Serenity Now Yoga

Big News! We're moving

2010-01-26T18:59:00.002-05:00

I'm sure word is getting around that the studio will be moving in the spring. Our new location is just down the street right next to Half Moon Outfitters. Renovations should be starting very soon and we are all excited about this change. The new space will be larger and offer more amenities. Stay tuned for more updates!

Noele

2009-10-31T12:59:00.001-04:00

How do you like our yoga cake from the SNY five year anniversary celebration? I really enjoyed eating cake and drinking bubbly with all of my yoga friends. Thanks so much for your continued support and here's to at least five more!

Namaste,

Noele

Support Louie's Kids

2009-09-15T13:20:00.002-04:00

Louie's Kids Annual Yoga Marathon is coming up...October 10th from 12-3PM.

Join us in raising funds! Louie's Kids mission is to fight obesity one child at a time, and they make an amazing difference for kids in our community. Click the link listed below to see my fundraising page, where you can view my progress toward my fundraising goal and sponsor our efforts with a donation of your own!

Thanks in advance for your support. Hope to see you at the marathon.

Click here to go to the fundraising page

Namaste,
Jordan

New class in September

2009-09-05T21:23:00.002-04:00

We've added a new class to the schedule for September, and it starts on Labor Day.

Join me for a "Beat the Monday Blues" Yoga Class from 8:30-9:30AM every Monday. This beginner/intermediate level class is designed to start your week right with an inspirational reading, an asana practice designed to help you let go of any weekend overindulgence, and a guided meditation to steady your mind for the week ahead.

All levels welcome. Bring your friends!

See you on the mat,
Jordan

The Five Tibetan Rites

2009-08-19T11:31:00.002-04:00

The Five Tibetan Rites workshop is filling up fast! Join Tricia on Saturday, 8/22 at 12:00 Noon to learn the exercises that Tibetan monks claim can lead to a reduction in the aging process by helping to normalize hormonal imbalances. Once learned, the rites take about 20 minutes to perform and can be practiced anywhere - making them invaluable to those who travel and have time limiting schedules. Class concludes with final relaxation.

Call us to reserve your spot.

Workshops this weekend

2009-08-05T11:02:00.003-04:00

Don't forget this weekend we're hosting Arline Jernigan for a weekend of vinyasa flow workshops. Scroll down for the workshop schedule and description.

To accomodate the workshop, our Saturday and Sunday morning classes will be cancelled on august 8th and 9th. All other classes are on as usual.

To reserve your spot in the workshop, call the studio or stop by the desk on your way to class. Full payment is required to reserve your spot.

Have a namaste,
:) Jordan

Vinyasa Yoga Weekend with Arline Jernigan

2009-07-22T10:42:00.002-04:00

Friday, August 7th, 6PM - 9PM
All levels class concentrating on flow, moving seamlessly through space, and standing poses.

Saturday, August 8th, 9AM - 12 Noon
A challenging, vigorous, yet accessible class working in stages to build up to more advanced poses. We will explore hip opening as well as arm balances and inversions.

Sunday, August 9th, 9AM - 12 Noon
The first hour will consist of warming into a backbending practice followed by two hours of a relaxing and restorative practice.

$40 per session or $100 for all three. Payment is required in advance to reserve your spot.

When you practice yoga with Arline, it’s clear that she values connection. She’s an energy maven, reading and moving the energy in her classes with ease. And, she’s fully aware of the power of her own energy. The girl has got some mamma jamma shakti going on. Her teaching style is pure vinyasa – linking each yoga pose together in a flow of grace, strength and stamina.

A graduate of Memphis College of Art and a long-term physical fitness instructor before coming to yoga, Arline brings a unique blend of physicality and artfulness to her teaching. The yoga mat serves as a different kind of canvas for Arline, who continues to paint and exhibit her work in Memphis art galleries. Through her teaching as well as her art, she inspires others to feel more and move beyond preconceived notions of personal limitation.

She draws her primary teaching inspiration from Shiva Rea, “Shiva opened my eyes to the beauty of flow, the freedom that personal power offers us, and the gateway to it on the yoga mat.”

