| All classes at Yoga by Donation are multi-level classes and, thereby, are open to beginners and drop-ins; and all end with a relaxation or meditation. However, within this general framework, each instructor is unique and teaches the style of yoga he or she loves and describes as follows. Over time, we hope you will learn to find something of value in each style and embrace that we occasionally sub for each other. For more info on each class, click on the title line in the above calendar or scroll down this page. Classes are listed in alphabetical order by teachePeter's first name! |
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Amy's Morning Meditation
the inner is the outer
practice seeing clearly
one hour of silent concentration and awareness
with the support of good friends
awakening hearts and minds
Amy Porter Bio
cultivating
a garden of love
a body of light
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Beth's Vinyasa Flow Class
Beth’s regular class is an active, dynamic practice that is suitable for all levels. The class varies week to week, but will incorporate a variety of yoga postures wi emphasis on alignment and brea to work all muscle groups and unite the body, mind, and spirit. After a set of warm up asanas, we will move into a more challenging, physical series of flowing sun salutations and standing poses that will work the large muscle groups of the legs and postural core muscles. Our practice will sequence down to the floor for additional core work wipath eventual transition to more calming, restful poses, ending in our savasana.
Beth's Restorative Yoga Class
On the fourth Tuesday of the month, the entire class will be devoted to Restorative Yoga, a quiet practice to help deepen our understanding of the balance between the Yin and Yang aspects of our lives.
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Beth Liakos Bio
Be has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and began teaching in 2008. Her style of yoga is a blend that integrates aspects of different styles of yoga she has studied and practiced since her first Bikram yoga class. Her teacher training has been self directed and eclectic, incorporating the ideas and teachings of well known yoga leaders such as Gary Kraftsow, Desiree Rumbaugh, and Leslie Kaminoff. Currently, Be is pursuing a Restorative yoga certification training program through the Aura Wellness Center. Beth’s training as an occupational therapist provides her with a solid understanding of the physical alignment important for safe yoga practice. In addition to yoga, Be is active in many outdoor pursuits including hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. |
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Bob's Slow Motion Yoga Class
Bob's Slow Motion Yoga class provides a moderate total-body workout, a meditative breathing practice and sequences of stretches designed to strengthen and release tension in your muscles, calm your mind and nurture your spirit. Though no two classes are exactly the same, each includes a time to dedicate your practice to a personal transformation goal, a warm-up sequence, and a balanced selection of back bends, forward bends and twists in several platforms, including standing, on hands and feet, on hands and knees, on your stomach, sitting and on your back. During relaxation on your back, Bob offers a shoulder press and neck pull to help reset your body alignment.
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Guidelines for Taking Bob's Class
Breathe Slowly, Evenly, and Deeply
Breathe in and out through your nose whenever possible. In addition, by constricting the back of your throat, churn the air on both the inhales and exhales making the ‘ocean’ sound only you need to hear. When inhaling, fill your belly first, then fill your chest or simply take air in as long as you can. Exhale slowly and toward the end of the exhale tighten your pelvic floor and pull your belly in, pushing out all the air. Then release these ‘energy locks’ during the inhales.
Treat the Class as Your Personal Time
My class provides you a carefully sequenced and timed flow of postures for you to explore, co-create, and befriend. This means working each posture where it feels good to you and for as long as it feels good to you. Come out of any posture early and stay out for as long as you need to rest. Listen to your muscles. In time you will know when your muscles are happy to work and to be stretched, and when they are not. Whenever your muscles are not happy, keep co-creating and modifying the posture until they are. If the ‘platform’, the position in which the posture begins, is not easily accessible to you, either modify the platform or skip that posture and learn substitute postures that you can access easily.
Keep Your Eyes Closed When You Can
This will strengthen your internal focus and will become easier as you trust your interpretation of my verbal cues. Open your eyes when you want to confirm what I am saying. And when your balance feels precarious, gaze steadily and softly at a focal point in front of you.
Make the Circular Movements Work for You
Consider the mostly circular rotations as permission to move in ways that feel good to you. These small movements, which do not need to be circular, serve four purposes. First, they work and warm the muscles creating them and raise your heart rate, adding to the aerobic benefit of the class. Second, the movements help you spiral deeper into each posture slowly and safely. Third, the movements allow you to explore alignments and angles that you might not have accessed without the movements. Finally, the movements massage tensions from your muscles that are pressing into your mat. For example, when you are standing, you create a foot massage by shifting your weight around the bottoms of your feet.
