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 the page.
Abby's Vinyasa Yoga
Certified by Core Power Yoga in Oregon, Abby's Vinyasa class synchronizes breath and movement and also focuses on alignment and deeper expressions of postures. Overall, Abby wants all the yogis and yoginis in her class to honor their bodies and give themselves what they truly need! She is delighted to be teaching at Yoga By Donation and proud to be part of a yoga studio that anyone can attend.
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Anjali's (Amrit Atma's) Kids Yoga Class
This class is for kids ages 6 - 12 and is based on Kundalini Yoga's Radiant Child Yoga Program. As children play yoga they learn from their own experience leading them to their "inner teacher".
The Radiant Child Yoga Program guides children to trust and speak to their "inner knower" making them the teacher. The gift of yoga is wisdom, wealth & power kept in the innocent heart of a child. This fun-filled class invites children to sing, move, breathe, meditate and relax all in yoga practice. A must for children of all ages!
Children are encouraged to participate at their own level. Parents are invited to attend the class or stay close by based on their own child’s needs.
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Beau's Shamanic Journeywork
Shamanic Journeywork is a process that assists you in connecting directly to your guides. Utilizing the sound of a drum, the shamanic 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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Beau's Spiritual Gatherings
Thse are supportive and informative evenings of spiritual and intellectual discussion on the first and third Sundays of the month. Come to ask questions, share experiences and learn more about the spiritual world around you. Discussions vary each week, all belief systems welcomed. Your group facilitator will be Isabeau (Beau) Esby, Life Path Psychic Medium and Intuitive Counselor.
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Beth's Vinyasa Yoga
Beth's Monday evening vinyasa yoga class combines a flowing hatha series with a mix of balance and strengthening poses, easing into a floor series and final relaxation. Throughout this energetic practice, modifications for poses are offered to allow each participant to reap the benefits of yoga in a safe, effective manner.
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Beverly's Ayurveda and Yoga Workshop
Ayurveda is the ancient holistic health system of India, yoga's "sister science". Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with the seasons of the year and the seasons of our lives; and to honor our unique individual constitution or Dosha. Each month, Beverly will lead a yoga sequence appropriate for the season and help you determine your constitution and and the healing foods and teas that will help you maintain your optimal energy in the season.
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Bob's Flow Yoga in Motion
Bob's Flow Yoga in Motion class provides a moderate total-body workout, a meditative breathing practice and a 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
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.
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.
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 three 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 massage tension from your muscles, creating a pleasurable sensations.
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! (1/09)
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Candice's Yoga Fit Class
Candice's class begins with a warm-up, proceeds to a work phase and ends with a relaxation similar to a fitness class. She offers many options and modifications to allow students of varied physical abilities to feel successful. Her class is delivered in a fun, user-friendly style, which is understandable and accessible by participants of all levels, even beginners.
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Candy's YogaKids Class for Ages 3 - 5
Let's Play Yoga! Come and let your dogs bark, your cows moo and your trees blossom. YogaKids recreates traditional yoga in fun and educational ways. Reading, storytelling, music, creative arts and science blend seamlessly with yoga poses to educate the whole child. One caregiver is requested to stay in the yoga room or the reception area to help with bathroom trips and art projects.
Candy's YogaTeens Class for Ages 12 - 15
This class will connect teens with their own inner strength, courage and wisdom through the power of movement, breath and meditation. Stress management and relaxation techniques are taught along with traditional yoga poses. Journaling is encouraged at the end of each class.
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Carol's Pre-Natal Yoga
This beginner level class is designed especially for pregnant women (and their partners). The class follows a gentle flow of traditional yoga poses, but also may include poses specific to prenatal yoga. This class is a wonderful way to prepare for the birth of your baby. A certified birth doula, Carol spices the class with tips of all types for enjoying a more comfortable labor. According to research, prenatal yoga may result in less labor pain and a shorter labor (reference: http://magazine.lamaze.org/). Prenatal yoga is also a wonderful way to connect with other mothers and partners who are also encouraged to attend.
