Cody with mom at studio - always peaceful after yoga

Mommy & Me Yoga

Our newest member to our Seaside Yoga Sanctuary family, Cody Stone McKinnon!

Born June 16th, 6lbs 12oz, 20 inches long

Adhomukha svanasana

(downward facing dog)

This posture brings a good overall body stretch.  It is invigorating and energizing, calms the brain, and helps to relieve stress and mild depression.  This posture stretches shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches and hands; while strengthening the arms and legs.  It can also improve digestion, prevent osteoporosis, and relieve headaches, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue.  This posture is therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, flat feet, sciatica and sinusitus.

Begin on all fours with knees directly under hips and palms slightly in front of shoulders.  Knees should be hip width apart and hands shoulder width apart.  Spread the palms and fingers wide with fingers facing foward, thumbs turning towards each other.  Press the palms firmly into the mat as you tuck your toes underneath.  On an exhalation, lift your knees away from your mat - keeping your knees bent and heels away from floor, continue to press hands into floor to straighten arms and lengthen spine.  Lengthen your tailbone away from the back of your pelvis and lift the sit bones towards the ceiling.  With your next exhalation, press into the balls of your feet and straighten your legs by moving the tops of the thighs back and then stretch heels towards the floor (they do not have to touch the floor and won’t if you have tight hamstrings).

Firm your outer thighs and roll the upper thighs slightly inward.  Firm the outer arms and press the base of your palms and fingertips firmly into your mat.  Draw the shoulder blades onto your back.  Keep the back of your neck relaxed.

Modifications:  posture can be done with knees on the floor - keeping your hips lifted directly above the knees, work the same actions in the arms and hands to lengthen spine. 

You  can also support your heels on the edge of a block or a rolled blanket.  And if you have a headache or high blood pressure, use a block to support the head.

**Be cautious in the pose if you are in late term pregnancy, have diarrhea, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Savasana (corpse pose)

Savasana - one of the most important, but often overlooked asanas (postures) in our practice.  This deeply relaxing pose offers rest to the body and mind; helping to reduce tension, stress, and anxiety. Savasana is a surrender of the physical body and sense organs, moving from a state of doing to just being and for many the most difficult pose to practice.  It is a learning to let go - of tension that is chronically held in the body, our desires of how things should be, and our thoughts and our judgements.

During savasana, the breath should move freely and naturally as the body comes into stillness. It is said that when the fluctuations of the mind are quieted, our true nature is revealed.  We find the connection between ourselves and others and ultimately inner peace.

To practice savasana, the body must be comfortable and warm.  Begin by lying on your back with the knees bent. Cover your eyes with a cloth or eye pillow - minimizing any light allows the brain to relax.  Stretch the legs out with your feet together and then relax the legs completely, allowing the feet to roll out.  If this is not comfortable, begin to move the legs apart from each other -equidistant from the mid-line of the body until it is comfortable.  Extend the arms away from the torso, rolling the shoulders out and slightly tucking the shoulder blades down the back.  The palms and elbows should face up toward the ceiling, allowing the chest to remain open. Draw the arms far away enough from torso that when the hands are relaxed, the knuckles are lightly touching the floor.

Moving your awareness into your body, begin to systematically bring relaxation to every part.  Release the back of your head into the floor and allow the eyes to drop back into their sockets.  Soften the entire face and relax the lower jaw.  Let your limbs grow heavy and release into the floor, while softening all the muscles and tissues in the body.  Connect with your breath - observing each inhalation and exhalation as the sense organs draw inward.  Practice savasana for at least 5 minutes up to 20 minutes daily.

Modifications:

• if you suffer low back pain, keep the knees bent or support the back of the knees with a bolster or rolled up towel or blanket.

• if you are in the later parts of your pregnancy - practice savasana lying on your side with a bolster or blanket between the legs or recline back on a bolster that is elevated by a block or two to alleviate the weight of the uterus.

Namaste,

Laura McKinnon

Seaside Yoga Sanctuary

Namaste, As always we express gratitude for the continued support our current community of yogis and we are excited to continue to grow our yoga family! In effort to be a resource of information and inspiration we are always looking for ways to expand what we offer and bring something new to our community.  We encourage everyone to extend their gratitude and appreciation of their yoga practice - sharing this gift with others by welcoming them to our studio.

