It's That Time Again

Time for a late winter hibernation and the Going Back to the Source: Yoga and Terroir Winter Weekend Retreat at Moulin Boistard in Basse Normandy/Pays de la Loire.

I'm so looking forward to spending quiet, introspective time with a small group of students from Paris who have dedicated their weekend to diving into the complexities of their practice, deep in the stark winter countryside; free from the distractions of the city.

Winter is a perfect time to slow down, conserve energy, calm the adrenals, nourish the inner sadhguru, and generally reconnect to the natural rhythms.

We are Going Back to the Source and will see you all next week (or in June!).

Michael Watson & Mindful Integration Come to Paris!

I met Michael back in 2005 during a teacher training in San Francisco at Yoga Tree Studios. The first thing he said when he walked into the room was, "You are health professionals first, yoga teachers second." He didn't want us teaching another Adho Mukha Savasana until we knew how the body worked, anatomically, and could feel it from our skin to our bones. He went onto say, "As yoga teachers, you help students heal their injuries, you don't help create more injuries for them to heal." These statements seemed painfully obvious, but when he threw out a statistic that at that time, a shockingly high percentage of the injuries physical therapists in certain US cities were seeing were from yoga, my ears perked up and I realized I should be paying close attention to this guy. My future as a teacher, and the integrity of the practice itself, depended on it.

I developed a deep respect for Michael, his teaching and practice, from that moment forward. I learned more about functional anatomy and its application to yoga in 16 hrs with Michael than I had learned in any other course. And recently, I was reminded how brilliant he is when I heard him interviewed by Darren Main on Darren's excellent podcast, Inquire Within. Michael was talking about a new addition to his curriculum and repetoire - Kinesis Myofascial Integration (KMI). KMI is working with the web of connective tissue, fascia, throughout the body to create depth, space and a release, without overstretching.

That is why I am so excited that he and his assistant, Jennifer Dutch, agreed to my whacky plan of leaving warm, sunny Bermuda to come to cold, gray Paris in February to offer a weekend of anatomy instruction for teacher trainees and advanced level students at the Centre de Yoga du Marais. I convinced Michelle, the owner of the Centre and the director of the teacher training program, that Michael and his team are the real deal. She generously agreed and voila!

If you're in Paris the weekend of 26 - 28 February, and are interested yet haven't signed up, send me an email: amanda (at) dogayoga.net. There are ten spots left on Friday night and only two spots left on both Saturday and Sunday.

FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY FOR YOGA
WEEKEND WORKSHOP
with Michael Watson
26 – 28 February, 2010
Centre de Yoga du Marais
72 rue Vertbois, Paris
€90 for the entire weekend

Centre de Yoga du Marais is pleased to welcome Michael Watson and his assistant, Jennifer Dutch, from Mindful Integration and the Bermuda Health Coop, for a weekend exploring structural anatomy for yoga.

Friday 26 February, 19h00 – 21h00
Structural Yoga and Intro to Kinesis Myofascial Integration (KMI)
This class will explore working with the fascial connective tissue of the body in yoga. Combining both flow and slow yoga, Michael will guide you on how to create depth, volume and space in the body without over stretching. Participants should have a good working knowledge of postures.

Saturday 27 February, 16h00-19h00
Yoga Anatomy for Teacher Trainees and Advanced Yogis I –
This session will be targeted to individuals training to become yoga teachers, as well as existing teachers and serious students of yoga brushing up on or curious about exploring anatomy guidelines for a beneficial and safe practice.

Sunday 28 February, 14h00-17h00
Yoga Anatomy for Teacher Trainees and Advanced Yogis II –
This session will build on the previous day, continuing to explore the topics of: range of motion in the joints, spinal health, and anatomy application to your teaching and personal practice.

Michael Watson is a highly regarded international presenter and certified teacher of Yoga, Pilates and functional anatomy. With over 12 years of experience in alternative healing modalities, Michael has successfully taught and assisted in many international training programs for Pilates and Yoga. With a degree in sports science, Michael brings an in depth awareness to his clients based on a strong understanding of anatomy, the body and its function. Graduating from the KMI (Kinesis Myofascial Integration) school of Structural Integration, Michael combines his knowledge of ‘hands on’ therapies with the educational aspects of movement.