Meditate on Physical Sensations
Some 80% of the value of the class derives from focusing your mind's attention on the physical sensations of muscles working and stretching and on the details of breathing. As soon as you notice a thought taking you away from these points of focus, gently but quickly bring your attention back without a self-judging thought. With regular practice you will be able to increase the peaceful time between your thoughts.
Transform Pain into an Opportunity to Release Tension
Sometimes, due to an injury or fear, a posture needs to be avoided. But most of the time when you encounter pain or strain in a posture, it is because you have gone into the posture too quickly. Back off on the posture or on the size of the rotations and work the posture at the doorstep of pain. Concentrate on the elements of breathing noted above and the physical sensations you are creating. Wait for an invitation from your muscles to go take on more posture. Where there was pain or strain, there will now be an opportunity to experience the pleasurable sensation of releasing tension in your muscles.
Trust Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Will Benefit from Regular Practice
In each class you can expect a total body workout in which your legs, arms, neck, abdominal and other core muscles will all be worked and stretched somewhat evenly. My intention is for you to work and release tension from every muscle group, vitalize every organ, and tone every cell in your body. As this happens in your body, anxieties and confusions will leave your mind, and your capacity to accept yourself and serve others will grow. The more you practice the more connected you will feel to the moment, your inner spirit, and all beings! (2/11)
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Bob Vaccaro Bio
Life Before Yoga
Bob grew up in a large extended Italian family in Bristol, Rhode Island, and attended Brown University and Harvard Business School on academic scholarships. He employed his MBA skills as a business consultant in Nicaragua, an officer in the Air Force, and an international analyst at Texas Instruments before taking on two rewarding and challenging entrepreneurial ventures.
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One of these ventures was the development of a family practice health maintenance organization, which grew to a staff of 25 and a membership of 4,000 before it was taken over by a larger HMO. Married to Jackie Ellis for 25 years, he helped raise three now-adult children, and enjoyed many community service projects.
Preparations to Teach Yoga
Bob started practicing yoga in 1984, but it wasn't until 1990 that he began preparing for a new career focus. After studying group counseling and meditation, he earned certifications as a Psychosynthesis Counselor, a Holistic Lifestyle Teacher, a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Practitioner (for individuals and groups), an Integral Yoga Teacher, and a Yogassage Practitioner. More recently, he completed Alyssa Cohen's Living on Live Foods Level 3 Teacher Certification and Certified Laughter Leader trainings. After teaching 5,000 hours of yoga classes, Bob has been a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher at the advanced 500 level since 2002.
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Why I Teach Slow Motion Yoga
Pperhaps due to an early childhood injury and 20 years of jogging, the arthritic symptoms I developed in my hips resisted treatment from a wide array of medical and energy healers. However, these symptoms respond favorably to the style of yoga I developed over the past 10 years. Emotional well-being follows my physical healing. To me, this is a strong spiritual calling. I love yoga because it works for me on many levels. Over and over, I hear students declare profound physical benefits and shifts in the way they feel and the way they live. I love that several have become successful yoga teachers.
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Carolyn Miller's Gentle Yoga
This is a gentle class designed for for beginners of all ages and body types. A plus-sized woman herself, Carolyn is living proof that yoga is for every body.
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Daniel's Vigorous Kripalu Yoga
Yogi Dan’s class is centered on the inner experience and inward focus, allowing the mind to be in the present moment. You can expect a full body experience beginning wi warm ups followed by dynamic vinyasa flows with an emphasis on holding postures to fully experience them and concluding in deep relaxation to bask in the fruits of your practice.
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Daniel (Brahmjash) Alicea, RYT 200, Bio
Yoga instructor Daniel "Brahmjash" Alicea creates classes for every level of student, from gentle beginners to advanced and vigorous flows. He creates a environment for you to honor your body. Yogi Dan’s vinyasa flow incorporate elements of Kripalu, Ashtanga, Jivamukti, and other styles into a dynamic experience that invites participants to explore the dep of their practice. Certified as a Kripalu Yoga teacher, his class format is a traditional Kripalu yoga class; challenging you to discover and unleash the potential of your physical body wi a mindfulness and compassion that have benefits on and off the mat. Yogi Dan began practicing yoga and soon discovered the far-reaching benefits of his daily practice. For five years he attended classes at several New York City Yoga schools and studios. He moved in March of 2010 to New Hampshire and decided it was time to become certified. His passion for the practice of yoga is evident in his well thought out classes and his attention to detail. Yogi Dan hopes that all his students experience the joy, wellness, and blessings that can be received from a dedication to this practice.