Arline received her teaching certification through Yoga Alliance. She teaches both public and private classes, and takes students on yoga adventures around the world. Keep your eyes out for details on her future retreats and workshops which are great fun, highly energizing, and deeply restorative.

www.arlinejernigan.com

July 4th Weekend

2009-07-01T10:40:00.002-04:00

We are open for all of our regular classes on July 4th and all throughout the July 4th weekend. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Smoothie Recipes from Tricia

2009-06-09T13:12:00.000-04:00

Hi all, here are two smoothie recipes I have been loving lately!
Enjoy! Tricia

MMMMMMM Mango
2 TBSP OJ
2 Pineapple rings
1 Cup Frozen Mango
3/4 Cup org. milk
3/4 Cup org. Vanilla Yogurt
1 TBSP (or less) Agave Nectar
5 Ice Cubes
Blend it all up!! serves two

Blueberry Bliss
1/2 Bag froz org. Blueberries
3/4 Cup org. milk
3/4 Cup org. Vanilla Yogurt
2 TBSP Pineapple Juice
Agave Nectar -to taste
Lots of Ice Cubes
Blend and enjoy!

Mindfulness Training Article

2009-06-02T15:45:00.001-04:00

Vivian Scarborough sent me this article about mindfulness training.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/01/mindfulness.training.stress/index.html

Enjoy!

Noele

K Pattabhi Jois Passes Away at 93

2009-05-19T08:19:00.002-04:00

Revered yoga teacher K Pattabhi Jois passed away May 18, 2009. He was one of the world's most influential figures in shaping the way we practice yoga today. See the link below for more information about him and videos of his teaching.

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/05/sri-k-pattabhi-jois-founder-of-ashtanga-yoga-passes-away-at-age-93/

Food Matters

2009-05-06T10:40:00.001-04:00

Hi all you yogis and yoginis out here! As you all know yoga is about making conscious educated decisions. Well, I stumbled upon a movie trailer for "Food Matters." I had never seen nor heard of this movie before, but it looks VERY INFORMATIVE! I will be downloading and watching it. Please take the time to watch the trailer and if you are still interested you can download the movie from foodmatters.tv for just $4.95!! Or buy it on their site for $24.95. Let me know what you think!

Namaste, Tricia

Green Dharma

2009-04-30T16:40:00.003-04:00

This is a link to a free down-loadable book by Georg Feuerstein, my favorite yoga author and his wife Brenda. The topic is Buddhism and environmental sustainability.

http://www.traditionalyogastudies.com/green_dharma.html

Another Great Way to Recycle

2009-04-20T15:24:00.002-04:00

Clothing, Jewelry, and Handbag Exchange at Serenity Now Yoga
Tuesday, May 5th at 1:00PM

Doing some spring cleaning? If you have anything nice that just doesn’t suit you or fit you anymore, bring it by Serenity Now for our First Annual Clothing Exchange. Here are the rules:

1.You are responsible for everything you bring. You must cart anything of yours still remaining at the end of the event to Goodwill (right across the street). Please don’t leave anything at the studio!

2.Please only bring something you think someone might want. Nothing dirty, stinky, or gross. Clean and folded clothing only, please!

3.Please give (or try to give) as much as you take. The idea is to reduce and reuse, so if you want to leave with a bagful of items, give a bagful of items away first!

4.Have fun!

Post & Courier Doga Article, Photo Gallery and Video

2009-04-16T09:00:00.004-04:00

Thanks to David Quick for covering our Doga fundraiser. Great article David!

http://postandcourier.com/news/2009/apr/16/yoga_dogs_breaks_workout_rut78801/

Yoga Journal Article on Vegetarianism

2009-04-15T07:18:00.003-04:00

Interesting article about the yogic history of vegetarianism

http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/999?utm_source=MyYogaJournal&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=myj_357

Avocado & Quinoa Salad

2009-04-08T10:09:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. I want to share a recipe I discovered recently (although I have tweaked the original a bit for us vegetarians!) I would recommend this a side to some veggie burgers on the grill, serve over mixed greens or it makes a nice refreshing side to anything!!

Also remember I don't always keep track of time and sometimes "eye" amounts!!

