Tuesday, September 6, 2011

GBS: Russian River Valley - TWO SPOTS LEFT!

Locavore cuisine. Gorgeous vistas. Inspiring company. Yummy wine. Yoga, YOGA, YOGA!!!

And come on, when was the last time you did tree pose on a bail of hay while eating a Gravenstein candied apple at the Sonoma County Harvest Fest?

It's been too long hasn't it?

Well, wait not one second longer!

Two spots left!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Bon Renewal!


Himawari
Originally uploaded by Hohman
Really? C'est vrai?
Summer is nearly over?

Oh my.

Well, that must mean everyone is back from vacation and wants to re-ignite their yoga practice!
Let's not think of this beautiful time of year as "re-entry", which to me suggests going back to the same ole grind. Let's think of it as renewal; starting over with a new and fresh perspective!

Behold my "renewal" schedule...

Public Classes:
Tuesday 20h - 21h, All Levels Vinyasa Flow, Paris Yoga
Wednesday 12h30 - 13h30, All Levels Vinyasa Flow, Paris Yoga
Wednesday 18h - 19h30, Level I/II Vinyasa Flow, YogaHum (3 class inscription required)
Friday 18h30 - 20h, Slow Flow, Centre de Yoga du Marais
Saturday 12h30 - 14h, Level I/II Bhakti Flow, Centre de Yoga du Marais

Pre-Registered Classes:

Monday (time YTD), All Levels Vinyasa Flow, American University Paris
Begins 26 Sept/open to students and faculty only
Contact Andy King for more details and registration ~ andy(at)chameleonfitness.net

Tuesday 19h - 20h, Pre-Natal Yoga, Paris Yoga
Begins 20 Sept and lasts 12 weeks
Contact Joelle for registration ~ info(at)parisyoga.com

Workshops:
Sunday 18 September, 10h - 12h, "What is Vinyasa Flow?", Paris Yoga
This Sunday morning workshop will break down the lineage and fundamentals of the beautiful "dance of yoga", Vinyasa Flow. Where did it come from? How is it different from traditional Ashtanga? Where does it guide us? What does it teach us?
Reservations required. Contact Joelle for registration ~ info(at)parisyoga.com.

Seasonal Workshop/ Explore the Mysteries of the Core
October (exact date YTD), Centre de Yoga du Marais

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the physical, emotional, and
energetic aspects of the region known as the core. We will learn how to
access the innate intelligence that lies in this region in order to stay strong,
balanced, and healthy during the colder, darker months.
The workshop is for all levels. However, it is important to know the basics of Vinyasa Flow, so please have taken at least five yoga classes either with me or another teacher prior to joining the workshop.
Cost: €45
(If you have an unlimited class card with me, the workshop will only cost €25)
Reservations required. Contact me for registration ~ amanda(at)dogayoga.net

Free the Hips!
Sunday 6 November, Paris Yoga

This will be a deep hip opening workshop, exploring the six rotations of the hip joint. Releasing tightness in the hips relieves tension in the low back, improves balance, and gives an overall sense of lightness in the body. Energetically, this area corresponds with the first two chakras where we tend to store deep wounds from the past. Once released, it is possible to feel a sense of relief and profound spaciousness from where we pull greater compassion, creativity, and strength.
Bring a towel and water.
Reservations required. Contact Joelle for registration ~ info(at)parisyoga.com.

Pre-Holiday Workshop
Sunday 4 December, Paris Yoga

The end of the year holidays can be a source of great joy coupled with a lot of anxiety. End-of-year deadlines, over-consumption, over-spending, family obligations, colder weather, and travel challenges can lead to stress and illness. This workshop will focus on those poses and breathing techniques that can keep the nervous system regulated, boost the immune system, and encourage us to make sustainable choices in the flurry of this busy time of year.
Reservations required. Contact Joelle for registration ~ info(at)parisyoga.com

Karma Yoga/Special Events (Free and Donation-Based Classes):


Rentree Yoga en Plein Air!
Thursday 15 September, Champs de Mars, 19h - 20h

This year, let the soft spaciousness of vacance carry you into rentree without stress or dread. Begin by joining me and Lole Women Paris for a yoga meet-up on 15 September, 19h - 20h, in the stunning Champs de Mars in the 17eme. Between la Tour Eiffel and the Mur Pour la Paix, we will gather on a gorgeous late summer night to flow ever so gracefully. Look for the yellow Lole flags.
The class is gratuit and mats will be provided.
Reservations required. Sign up via Facebook.

