Inspiration at Yoga for Health with Janet Green Garrison, Gloucester, MA

Workshops
& Special Events

Dear Yoga for Health Students and Friends,

Earlier this month, I spent a week at Kripalu Yoga Center studying Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers. Her unique approach weaves together traditional Yoga philosophy and postures with the meridians of Chinese medicine, as well as Buddhist meditation. This was a Level I Teacher Training that not only taught the theory of Insight Yoga but also taught us how to teach others.

I came away inspired by Sarah's vast experience with many styles of Yoga, Chinese acupuncture theory and Insight Meditation. Her course was the perfect blend of Yin Yoga postures and Vipassana Meditation practices that allowed my recovering hips to gain flexibility and become stronger. Now begins the process of absorbing this remarkable retreat experience into my daily practice.

As I look ahead to September and begin to plan for special workshops and guest teachers, I look forward to seeing you this Fall at Yoga for Health. My intention is to joyfully study, practice and teach Yoga and Meditation techniques that inspire us to greater awareness in all aspects of our lives.

I thank all of you who continue to share the Path.
Namaste,
Janet

The Labor Day Holiday Weekend Class Schedule
Joan Collier will teach Friday, September 3rd, Gentle Beginners class from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Janet will teach Saturday, September 4th, All-level Yoga class from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

There is no class Sunday, September 5th.

Monday classes on September 6th are both cancelled.

We wish you a relaxing and joyful holiday weekend. Classes will return to the regular weekly schedule on Tuesday, September 7th.

Yoga Class Price Change
On October 1st, 2010:
The cost of a single, 90 minute Yoga class will increase $1, from $15 to $16.
The cost of a Class Card will also increase $1 per class.
A 10-session Class Card will go from $120 to $130.

Upcoming Special Classes and Workshops at Yoga for Health

Restorative Yoga/Meditation
And Breathing Techniques
Would you like to feel less stressed, more relaxed and able to sleep better?

Yoga for Health, 124 Main Street, Gloucester

Sunday, September 12th, 2010 - 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

*Please call to pre-register: 978-281-5525

The Cost is $25 the first time you attend
Restorative Class, and $20 each time you return.

This workshop is excellent for people who want to learn some simple techniques that will reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. "Your mind and body have built-in healing responses that are just as powerful as their protective pain-and-stress responses. Whether it's a meditation on gratitude, a relaxation pose that puts the body and mind at ease, or breathing exercise that strengthens the flow of energy in your body-- they all share the benefit of bringing you back home to your natural sense of well being."-Kelly McGonigal, PhD.

No yoga experience is necessary!

Slow down and Rest.
Practice being at Peace with yourself so you can be at Peace with others.

GAYNA RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER
Gayna Uransky will be our Guest Yoga Instructor the weekend of September 24-26, 2010.
Many Yoga for Health students have attended these special classes over the 20 years that Gayna has been visiting Cape Ann and many have also traveled to Zihuatanejo in Mexico for Gayna's annual Yoga Intensive in February.

Gayna, who has been studying and teaching Yoga for close to 40 years, also offers a three-week, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training course in northern California each year in July. Her experience and wisdom is inspiring and anyone who is committed to the
study and practice of Yoga is in for a treat.
SAVE THE DATES and in the next e-mail update there will be more specifics about the focus of the classes and times.

"Creating a Practice of Meditation and Mindfulness; Making It Real"
Free Introductory Class Friday 1-2 pm, Sept. 24th
10 Friday afternoons 1:00-3:00 pm,
Oct. 1st to Dec. 10th (no class Nov. 26th)
Yoga for Health, 124 Main St. Gloucester Cost: $295

Participants will expand their capacity for sustained self-awareness,identify and address obstacles to the practice, increase understanding of techniques and processes, and deepen connection to their sense of spirit. Using both discussion and experiential approaches participants will explore breath, body awareness, formal meditation, and mindfulness.

Denise Koelsch LICSW, MA. a psychotherapist, has been counseling for 20 years and has a private practice at her home at 121 New Balch St. in Beverly. She has been practicing meditation/mindfulness for 35 years, has been leading meditation circles for 5 years and has been a student of Shamanism for 5 years. She is also teaching this class in Beverly at the North Shore Yoga Studio on Monday evenings.