AVOCADO & QUINOA SALAD
1 1/2 c quinoa
2 1/2 c organic veggie broth
cook these together until broth is absorbed and quinoa is soft. (maybe 10-15 minutes) Let cool.
2 Haas Avocados, diced
2 stalks org celery, diced
1 med or 1 cup org grape tomatoes, diced
1 lemon, juiced
salt and pepper to taste (I also like to add a touch of"spike")
Toss the veggies in the lemon juice then add to the quinoa. Season to taste. You can serve immed or store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy!!! Tricia

Stay tuned for some smoothie recipes-just in time for the warmer weather!!!

Calculate your carbon footprint with this fun online quiz

2009-03-18T11:14:00.003-04:00

The Earth Day Footprint Calculator...Find out how many planets it takes to support your lifestyle. Awareness is the first step.

http://www.earthday.net/footprint/flash.html

Challenge Testimonial from Elyse Waple

2009-03-12T08:57:00.003-04:00

My husband, Paul, and I both successfully completed the February Yoga Challenge: 25 classes in 28 days! We have enjoyed practicing yoga at home for years and moved our practice to Serenity Now last year - being consistent as we feel like being.

Committing to the challenge gave us "permission" to do what we always intend to do: practice yoga everyday - guilt-free. As adults, other responsibilities tend to pull us from doing things for ourselves (which truly is the most important responsibility). Participating in the challenge provided social acceptance when we say, "We HAVE to go to yoga class - the challenge," (enough said).

Mind, Body, Spirit! Oh, yes. It has been awesome to be committed to giving time to turn inward and quiet the mind, be on the mat and nurture body and soul. The variety of classes offered allow us to listen to our bodies and attend classes suitable for that particular day.

Just like every aspect of health, yoga practice is like an onion - a continuous process of peeling away layers, some easier than others, constantly adjusting for balance, harmony and health.

Needless to say, when the March Challenge - Double or Nothing was suggested, we were quick to be in on it. I already had intended to continue the pattern established in February. I have read that it takes 21 times for something to become a habit. What an awesome habit!

As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I cannot say enough about the positive benefits of yoga. Consultations with patients seldom conclude without the question, "Have you ever tried practicing yoga?" One of my favorite opportunities to adjust is following yoga practice.

41 out of 48 Completed the Challenge - Nice Work!

2009-03-01T10:48:00.002-05:00

Share Your Experience

2009-03-01T10:24:00.003-05:00

Many students have been sharing their experience with respect to the February challenge. We would love to hear from you. Email me if you'd like to post your thoughts on the blog.

Namaste,

Noele

Yogi, Bogi or Rogi - You Decide

2009-02-28T15:11:00.002-05:00

This was an interesting article

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ed-and-deb-shapiro/are-you-a-rogi-a-bogi-or_b_167098.html

Enjoy!

Photos from the partner yoga class

2009-02-22T20:23:00.007-05:00

Thanks everyone who came out for our partner and group yoga workshop! Enjoy the photos!

Yoga Immersion Program starts Feb. 26th

2009-02-18T10:38:00.004-05:00

Many of our students have expressed interest in learning more about yoga, it's history, philosophy and practical applications. Serenity Now Yoga will be offering a five week immersion program taught by studio owner Noele Pace that is designed to help any student of yoga deepen his or her practice. This is not a teacher training, but an educational program suitable for all levels of experience. The program is designed as a whole and is not intended to be taken in parts. The sessions will be held from 7:30PM until 10:30PM five consecutive Thursday evenings beginning Thursday, February 26th and concluding Thursday, March 26th. Each session will consist of a lecture/discussion and an asana class which will be tied to the evening's topic.

Week One - History and Philosophy of Yoga
Week Two - Classical Yoga and the Yogasutras
Week Three - Tantra, the Chakras and Pranayama
Week Four - Hatha Yoga Pradipika Theory and Practice
Week Five - Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita

Cost $150

Those interested please email Noele at noele@serenitynowyoga.net

Sign Up for our February Challenge!

2009-01-26T10:10:00.004-05:00

Keep Your New Year's Resolution Challenge begins February 1st. Sign up now!