FB Group for Teachers and Studio Owners

I encourage all yoga teachers and studio owners to join the Facebook group: International Yoga Teachers and Studio Owners Mobilized for Haiti. We have access to eager, generous students and beautiful, clean spaces. Let's use our collective resources and energy to offer healing and relief to the survivors of this disaster, the scale of which is incomprehensible.

Post your fundraising events and all the details, so the word goes out far and wide.

When Arjun asked Krishna what the most powerful form of yoga is, he responded with "Karma Yoga".
Karma Yoga: Yoga of action, yoga of service.

The practice on the mat is just a preparation for a more meaningful and purposeful life off the mat.

Namaste.

Yoga Fundraiser for Haiti/Medecins Sans Frontieres

In partnership with Centre de Yoga du Marais, I am hosting a yoga fundraiser on Friday, 12 February with all proceeds benefiting Medecins San Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders.

MSF has been on the ground in Haiti for years, in the midst of all the political turmoil and previous natural disasters, providing Haitians with free, good quality health care.

Due to the earthquake, they are reporting that at least two of their medical treatment centers have been either completely destroyed or badly damaged (including the maternity facility) forcing them to move the surviving patients and set up outdoor tent hospitals. They are getting an overwhelming influx of critically injured victims and attempting to work in ghastly conditions. They also report that many of their staff were injured and not all have been accounted for since the quake, which assumes they are working short-handed.

I can't imagine what they are seeing and dealing with right now, but I'm humbled and impressed by their swift response. They are providing trauma healing and comfort deep in the middle of a situation that is unfathomable for most of us.
***********************************
The Details:
This all levels Vinyasa Flow fundraiser for Haiti/Medecins San Frontieres with Amanda Dates will take place on Friday, 12 February at 16:30 - 18:00 at Centre de Yoga du Marais, Paris.
Address: 72 rue Vertbois
Nearest Metros: Arts et Metiers, Temple, Republique

The cost is 30 euros/person and space is limited to 15 students.
All proceeds will benefit Medecins San Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders.

Reservations are required.

Francais:
Le cour de Yoga tout niveaux style Vinyasa Flow avec collection des fonds pour le Haïti aura lieu le vendredi 12 février, 16:30 - 18:00, Centre de Yoga du Marais, Paris.
Adresse : 72 rue Vertbois.
Metro: Arts et métiers, Temple, Republique

Le coût est 30 euros par personne et l'espace est limité à 15 étudiants.
100% du montant bénéficiera Medecins San Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders.

Les réservations sont obligatoires.

2010 Teaching and Retreat Schedule (English version below)

Paris (Winter)
Originally uploaded by Kevissimo

Le compte à rebours jusqu’au solstice d'hiver a commencé et les vacances approchent! Apprenez à apprécier ces journées courtes, ces longues nuits, et laissez-vous aller aux rythmes naturels de cette saison. Profitez des vacances pour vous renforcer, sans vous épuiser. Et que les festivités commencent!

Mon rythme personnel est naturellement en harmonie avec celui de la campagne. La vie à la campagne au rythme des saisons est la mienne, ce sont mes racines et j’y retourne cette année.
Après Boston, Philly, New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, et Paris, le yogi urbain que je suis retourne à ses racines. A partir du 1er février, ma petite famille et moi retournerons dans notre merveilleuse petite ville en Normandie.

Cependant, je reviendrai chaque semaine à Paris pour maintenir un programme de cours allégé, dont voici les détails:

Mon planning 2010 de cours au Centre de Yoga du Marais ne changera pas jusqu'en juin. Je continuerai à enseigner les classes vendredi soir (20h15 - 21h45) et samedi après-midi (12h30 - 14h00). Je proposerai également 2 ou 3 ateliers thématiques entre janvier et juin. Ils auront lieu le samedi ou dimanche. Les ateliers durent habituellement trois heures et explorent des thèmes appropriés, vous permettant d'aller un peu plus loin dans divers aspects de votre pratique.

Ma dernière classe pour 2009 au centre de Yoga du Marais sera le cours de solstice le mardi 22 décembre à partir de 19:30 - 21:30. Je reprendrai ensuite les cours le samedi 2 janvier.