Healing the World, One Breath at a Time
Sunday 11 September, EcoBOX 18eme, 11 - 12h

In the safe and nurturing space, EcoBOX, we will come together on the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that occurred on 11 September, 2001. On that day our world was forever changed and the aftermath has been devastating. In the midst of war and retaliation, we must also find space for healing and forgiveness. Through movement and breath, we will focus on the yoga concept of Ahimsa, non-violence/non-harming. Beginning with ourselves, we will create the ripple effects of peace that can be carried into the rest of the world.
The class is gratuit. Bring a mat, water, and jacket.
Reservations required. Contact me ~ amanda(at)dogayoga.net

Karma Yoga Community Class
Sunday 18 December, Centre de Yoga du Marais, 11h30 - 13h

I will be teaching a donation-based all levels flow class at Centre de Yoga du Marais, supporting Families for Children, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian agency that cares for over 600 destitute and mentally challenged children and adults in India and Bangladesh. This is a "kitchen counter" organization that is run entirely by volunteers and every penny goes straight to the orphanages and schools this agency has set up. The faculty at Centre de Yoga du Marais has been supporting this organization for several years, through Karma Yoga projects.
Suggested donation: 10€ - 50€
Reservations required. Contact me ~ amanda(at)dogayoga.net

Travel Schedule:
I will be traveling back to California to host my annual fall retreat, Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir Russian River Valley.
I will be gone from 27 September - 11 October and will have fabulous substitutes for all my public and pre-registered classes. Private sessions are canceled during this time.
In addition, I will be in Geneva, Switzerland 25 - 27 November, studying with master Dharma Mittra protege, Andrei Ram-Om, at Insens Studios. I will have substitutes covering my classes that weekend.

France Retreats 2012:

I am delighted to announce that I am partnering with one of my senior teachers, Jay Kumar, to co-host another Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir Loire Valley at the gorgeous Moulin Bregeon, 27 May - 2 June. From the soil to the cellular level, Jay and I will be guiding you through a week-long experience that with your full participation, promises to be transformative. More details coming soon...

DogaYoga Public Class Cards:

All summer class cards have now expired and rentree cards are available for purchase.
6 class card = 96€ (€16/class, expires six weeks from purchase)
12 class card = 144€ (12€/class, expires eights from purchase)
Unlimited class card = 423€ (9€/class, expires 31 Dec)
Drop-in Classes = 18€

Class cards can be used for my classes at Centre de Yoga du Marais and YogaHum. DogaYoga class cards cannot be used at Paris Yoga.

Private Classes/Les Cours Particuliers
Due to having a very full schedule this fall, I will not be adding more private classes to my schedule until the new year. If you are interested in one time or on-going private sessions, whether in your home or at a yoga center, contact me and I would be delighted to make referrals.





Sunday, August 21, 2011

August, Paris, and Ganesha


Ganesha God
Originally uploaded by Kahoota
August is my very favorite month in Paris.

In general, since I'm not a tourist anymore, I'm not an enormous fan of Paris and tend to prefer the French countryside all year 'round. However, in August she manages to endear herself to me and I'm momentarily seduced by her mythical beauty and romance. I fall in love all over again.

Traditionally, August is vacation month for the majority of Parisians. This means many shops, cafes, restaurants, markets, etc are closed. We all know how it us ~ while completely inconvenient for tourists, we residents who prefer to take our vacations earlier or later, profitons from the quieter, softer, slower pace of aout. We become that unique brand of tourists in our own town. Even if we're working (which we are) there's a spaciousness; a permission given to take care of business and then get out and enjoy the end of summer. We spend as much time outdoors as possible.

We take advantage of the free stuff and the special stuff: cinema plein air, jazz in the park, Canal Plage, etc. We visit museums on the off-hours. We know what's closed and what's open and happily adapt, so we don't spend our time being disappointed. We take the time to explore those remote corners and hidden passages all over the city; virtually unknown to your typical tourist, and places we have no time to visit during the rest of the year.

One of those little-known-to-tourists gems is the annual Ganesha Festival that is held in our neck of the woods in the 18eme. I describe the Ganesha Festival in more detail here (with photos): Ganesha Festival Paris.

To kick off the celebration this year, I am offering a free outdoor yoga class at 11 am on Sunday, 28 August, in the fun, funky, magical jardin partage EcoBox. (EcoBox is located just a few blocks from the metro Marx Dormoy, down rue de la Chappelle.) We'll gently and playfully explore the obstacles in our bodies and minds, preventing us from being acquainted with our best selves.

After the hour-long class we'll catch up with the Ganesha procession, surrounded by chaos and coconuts, and end up at the renowned Ganesha Temple where the temple community opens its doors to the public, offering vegetarian food and blessings to all!
The sights and sounds and smells and flavors are overwhelming. Think Nag Champa, jasmine flowers, coconut milk, mangoes, masala, Tamil Semmozhi drums, chants...penetrating all your senses!

So, if you'd like to have a few obstacles moved on your path and your life to flow more gracefully, join us next Sunday! I cannot think of a better way to usher out August and compassionately prepare for rentree.