If you sign up by February 1st to take 25 classes in 28 days during the month of February, you can earn a free one month unlimited pass, valued at $90. What a great way to deepen your practice and strengthen your commitment to your yoga practice!

Remember we offer many different types of classes (beginner, intermediate, warm, gentle, yin, etc) and they all count! Meditation also counts! And we're offering two partner yoga workshops on the weekend of February 21st which also count toward your total...one requires you to bring a partner and one is no partner required.

So don't be afraid to shake up your routine in February. When you realize that we offer a total of 142 classes throughout February, 25 sounds like a very reasonable number.

See you on the mat!

Inspiring Video from YouTube

2009-01-07T10:44:00.003-05:00

Tricia found this video on YouTube about a long-time MS survivor and wanted to share it here. Although it's not specifically about yoga, the concepts he talks about will sound very familiar to anyone who practices yoga. This is a truly beautiful and inspiring video.

Ring in the New Year Yoga Class

2009-01-02T15:09:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much to all of you who joined us the morning of January 1st. There's no better way to start the new year than a sweaty, crowded yoga class! It was a joy and a pleasure to start 2009 by teaching such a wonderful group of students.

Love to all!!

Noele

Holiday Schedule

2008-12-17T10:52:00.004-05:00

We're staying open for many of our regular classes during the holidays so you can use your free time to keep up with your practice or just relax and unwind on the mat.

Christmas Eve Schedule:
10:00AM Beginner
10:30AM Yin Yoga
12:00 Noon Intermediate

Christmas Day we are closed.

We return to all of our regularly scheduled classes on December 26th.

New Year's Eve Schedule:
10:00AM Beginner
10:30AM Yin Yoga
12:00 Noon Intermediate

New Year's Day Schedule:
10:00AM All Levels Ring in the New Year Class

We return to all of our regularly scheduled classes on January 2nd.

Happy Holidays!

Teachers playing

2008-11-29T21:25:00.003-05:00

Here are some YouTube videos from a recent teacher class, as we played around with inversions, backbends, and arm balances. Hopefully our joy comes through, even as we struggle and fall! Enjoy!

Looking for lightness in inversions and arm balances:

Working on backbends:

Thanksgiving All-Levels Class

2008-11-24T17:34:00.003-05:00

Join us on Thanksgiving Day for our traditional Thanksgiving Morning All-Levels Yoga Class at 9:00AM.

We are offering our regular schedule on Friday so you have lots of options to work off your Thanksgiving feast, and if you're not too busy getting things ready join us Wednesday night for our regular schedule as well.

Enjoy the holiday!

Peeling Away the Layers

2008-11-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

I read this in a few classes and some of you requested a copy of it...Here it is.

Keep shining!

Tricia

Peeling Away The Layers
Trees Shedding Their Bark

Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don’t allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can’t expand to our full potential.

Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting.

Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it’s time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don’t disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self—the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just "me." Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.

Yoga with Injuries

2008-11-10T10:17:00.003-05:00

There are a few things that can happen to your yoga practice when you become injured. Sometimes people assume that if they can't do their regular practice they should not practice at all, or wouldn't know how to practice. Others may decide that they'll just "push through" their injury without changing their approach to their practice. Some people become frustrated and give up on yoga until their body is "back to normal." But there is a better way.

The practice of yoga can have great healing properties when it is approached with care and thought. Many injuries can be worked around more easily than you might think. When I broke my foot last year I continued to practice even though I couldn't do any standing poses. I continued doing some sort of sun salutation even though it might be unrecognizable to someone as a sun salutation (see the video below). I gained new insight into my breath and the subtelties of many of the postures I had been practicing for years.

So if you have an injury now or have had one in the past, or are just curious about how you would deal with one if it came up, come to my "Yoga with Injuries" Workshop on Friday 11/14 at 7:00PM. This will be a discussion of how to approach yoga with an injury, both in setting up your own home practice and also in modifying your studio practice. Everyone welcome!

Vote!!

2008-10-31T22:59:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to vote!! As yogis it's especially important to take our practice off of the mat and bring to practice the ideals we aspire to on our yoga and meditation mat. This includes making our voices heard through the voting process.

So please, vote on or before November 4th.

Namaste!

