breathe joy yoga, Sharon, Massachusetts - Workshops and Special Events

Breathe Joy Yoga Summer and Fall Retreats in Manchester Vermont!

When: August 22-24 and October 17-19 (a Thurs. night option is available). Please Note: The Summer Retreat is Sold Out!

For details, please click on Yoga & Spa Vacations.

"The weekend yoga retreat offered a perfect balance of activity and relaxation. Robyn's yoga classes are the best, each class taught with her special combination of knowledge and humor. Teleion Holon offered us delicious meals, comfortable lodging and beautiful surroundings, while owners Bonnie and Oliver were exceptionally gracious hosts. I left feeling refreshed and invigorated" -- Certified Yoga Instructor & CNM Chris Just, Director of Childbirth Education and Fitness Programs for Isis Maternity in Brookline, Needham and Arlington.

Special Para Yoga Advanced Studies Series with Lauren Toolin

Four Sundays from 2-5:30 pm

Cost: $200 if paid by September 7; $225 after that.

Sept. 14 -- Sun Moon and Fire

"We are made of the same stuff that lights the most distant start. Recognize it and discover a power and insight that will guide you to flourish in every area of your life" -- Yogarupa Rod Stryker. Yoga practices are premised on the cultivation of our inner fire (Agni) and its proper utilization. Learn how to nurture these profound elemental powers and fuel your potential to live a fuller, freer and more joyful life. Asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and meditation will all be explored as ways to brighten and sustain our Agni.

October 5* -- Disintegration to Integration.....Have you ever said, �I just can�t �get� that pose�.?� Explore the art of asana �deconstruction' and �reconstruction�, enabling you to practice or teach poses with more understanding (Vidya), finesse (Sthiram), and power (Shakti) and less effort (Sukham). We�ll look at a few favorites from each type of asana and will also take suggestions from the group, time permitting. Geared to All Levels (Great for teachers). Required reading: Anatomy of Hatha Yoga or Anatomy of Movement.

October 26 --

Reaching for Kaivalya: Yoga Philosophy and Practice....

A primary goal of Yoga is to achieve Kaivalya, a state of liberation from the mundane and union with the divine. There is a comprehensive world view and philosophy behind all that we currently call "Yoga." Yoga practice is as much about transforming the mind as it is about transforming the body. One's path to freedom is incomplete without the examination of Yoga's philosophical foundations and techniques for bringing these forth into your world. In this workshop, we will explore and understand some of the most important tenets of Yoga through an examination of its literature and scripture. We will also embody some of these principles through a balanced hatha yoga practice.

Required reading: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, any translation, first 2 chapters; The Bhagavad Gita, any translation; and Tantra and Classical Yoga article by Linda Johnsen (article provided to participants)

November 23* --Yoga and Prana

Our very existence is animated through the accumulation and utilization of primal energy, called Prana. Although the word Prana is mentioned frequently in the yoga world, it is rarely examined in depth. For instance, there are five categories of physical prana, characterized by their movement and direction, which we�ll explore through asana, discussion and observation. We'll delve into an exploration of Prana�s real power and potential for expanding Creativity and Consciousness. No prerequisite reading.

*These classes will take place at Roslindale Yoga

About Lauren, RYT: Lauren Toolin, director of the Metta Center in Spencer, Ma. and part of the teaching training staff at BJY, is a nationally recognized yoga instructor and a teaching assistant of both Rodney Yee and Yogarupa Rod Stryker. An initiated practitioner in the tradition of Swami Rama of the Himalayas, her instruction is an engaging synthesis of the clarity and precision of the Iyengar system and the joyful, energetic inquiry of Tantra. Always insightful, inspirational, and infused with humor, Lauren's teaching conveys her belief in yoga's boundless potential for creating a healhty, successful, and loving esistence. Lauren is a contributor to Yoga + Joyful Living Magazine and is a featured instructor in the MOB Skwad television series.