This month we look to celebrate our friends and others who have brought goodness to our lives.  Bring a friend with you to class who is new to the studio and their first class will cost only $5.  Bring two friends with you during this month and your next class will be free! I feel strongly that as a community, we can inspire others with an improved sense of well-being, hope and compassion, gratitude and peace.

In peace, light, and love,

Seaside Yoga Sanctuary

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To better serve our yoga community, we have made a few small changes to the class schedule for March.  Please click on link below for current schedule and downloadable/printable version:

 http://www.seasideyogasanctuary.com/classes.html

New Class!  Beginner’s yoga class every Tuesday evening.  6:00-7:15pm with Jeannie Walker.

March special!  Purchase a class card in any amount between March 1st and March 10th and take $10 off!

Like getting one class for free!

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Class CouponTake your first Qi Gong or Tai Chi class for only $5! ———————————————————————————

 Instructor Update

Candice Garrett will soon be leaving on maternity leave. Michelle Spencer will be taking over the Saturday morning classes beginning March 14th until she returns. Congratulations to Candice and her family! We all wish her well.

Upcoming Workshops/Events

• Saturday & Sunday, March 14th & 15th

Janet MacLeod - Senior Iyengar Instructor

http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=119  (Saturday’s workshop)

http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=120 (Sunday’s workshop)

• Saturday, March 28th  Taking Yoga Home

 with Laura McKinnon 1-3pm

http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=136

• Saturday, March 28th Seaside’s Community Dance Boogie  7-9pm

http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=133

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Asana of the Month

Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

While this is a seemingly simple pose, this posture is the beginning of understanding better alignment in the body. When the body is in correct alignment, there is improved space for our skeletal structure, promotion of healthy joints, and space for the organs in the body to function efficiently  When practiced regularly, we literally begin to change the way we stand, sit, and walk. Tadasana begins with the foundation of our feet, which are often neglected until they give us problems.  Our two feet support the entire body, but usally we do not pay attention to how we stand on them - not noticing how we balance the weight of the body, and not giving them the proper stretching and strengthening. How we stand on our feet affects how our legs feel, any knee or back pain, and the alignment of our spine and pelvis.

To practice tadasana, stand with your back against a wall to give your body feedback.  Take your feet hip width apart and turn your heels out until they are in line with your pinky toes (this will keep space in the lower back).  Lift all 10 toes and spread them wide, then release them down to the floor still spread.  Begin to distribute the weight of the body onto all four corners of the feet (the inner and outer edge of the ball of the foot and the inner and outer edge of the heel).  Notice if tend to lean your weight forward in the feet or to the back, by gently shifting your weight around until you feel balanced.

Then actively press your feet down into the floor, firming your thighs and lifting the thighs and knee caps up.  Notice how stable the legs become to support the lift of the torso.  Genty draw the hip bones up towards the ceiling as the tailbone gently draws down the wall.  Roll the head of the arms back and slide the shoulder blades down the back side of the body.  This will open your chest and encourage the lift of the collarbone towards the ceiling.  Actively stretch into your hands, the fingertips reaching down towards the floor.  The back of the head should touch the wall with the eye gaze and chin remaing level.

And now close the eyes and feel the strength in your body, the firm foundation you have created as you are supported by the earth, and the quieting of the mind as your awareness draws inward to connect you with your spirit.

Namaste

Namaste,

Happy New Year to all of you and your families!  We wish all of you many blessings and good health for 2009.  We are excited to bring new classes/workshops and new instructors to our sanctuary and to you. Through you, we have been building a wonderful community of celebration. Seaside Yoga has been blessed to remain open for our community and will continue spreading mind, body, spirit wellness and peace through the practice of yoga. We begin the new year with renewed enthusiasm and hope to see you all in class and welcoming our new instructors.

Today is the day to enjoy each moment fully - not brood about the past or obsess about the future.  Every moment is an opportunity presented to us to become more aware by slowing down our pace of life, loving ourselves and others, accepting that where we are in life is where we are meant to be, and knowing the difference between what we can change and what we cannot.  Love living in the NOW.  Together we continue the beautiful journey of life.

In Light and Love,

Laura McKinnon

Seaside Yoga Sanctuary

New Classes/Updates

**Gentle Yoga with Barbara will not be held, Tues.  Jan 6th.  Class resumes on Januarty 13th**

• Tai Chi  Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00pm with Jeff Barnard Jorgensen

TAI CHI SHORT FORMThis form can be learned easily, is a gentle, complete workout for every joint and muscle, and can be performed in a few minutes.