A thought that applies to negative political discourse

2008-10-27T10:14:00.003-04:00

"Once you begin to watch your anger, you will make an interesting discovery. You will find that as soon as you know you are angry, your anger will melt away by itself. It is very important that you watch without likes or dislikes. The more you are able to look at your own anger without making judgments, without being critical, the more easily the anger will dissipate."
-Thynn Thynn

Upcoming Partner Yoga Workshop

2008-10-13T15:41:00.002-04:00

Join Jordan and Clayton this Saturday (10/18) at 12:00 noon for an all-levels intro to partner and group yoga workshop. We encourage you to come with or without a partner, and be prepared to work with others in groups of two or more. This is not couples yoga. Although couples are welcome to practice together, this practice can be done with anyone at all.

Workshop will explore various partner and group yoga poses including assists, deep stretching, counterbalancing, and depending on participants interest, the very basics of flying. If you are planning to come and there's something you want to explore, let me know!

:) Jordan

No advance registration required, just show up. $15 to drop in or one class pass on your card, no additional charge for unlimited pass-holders.

Louie's Kids Yoga Marathon

2008-09-24T10:56:00.002-04:00

Louie's Kids is fast approaching!

Pick up a sponsor form and raise money for kids' health by doing up to 108 sun salutations or up to 108 minutes of your own yoga. The event will be held on October 11th at 12:00 Noon in Marion Square Park.

Please join us!

(Learn more at www.louieskids.org)

September events

2008-09-10T10:42:00.003-04:00

Three yoga events are coming up next weekend...join us for as many as you can!

Friday September 19th begins our 5 week Yoga Immersion Program with Noele. Please sign up in advance and commit to all 5 sessions...full details available here.

If you're not doing that program, join Tricia on Friday September 19th at 7:00PM for Moon Salutations!

And finally, in celebration of the Global Mala Yoga Project for Peace, join all your Serenity Now teachers on Sunday September 21st at 10:15 AM for a 108-minute open studio class to benefit Keeper of the Wild www.keeperofthewild.org. Asana begins at 10:15, chanting at 12:15.

See you on the mat!

Hurricane Hanna

2008-09-04T10:35:00.003-04:00

Due to Tropical Storm / Hurricane Hanna, Hot Yoga will be cancelled tonight (Friday, 9/5). We will be closed Saturday 9/6 and plan to reopen for all classes as usual on Sunday.

Be safe!

National Yoga Month

2008-09-03T11:01:00.003-04:00

In an effort to inspire a healthy lifestyle and educate the public about the health benefits of yoga, September has been declared National Yoga Month.

Follow this link to see some links to scientific studies proving the benefits of yoga in the treatment and management of diseases as diverse as chronic low back pain, depression, and even cancer.

To celebrate National Yoga Month, tell a friend about what yoga has done for you. Encourage someone new toward a healthier lifestyle.

See you on the mat!

Labor Day Schedule

2008-08-27T10:40:00.001-04:00

We are open all morning for classes as usual on Labor Day until 1:00.

10:00 AM Beginner
10:30 AM Intermediate
11:15 AM Meditation
12:00 Core Workout

All other classes will be canceled for Labor Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Interesting video clip

2008-08-13T09:54:00.004-04:00

I found this clip on YouTube. It's a Japanese news clip about Acroyoga in New York City. If you watch carefully you can see Clayton and Jordan in the background, because we just happened to be taking the class that they were filming last time we visited New York.

If you understand Japanese maybe you can tell us what they're saying!

Enjoy!

Website to check out

2008-08-06T14:08:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone,

I stumbled upon an interesting website you may want to check out:
www.realitysandwich.com .
It covers lots of different eco topics and other issues.

-Tricia

p.s. Also you could check out Kings of Jupiter performing "I can see clearly" on Youtube posted by Rane333 with photos by Jeremiah Hill. There is another video to the same song but I like this one better. :-)

The 8 Limbs of Yoga

2008-07-10T10:38:00.003-04:00

Yoga is classically divided into eight aspects, or limbs. The physical postures many people associate with yoga are only one of these limbs (#3 - asana). To truly practice and study yoga we must explore all of the eight limbs.