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Carol's Post-Natal Yoga
This class is for new mothers. Babies under 5 months old (or not mobile yet) are welcome to attend. The class will focus on Moms - with guidance on how to practice along side of baby. New mothers will have an opportunity to tone their muscles while enjoying an hour of relaxation and renewal. This is a wonderful way to connect with other new Moms while enjoying an hour of well deserved "me" time. The class is taught by Carol DeStefano, certified postpartum doula, who will be available to answer questions before and after class.
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Carolyn Miller's Yoga for Women with Curves
This is a gentle class designed for the plus-sized woman and is appropriate for beginners. A plus-sized woman herself, Carolyn is living proof that yoga is for every body.
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Carolyn Hammer's Power Pilates
This beginner mat class is part of the Power Pilates program, which is the classical Pilates method that most closely honors the integrity of Joseph Pilates. First and foremost, the class focuses on core strength, but it also incorporates breath, balance and flexibility. The goal is to imporve strength, energy and posture.
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Deb's Kripalu Yoga Core
Deborah's class combines core strengthening movements derived from Pilates with 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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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. Iyengar, Shivananda, and others. He varies each class to accommodates the needs of the students present.
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Ed's Energy Healing Class
Our Healing Circle has been meeting now for over two 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 Qigong practitioners---to name just a few disciplines. Our 'Guests' are an equally eclectic group. They range from those simply 'curious' in energy work to those who have studied those arts and have been with us for years. Come join us.What ever your reason. All levels of seekers welcome.
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Gloria's Raja Yoga Class
Also known as Royal Yoga, Raja Yoga 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.
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Gina's and Zabel's Belly Dancing Class
In this fun, upbeat and nonjudgmental Belly Dance class, Gina'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. Gina and Zabel draw 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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Greg's Meditation Practice and Discussion
You just had a wonderful inspiration to try meditation, you have a regular practice or you are just curious. Please come join us as we learn, practice and support each other on the path toward greater self-knowledge, equanimity, clarity and compassion. Walking, seated and prone meditation will be followed by a discussion of our experiences, insights and questions.
Class Structure: Concentration practice followed by walking meditation and then either an open or guided meditation.
All participants are also welcome to share the energy of the group and practice their own technique during the class. Cushions available however if you want to bring your own please do.
New to Meditation? You may want to show up 10 minutes early to create a comfortable space, receive a brief introduction on posture and technique and get settled. We will begin the meditation at 7pm. For new students think about relaxation, curiosity, non-judgement and compassion toward yourself as you challenge your mind and body to settle into the meditation. Feel free to adjust your posture and even lie down if necessary during the class.
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Heather's Integrative/Restorative Yoga Class
Heather's restorative and non-harming class combines the different facets of yoga into a complete practice while varying with the needs of her students. She gives variations for advancement but encourages her students to only do as they feel comfortable and to go into each pose slowly and breathing. "We begin each class either standing, lying down, or in a comfortable seated position (chair optional). After a light meditation, we find our belly breath and slowly warm our bodies from head to toes, creating greater circulation and awareness. Slowly we come to standing and move through our sun salutations at our own pace, then into postures where we pause in some and glide through others. We become strong and steady trees, and we find comfort, acceptance and receive in child pose. In a guided relaxation, time is given for restoration; and in a guided light meditation we uncover a self-receiving mantra."
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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 asanas or poses which varies from class to class. She ends with both a 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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Jeanne's Hatha Yoga Class
Jeanne's class combines yoga postures and yogic breathing in a unique blend of Kripalu, Kundalini and Anasara traditions. You will get a wonderful workout despite Jeanne's emphasis on gentle press points and safety in each posture.
