Workshops & Retreats
Summer Solstice Extended Practice
Sunday, June 19th, 2011, 1-3:30pm
Awed by the great power of the sun, civilizations have for centuries celebrated the Summer Solstice. It is a day to celebrate the bounty of life-giving solar rays. The first day of summer is also symbolic of passion, strength and courage burning more intensely within the hearts of all living beings. The sun fires our passions and opens our hearts to the potential of life around us.
In this powerful practice, you will explore a strong vinyasa practice with a focus on working into more advanced yoga asanas, including arm balances, various backbends, and inversions. Clear steps will be given for modified versions of the advanced poses. We'll continue with a few restorative postures and a long savasana, setting a solid foundation for the deep exploration of breath and meditation to follow.
It is recommended that attendees have 6 months yoga experience and be in relatively good health. The cost is $35 for members and $30 for non-members.
For more information visit:
www.namasterockridge.com
Free the Hips - Keys to Unlocking the Central Channel
with Sean Michael Hall
Saturday, January 29th, 2011, 1-4pm
Our hip joint is surrounded by a complex maze of different muscle groups that connect the legs to the torso. When there is imbalance between these groups, misalignment of the spine develops and free flow of energy through the central channel (sushumna nadi) is blocked.
Join Sean Michael Hall in a practice that opens the 6 muscle groups of the hip. We'll work slowly and systematically towards, and eventually into, hanumanasana (splits) and padmasana (lotus pose), before directing that power into and through sushumna nadi.
The cost is $45 and pre-registration is required.
For more information visit:
www.namasterockridge.com
Extended Practice
Saturday, October 17th, 2009, 1-4pm
Those new to the yoga practice often mistake "advanced" yoga as referring only to more advanced yoga asanas. In reality, an "advanced" yoga practice allows more time for restorative poses, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. In this three hour workshop, we'll have time for it all!
We'll explore a strong vinyasa practice with a focus on working into more advanced yoga asanas, including arm balances, various backbends, and inversions. Clear steps will be given for modified versions of the advanced poses. We'll continue with a few restorative postures and a long savasana, setting a solid foundation for the deep exploration of breath and meditation to follow.
The cost is $30 and pre-registration is recommended.
For more information visit:
www.namasterockridge.com
Free the Hips - Keys to Unlocking the Central Channel
with Sean Michael Hall
Saturday, September 9, 2009, 1-4pm
Our hip joint is surrounded by a complex maze of different muscle groups that connect the legs to the torso. When there is imbalance between these groups, misalignment of the spine develops and free flow of energy through the central channel (sushumna nadi) is blocked.
Join Sean Michael Hall in a practice that opens the 6 muscle groups of the hip. We'll work slowly and systematically towards, and eventually into, hanumanasana (splits) and padmasana (lotus pose), before directing that power into and through sushumna nadi.
The cost is $40 and pre-registration is required.
For more information visit:
www.namasterockridge.com
Extended Practice
Saturday, May 30th 2009, 1-4pm
Those new to the yoga practice often mistake "advanced" yoga as referring only to more advanced yoga asanas. In reality, an "advanced" yoga practice allows more time for restorative poses, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. In this three hour workshop, we'll have time for it all!
We'll explore a strong vinyasa practice with a focus on working into more advanced yoga asanas, including arm balances, various backbends, and inversions. Clear steps will be given for modified versions of the advanced poses. We'll continue with a few restorative postures and a long savasana, setting a solid foundation for the deep exploration of breath and meditation to follow.
The cost is $30 and pre-registration is recommended.
For more information visit:
www.namasterockridge.com
Backbending:
Opening the Front Body
Saturday, Feb. 21st 2009, 1-3:30pm
Most activities of daily living involve a rounding forward of the shoulders, hardness in the heart and belly, and flexion of the hips. This habitual way of interacting with the world creates contracture and closure - and ultimately disconnects us from ourselves and others.
Join me for a backbending practice that reprograms the physical and energy bodies to open fully and safely. This workshop will begin with a few restorative postures designed to target and release common front body holding patterns. We will continue with discussion and practice that teaches correct alignment in backbends. We'll continue exploring these principles through a range of progressively deeper backbends.
The cost is $40 and pre-registration is required.