The 8 Limbs of Yoga are as follows:

1 - Yama (universal ethical principles)
2 - Niyama (rules of personal conduct)
3 - Asana (the practice of yoga postures)
4 - Pranayama (the practice of yoga breathing techniques)
5 - Pratyahara (control of the senses)
6 - Dharana (concentration of the mind)
7 - Dhyana (meditation)
8 - Samadhi (absorption in the Infinite)

In our classes we use the postures as a gateway to explore the other limbs of yoga, from concentration, to breathing, to ethical principles like truthfulness and non-harming. As our understanding progresses this full practice of yoga becomes more a part of our lives off the yoga mat.

If you've been coming for awhile you probably know something about these eight limbs. If you're new to yoga don't worry...the practice is a lifelong one that can be started at any time!

July 4th Schedule

2008-07-03T10:05:00.002-04:00

We are open for all of our morning classes as usual on Friday, July 4th (including the 12:00 core class). We will be cancelling hot yoga on Friday at 5:00 so everyone can enjoy the fireworks.

We are back to our regular schedule all weekend.

Enjoy the holiday!

Jordan & Clayton's workshop with Tripsichore

2008-06-16T13:54:00.006-04:00

Here's Jordan and Clayton being held in the air by Edward Clark of Tripsichore Yoga!

Jordan and Clayton drove to Chapel Hill over the weekend for a wonderful workshop experience with Tripsichore. Tripsichore is known for innovative vinyasa techniques (mixing inversions into the sun salutations, transitioning between poses in different ways), but what we really took away from the workshop was how unimportant all of the yoga poses actually are in the grand scheme of things. As Edward Clark kept saying, "There are lots of trained monkeys in the west who can do all sorts of crazy yoga poses." That's not really the yoga and focusing too much on the poses misses the whole point. We really learned how important it is to keep energy moving in your body with your breath and attention as you practice, and when we came up against a wall it was usually a limitation in our focus and energy, not our tight hamstrings or shoulders.

We also were reminded how wonderful it is to be a beginner in yoga, because we really felt like one much of the time! There are so many possibilities and each little "a-ha" moment means so much. If you click this link you can see a promo video for a dance piece made up of yoga asanas that Tripsichore performed on the first night. Enjoy!

PS. Some students wanted to see how it was possible to float your feet off of the floor into a handstand. Here's some video I shot from the workshop showing a couple very brief demonstrations (note the speed of the video has not been altered...this shows a great deal of control in lifting off slowly).

June Events

2008-06-04T09:52:00.003-04:00

June brings two different events to Serenity Now.

Try something new with "The Five Tibetan Rites" and "Kundalini and Yoga Numerology."

The Five Tibetan Rites will be practiced as a daily practice Monday - Friday June 9-13 from 5:30-6:00PM. The practice only takes about 20 minutes and this is a great way to chart your progress. You can come to as many sessions as you like, all sessions not required. Please sign up in advance, the cost is $6/session.

Kundalini and Yoga Numerology is a process of using your birth date to calculate your soul number, karma number, gift number, destiny number, and path number. We use these numbers to understand our human experience and journey toward enlightenment. The practice includes reading and poses, so bring a yoga mat and your reading glasses. Friday June 27th at 7:00PM, $15 to drop in or one class pass on your card (free for unlimited students).

May at Serenity Now

2008-05-01T10:17:00.002-04:00

May is always a fun month...Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and the start of our summer weather. The studio is open as usual for all of May's holidays including Memorial Day, Mother's Day, and Cinco de Mayo. So you can celebrate by taking class with someone you love.

See you on the mat,
Jordan

Earth Day

2008-04-21T10:13:00.004-04:00

Tuesday, April 22nd is Earth Day!

In celebration, I wanted to share a link I found very thought-provoking. Visit www.storyofstuff.com to see a creative 20-minute video about all the stuff that drives our economy and lifestyle. This video shows the big picture of what happens with all the stuff that gets produced, bought, used, and discarded or recycled in our economy. And it tells the story in a compelling way.

I've heard it said that yogis, with the heightened awareness they learn through yoga practice, have an obligation to bring their awareness off the mat into the world. This earth day let's share ideas on how we can help do more good or at least less harm to the earth.