Evolution of Yoga: New Concepts to Release and Free the Body and Breath with David Vendetti

Sunday, November 2 from 3-5:30 pm

Cost: $40 if paid by November 8; $50 after that

Yoga is the process of self-discovery. As we learn about our bodies, we uncover many long-held patterns and when they are released, we move and breathe with a newfound sense of purpose and freedom. Come discover the fascinating new ways in which yoga is evolving. There will be some use of props to faciliate deeper opening. All levels are warmly welcome!

About David: "Yoga allows me to be who I am without struggle. To notice, breathe, remember and enjoy this body, this moment. I love returning to my yoga mat to play in the body awakening, breathe into a heart wide open and find gratitude for the infinite that I forgot was me."

David's classes integrate a clear foundation in anatomy with intelligent alignment, hand-on adjustments, and ever-evolving flows to heal the body. Students are encouraged to cultivate a deep passion for self-examination, light-hearted exploration and drop everything to find out that when we hold ontonothing, what is left is all we truly need. For David, it has been an incredible gift to have studied and trained in yoga, structural bodywork and meditation. He has been honored to have met and practiced with so many talented teachers such as Patricia Walden, Ana Forrest, Tom Myers, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Lynne Begier, David Magone, Andrew Cohen, Bo Forbes, Sundara, Pamela Wilson, Arthus Kilmurray, Sri Louise, Byron Katie, and Glenn Black. David recently opened South Boston Yoga and we are so happy for him and are honored to welcome him back to BJY!

Yoga and the Luminous Body with Ray Crist

Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11-6 pm

Cost: $100

During this workshop, Ray will provide knowledge, information and instruction on how to come into the �effortless equanimity and breath" of each posture, bringing your practice to a new level. We will study foundation, rotations, actions, drishti points, and breath. We will see the geometry of form, and experience the inner movement of prana and apana in our body. This workshop will also give you a clearer understanding of the flow of the body's energy. We will examine what the Yogis call Prana, what Shamans call the luminous sphere, and then we will explore the chakras: what they are, how do they work, how they connect Prana, and ultimately, how do they help us relate to the outside world.

About Ray: Ray H. Crist is a hatha yoga teacher registered through the Yoga Alliance. He has studied shamanism with renowned shaman Alberto Villoldo, holds degrees in Chinese herbology and Thai Yoga Bo Ran (Northern style), and is certified in Reiki. Ray first practiced the martial arts of tai chi and kung-fu. Fluent in Greek, he leads yoga and sailing retreats in the Greek Islands during the summer months. Ray teaches yoga at Kripalu and leads workshops throughout the world. www.yogaandshamanism.com and www.raycrist.com

Restorative Yoga: Restore, Renew & Relax with Aromatherapist Michele Mullin and Robyn Parets

Sunday, Dec. 14 from 4-6 pm

Cost: $25 if paid by Dec. 7; $35 after that

Restorative Yoga is often called the yoga of "non-doing." In this restorative and healing workshop, you will be guided into supported postures that allow the body to deeply relax. This workshop will also include a calming pranayama (breathing) practice as well as a guided meditation. A great way to destress during the holiday season! Please note: Students must bring four blankets, two pillows, and an eye pillow. If you don't have an eye pillow, they are available for purchase at the studio.

From the Subtle to the Infinite with Lauren Toolin

Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 2-5 pm

Cost: $40 by Jan. 4; $50 after that

We are more than just the sum of our physical parts. Asana is a great, inspiring workout, but does it really change how we view and act in the world? The makeup of our psychic and energy bodies hugely impacts how we manifest in the world -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This workshop will artfully weave a new tapesty for the subtle energies.

An Afternoon of Yin Yoga and Meditation with Josh Summers

Sunday, February 8, 2009 from 1:30-5:30 pm

Cost: $50 if paid by Feb. 1; $60 after that

Yin Yoga is a complementary yoga practice to the more dynamic and invigorating styles that are predominant today. In Yin Yoga, floor postures are held for several minutes in order to access a safe and positive "stress" on the deep layers of connective tissue in the body. Physically, Yin Yoga restores and maintains the natural mobility of the joints, primarily between the navel and the knees. Energetically, Yin Yoga opens the body's meridian system, which enhances the body's energetic flow and supports emotional equilibrium. And, as this practice emphasizes stillness and silence, Yin Yoga prepares the body and mind for deeper experiences in meditation.