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Dave's Sound Healing Workshop
Sound Healing is a process that assists you in connecting directly to your guides. Utilizing the sound of a drum and/or didgeridoo, the Sound Healing journey is a special state of trance consciousness that enables communication with the energy or spirit of the universe. Through this practice you will discover and communicate with both animal and spirit guides. In addition to these connections, you will be able to ask questions about yourself and your purpose, helping you to find guidance on your path.
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Dave Estes Bio
Dave apprenticed with Shaman Ann Sousa, a Dagara elder who works directly with the West African Dagara, Shaman Malidoma Some. Also a student of Toltec Shamanism and Native American traditions, Dave utilizes the Aboriginal Didgeridoo and drumming in his practice.
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Deb's Kripalu Yoga Core
Deborah's class combines core strengthening movements derived from Pilates wi the grace and flow of Kripalu Yoga. Her additional focus on breathing and meditation-in-motion creates a feeling of deep relaxation and renewal
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Deb Levine Bio
A certified Kripalu & Adaptive Yoga Instructor, Deborah has been teaching in the Seacoast area for over 15 years. She enjoys introducing yoga to beginners, as well as challenging more experienced students. Her teaching style combines core strengthening movements derived from pilates wi the grace and flow of Kripalu yoga posture sequences. Focus on breathing and meditation-in-motion creates a feeling of deep relaxation and renewal.
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Duane's Kripalu Yoga
In addition to Kripalu's gentle press points and emphasis on breathing, Duane brings to his class his additional trainings with Richard Hittleman, B.K.S. Ingar, Shenandoah, and others. He varies each class to accommodates the needs of the students present.
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Duane Allison Bio
Duane came to yoga as a young adult out of an inner curiosity about the subject. He pursued a pa of self study with various teachers including Richard Hittleman, B.K.S. Ingar, Shenandoah, and others. Certified as a Kripalu Yoga instructor in 1992, he combines the Kripalu style of Hat ha Yoga wi his other trainings to create a varied yoga experience for his students.
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Ed's Energy Healing Class
Our Healing Circle has been meeting now for over four years. It is guided by practitioners from many different traditions. On any given Tues night we may have Reiki Masters, Intuitive healers, Shambala Masters, Massage therapists, Clinical Hypnothrapists, Crystal Healers, Workers in the Sharmanic realm, and Qigongpractitioners---to name just a few disciplines. Our 'Guests' are an equally eclectic group. They range from those who are simply curious about energy work to those who have studied those arts and have been with us for years. Come join us. Whatever your reason. All levels of seekers welcome.
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Ed Marshall Bio
Ed has been a Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist since 1999. He is also a Reiki Master Teacher and a Shambala Master Teacher. Ed is also a Clinical Hypnotherapist. Ed has always been drawn to deepening his understanding of whatever healing skills he has been drawn to. Through years of taking innumerable courses he has been exposed to far too many modalities to list here. However, he considers his deep desire to help others as his greatest and most important qualification.
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Ellen's Restorative Yoga
This class will include gentle Kripalu Yoga, breathwork and restorative postures. A perfect way to end a stressful week, this class is also recommended for older or less flexible folk and those looking to boost immune heal.
Ellen Kingsbury Bio
A 67 year-young Nurse Practitioner right here in Portsmou, Ellen received her 200-hour yoga teaching certification from Hannalore Moebius in 2007, and has been teaching at Spinnaker Point in Portsmou and at Shepard's Cove in Kittery.
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Evalyn's Sacred Center Yoga
In this class, you will build a strong body thru a strong mind. A yoga class to quiet the mind by holding the body still and firm; find your center where concentration builds stamina and muscles and soul.
Evalyn's TGIF Yoga
This class integrates the philosophy of leaving your worries and stresses behind. You will soothe and strengthen your body so you can travel to the inner place of knowing you have everything you need when you need it.
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Evalyn's Interactive Meditation
Come develop or refine your meditation technique. And come learn new techniques. This class will help you enter into dialogue wi your Higher Self and find the avenue to improved “everything”, replacing reaction with responsiveness whether it be to any situation or person.
For the beginner learn how to focus to bring ultimate calm. For the established meditator who is running into walls or continues to feel anger or depression, learn how to find your teacher of Joy and Peace and carry that feeling with you through out the day. For the pained, learn how to free your self from the “constant” burden.
This class runs for 75 minutes, with one-on-one interaction and a period of prolonged group meditation.