-Jordan

Thank you Andrey Lappa!

2008-04-09T23:23:00.007-04:00

Hosting Andrey Lappa was an incredible experience for all of us at the studio. He shared so much knowledge during his short time here. This picture was taken after his last class here on Wednesday night. He's now off on more travels but will be back in the southeast in North Carolina for a teacher training later this year.

We're thrilled that he has asked to come back to Serenity Now Yoga again during his travels next year!

Details of his travels and teachings are online at www.universal-yoga.com.

Upcoming Andrey Lappa Workshop

2008-03-12T10:54:00.005-04:00

We're getting very excited to host Andrey Lappa April 4-9th, 2008. Spots are going fast so make sure you get in soon. I wanted to remind everyone that Saturday April 5th is the Bridge Run, so please be sure to leave yourself extra time to arrive for those workshops. Many streets will be closed and parking will take time, so plan to carpool, bike, or walk if you live close enough.

I also wanted to provide some links to learn more about Andrey Lappa.

His web site is Universal Yoga. You could spend days reading through the information on there.

Here's a recent review of a workshop Andrey led in Chicago.

Here's a Yoga Journal article about his unusual arm and shoulder stretches.

If you know of any other links you'd like to post relating to him, leave us a comment!

Book Club Discussion Questions

2008-02-26T15:21:00.004-05:00

Our Yoga Book Club is meeting Sunday, March 9th at 7:00PM. The book under discussion is Yoga and the Quest for the True Self by Stephen Cope.

Discussion Questions:

1. On page 109 the author talks about "the relief of being ordinary." What does he mean by this? Have you experienced this feeling?

2. On page 149 the author introduces the concepts of "the community as a guru," "safe space v. regular society," and "people who lend us their center." Why are these things desirable or necessary for someone choosing the transformational path of yoga?

3. Chapter 14 is about listening to the voice of the body. Do you believe we hold trauma or other experiences in our physical bodies. Have you had a personal experience with a samskara?

4. On page 278 the author talks about optimal disillusionment. What do you think of this concept?

Flying Workshop Photos

2008-02-16T18:34:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the Partner Yoga workshops over this past weekend. Clayton and I had a great time teaching. It was nice to see so many happy faces as people helped each other into good stretches and worked together on the mat.

Here are a couple of pictures from our Flying Yoga workshop...visit our gallery page to see all the photos we took of the brave yogis who lifted each other into the air!

Yoga Teachers class caught on video

2008-01-28T22:09:00.003-05:00

The teachers at Serenity Now like to get together to practice together, inspire each other, and learn from each other. We heard that many people liked seeing video of us attempting challenging poses, sometimes with great success, sometimes falling, but always having fun, so we filmed some more! Keep reading to see 2 recent videos of Hannah, Jordan and Clayton playing around with handstands, backbends, arm balances, and partner flying.

This first video is a compilation of handstands and backbends, including dropping back to wheel. Clayton tries a one handed handstand away from the wall with a spot from Hannah. Hannah and Jordan experiment with a rocking tick-tock motion in their wheels as a preparation for standing up from wheel. Popping the hands off the ground in full wheel is harder than it looks.

This next video is a compilation of arm balances and partner flying balances. These poses required lots of focus to stay balanced!

KnitWits

2008-01-07T10:04:00.002-05:00

Join us Sunday, January 20th at 7:00PM for our first ever knitting and crocheting circle at Serenity Now Yoga.

No experience necessary. Just show up!

Advanced Yoga Practice caught on video

2008-01-03T15:17:00.002-05:00

Here are the videos we taped in 2007...many of you said you were inspired to watch some teachers attempt advanced poses...sometimes successfully and other times falling out or messing up. So here are the YouTube videos again.

Yoga Inversions

Yoga Montage

Partner Yoga - Learning to Fly

And of course: Jordan doing sun salutations with her broken foot (as of this posting, it's now completely healed!):

New Year, New Blog

2008-01-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to 2008! As you can see our blog is back online, but we lost some of our old posts. If you want to leave us a comment, just click below. Check back here when you can to see photos, videos, essays, events, schedule changes, yoga thoughts, or whatever strikes our fancy.

See you on the mat!