*Important : à partir de février, dans la mesure du possible, je concentrerai mon programme de cours à Paris du mercredi au samedi. Ainsi, si vous avez actuellement des sessions privées avec moi le dimanche, lundi, ou mardi, nous verrons ensemble la possibilité de décaler ou ajouter une session entre le mercredi et le samedi.

Going Back to the Source Mini Retreat – février / Retour aux sources – mini retraite février
Le cœur de l’hiver est un moment parfait pour approfondir votre pratique et sa signification. Faites une pause, loin de la ville et offrez-vous 8 heures de yoga, des repas sains et nourrissants composés de produits de la ferme, et promenez-vous au calme de la campagne normande. Un minimum de 8 étudiants est nécessaire pour que ce week-end ait lieu. Contactez-moi si vous êtes intéressés et souhaitez plus de détails.


Going Back to the Source Week-Long Retreat - juin / Retour aux sources – longue retraite juin
Retour aux sources, le temps d’une semaine :: la retraite « Yoga, terroir et solstice en Normandie » aura lieu du 13 au 20 juin 2010.. L’inscription pour cette retraite aura lieu mi-janvier.. Passez une semaine à nourrir votre corps et votre esprit,, retournez à la source de tout ce qui vous enrichit et vous soutient. Immergez-vous dans les asanas, le pranayama, la méditation, et la philosophie de yoga. (et, profitez-en pour rencontrer de chaleureux yogis venus tout droit de Californie !.) Cette retraite sera une expérience étonnante ! Pour les tarifs et plus de détails, envoyez-moi un email.

Class Cards / Les cartes de cours

Vous pouvez achetez dès maintenant votre carte de cours. Je propose les formules suivantes :

- Carte avec classes illimitées pendant six mois (de maintenant à juin) = 250 euros

- Carte de 12 cours = 132 euros (si achetée maintenant, expire le 1er mars - si achetée le 2 janvier, expire le 15 mars)

- Carte de 9 cours = 108 euros (si achetée maintenant, expire le 15 février - si achetée le 2 janvier, expire le 1er mars)

- Carte de 6 cours = 78 euros (si achetée maintenant, expire le 1er février - si achetée le 2 janvier acheté, expire le 15 février)

- Cours à l’unité = 15 euros

- Cours particuliers = 100 euros/heure pour une session unique. Si vous vous engagez sur plusieurs sessions, le tarif est dégressif.

- Cours ou retraites en entreprise = contactez-moi pour une offre sur-mesure, adaptée aux besoins de l’entreprise, aux nombres de participants, lieu, etc.

Bons cadeaux
Vous cherchez une idée de cadeau pour votre famille ou vos amis? Pourquoi ne pas offrir un moment de détente et de bien-être? Je propose des bons cadeaux pour toutes mes activités : cours collectifs, cours particuliers (ou en petit groupe sur-mesure), ateliers, retraites..
Vous pouvez également vous faire offrir ces bons : parlez-en à votre maman/papa/époux/épouse/frère/sœur/amoureux/copain/patron … Ce sera le cadeau le plus durable et bénéfique que l’on vous aura offert!

J'aime cette période de l’année: toutes les bougies et lumières nous rappellent cette étincelle divine qui vit en nous. Tout simplement. Et c’est ça, le yoga.


English:
The countdown to the winter solstice is on and the holidays are here! Embrace these short days, long nights, and let yourself surrender to the natural rhythms of the season.
Allow the holidays to feed, not deplete you and let the festivities begin!

My natural rhythms are in synch with the countryside. Pastoral, seasonal living is where I came from and where we'll be returning. After Boston, Philly, New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, and Paris, this urban yogi is returning to the source. As of February 1, my little family and I will be moving back to our wonderful la petite community in Normandy.

*However, I will be commuting into the city weekly to maintain an abbreviated Paris teaching schedule.

2010 Teaching Schedule
My 2010 public teaching schedule (until June) at Yoga Marais will not change. I will continue teaching back-to-back classes on Friday night (20:15 - 21:45 p.m.) and Saturday afternoon (12:30 - 14:00). I will also be offering 2-3 thematic workshops between January and June. They will be either on Saturdays or Sundays. (YTD) Workshops are usually three hours in length and explore relevant themes, allowing you to go a bit deeper into various aspects of your practice.