Evalyn Sorrentino Bio
Evalyn Sorrentino has been meditating since she was 17 in the early 1970’s. She has used meditation to escape the effects of a crippling illness and to establish a relationship wi the Oneness of Life, Peace and Joy. Her meditations began with Hat ha Yoga and travelled a cross section of other mystical meditative disciplines . She has a daily yoga practice , daily walking meditation practice as well as sitting meditation. Her philosophy is to incorporate Life into the meditation. She focuses on transitions in and out of meditation and keeping in touch wi the Comforter and Teacher within. She is a Reiki Master, Certified Constellation Therapist , and a student of CIM. “ Light chaser, stand still. I AM Here. “
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Fileshea's Hatha Flow
Come and join me for a smoo and profound morning focusing on the harmony of the breath, body and soul wi an in-depth practice concentrating on deep slow stretching. Hat ha comes from the Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning "sun" and "tha" meaning "moon", therefore this class's motivation will be flowing from opposites as the sun and moon do. This will be a multifaceted practice incorporating the entire body but gentle enough where meditation is always integrated into the poses. This will allow yogi's to go into themselves deeply, nourishing themselves from the inside out. This class is suitable for all levels.
Fileshea's Vinyasa Flow
This faster paced sequence moves entirely with the breath allowing yogi's to feel the wave of energy the breath creates. This sequence includes the Sun Salutations (A&B) to invigorate the body and strengthen major muscle groups (abs, arms, legs, back), as well as guided and spotted inversions including headstand, half-headstand and shoulder stand. The practice will energize your morning, giving you a clear head, a balanced body, mind and oneness. This class is suitable for all levels. Please remember to respect your own limits.
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Gloria's Raja Yoga Class
Also known as Royal Yoga, RajaYoga is the study and meditation that connects us to our highest true Identity. By meditating on this Identity, we can transform our lower self into our highest Self. By sustaining it, this highest consciousness can become our way of life and be available to us at any time and in any situation. The end result is that our highest or divine consciousness will become our core and will show up in our personality and in how we think, see, speak and act. We will fall in love with our highest (Prince vs Frog) selves. Each class will include an explanation of a Raja Yoga concept, practical methods to apply it in our everyday lives, and a Raja Yoga meditation.
Gloria's Advanced Raja Yoga Class
This class is for those students of Raja Yoga who have attended at least six Raja Yoga classes with Gloria. Pre-registration is required by contacting Gloira directly by 9 pm on the night before the class at 603-668-1821 or at rajayogalife@myfairpoint.net.
Gloria Rodriguez Bio
A profoundly humble yogi, Gloria has not yet submitted her bio. What I observe is a woman with strong contacts with her home country of India and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization. She is happiest when sharing the gifts that Raja Yoga can offer to lessen our human suffering.
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Heidi's Classical Yoga
Heidi's classes are geared more to beginners, bur offers modifications for all levels so everyone receives the benefits of their own personal practice. Classes generally begin with a brief introduction to yoga philosophy followed by a balanced sequence of asanasor poses which varies from class to class. She ends with boa relaxation and a short meditation. Heidi embraces a meditative form of yoga, feeling that holding poses a bit longer allows students to feel the effects both spiritually and physically of breathing into each asana. "Yoga is my meeting of choice and I welcome all to benefit and enjoy the positive effects yoga can bring to your life.
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Heidi Maddock Bio
Heidi's yoga journey started over 20 years ago and has only gotten better over time. A long time student of Lily Sibley of Ocean Spirit Yoga and Julie Rost, Heidi was certified in 2008 to teach Classical Yoga by the YogaLife Institute. "Yoga is my meeting of choice and I welcome all to enjoy the positive effects yoga can have on every day of your life."
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Jennifer Eddinger's Ayurveda for Wellness Class
Each class will begin with an introduction to ayurveda and oil for wellness and relief. And a quick review of the three ayurvedic doshas, the elements of water, air and fire that make up individuals and the universe. Each class will then focus on a particular condition - insomnia, anxiety, stress, fatigue - and the simple and profound ayurvedic and oil measures that can be taken to alleviate them.
Jennifer Eddinger's Bio
Jennifer Eddinger offers ayurvedic wellness programs for anxiety, insomnia, stress, and fatigue in greater Boston and the Seacoast of NH. An Isha Yogini, she has been practicing yoga and an ayurvedic lifestyle for over ten years. Jennifer received instruction in the ayurvedic oil therapy called shirodhara from Karyn Chabot of Sacred Stone School of Ayurvedic Massage, and from Ed Danaher of The Ayurvedic Institute. She opened Thread of Bliss in November of 2009 to share this unique and powerful modality wi the community. A regular volunteer for the Isha Foundation, Jennifer is also creating a nationwide online directory for Ayurvedic practitioners, services and centers, www.AyurvedaNextdoor.com.
