Indian philosophy without losing the rhythm of sequencing at all.

Come play in the sun with us! (Buy a ticket to SJO before the weekend, they’re starting to go up.) February 13th–20th, 2011. Get the details and reserve your spot at AbhayaYoga.com

Wanderlust at the Standard Miami

We just received word that Wanderlust, the yoga + music festival started by Schuyler Grant, is branching into a THIRD location this year. The Standard Hotel, which is quite the patron of cool yoga and design events, will be hosting Wanderlust Miami. So the full calendar for 2011 is now:

Lake Tahoe, July 28–31

Vermont, June 23–26

Miami, March 17–20

The lineup is smaller for Miami — 4 yoga teachers instead of 10. In Miami you’ll have:

Schuyler Grant, director of Kula Yoga (Kula Flow, in Tribeca and Williamsburg)

Elena Brower, director of Vira Yoga (Anusara, in Soho)

Barbara Verrochi and Kristin Leigh, directors of The Shala (Ashtanga and Vinyasa, in Union Square)

And for music you’ll have Bonobo, Garth Stevenson, Prasanna, Shaman’s Dream, and the Mayapuris. [I'm only familiar with Garth, he does some of the live music Fridays at Tara Glazier's Abhaya Yoga. Stand-up bass, AMAZING for yoga.] They’re also featuring a “theatrical performance” by Jenny Zebede.

I do have to say it’s kind of hilarious that “your Wanderlust adventure” is going to take you to a designer hotel in South Beach. The call of the wild has definitely evolved.

Check out the official site for more information

A new leaf?

Super late on posting this, but I wanted to share some healthy New Year’s Eve options! I’ve done yoga on NYE for the past four years (at home, in the Bahamas, and here in NYC), and it leaves you WAY less broke and hungover than the typical celebration. And if your New Year’s resolution is to do yoga, you’ve started the very first minute on the right foot.

From sweaty vinyasa to silent meditation, here are some favorite activities for the night.

The round up for NYE 2010/2011:

Silent Meditation at Jivamukti — Wonderful event in the center of the city. Three-hour silent meditation, then chanting and talk with Sharon Gannon and David Life. I went to the meditation last year, the huge center was knee-to-knee cozy full. This year they’re doing a whole week of master classes for the week following.

5–7 pm Master Class with Sharon and David
7–8 pm Vegan Dinner in the Jivamuktea Café ($85 for class and dinner)
8–9 pm Kirtan with Sanga!
9–12am Silent Meditation (FREE)
12–12:30am Chanting & New Year’s Message from Sharon and David

PLUS master classes at the Prince George Ballroom January 1st–7th

Silent Meditation NYE details

AcroYoga at Om Factory — For a more lively vibe, head up to the Garment District for some partner vinyasa, partner acrobatics, and Thai massage. You don’t need to bring a friend; you’ll find plenty of them there. Come back the next afternoon for 108 Sun Salutations with Emilia Conradson!

8pm–12am
Champagne toast at midnight!
$40 pre-registered; $50 at the door

AcroYoga NYE details

Kundalini at Golden Bridge — You’ll have a whole new kind of buzz after three hours of kundalini yoga (including meditation, chanting, and trance dance). Great company, great space in Nolita.

9pm–1am

$60 advance ($68 day of) includes Indian food, sweets, and chai tea

Kundalini NYE details

Vinyasa Jam and/or Kirtan at Laughing Lotus — More fun, and serious rock stars, at Chelsea’s most colorful studio. Sweat and flow with the wonderful Mary Dana Abbott, and stick around to chant your head off with the legendary Bhagavan Das. Go ahead and register, it will fill up.

8–9:30pm — Class with Mary Dana Abbott
10–12am — Kirtan with Bhagavan Das

$20 for the yoga class
$50 for the kirtan (in advance, $60 at the door)

Vinyasa Jam NYE details

Prana Flow at Sonic Yoga — An amazing troupe of yoga people will be partying at the newly expanded Sonic Yoga (Shiva Rea’s NYC base camp) in Midtown West. Simon Park, Lori McAlister, Emiliya Zhivotovskaya, and more. Yummy food and raw chocolate drinks!

7pm — Prana Flow Yoga Classes
10pm — Abundance Meditation
10:30pm — Kirtan and Live Music
11:30pm — Midnight Yoga Trance Dance
Midnight — Champagne/sparkling cider toast

$40 advance / $50 at event
Proceeds go to: REBUILD GLOBALLY for Haiti Brock Cahill’s Environmental Project

Prana Flow NYE details

Guided Meditation at Vishwa Dharma Mandalam — Slow down and clear your mind with some mantras and meditation in the East Village.

8:30 pm — Recitation of the Shanti Mantras (“the sound vibrations of peace,” believed to remove all obstacles)
10 pm — Art Performance by Radha Devi
10:30 pm — Guided Meditation
11 pm — Live Kirtan (devotional chanting)

$21 suggested donation

Guided meditation NYE details

108 Sun Salutations at Integral — If you already have plans, prep for your evening with the yoga version of a marathon: 108 sun salutations. (It’s not as bad as it sounds, you really get into a zone after about 20.) Integral’s old-school West Village vibe is its own treat.

5:15–6:45pm

by donation

108 Sun Salutations NYE details

Quantum Mind Intensive at the New York Hilton — I have no idea what this is but it sounds awesome. I would like a quantum mind. It’s only $400…

Friday, 31 Dec 2010, 7:30 PM–12:30 AM
Saturday, 1 Jan 2011, 10 AM–5 PM

$200 for each day

Quantum mind NYE details

More? Jo Brill is leading a Sanskrit retreat upstate the following week.

Still more? Let us know in the comments.

Ms Anya Porter

Who needs some yoga-breakdance-sauna time? (Everyone.)

This Saturday, 7-10pm at Yogaworks Soho, is another session of Breakti with the superfun Anya Porter. Beginners are welcome; you’ll learn some basic yoga moves to prep the body for floor work, and then practice a slow-building breakin’ sequence or two. Relaxing in the sauna afterwards makes for a perfect Saturday night.

Want more info? Read our previous post: Yoga Spanda with Anya Porter.

Preregister now and get $5 off!