The Essence of Sadhana
The Shala welcomes back Tim Miller

November 18-20
Union square
$25 for mysore
$50 single class
$220 for weekend

No refunds or exchanges. 

sign up at info@theshala.com

November 18,  friday morning mysore practice
7:30 am starting time – SOLD OUT
8:30 am starting time – SOLD OUT

Limited to 15 students in each hour time slot, $25

November 18,  friday night – SOLD OUT
6:30 to 8:30
“Taming the Mind—The Marriage of Philosophy and Methodology”

Pattabhi Jois often said, “Ashtanga Yoga is Patanjali Yoga.”  His teacher, T. Krishnamacharya, considered the Yoga Sutras to be the single most important yogic text, and the most instrumental in the development of his teaching methodology.  In this workshop we will explore Chapter One of the Yoga Sutras—Samadhi Pada—and explore the connection between the philosophy of Patanjali and the methodology of Ashtanga Yoga. (Light practice, suitable for anyone—2.5 hours)

November 19, saturday – SOLD OUT
10 to 12:30
“The Primary Series of Asanas—An Archetype of Sadhana” 

A brief synopsis of Sadhana Pada (Chapter Two of the Yoga Sutras) followed by Yoga Chikitsa (Primary Series).  The class will conclude with the Hanuman Chalisa—40 verses in praise of the embodiment of perfect Sadhana (Hanuman). (Strong practice—2.5 hours)

1:30 to 4:00
“Consulting the Jungle Physician”

Good teachers and practitioners recognize that the practice of yoga involves work on the physical, psychological, and spiritual levels of the human being.  Tim brings 35 years of practical experience as a yoga teacher, extensive study of anatomy, pranayama, yoga philosophy, Indian mythology, Jyotisha (Vedic astrology), mantra, and kirtan to better assist his students in their Sadhana.  This will be an open forum to ask yoga related questions. (No practice—2.5 hours)

November 20, sunday – SOLD OUT
12:00 to 2:30
“Nadi Shodana–Intro to the Intermediate Series of Asanas”         

An explanation of the purpose of the second series and its relationship to the Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body), the Chakras, and the Kundalini Shakti, and an introduction to the second series of Ashtanga Yoga that includes an in depth preparation for some of the more challenging poses, like bhekasana, kapotasana, and eka pada sirsasana (strong practice—2.5 hours)

3 to 5:30
“Polishing the Mirror—Pranayama, Mantra and Kirtan”

An exploration of the practice of Pranayama and Mantra to quiet the mind and Kirtan to melt the resistance of the heart. (No asana—2.5 hours)

the shala is thrilled to have david swenson visit us again. David Swenson made his first trip to Mysore in 1977 and learned the Ashtanga system as taught by Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois.  David is recognized today as one of the world’s foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga.  He is an amazing teacher, storyteller, and practitioner of Ashtanga Yoga.

WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY, JUNE 8-10

MYSORE ASHTANGA, START AT 6:30, 7:15 OR 8:00 A.M. $25

PRANAYAMA AND DISCUSSION, 9:00 TO 11:00 A.M. $30

MYSORE + PRANAYAMA/DISCUSSION $50

The practice of yoga is commonly classified as the following of one of four paths –Ashtanga-yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma-yoga and Bhakti-yoga. All four aim at realizing one’s divine essence. This talk will help clarify what separates these paths and what unites them, how it all relates to asana practice, as well as which elements of these paths are most practical for deepening one’s own yoga practice in today’s world.
Kaustubha Das has a special way of making the teachings and practices of yoga very approachable and relevant. He serves as Senior Educator & Creative Director of The Bhakti Center in Manhattan. Between the ages of 21 and 34 he lived as a Vaishnava monk, traveling and studying in ashrams in India and America. He teaches

bhakti-yoga philosophy and meditation, which he has practiced for over 30 years in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

Kaustubha is not only incredibly literate in yoga teachings and practice, but he has imbibed them and lives them making his presentation both authoritative and heartfelt. – Raghunath Cappo

Part I : How You Hold Space:
An Overview of How Trauma and Anxiety Intersect
An Advanced Teacher Training

Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th
12pm-6pm
The Shala, Union Square
Cost: $250 for the weekend
Early Bird: $225 if signed up before May 1st

(Part I will be offered again in Fall 2016)

Whether they know it or not, many of your students are coming to your yoga classes in search of relief—from trauma, anxiety, a shitty week, or a broken heart. If you want to serve your students effectively, what skills do you need in order to teach in a way that creates a safe space for everyone?

+ Recognize how trauma is expressed—physically, behaviorally, and energetically
+ Understand your own relationship to trauma and anxiety

+ Learn protocols for a safe space

+ Sequence and apply asana and pranayama that are trauma sensitive

This is a weekend workshop for all yoga teachers who want to expand their awareness and strengthen their skill-set in a way that they can immediately apply to all of their teaching.  It is also a prerequisite for those who wish to go on to the more in-depth intensive for addressing trauma.
Part II : Trauma: How Yoga Heals

A Deeper Look at How the Body Holds Trauma and An Introduction to Work in Traumatized Communities

(Offered in Spring 2017)

SANSKRIT CHANTING
ALPHABET & INTRO TO GRAMMAR
with Jenny Meyer

The Shala Union Square
Saturdays: April 23, June 11, June 18
12:30 to 3:00pm
$25 per workshop, $65 for three workshops

Tune into your center by exploring the serene and joyful sounds of Sanskrit chanting.

Feel the meditative benefits as your brain activity patterns align through concentration on sound.

In these classes we will explore the basics of ‘sandhi’ (the euphonic combination of sounds). Maheshvara, a name for Shiva, means ‘Great Lord.’ But what’s the ‘e’ doing in between ‘maha’ and ‘ishvara’? Sanskrit vowels don’t like existing side by side so the ‘a’ and the ‘i’ have blended.

He Radhe! means O Radha! The name of the shakti of Krishna is altered because we use the ‘vocative case’ when calling out to her.

Selections from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Sanskrit drama will be enjoyed.

Jenny Meyer has studied Sanskrit and ashtanga yoga in Mysore, and at Columbia University in NYC. She is a regular guest at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York where she happily imbibes Sanskrit with Professor R.K.Sharma and with eminent scholar Bharati E. Balmes. Jenny is an adjunct professor at Long Island University. She practices yoga with Eddie and Jocelyn Stern in Brooklyn.