Derived from Wu style Tai Chi, this form was intended to be simple enough to learn in childhood and gentle enough to practice into very old age. It works with the breath, energetic meridian system, spinal cord and endocrine glands to reduce stress, reverse the effects of aging, build the immune system, and promote freedom of movement, balance and grace. The instructor will explain the impact of each move on the body and psyche.

• Qi Gong Fridays, 12:00-1:00pm with Jeff Barnard Jorgensen

QI GONG FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Qi gong, pronounced “Chee gong” means “energy skill”. Derived from shamanism, it is the mother art of acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese yoga, and many systems of martial arts, massage, meditation and self healing.

In this class, we will focus on low impact movement forms, postures, and energetic training to promote vibrant energy, health, physical youthfulness, joy, and creativity. Qi gong can be used both to meet health challenges, and build strengths.

Students with severe health challenges should let the instructor know, and let their primary healthcare provider know they are starting qi gong. We can customize training to meet individual needs. In some cases, students and physicians will find it useful to lower or discontinue medication levels. Qi gong is movement-challenge friendly; it can be adapted to serve anyone from quadriplegics to professional athletes.

Individual sessions to assist healing or personal growth, including qi gong body work and personal training, are available on request.

About Jeff

Jeff Tukum Barnard Jorgensen began studying internal martial arts in 1970. After a few years his interest in martial prowess waned, but he remained fascinated with the concept of internal energy and the links between mind, body and emotion. He learned acupressure and Chinese medicine, and began studying qi gong and internal yoga systems in 1980. He also began studying Native American Medicine and was adopted by a traditional American Indian healer. He also trained in western emergency medicine, which he still teaches. He is certified as a Master of Medical Qi Gong and is happy to answer questions or talk over individual interests; phone number is 831-655-3565, or e-mail barneyphil@hotmail.com. Thanks!

• Community Yoga  Mondays 12:00-12:45pm and Sundays  4:00-5:00pm with Bonnie Burns

Both classes by donation (suggested $10)

Click here for class info http://www.seasideyogasanctuary.com/classes.html#community

Click here for Bonnie’s bio http://www.seasideyogasanctuary.com/about.html#bonnie

• Yoga for EveryBODY Saturdays 11:00-12:00pm with Jeannie Walker Class by donation (suggested $10)

This class is appropriate for every BODY and people who have never done yoga. Emphasis will be on increasing range of motion and flexibility by connecting movement with the breath. Yoga postures while seated in chairs are also offered in this class. This class is appropriate for any physical condition.

New Series

• 4 Week Beginner Series  Tuesdays, 6:00-7:15pm (Jan. 6-27) with Laura McKinnon  Cost $50
• 6 Week Prenatal Yoga  Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm (Jan. 8-Feb. 12) with Michelle Spencer  Cost $85

Upcoming Workshops/Events

Click on links for workshop and registration details

• Saturday & Sunday, Jan 10th and 11th  Afternoons with Kofi Busai

 1:00-4:30pm http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=118

• Saturday, January 17th  Seaside’s Community Dance Boogie

http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=122

• Saturday, Jan 24th 12:30-2:00pm Free Introductory Workshop

The Anat Baniel Method with Jacqueline Van Ness

http://seasideyogasanctuary.com/blog/?page_id=123

Namaste,

‘Tis the Season! Let us celebrate life and express gratitude for all that is good. May the joy of the holiday season be upon us all.  Seaside Yoga has much to be thankful for - it has been a great year building community and sharing our love of the yoga practice.  Our studio has already received a huge blessing this week. Because of financial struggles, it appeared we would have to close our doors at the end of the month, but the landlord has offered us a reduced rent to help us stay open.  We are staying open, but we still need your support.  In the season of giving, the studio and our continued success could benefit from any monetary donation.

We thank each and everyone of you for your continued support this past year and look forward to many new things we have planned for the New Year!  There will be second email later this month, announcing new classes for January and other events to come.

In Peace, Light, and Love,
Laura McKinnon, Owner/RYT

New Yoga Class! Gentle Yoga w/ Jeannie Walker, Thursdays 3:30-4:45pm A beginning practice that emphasizes increasing range of motion through gentle movement and breath.

