March 2010 Newsletter

Submitted by debbie on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 06:54

Dear friends, neighbours, fellow yogis and yoginis,

Several of you were directly involved in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games or had the opportunity to attend events. Our studio, as well as other local businesses, was quiet over the past few weeks as many of us were enthusiastically tuned to the television or at events in support of the games and athletes. As much as I enjoyed watching the events unfold on television, what impressed me most was the energy generated by this city, even without being close to the action, the positive vibes were palpable. This was a stellar example of what can be achieved when a group of people sets its focus on something. The energy and spirit of a community can make amazing things happen and that is the heart of yoga.

Although the Olympics have come to an end, there are ongoing opportunities to cultivate connections. We at Heart Centre would like to remind you that your yoga community is still here to embrace you and your yoga practice. In March, Heart Centre Yoga has a number of offerings for all levels of students including children and families.

Namaste,

Debbie

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* Yoga Pilates has been rescheduled to Saturdays from 1 - 2 p.m. Come join Tara for a fusion class of Yoga and Pilates blending the flexibility of yoga with the strengthening of pilates.

*Our "pose of the month" for March is HANUMANASANA. There are many myths and legends about Hanuman and the asana or posture named after him looks like the splits. Hanuman was part monkey/part man and was known for his athletic prowess and powerful body and is sometimes depicted leaping great distances - hence the "splits" posture. The "monkey mind" or restlessness of our thoughts many of us know well is said to be complements of Hanuman too. Hanuman was also known for his determination and devotion so even though hanumanasana may look impossible and it is often difficult to calm our thoughts or monkey mind, both of these things can be attained through devotion to a steady yoga practice and determination to overcome challenges. Come out and explore and discover your personal expression of Hanuman!

*Mom & Baby Yoga. A 4 week series was scheduled to start on Tuesday March 9, 2010. Unfortunately we didn't get enough registration to run the class this time. Stay tuned for the next announcement for future classes.

*Kirtan: Saturday March 20, 2010 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come out and chant! This event is offered "in service" which means, our musicians donate their time and talent and no admission is charged, in other words, this event is free. Tea will be served.

"The words of these chants are called the divine names and they come from a place that's deeper than our hearts and our thoughts, deeper than the mind. And so as we sing them they turn us towards ourselves, into ourselves. They bring us in, and as we offer ourselves into the experience, the experience changes us. These chants have no meaning other than the experience that we have by doing them. They come from the Hindu tradition, but it's not about being a Hindu, or believing anything in advance.It's just about doing it, and experiencing. Nothing to join, you just sit down and sing." Krishna Das

Note: if it is uncomfortable for you to sit on the floor (we have bolsters/blankets etc.), please bring along a lightweight folding chair or backjack if you have one.

*NEW WORKSHOP DATE for "Introduction to Anusara Yoga" with Angela. This workshop was originally scheduled for February 28th, then we realized we had some competition with the gold medal hockey game so have rescheduled for the end of March :-) The new date and time is Sunday March 28, 2010 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost $45 + GST. Please pre-register.

Introduction to Anusara Yoga - "Setting the Foundation" with Angela Kayira. "Anusara" means flowing with grace, following your heart intention. It is the fastest growing style of Hatha Yoga in North America. In this Anusara-Inspired workshop, Angela will introduce the Universal Principles of Alignment and uplifting Tantric philisophy of Anusara Yoga. See the attachment to this newsletter for more details. Pre-registration/prepayment is required for this workshop. info@heartcentreyoga.ca or (604) 294-4954.

*Family Yoga class with Shannon: Sunday March 21, 2010 from 1 - 2 p.m. This class is a great way for a parent and child to have some fun together while experiencing the benefits of Yoga. This class is for kids from 3 - 6 years of age. One parent per child. Cost is $16 (GST included).

*Kids Yoga Class with Vivian: Sunday March 28, 2010 from 1 p.m .to 1:45 p.m. For kids only (mom or dad can leave to catch up on errands!). This class is for children ages 6- 11. Cost is $8 per child (GST included).

Both the Family Yoga and Kids Yoga classes require pre-registration and pre-payment so we can ensure we have enough participants to run the classes. (Minimum5 pairs for Family Yoga and 6 kids for the children's yogaclass).

*Stay tuned for Easter weekend hours. These will be posted on the web site and in-studio in the near future. Also, lots more exciting workshops are coming April through June. More on these as details are finalized.

Are you a yoga teacher or yoga teacher in training?The next Teacher Development Classis is on Sunday March 21, 2010 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our guest-teacher is Chris Clancy who will be presenting an introduction to "Anatomy Trains". Because this class is a 3 hour format the cost for this class is $24. These classes always fill up, please email info@heartcentreyoga.caor arielpavic@shaw.ca to pre-register. If you have a favorite teacher or topic to suggest for future classes, please email Ariel at arielpavic@shaw.ca .

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