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Joseph's Didgeridoo Journeying
Journeying also known as Shamanic Journeying is a form of meditation, but is done with the intent of connecting with inner/outer guides and your subconscious. Many cultures have used journeying typically facilitated with a drumming or chanting, but it can also be facilitated with other instruments such as the didgeridoo. In these Journey/Meditations it is important to set intentions to connect with your highest positive guides and inner wisdom's. These Journey/Meditations can also be used to help people release negative energies and emotions that no longer serve a persons life.
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Joseph's Creativity and Flow Yoga
In this class, you will explore, discover and awaken your creative mind & body through a yoga flow that works through your chakras, coupled with insights from the arts and science. And you will leave feeling ready to cultivate an inspired physical practice and a grounded creative space where inspiration can flow.
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Ken's Zen Meditation Class
Ken's Class Description is succinctly thus: Ehipasyika Zen!
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Nancy's Classical Yoga
In the Classical Yoga tradition, Nancy begins each class with 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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Nicanor's Tai-Chi Kung Conditioning Class
Learn the essential training in Qigong known as Tai-Chi Kung, a series of dynamic soft movements and postures centered on the Taoist theory of Yin-Yang. Mimicing the basics of Tai-Chi Chuan actions improves cardiovascular health, endurance and vitality. Specific movements will be taken from the solo forms including qigong exercises, 13 animals frolic, sturctural balance techniques, relaxation, endurance and flexibility training. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing. Socks are fine while you are still a beginner; Tai-Chi shoes can be prchased online for $7.95 at: http://www.wle.com/products/u070.html.
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Noreen's Somatic Comfort Yoga
Somatic Comfort Yoga specifically targets the muscular patterns of stress, anxiety, and injury that become habituated over time and cause stiffness, aches, and pain in the core. The slow, gentle movements intentionally reawaken sensory motor self-awareness and release muscular tension that restricts the spine and joints and breathing. There is no intentional stretching.
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Margaret and Paula's Piano Journey
Come explore gentle yoga poses, mediate, or sit calmly in a supported seated position or lie on your back covered with blankets as Margaret Carol surrounds you with live, soothing sounds of the piano. Margaret chooses tones or musical notes based on the date and time of the class so the vibration of each class is unique and can help us to practice being in the present moment. You can choose your own postures, follow along with Yoga Teacher, Paula Krulis, who will silently lead a gentle sequence of postures, or follow others in the class whose postures appeal to you. It can be your time to connect with your body and spirit in an especially profound and present moment way and to align yourself with the potential stored in the music of the day. For more information about Margaret, check out her web site: www.margaretcarol.com or www.birthpathsong.com.
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Marla's Vinyasa Yoga
Generally, vinyasa yoga means that one posture flows into the next and that there is a strong aerobic component to the practice. A grad student in creative writing, Marla likes to integrate her love of literature with her love of yoga and frequently designs her class around what literature happens to be inspiring her on any given day.
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Michele's Vinyasa YogaCore
This is an infused class of both yoga and pilates, focusing on core strength, breath, balancing posutres and power yoga to buid strength and flexibility.
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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 4th Saturday of the month from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. For more information contact Michelle at michmccauley@gmail.com.
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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.
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Rochelle's Kripalu Yoga Vinyassa Class
This is a slow flow vinyasa class appropriate for all levels. After seated warm ups, we will practice sun salutations, linking breath and movement as we move from one posture to another. Each posture is held mindfully for several breaths before moving on. We will explore gentle posture modifications and advanced variations according to individual needs. Attention to details of breath, alignment, and developing core strength in poses make this asana class suitable for beginners while offering challenge to more experienced practitioners.
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Susan's Dream Reading
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 Dream Reading 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.
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Tonja's Chinese Yoga Class
Tonja's classes are a combination of modified ashtanga yoga and Iyengar yoga with Qi Gong exercises to help revitalize the internal organs, soothe the glandular system, open up the joints, and rinse the spine of nerve interference. She uses gentle acupressure and postural adjustments to facilitate postural alignment in the poses.
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