Massage with Michelle Spencer

Michelle  is now available for massage at the yoga studio!  Michelle currently teaches Hatha yoga, prenatal and post natal yoga at the studio and is moving her massage practice to our space.  Michelle offers therapeutic massage, Thai Yoga massage, and Reiki.  For more information on her specialities, visit www.salambayoga.com.  To schedule a massage with Michelle, call 831.747-4367

Theta Healing

Jeannie Alcouloumre, Certified Theta Practitioner

Theta is a process that uses scientific principles of applied kinesiology in conjunction with ancient wisdom and your inner power to reveal self-sabotaging beliefs hidden in the subconscious.  This process cancels and replaces the hidden negatives beliefs with new self-empowering beliefs.  When the subconscious is aligned with your conscious intentions, you feel empowered in every area of your life - your relationships, your work, your connection to yourself.

To conact Jeannie, call 831.643.1334

About a year ago (Oct. 7), I noticed Seaside Yoga Sanctuary while driving by. “What?! How long has that been there?!?!”, I exclaimed to my daughter.  I took a schedule from the box, and attended the next 6:00 am class.  It was during my fall break (I’m a school teacher), and I was excited about the idea of fitting some yoga into my life. I have since then made yoga classes a regular part of my life.

For several years, I had done yoga sporadically in my family room, using a variety of video tapes. I also tried one of the “sweaty yoga” studios, but the time and location didn’t work for me.  It was hard to get a regular practice going.  Given a choice, I usually opted for a cardiovascular workout instead of a yoga session.

But now….. why is it easier to get myself to Seaside Yoga Sanctuary, than to unroll my mat and put in a video tape?  Why do I attend every possible 6 am class, even when I’m on vacation?  Why do I leap out of bed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, instead of talking myself out of bed? (I used to belong to a health club, and I had to persuade myself to get there in the early morning on many occassions)  Some possible answers? The covenience of the mats and props available so all I have to do is get dressed and find my keys and purse.  The personal attention I receive from the instructors, which video tapes can’t provide.  The physical and mental benefits, and the refreshing philosophies to guide my life. ~Constance Constable

“When we forget what we should be, we find what we are.”

~ Daniel Levin

Namaste

Thank you to all of you who attended our open house and anniversary celebration!  We had many new faces joining our regular students and we were truly honored by everyone’s presence.  We look forward to continuing to grow our yoga community and inspire others to learn about yoga.  Our fall schedule brings even more classes to the schedule and a new instructor to the studio.

As mother nature transitions into the fall season we can reflect upon our own transitions in life. Without hesitation the leaves on trees turn colors, the wind becomes more brisk, and the sun begins to set earlier in the day.  Let us be reminded that we too can transition in life by letting go of our attachments to how we think things should be and finding the beauty in how things already are.

With blessings,

We look forward to seeing you at Seaside Yoga Sanctuary!

Class Updates

• Please welcome Barbara Tudhope from Wellsprings Yoga! Barbara brings a wealth of expertise in her teaching and practice of yoga. She will be teaching a Gentle Yoga class on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:45pm beginning Oct. 7th. We are excited to have her as part of our studio and the addition of her class!
• 4 Week Beginner Series  Tuesdays, 6-7pm (10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/21)  Cost of series is $45.  Call 899.YOGA or email seasideyoga@sbcglobal.net
• New evening Hatha Yoga class!  Every Wednesday evening, 5:30-6:30pm with Natalie Lott.
• New class!  Restorative Yoga with Michelle Spencer.  Tuesdays, 12:30-1:45pm
• 6 Week Parental Yoga Series with Michelle Spencer.  Thursdays, 6-8pm Series dates 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, & 11/6.  Cost of series is $85 or $16 drop-in
• New! 4 Week Post Natal Yoga Series with Michelle.  Fridays, 11:00-12:00pm  We encourage you to bring your infant with you to class. 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24 Cost for series $45 or $14 drop-in

Upcoming Workshops

• Autumn One Day Women’s Retreat  Saturday, October 18th, 11:00-5:00pm

Enjoy a morning practice designed to help balance hormones and address imbalances of the menstrual cycle, menstruation, and menopause.  There will be lunch, followed by meditation, discussion group, and full hour and half restorative yoga practice.

Cost: $95 Advance Registration/ $125 after October 10th

Registration: Call 831.899.YOGA or email seasideyoga@sbcglobal.net

Save the date!

• Saturday & Sunday, November 1st & 2nd  Yoga with Janet MacLeod
• Saturday, November 8th Restorative Yoga with Denise Wendler  11:00am -1:00pm