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Opening the Groin, Hips, and Hamstrings
Saturday, July 19, 2008, 9:30 am-12:45 pmIn this session we will explore ways to cultivate freedom in the pelvis. This can be achieved by learning to relax and strengthen the inner and outer muscles of the thighs, stretch the hamstrings, as well as ways to soften and loosen the hips, groin, ankle joints and feet. The fruit of such practice prepares one for deep forward bending as well as sitting comfortably for pranayama and meditation. Regular practice can help alleviate back pain by creating a firm, steady base in the lower body for the elongation of the spine.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
Asana & Meditation: Uniting the Sun and Moon Thru Mindfulness
Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:45-5:00 PMYoga reunites all polarities and reconciles opposites; sun meets moon, heaven meets earth, and this sacred union manifests in the heart. Together, asana and meditation strengthen our capacity to be present, see clearly, and directly sense the body as a doorway to the boundless.
Through a short discussion, we will explore into the individual nature of our own patterns, how they effect our lives physically and psychologically. The practice of upper back and hip openers will enable us to explore the interplay of the different currents of energy, while preparing us for seated meditation. Using action and intention, we will engender dynamic self-inquiry and discovery, so we may begin to experience our deep interconnectedness with all life.Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
Being Radiant in the Heart Center: Opening the Upper Back and Shoulders
Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:30 AM-12:45 PMIn this workshop we will explore movements that strengthen and bring flexibility to the shoulders, chest, neck, thoracic spine, arms, and wrists. By cultivating freedom in the torso, backbends, inverted poses, and arm balances can be experienced with more ease. As the upper body grows into healthy alignment, breathing will be freer and deeper, allowing the mind to become clear and quiet, and the heart peaceful.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
The Journey to Arm Balancing
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 9:30 AM-12:45 PMArm balancing poses cultivate the intelligence of the body. They expand our inner sense of equilibrium and integration. With regular practice they develop lightness, strength, courage and agility, freeing the mind and body of habitual patterns. This workshop will emphasize the process of arm balancing. Preparation will include hip openers, twists, wrist and shoulder openers and strengtheners. We will learn to struggle less with the muscular strength of the arms by using the alignment of the bones for optimal leverage, while connecting to the power of our core. The essence of balancing on our hands is in creating a steady foundation that allows us to equally root into the earth while taking flight.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St. (at Haight)
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
Awakening To Our Roots: The Power Of Hands & Feet
Saturday, April 5th, 9:30 AM-12:45 PMOur relationship to the earth through our foundation is a dynamic, living relationship, serving in much the same way as the roots of a tree, to draw nourishment for growth. The distribution of weight through our feet affects the function and flow of energy through our knees, hips, back and shoulders. Similarly, how we displace our weight through our hands creates a powerful cascade effect into the wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck.
In this workshop we will explore how cultivating awareness within the feet and hands awakens us to the vibrancy of the present moment by engendering a more profound sense of internal attunement. We will begin the practice with a series of movement designed to open, strengthen, and condition the extremities. This will be followed by a variety of standing poses, with an emphasis on one-legged balancing, as well as simple arm balances. We will experience how our hands and feet are powerful symbols for our potential to expand, to give and receive, and to manifest more balance and creativity in our lives.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
Opening the Groin, Hips, and Hamstrings
Saturday, March 1, 2008, 9:30 am-12:45 pmIn this session we will explore ways to cultivate freedom in the pelvis. This can be achieved by learning to relax and strengthen the inner and outer muscles of the thighs, stretch the hamstrings, as well as ways to soften and loosen the hips, groin, ankle joints and feet. The fruit of such practice prepares one for deep forward bending as well as sitting comfortably for pranayama and meditation. Regular practice can help alleviate back pain by creating a firm, steady base in the lower body for the elongation of the spine.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
Rejuvenate and Nourish Yourself with Twists
Saturday, March 15, 2008, 9:30 AM-12:45 PMTwisting poses, when performed skillfully, infuse the body and mind with vitality and well being, and assist in releasing enormous amounts of tension. They are traditionally associated with tonifying and rejuvenating the abdominal and pelvic organs. When these organs are squeezed, blood flow is stimulated and toxins are released - a natural internal massage. With regular practice the entire spine becomes more flexible, the upper back, neck, and hips move more freely, and these areas are nourished and strengthened by increased circulation.
In this session we will explore supine, standing, seated and inverted twists. Twisting poses assist in cultivating introspection: they can be seen as a spiral movement, ascending or descending, towards freedom from within. They are an excellent prelude to meditation, enabling you to feel more in tune with yourself, energized in a restful way, and sit quietly with more ease.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
Being Radiant in the Heart Center: Opening the Upper Back and Shoulders
Saturday, January 26, 2008 9:30 AM-12:45 PMIn this workshop we will explore movements that strengthen and bring flexibility to the shoulders, chest, neck, thoracic spine, arms, and wrists. By cultivating freedom in the torso, backbends, inverted poses, and arm balances can be experienced with more ease. As the upper body grows into healthy alignment, breathing will be freer and deeper, allowing the mind to become clear and quiet, and the heart peaceful.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
To see photos from the 2007 Brazil retreat, click HERE
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Yoga & Meditation for a Contemplative Holiday
December 8th, 2007, 10:00am-2:00pm (followed by a catered lunch!)Winter is a time of turning inward, when much of the natural world goes into hibernation. We are intimately tied to the seasonal rhythms around us. As the year comes to a close, now is the time for reflection and contemplation.
