In this powerful and much needed workshop, we will address how injustice insidiously enters yoga studios, retreats and trainings and how as teachers and practitioners, we can unknowingly perpetuate the oppression of our society in ways that include: racism, homophobia, misogyny, transphobia, ableism, ageism.

In this supportive and judgment-free environment, we will take a look at ourselves and what brings us to this work, and reflect on what our life experiences allows us not to see, in the world and in our yoga classes. We will learn some techniques and strategies to create just classrooms, but also hold space for the pain and resilience that we each bring into the room, from the legacy of our lives in this country that is sewn with privilege and oppression. You will leave, empowered with the tools of mindfulness and awareness to see oppression, power, and privilege and through our commitment to love, class by class, to change the world to be one of justice and unconditional embrace.

*A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Jacoby Ballard at jacoby@thirdroot.org

KATE JOHNSON works at the intersections of spiritual practice, social action, and creative expression. Currently, she teaches mindful yoga in NYC public schools, Buddhist meditation at The Interdependence Project, and facilitates an embodied approach to organizational and leadership development for social change agents and communities. Kate holds a BFA in Dance from The Alvin Ailey School/Fordham University, and a MA in Performance Studies from NYU. She has trained at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, The Interdependence Project, Laughing Lotus Yoga and The Presencing Institute.

MEREDITH GRAY began teaching yoga in 2009. For her, yoga has been an experiment with community, inquiry, and possibility, where hospitality and hope are political practices. Meredith currently teaches at Third Root Community Health Center, as well as in living rooms, universities, and nonprofits. She is grateful for the mentorship of Jacoby Ballard and Barbara Feldman. In addition to teaching yoga, Meredith facilitates workshops on topics including consensus, conflict, gender, and sexuality and works in restorative justice at the New York Peace Institute.

the practice of yoga asana belongs to a much larger philosophy with guidelines, principals and practicalities that bring out and fulfill our yearning for spiritual knowledge. this lecture will touch on the greater context of yoga beyond asana thru looking at poetic verses from old texts that include dialogues between 2 birds, a man and his son, teacher and student, wave and ocean, god and man/ woman. open to all levels….

 

 

ignore me!

friday, january 2, 7 to 9pm
ayurveda and yoga: sister practices (lecture only)
this class will include a brief intro to ayurveda and practices for healing through specific herbs , anti-stiff/anti-aging daily routine tips, eating to support joy and ease in our larger planetary bodies and nourishing foods for mind, all of which can enhance and create more space and joy in the yoga practice.

saturday january 3, 2015: 12 to 2 (lecture only)
ayurveda 101
ayurveda is a science of health, wealth, pleasure and freedom. it can be applied as a healing salve at anytime of the day, season and time of life to rejuvenate and regenerate one’s ability to connect to nature. the connection to nature is the basic and blessed gift that can be anyones’ passage to deeper bond with all living beings. this bond is benevolent and sustainable to mother earth and the best chance one has to longevity that equally honors others in the process. join lisa to learn the foundation of this great science and how it can guide one on a daily journey that nurtures health and spirit.

sunday, january 4th: 12 to 2
asana and ayurveda (lecture and asana practice)
knowing your ayurvedic constitution ( unique mind-body type) benefits your practice of asana. understanding of your nature gives you an edge to the practice of yoga that achieves your personal best without stress and strain. the ” no pain no gain motto” for achievement is out dated and is redefined by ayurveda as “less is more”. in the bhagavad gita lord krishna tells arjuna, the great warrior the secret to success “first establish yourself in being, then perform action.”
in this asana class we will explore the cycle of the asana, entering, staying and after asana state. how the form of mind linked with breath can be and is a continual act of harmony with nature.