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Jennifer Golia's Classical Yoga Class
Jennifer’s classes start wi a brief sharing of a piece of yoga philosophy followed by asana (poses), which varies from class to class. At times, poses may be held longer while at other times the poses may flow into each other. Class will end wi relaxation and a brief meditation. Jennifer emphasizes people moving through class at their own pace and listening to their bodies. Modifications are offered for all levels of experience so everyone can feel and receive the benefits of yoga.
Jennifer Golia Bio
Jennifer is currently studying classical yoga wi Julie Rost through the Yoga Life Institute. Jennifer’s yoga journey started seven years ago when she discovered yoga as a strategy to manage stress and anxiety. Over time, Jennifer has been able to take her yoga away from the mat and to use yoga philosophy to move through her daily life.
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Melissa's Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class
Melissa's class delivers a challenging flow of movement with an emphasis on alignment, breath work, and mindfulness. Her students often remember her for playing beautiful music and providing calming adjustments during Savasana. One of Melissa’s favorite quotes is “happiness is a choice.” She avidly believes that yoga can help to create new paths to and thereby increase happiness.
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Melissa Lashure Bio
Melissa Lashure was introduced to yoga during her childhood years, while attending public school in New York. Hardly a graceful ballerina, Melissa could not touch her toes at the time of her first yoga class. Despite this challenging beginning, Melissa came to appreciate the sense of attunement, calmness, and discipline that yoga could bring to her life….the physical piece followed in time.
Melissa has been teaching yoga since 2006. As a school psychologist, she has spent years working to develop research on the neuropsychological benefits of yoga. Melissa is passionate about making yoga accessible to everyone, particularly those with special needs, excess worry, or limited time.
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Michele's Kundalini Yoga Class
This practice is designed to heat your internal energy and unleash the kundalini, coiled up and located at the base of your spine…it remains at rest until awakened. Kundalini is aroused by a combination of hatha yoga positions, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, chakras, and mantras. Everyone is welcome!!
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Michele's YogaCore
The best of bo worlds, Yoga and Pilates fused together in one practice. No two practices are alike! The focus is breath, stretch, flow, balance, streng, flexibility, spinal alignment, core strength, modified lunges/squats, Down Dogs, Pilates principles, hip openers, Up Dogs, side bends, Upside down Dogs, leg extensions, head/neck/shoulder release, stability, control, comfort, relaxation. Hat ha practice Open to beginners and seasoned practitioners. |
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Michele's Mat Pilates Class
The Pilates Method is a sophisticated system of gentle but effective, whole-body conditioning and corrective exercise which has been popular among dancers and other people wanting to be fit in the US for over 80 years. People of all ages and physical conditions may benefit from Pilates exercises. The exercises are also an effective tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Dancers and athletes who depend on their bodies are drawn to Pilates.
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Michele's RasaMaya Yoga Workshop
RasaMaya Yoga is one of the best fluid yoga practices using your body and mind. The practice is closely related to your seven chakras each of which lives at a distinct physical place in your body. There is some proof that each chakra relates to a major nerve plexus in the body and to one of the nine rasas or emotions: love, joy, sadness, anger, heroism, fear, disgust, wonder and peace. This monthly workshop will take you on an emotional journey that will open your mind and enlighten your soul; you will leave feeling refreshed and realigned. It's scheduled every 4 Saturday of the month from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. For more information contact Michelle at michmccauley@gmail.com.
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Michele's Yin Yoga Class
Yin Yoga is a form of yoga which is performed to stretch the connective tissues of the body. Primary connective tissues include the hips, thighs, and lower spinal area. These types of tissues do not stretch the muscles (as in the yang form of yoga) but they stretch and exercise the bone and joints areas of the body. This type of asana practice is beneficial to a wide variety of people. Yin yoga is a perfect complement to yang yoga, and provides a deeper stretch.
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Michele McCauley Bio
Certified thru Power Pilates and Boston Body Works Studio and RasaMaya Yoga by Carrie Tyler, Dover Yoga and Dover Pilates Studio, Michele has been practicing Pilates and Yoga on all levels for 8 plus years. She began teaching and sharing her passion for Pilates and Yoga in 2007. Michele is also a runner, cyclist, outdoor sports enthusiast and a new member of Tricycle Dance Co - her enthusiasm and experience for dance is growing! In September 2008, she completed her first sprint triathlon and has competed in road races with distances of 5-10k and half-marathons. Wi a background in Culinary Arts and nutrition, she enjoys helping others to better their health through nutritional habits along with exercise.
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Nancy's Classical Yoga
In the Classical Yoga tradition, Nancy begins each class wi a brief yoga philosophy discussion followed by 55 minutes of asanas (or poses) which she teaches in a continuous flow style, ending with a 10-minute relaxation and 5-minutes of quiet meditation. In her words: "I am amazed by the profound things I sometimes say in class -- it's as if I am channeling thoughts that don't belong to me."