Bring: yoga mat, water, and a big smile ;-)
RSVP to me: amanda(at)dogayoga.net

Om Ganapati OM!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Rentree Yoga en Plein Air!


Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars
Originally uploaded by njj4
This year, let the soft spaciousness of vacance carry you into rentree without stress or dread.

Begin by joining me and Lole Women Paris for a yoga meet-up on 15 September, 19h - 20h, in the stunning Champs de Mars in the 17eme.

Between la Tour Eiffel and the Mur Pour la Paix, we will gather on a gorgeous late summer night to flow ever so gracefully.

Look for the yellow Lole flags. The class is gratuit and mats will be provided.

Let the ripple effects of our peaceful intentions reach others near and far.

Monday, August 1, 2011

GBS: Yoga & Terroir Russian River Valley, CA

Is there a more beautiful place on earth than NorCal in autumn? The answer is definitively "NO" and that is why for the third year in a row, I have returned from France for some GBS playtime.

This year we'll venture a little further north, leaving the noise of San Francisco behind. We'll weave through the redwoods into lovely Sonoma County for Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir Russian River Valley!

I can already smell the Gravenstein apples in all their delicious ripeness and the grape skins being pulverized in the crush. I can taste the briny air wafting up from Bodega Bay and the limey sediment from the oyster shells. I can hear the cries of a red-tailed hawk at sunset as she hunts, focused and low, and the soothing flow of the Russian River cutting through the Valley...

Beautiful. Remote. Wild. Mystical.

Due to inspiration from the beautiful Vanessa Wilcox, just above Guernville sits a very special house that is welcoming us with open arms. (And a hot tub!)
Everyday we'll do yoga on a terrace on a steep hill, overlooking the valley. We'll visit one of California's oldest wine regions during the harvest and crush. We'll eat local, seasonal, rustic, Cali cuisine prepared by a local chef.

Come to where there are mountains and ocean; redwoods and rivers, vineyards and valleys, and a whole lot of NorCal spirit and character!

Space is very limited this year. There are just a few private and shared rooms (first come, first serve!) and the rest will be camping in the redwoods on the property.
(I'm camping and cannot wait!)

Dates: 30 Sept - 2 Oct
Place: Russian River Valley
Cost: Dependent on how rustic or non-rustic/private or non-private you require your sleeping arrangements

Contact me ASAP if you're in and with any questions (the amanda(at)dogayoga.net address is currently not working, so until further notice, use adates(at)sbcglobal.net).

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

iTunes Playlist - GBS Loire Valley

Every vinyasa flow class should have a solid rhythm and a beautiful melody, created by the synchronized movement of breath and body. Sometimes a bhakti-fied playlist can kick-start that process ;-)
Enjoy!

Go get it...

Going Back to the Source: Yoga & Terroir Retreat Loire Valley/Moulin Bregeon Playlist

While you're at it, check out this extraordinary piece of artwork, Goddess of Music, and the artists' other work on Flickr.

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, and life to everything." -- Plato

Monday, July 4, 2011

Summer Schedule/Le Programme d'Ete

"...One of these mornings you're gonna rise up singing. You'll spread your wings and you'll take to the sky. But 'til that morning, there's a'nothin can harm you..."
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (Gershwin), "Summertime"


Summer in Paris
Originally uploaded by Slippy Jenkins


Ah, Paris in the summertime! C'est magnifique!

Here is my summer teaching schedule...

Vacance!
I will be on vacation from 15 July - 31 July, inclus. There will be no public or private classes (or teacher replacements) during this period.

Public Classes

I will be teaching at Centre de Yoga du Marais all summer, EXCEPT 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 JULY.

I will be teaching at YogaHum all summer, EXCEPT 20, 27 JULY.

I will be teaching my full schedule at Paris Yoga up to 6 JULY, after which the studio is on a closed/reduced schedule until the end of August.
I will be offering my Wed 12h30 Hatha Flow class at Paris Yoga on Wed 17 & 24 August.
My full schedule at Paris Yoga will resume on 29 August.

Class Cards
All winter/spring class cards have now expired.
Summer class cards began on Monday, 6 June and last until Wednesday, 31 August.
Class cards can be used at my public classes at Centre de Yoga du Marais and YogaHum.

Pre-Registered Classes

The yoga program at American University is over for the summer and will resume mid-September. Contact Andy King for details (andy@chameleonfitness.net)

The pre-natal program at Paris Yoga will resume 21 Sept and go through 13 Dec. (It will be a 12-week format this time.)
Contact Joelle Thakur at Paris Yoga for details (info@parisyoga.com)


Bon Vacance!
Take it slow and easy; tread lightly, laugh heartily, and open your heart to the sun!