About Josh: Josh Summers began studying yoga in the early 90s with Iyengar teacher James Murphy. Since then, he has lives and studied in Taiwan, India and Burma. With a professional background in Oriental Medicine and a personal passion for the Dharma, Josh fell in love with Yin Yoga as a beutiful synthesis of the two disciplines. In his classes, Josh interweaves the wisdom of yogawith the insight of the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness and meditation, offering an integral approach to balancing the body, mind and heart. At Back Bay Yoga in Boston, Josh is the resident acupuncturist and Director of Contemplative Practices.

Yoga To Beat The Wintertime Blues with Robyn

Sunday, February 15 from 2:30-5:30 pm

Cost: $35 if paid by Feb. 8; $45 after that

In the wintertime, we are often feeling depleted of energy. It is also a common time for SAD (seasonal affected disorder), depression and anxiety to set in. During this workshop we will combine lecture and experiential movement and breath work. The specific pranayama techniques, flow sequences and posture holds will help lift your spirits and relieve anxiety and depression. All levels are welcome!

Yoga of Energy Flow with Daniel Orlansky

Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 2-5 pm

Cost: $40 by Feb. 24; $50 after that

"Our health is dependent on the free flow of chi/prana (life force) in our mind, body, and soul."

Yoga of Energy Flow: Moving Inner Prana: Integrating strength training (physical body), energy practice (subtle body), and open awareness (causal body), Yoga of Energy Flow is a unique yoga experience that will transform your practice. Drawing from Kundalini Yoga, Meridian Yoga, and Kali Ray TriYoga in this workshop we will explore simple but powerful ways to energetically open, increase and balance the flow of pranic energy throughout our body-mind.

About Daniel: A yoga teacher for 14 years, Daniel is certifiied in Meridian Yoga, Kali Ray TriYoga , and Kundalini Yoga. He holds a master's degree in Expressive Art/Dance Therapy from Lesley University and has been a visiting lecturer in movement studies at Tufts University. He has taught yoga in many locations, including the Kripalu Center and the Omega Institute. He is currently on the staff of several yoga teacher training programs in the US and in Europe. To learn more about Daniel, go to www.meridianyoga.com

Exploring the Art & Ethics of Teaching Yoga with Lauren Toolin

Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15 from 2-6 pm

Cost: $100 if paid by March 7; $120 after that

This weekend intensive will thoroughly cover teaching methodology, including principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, and the student's process of learning. A portion of the weekend will also cover ethics for yoga teachers and the �role� of teacher vis a vis appropriate boundaries, authenticity, creating safe space and more. Please note: this intensive is most appropriate for teacher training students, teachers and serious practitioners.

PranaVayu Yoga with David Magone (voted Best of Boston Yoga Teacher 2006 by Boston Magazine!)

Date TBA

PranaVayu yoga blends vigorous, flowing sequences with contemplative exercises and breathing techniques. This workshop will introduce students to this fun but challenging style of yoga which will ultimately instill a sense of calm -- bringing you back to center, back to your breath. It will also leave you open to experience life with a renewed sense of curiosity. PranaVayu Yoga, literally translated as the 'Breath of Life', is a unique style of yoga which uses sequencing to make difficult yoga postures easier.

About David Magone: David Magone is a dynamic yoga teacher and the founder of PranaVayu Yoga. Rated as one of the top 25 studio teachers in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine and Best Yoga Teacher in 2006 by Boston Magazine, David teaches PranaVayu Yoga both nationally and internationally. For more information about David Magone and PranaVayu Yoga see http://www.insideyoga.com

Workshop payment policy: fees are non-refundable. However, if you cancel up to 48 hours prior to the event by calling the studio, you can use the fee as a studio credit towards classes and workshops only.