Join Mark and Betty, as they skillfully guide you into the inner spaces of your body, mind and heart. The asana practice will stimulate and soothe you through a delightful combination of standing poses, backbends, inversions, twists, and forward bends. With an emphasis on cultivating breath awareness throughout, you will be able to attune to the subtle flow of prana, the light and vibration that makes up the entirety of the cosmos. This awareness will be used to practice pranayama (literally, breath, expansion), to further settle the mind, and enter into communion with the most subtle energetic realms of your body. In this state, you will be led through a meditation in which you will navigate the ocean of your heart, to dissolve into the unwavering pulsation of the great heart of consciousness, your timeless essence of being.
The practice will be followed by a delicious meal, catered by SF chef extraordinaire Lisa Knispel, so we may share in the flavors of the winter season: gratitude, community, and light.Please bring your own mat. All other props (when needed) will be provided.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $115 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055* Pre-registration and payment necessary by December 3rd.
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Restorative Yoga and Pranayama
Sunday, November 4, 2007, 2:00 - 5:15 pmRestorative yoga is an opportunity to completely relax & renew. The body is supported by props in each pose, so each pose can be held for some time effortlessly, which encourages a gradual dissolution of holding patterns of stress and tension in the inner body. All these passive postures are an excellent prelude to pranayama, since they open and gently stretch the respiratory muscles, quiet the mind, and cultivate stillness and ease in the body.
A variety of asanas will be practiced - forward bends, twists, inversions, and backbends. Then, we will be ready to explore some types of pranayama - yogic breathing techniques utilized to expand ("yama") our lifeforce ("prana"). It calms and strengthens the mind and the immune system, and is a doorway to meditation. This workshop will be restful, rejuvenating, and insightful. As we move beneath the exterior boundaries, we will experience a feeling of inner spaciousness and revealing clarity that can help us realize our fullest spiritual potential.Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
Learning the Ropes
Sunday, September 30, 2007, 2-5 pmRope work, or yoga korunta, is a very dynamic and playful part of the Iyengar tradition of yoga. Ropes help tremendously in building agility and strength of body and mind. In this workshop we will focus on learning how to incorporate the ropes in your yoga practice. By transforming our relationship with gravity, the ropes assist us in focusing on specific parts of the body, refining the dynamics within a pose, and going beyond our habitual limits. We will explore a variety of asanas. Be prepared to have fun and be challenged. This workshop is open to all levels and teachers who may want to teach rope work.
Optional: bring cycling or weight lifting gloves.
Where: Yoga Loft 321 Divisadero St. (at Page)
Cost: $65
Pre-registration: Call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
Moving From the Known to the Unknown: The Art of Backbends
Saturday, June 23, 2007, 9:30 AM-12:45 PMBackbends move us from the known to the unknown and demand complete physical and mental awareness. They are liberating and exhilarating. Backbending brings life to the spine, opens the chest, and stretches the entire front body. One can experience an energetic shift that can lay the ground for a new path, one which uncovers the unearthed parts of our body, mind, and heart.
In this session we will practice a variety of backbends along with poses for cooling down. Come and experience in a skillful way these rewarding poses, which increase sensitivity and light up the Spirit.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
Making Friends with Inverted Poses
Saturday, May 19, 2007 9:30 AM-12:45 PMThis workshop is an opportunity for students who lack experience and confidence in practicing these essential poses to break through their resistances, and make friends with the world being upside down.
Headstand and shoulder stand are the Father and Mother of all asanas. Regular practice of these two poses nourishes all the vital organs, strengthens the nervous system, and clears the mind, creating radiant well-being from the inside out. Inversions are an essential aspect of a balanced yoga practice.In this session we will explore these two inversions, as well as forearm and full arm balance. Using various props and modifications we will work on poses and actions which stabilize and strengthen the shoulder girdle and arms. Also, we will be increasing the mobility of the upper back while understanding how to align the neck and head in a safe, pain-free way. The fundamentals will be covered, and more seasoned students can explore more challenging variations.
Not recommended for women on their menstrual cycle.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
Yoga and Meditation for a Contemplative Holiday
Saturday, December 9, 2006, 9:30 am-12:45 pmAs we move into winter, it is a time of turning inward. This session will utilize the hatha yoga practice to cultivate sensitivity and stamina in the body, so we may sit quietly to reflect on our own light source. The asana practice will explore ways to cultivate freedom in the pelvis, as well as to open the upper back and chest. The fruit of such practice can prepare one to sit comfortably for meditation, with an elongated spine and open heart. This workshop will be an opportunity to experience mindfulness of body, mind, and spirit in movement and in stillness, and to celebrate our radiant presence and light.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055............................................................................................................
The Inward Journey of Forward Bends
Saturday, October 21, 2006, 9:30 am-12:45 pmForward bends form an essential part of a balanced asana practice. Physically they stretch the legs, open the hips, and lengthen the entire back body. Psychologically, they teach us surrender, which is well expressed in the fact that we cannot see above or behind. In the acceptance of this situation lies humility. Therapeutically, they can be prescribed for issues such as migraines, insomnia, and hypertension, as well as forming a major component of the menstrual cycle sequence. These poses also teach us patience and trust, they help cultivate deep listening, turning our attention inward.
In this workshop we will explore how to skillfully unite both halves of the body at the hips, the point of bending. Harmonious flow of the breath, and correct action of the legs and pelvis, will be addressed to create maximum mobility, traction, and freedom of the spine. Standing and seated forward bends will be practiced, and the meditative, introspective qualities of these poses will be emphasized. As we expand and soften from deep inside, we become more fully alive and peaceful in the present moment.
Where: Yoga du Soleil located at 224 Divisadero St.
Cost: $75 Pre-registration call Betty at 415-861-3055...........................................................................................................