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Nancy Beach Bio
A registered yoga teacher (RYT) at the 200 hour level, Nancy is currently enrolled in the advanced 500 hour level for Classical Yoga. "I teach yoga because it has changed my life and I need to share this wonderful gift wi others." When not teaching yoga, Nancy is co-owner of a local video production company with her husband. Giving back is key in her life and she is thankful for this opportunity to teach yoga and pass on this transformative 2000 year old tradition. A ground-floor enthusiast for Yoga by Donation, Nancy writes, "This is one of the most exciting things I've been a part of."
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Noreen's Restoring Somatic Function
Restoring Somatic Function specifically targets the muscles that tighten in response to stress and anxiety – the back, neck , shoulder and abdominal muscles. The slow, gentle movements are designed to create sensations to release chronic muscular tension. There is no intentional stretching, force, or postures to achieve. In Noreen's words: "I love it when someone approaches me before class and says their doctor recommends back surgery but they want to avoid it, or that they've been working with a chiropractor for a while and still have pain, then after the class they come up and tell me they have no pain for the first time in years. That's who I want to attract to this class. It's not so much an exercise class, as sensory education."
Noreen Owens Bio
Life before Hanna Somatics
Noreen received her Masters Degree in Education from UNH in 1993, but it wasn't until ten years later that she found a subject that inspired her to teach. Noreen had exercised daily since the age of 16. She had always been flexible, and lived a healthy lifestyle. Seemingly overnight, in her mid-forties, she began to experience discomfort. It started wi the subtle feeling that she couldn't take a deep breath. She explored a regimen of chiropractic treatment that provided some relief, but the discomfort escalated to experiencing waves of back spasms, aching legs, painful feet, and numbness down one arm. X-rays showed arthritis in her neck. She tried weekly deep-tissue massage and used muscle relaxants to sleep, but these also only provided temporary relief. Seeking relief from discomfort led her to the mind-body technique of Hanna Somatics where she discovered that she couldn't truly feel her body.
Hanna Somatic Education
After one hour spent doing simple somatic movements designed to restore awareness of her back, neck, and shoulder muscles, Noreen woke the next morning feeling more whole and grounded than she could ever remember. Within the year, she enrolled in a three-year Somatic training at the Somatic Systems Institute in Northampton, Massachusetts where she became certified as a Hanna Somatic Educator. In her training, she learned a hands-on technique for releasing pain caused by loss of sensory awareness. She learned that sensory awareness needs to be reinforced routinely to reduce the impact of long-term stress and anxiety and maintain a feeling of wholeness. Visit www.owensomatics.com to learn more about Hanna Somatics. Since beginning her practice in 2003, she has discovered that the aches and pains commonly experienced by age forty, are now common amongst teenagers and younger. This unnecessary trend in early pain led her to write Where Comfort Hides with the goal that children be taught how to maintain sensory motor awareness throughout life.
Where Comfort Hides
Where Comfort Hides describes the ways in which we lose sensory motor self-awareness and how this compromises our body’s innate ability to release muscular tension and reduce the harm of stress. The book provides clear illustrations of young children demonstrating movements that prevent and release the accumulation of muscular tension in the core. The movement classes being offered by Noreen encompass and expand upon the lessons in Where Comfort Hides. To read the preface and introduction visit www.xlibris.com/wherecomforthides
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Open Studio Time
During these time slots, the studio including mats and all our props are available to teachers and students for their personal yoga or meditation practice. All levels are welcome but there is no instruction or teacher adjustments. You may socialize in the waiting room but we ask that you practice in silence in the yoga room. As with our teacher-led classes, all donations are anonymous and appreciated.
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Paula's Hatha Yoga Class
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Peter's Qigong (Awakening the Soul) Workshop
In this introduction to Qigong called Awakening the Soul, you will be guided through a system of graceful and energizing movements that lead to a place of inner transformation. These exercises create harmonizing forces that balance and enhance systems of the body, thereby improving health and emotional well being. The result is a feeling of lightness and increased energy that can lead to greater freedom and choice throughout one’s life. Although it appears to be similar to the traditional forms of Chinese Qigong and gives all the benefits such as healing and the strengthening and balancing of the mind and body, the primary purpose of the practice of Awakening the Soul Qigong is to enable the practitioner to return to the natural state – to be in the flow, to be happy and contented, to always feel at one with the world – to have the experience of being in a state of grace all the time. With practice, you will learn to recognize the way the different factors such as mind, breath, gravity, posture, emotions, forces of nature and Qi effect mental, physical and emotional health.