Denise’s gentle and accepting approach, and the exquisite atmosphere of the group as a whole has enabled me to enter into a rich regular practice of mediation and mindfulness. The class has changed my life. Jane

For information call 978-969-2513 or e-mail dkoelsch@comcast.net. To register contact Denise Koelsch.

ZUMBA Dance Class is on Summer Vaction, will begin again
Thursday, September 23rd at 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cape Ann Vajra Vidya , Buddhist Meditation and Study Group
Ongoing every Monday evening from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Meeting under the auspices of Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche www.rinpoche.com/cavv/
All are welcome, $5 donation, first visit is free
Check it out any Monday, 978-526-9101 for more info

Yoga for Health---Bringing It Home
A 60-minute, high-quality home Yoga session on DVD.

Janet Green Garrison leads three students through a well-sequenced
series of postures with breath awareness, inner focus and
ample opportunities to discover your
unique place in each pose.

978-281-5525.
yogaforhealth@comcast.net
Thanks to all the Yoga for Health students who have
encouraged me on this project!

Namaste,
Janet

Coming back to Yoga – 2010

When I was in my 30s, a wise Yoga instructor in her 60s said to me, “We start Yoga three times in our lives”. I was happy to hear this because it was my first class in over a year, having been preoccupied with grad school, work, parenting and finding a new apartment. My “first time” in Yoga had made such a profound impact on every aspect of my being that when I returned to classes I knew just what to look for in a teacher, studio and environment. I missed Rae Kline, my first Yoga teacher, but I discovered that she was right there with me as I found other teachers who demonstrated and lived what Rae had taught me and took me further along my path. My judging mind could classify some as “better” and some as “worse” teachers, but by then I knew enough about the mental part of the practice to catch myself, take a deep breath, and challenge my judging mind to let go, be kind and compassionate and learn from all the teachers. They each had many things to teach me as long as I maintained an open mind and an open heart.

How is my Yoga practice now, as I approach my 60th year? I cannot imagine my life without Yoga. I cannot express my gratitude for the many teachers, students and friends who have shared the path with me. Through the “worst of times” and through the “best of times”, my time on my Yoga mat has provided a steady, safe and compassionate home base to return to again and again. “In sickness or in health” my practice is there. All I have to do is spread my mat on the floor and lie down and begin to breathe. My mind, my body and my spirit begin their dance. My heartbeat and breath are the rhythm section of my life. Sometimes I move through over twenty different postures, sometimes I take a nap and sometimes I grab a journal and find clarity of mind as I write the best letter ever.

I sat down today with the intention of writing about how Yoga can guide us through the economic crisis that we are experiencing. You are not in this alone. Times are very challenging for all of us.

Learn and remember to:

breathe
keep your body strong and flexible
focus your thoughts on positive and calming images
have a safe place to come together with other like-minded people
practice being gentle with yourself
connect with Spirit
let go of inner and outer manifestations of fear and stress

Each of us is finding ways to change our lifestyles in order to accommodate the world-wide changes in climate, finances and technology. I believe that it is a perfect time to invest in yourself. Invest in the health of your mind, body and spirit. Then share that investment with your family, your friends and your community. Then take some time to think globally. There are millions of people who are regular Yoga practitioners, mediators, and spiritually dedicated beings living in every country on this planet. We are not alone.

If this is your second, third or even your fourth time coming back to Yoga, please know that we welcome you at Yoga for Health. Reintroduce yourself to your practice using the Introductory Certificate: 3 classes for $33. I hope to see many of you again soon.

Namaste,
Janet

OFFERINGS / GIFT IDEAS
~Take advantage of the Introductory 3 Classes for $33 certificate and give it to a friend for the Holidays or a Birthday. This is a way for someone new to Yoga for Health to give it a try.
~If one of your friends or family members can't think of what to get you for your birthday, remind them of Yoga for Health class cards or series of classes.

Give a gift certificate to Yoga for Health for 3 classes for $33.00.
Call the Studio, (978) 281-5525 or send an email.
*This gift certificate is for people who have never been to Yoga for Health.

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