friday night yoga and live music
join ashley for the 6:30 intermediate/advanced class with
special guest chris riffle on guitar
friday, may 18th, 6:30 pm
the shala union square
for more info on chris and to get a preview the deep
and tranquil sounds to come, visit www.chrisriffle.com

how ganesh got his head
with christopher hildebrandt and barbara verrochi
sunday, may 20th, 12:15-1:45 p.m., $20
the shala union square
sign up here
see workshops for more information

new class in fort greene
SLOW/DOWN
fridays 4:30 to 6:00pm
starting may 25th.

taught by annie piper
Slow and steady vinyasa - slightly less vigorous than your standard open level int/adv class - evolves into a restorative practice for the last 30 minutes.

Expect to generate some heat in the first (SLOW) hour so that the last (DOWN) can bring you to a deeper, sweeter level of surrender.

Perfect for anyone at any level who has ever been stressed - out or overworked or in need of rejuvenation. In other words: you.

the shala yoga teacher training
fall 2012 semester, 100 hours
dates t.b.a.
2 weekends each month, 12 to 4:00 p.m.
saturday and sunday
see teacher training for more information

the shala welcomes back Kevin Gardiner from budapest
don't miss this chance to practice with a master!

three iyengar workshops:
wednesday, july 25th, 2-4:00 pm
wednesday, august 1st, 12-2:00 pm
wednesday, august 8th, 2-4:00 pm

the shala union square
see workshops for more information

second annual yoga hoedown
august 23-26, 2012
see retreats for more information

martha's vineyard yoga festival
with kristin leigh, barbara verrochi and kelly morris
august 31-september 3, 2012
see retreats for more information

yoga sutra chanting with jenny
every wednesday
9:45 to 10 am
free

"yogah chitta vrtti nirodhah" (ys l.2)
yoga is the eroding of the whirlings of our mind, of refining our perception. when we don't direct our chitta, it operates in default mode. the yoga sutras teach us how to have conscious controlóthey are a practical guide to physical, mental, and emotional stability. in asana practice we use inner and outer awareness—the ability to listen to our bodies while simultaneously keeping our senses open to what is going on around us. in addition to this, we also learn how to direct the energy we derive from our practice so that it doesn't burn us up. this is 'abhyasa.' when we notice that we're off pointówhen we're planning for later and agonizing about earlier, and when we gently bring ourselves back to the present—that is 'vairagya.' we use our practice to live better lives.

according to sri pattabhi jois: In asana practice we use the body to control the mind so that at a later stage the body and mind can harmonize with the soul. emphasis will be on chanting, and breaking down the sanskrit in an attempt to understand the meaning.