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Peter Stekl Bio
Peter has taught Qigong for 15 years having immersed himself in the teaching of 3 different Qigong masters. His teaching of Awakening the Soul follows the Wuji Wong Gong Sheng Zhen of Master Li, a specific system of Qigong to awaken Unconditional Love in the practitioner. He combines his intuitive gifts with his extensive knowledge of energy healing, Chinese medicine, Heart Awakening, the Feldenkrais method, yoga, nutritional healing and many other spiritual healing practices to help people become empowered in their health so they can live full and satisfying lives.
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Rachael's Intuitive Yoga Class
Intuitive yoga is a well balanced combination of hatha yoga and connecting to your intuition. This class is for all levels and will help you connect your brea, movement, intuition and exchange of energy. Your yoga practice will begin with a brief centering, connecting your brea with your mind, followed by a series of postures that will flow in combination wi your energy and breath. You will work on streng, flexibility, and balance. A time of guided meditation completes your practice at the end of the class leaving you with the feeling of being completely relaxed and centered - knowing your intuition has been ignited and expanded.
Rachael Comeau Bio
Rachael has studied and practiced yoga for 9 years. She has been 260 hr. Hat ha-yoga-certified for 4 years. She uses her psychic intuitive gifts combined wi her yoga practice to connect her mind, body and spirit to the fullest. Having spent years enjoying many styles of yoga from Bikram, Hat ha, Vinyasa, and a love for meditation she feels her Intuitive Yoga is a great combination for a well balanced life and wants to share it wi students.
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Rachel's Laughter Yoga Class
Laughter Yoga is a fun series of exercises where you laugh for no particular reason coupled with yogic breathing. It is a great cardiovascular exercise that benefits the entire system, lifts the spirit and strengthens the immune system by reducing stress.
Rachel de Almeida Bio
Rachel de Almeida is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader having taken the training from Sabastian Gentry of the American School of Laughter Yoga. This school was founded by Dr. Madan Kateria who developed Laughter Yoga wi his wife, Mrs Madhuri Kateria. Rachel is a transplanted New Yorker, living in the seacoast area for over ten years. A former Tai Chi Student, she currently practicing Somatic Yoga at the Prana Studio in Durham wi Hannalore Moebius.
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Robbin's Kripalu Yoga Class
The focus of Kripalu Yoga is on developing non-judgmental awareness or Witness Consciousness. Swami Kripalu believed that "The highest form of practice is self-observation without judgment." This awareness offers us the ability to deeply know ourselves through our lived experience. In class we will explore asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and deep relaxation as techniques that tap into our inner wisdom as well as conditioning our bodies. This deepening awareness of our physical body, our brea, our mind, and our emotions on the mat has the added benefit of enhancing more skillful living off the mat. I hope you'll join me!
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Robbin Shively Bio
A 200-hour level certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher (see www.kripalu.org), Robbin is currently working toward her 500-hour level certification. She writes: "We are so fortunate to have a studio in Portsmou that is beautiful and filled with dozens of highly qualified instructors AND has such a progressive and very yogic mission statement. I am so excited to be teaching at Yoga by Donation. And I feel especially grateful to have the opportunity to share Kripalu yoga."
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Sharie's Movement as Ceremony in the Body Temple
A workshop facilitated by Sharie Camren, Visionary, Yogini:
In this workshop we gather to harmonize body and soul through improvisational movement, breath, and sound.
We gather to learn of ourselves and each other, and co-create safe, sacred space.
We gather to dance, chant, shine with joy, and/or to soften our bodies and attitudes so deeply we melt into the floor. We will allow the moon, stars, and moods of the evening to be our guide in choosing.
The menu for this workshop will vary, yet will often include elements from Contact Improv Dance, Continuum Movement, Alexander Technique, 5 Rhythms, hatha yoga, chi gong, dance therapy, Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym, Eden Energy Medicine, and Sharie's unique shamanic healing.
For more information on this workshop, or about Sharie Camren and Life Roots Healing Center in Amesbury, MA, please call: 978-378-0888. Or visit bodyandsoulwellness.net.
Sharie Camren's Bio
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Sharie Camren is an eclectic healer, seer, shaman, yogi, bodyworker, and movement therapist; in practice transforming lives and healing pain of all kinds since 1989. She began her practice of energy healing and regular yoga and meditation as a child in the early 70's. She's had certifications in Brain Gym (kinesiology), Hypnotherapy, and Massage Therapy, and became an Ordained Minister in 1988. She established Life Roots Healing Center in Amesbury, MA, in
2011 where she provides her unique, effective, holistic treatment for ADD and ADHD (for both children and adults), migraine and other patterns of pain, past trauma, anxiety, past life consultations, chakra balancing, breathwork and counseling for individuals, couples and families. She also offers classes, private yoga sessions, and apprenticeships for healers and aspiring shamans.