For more information visit:
www.namasterockridge.com
Free the Hips - Keys to Unlocking the Central Channel
with Sean Michael Hall
January 24, 2009, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Our hip joint is surrounded by a complex maze of different muscle groups that connect the legs to the torso. When there is imbalance between these groups, misalignment of the spine develops and free flow of energy through the central channel (sushumna nadi) is blocked.
Join Sean Michael Hall in a practice that opens the 6 muscle groups of the hip. We'll work slowly and systematically towards, and eventually into, hanumanasana (splits) and padmasana (lotus pose), before directing that power into and through sushumna nadi.
The cost is $40 and pre-registration is required.
For more information visit: www.namasterockridge.com
The Art of Meditation
Sat. 10/13/07, 2:00-4:30pm, Courtside Club
Meditation is known to decrease stress and bring a lasting sense of well-being. In the past few decades, medical studies have confirmed meditations positive effects on all aspects of physical and mental health. This workshop will explore a variety of meditation, breathing, and guided visualization techniques. No prior yoga or meditation experience is needed for this workshop.
Cost: $50 Courtside members, $80 non-members (Please contact Jenny Rowe (408) 395-7111 x. 218 to register.)
Yoga and Back Care
Fri. 6/22/07, 6-8pm, Club One Oakland Citicenter
This workshop will cover a few simple yoga sequences that can be used on a daily basis to keep the spine and back supple, strong, and healthy late into life. There will also be a dicussion on basic anatomy of the back, what can go wrong, and what can be done to safely and effectively address or manage specific back and spine conditions. No prior yoga experience is necessary for this workshop. If you have a current back condition, please contact the instructor prior to the workshop.
Cost: $55 (Please call Club One at (510) 895-1010 to register.)
Yoga and the Art of Meditation
Sat. 3/11/07, 10am-1pm, Age Defy Dermatology & Wellness
Meditation is known to decrease stress and bring a lasting sense of well-being. In the past few decades, medical studies have confirmed meditation's positive effects on all aspects of physical and mental health. This workshop will include a full yoga session, aimed at preparing you for the meditation techniques to follow. Several alternative meditation practices will be practiced and discussed. No prior yoga or meditation experience is needed for this workshop.
Cost: $50 (Please call Heather at Age Defy at (408) 369-4201 to register.)
Yoga and Back Care
Sat. 2/24/07, 2-5pm, Club One Santana Row
This workshop will cover a few simple yoga sequences that can be used on a daily basis to keep the spine and back supple, strong, and healthy late into life. There will also be a dicussion on basic anatomy of the back, what can go wrong, and what can be done to safely and effectively address or manage specific back and spine conditions. No prior yoga experience is necessary for this workshop. If you have a current back condition, please contact the instructor prior to the workshop.
Cost: $55 (Please call Club One at (408) 985-5555 for directions and to register.)
Eye Care with Yoga & Acupressure
Sat. 2/17/07, 2-4pm, Courtside Club
We rely on the health of our eyes every day, but rarely do we give them the attention they need. Most of us exercise and massage the larger muscles of the body regularly. The smaller muscles of the eyes are just as important. We'll begin with a gentle yoga practice to create ease and warmth in our bodies, then move into some simple and fun eye exercises one can do anywhere throughout the day. Also covered will be specific acupuncture points around the eyes that can be self-massaged (acupressure), creating a feeling of ease and relief to tired eyes and face. This workshop also includes a discussion on herbal eye washes and supplements that can be taken internally to promote eye health. If you work at a computer, read regularly, or have specific eye problems, this workshop will be invaluable. No prior yoga experience is necessary for this workshop.
Cost: $50 (Please call Courtside Club at (408) 395-7111 for directions and to register.)
Yoga Retreat
Jan. 26th - 28th 2007
Join Mark Tanaka and I at the beautiful Mt. Madonna Center for a weekend of yoga and qigong, as well as classes on integrating Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and nutrition into your everyday life. Two or three vigorous vinyasa or gentle restorative classes will be offered each day; all classes are optional of course. First and foremost our intention is to facilitate the creation of a space that allows for a reprieve from our normal life commitments and activities. Often it is this space that allows us to experience the yoga practice on a more subtle and profound level.
Early registration is $346 - $470 per person (before January 5th, price depends on room - dorm, triple, double or single). Lodging is first come, first serve. Reserve the room of your choice and get the early registration price with a $150 deposit. Price includes lodging for 3 days and 2 nights, scrumptuous gourmet meals, and all classes and workshops. Mt. Madonna Center is located about an hour south of Santa Cruz.