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Susan's Shamanic Dreamwork
Whether you are an experienced dreamer who vividly remembers their dream world or someone who is challenged in recalling any dreams, come learn the ancient art of Shamanic Dreamwork and harvest the guidance and healing your dreams bring you nightly. This is powerful and fun! We all dream, every night, whether we remember, or not. You will learn a quick technique for accessing dreams and why you will never want to read a dream dictionary again. Bring a notebook or dream journal if you have one, and your sense of adventure. Please pre-register by 9:00 pm the day before at 860-536-3050 or email at susan@mysticdreamcenter.com.
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Susan Morgan Bio
Susan Morgan is a certified dream teacher, shamanic practitioner, holistic healer, visual artist, writer and host of the TV show: The Mystic Dream Center. She is also Native American and the founder of the Mystic Dream Center, and teaches dreamwork skills to bo individuals and groups. For more information, check out her web site: www.mysticdreamcenter.com.
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Terry's Classical Yoga Class
This class is for anyone, including people just beginning yoga. In the tradition of classical yoga, I combine physical poses, breath, and focus on a sustaining intention. I often bring a poem or line of text that connects to the ancient wisdom of yoga. The class moves from gentle warming up stretches, to flow poses to build strength, balance poses, and finally deep relaxation. The poses are a kind of moving meditation, and we take time to focus on the stillness - before a pose, while holding it, and after letting go.
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| Terry Farish, RYT, Bio
I’m a graduate of the 200-hour teacher training program of the Yoga Life Institute, NH. I continue to learn from my yoga teachers including Lily Sibly of Ocean Spirit Yoga, and enjoy the classes of Yoga by Donation teachers Duane Allison, Heidi Maddock, Nancy Beach, and Be Liakos. I’m a writer and sometimes link Julia Cameron’s reflections in The Artist Way to a kind of yoga that supports opening to creativity or other life work. One of my goals in the class is to celebrate the human capacity to grow and create.
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Warner's Group Soul Coaching
Spiritual growth is a key to living a more purposeful, fulfilling, satisfying, and happy life. Our emotions are tied to our physical, mental, and spiritual self. Each one requires action/effort to grow. The possibilities are then endless. This group is made up of people who are eager to share their insights and listen to others in order to foster positive spiritual growth whatever that may be for each person. The soul loves the truth. Are you willing to share? Are you willing to listen? If yes, come and help co-create yourself and each other as examples of the potential of the human spirit. The more diverse the people at the group gathering, the better for everyone. The only concept that is important to embrace is your own free will. I will be working with Denise Linn's book, Soul Coaching (Amazon $8.76), but it is not required. Also, there is no requirement to attend every group meeting. The only requirement is participation in regards to sharing your own insights and listening to others.
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Warner King Bio
I am a lifelong resident of the NH seacoast. I have diverse interests including personal development. I am working on becoming a full time Life Coach with a niche in personal development through Soul Coaching one on one (See YouLifecoaching.com ). I can be reached anytime on my cell at 603-770-8824 or by email at Warner@YouLifeCoaching.com.
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Zabel's Belly Dancing Class
In this fun, upbeat and nonjudgmental Belly Dance class, Zabel's favorite mantra is if it doesn't feel right to you, don't do it. You will learn to dance from your playful, honest, controlled and elegant center. Zabel draws inspiration from Latin and Hip Hop as well as from various styles of Belly Dance including Turkish, American Tribal, Cabaret and Folkloric. Through work on muscle control, shimmies, Latin hip and foot work, and overall dancing from a healthy posture, you will get a great workout for your body and your muscle-to-brain connection.
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Zabel (Nichole Frechette) Bio
I have been dancing ever since I was very little. I have training in all traditional dance forms including tap, jazz, and modern. I also have training in Swing dance. I am currently the co-director and co-creator of a fusion dance company based out of southern NH. The dance company is called Desert Celt Dance Company. Our fusion is a mix of belly dance, Irish step and some Highland dance. For more information about the company visit our website: www.zabelbellydancedance.com. As a teacher I focus on teaching belly dance classes to help women fall in love with their bodies. I feel that the ancient art of belly dance is the perfect way to allow women to fully step into their power. My dance philosophy is that when a woman intimately knows her body she can truly fall in love with it. Through that love, she can own the world.
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