My last class for 2009 at Yoga Marais will be the Solstice Flow on Tuesday, 22 December from 19:30 - 21:30. I will resume teaching on Saturday, 2 January.

*Important note: To the extent possible, I will be consolidating my Paris teaching schedule to Wednesday - Saturday beginning in February, so if you currently have private sessions with me on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, I will be discussing with you the option of shifting or adding a session between Wednesday and Saturday.

Going Back to the Source Mini Retreat - February
I will be offering a three-day Going Back to the Source: Yoga and Terroir Mini Retreat in Normandy in February. Deep in the belly of winter is a perfect time to explore your practice in a more profound, meaningful way. Take a break from the city and treat yourself to eight hours of yoga, nourishing farm-to-fork meals, and the solitude of the Norman countryside. I'll need a minimum of eight students to pull it off. If you're interested and would like more information, let me know.

Going Back to the Source Week-Long Retreat - June
The annual week-long Going Back to the Source: Yoga and Terroir Solstice Retreat in Normandy will be 13 June - 20 June, 2010. I will be collecting registration forms for that retreat in mid-January. Spend a week feeding your body, mind, and spirit; getting back to the source of all that nourishes and sustains you. Immerse yourself in the asanas, pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy. (And, meet some fun, dedicated yogis from California.) It's an amazing experience! For pricing information and more details, send me an email.

Class Cards
All class cards are available for purchase now. I have:

- Six-month unlimited classes (now thru June)
- 12 class card
- 9 class card
- 6 class card

Contact me to discuss private or semi-private sessions individual sessions, corporate privates and retreats.

Gift Certificates
If you're considering holiday gifts for your friends and family, how about the gift of health and wellness? How about a yoga gift certificate?
I offer gift certificates for multiple public classes, private or semi-private sessions, and my workshops and retreats. Likewise, if you're interested in a retreat for yourself but concerned about the cost, ask your Mom/Dad/Husband/Wife/Bro/Sis/Lover/Pal/Boss to give you the gift of a retreat registration! It will be the most lasting gift you've either given or received.

I love this time of year; all the candles and lights acting as reminders of that divine spark that lives in all of us.
And that is it. That is yoga.

Energy Anatomy Light Show in Paris

Eiffel Tower
Originally uploaded by *Checco*

The Eiffel Tower. Le Tour Eiffel.

While it's not Paris's oldest or prettiest landmarks, it certainly is the most imposing. No matter how many times you visit France, when you fly into Charles de Gaulle and catch your first glimpse of the Tower from the air, it takes your breath away and puts a smile on your face. An architectural marvel for its strength and resilience, the Tower is an international icon for all things French and the most visited historical monument in the world. Residents of Paris won't get within a kilometer of the base, given the year-round horde of tourists, but from afar it remains a source of great pride and indeed, identity.

Twice a week, I have the privilege of teaching yoga within a stone's throw of the Tower. The timing couldn't be better. The class is held during the nightly light show, which is a display of brilliant lights in various patterns running up and down, from the base to the crown...

You see where I'm going here. The other night, as I was teaching about the nadis, the energy channels that run on either side and through the spine, in my periphery I could see the light show in the Tower illustrating the Sushumna, Ida, and Pingala nadis - as if on cue! The Sushumna light went to the top, while the other two wound around the middle and stopped before the top and big, evenly spaced spotlights ran up the center came on and shone bright and...Chakras in the Eiffel Tower?!

As I paused, allowing this unbelievable site to wash over me, feeling chills on my spine, the lights changed to another pattern entirely; more like blinking Christmas tree decorations and less like energy channels.

And there it went. In the time that it took to take one long inhale and one extended exhale, the Eiffel Tower decided to by my PowerPoint, my teaching tool, and I felt like the luckiest yoga teacher in the world!

The Spine of Paris.

Going Back to the Source: Yoga and Terroir Normandy #2

The next GBS: Yoga and Terroir/Normandy retreat will be June 13 - June 20.

(We will incorporate a solstice celebration even though we're missing the solstice by a day. Come and experience what it's like to have 16 hrs of daylight!)

The retreat will be one extra day this year and will include farm-to-fork cooking classes with a track for carnivores and a track for vegetarians.

Thanks to Chetana Deorah, we have pretty postcards available at Satori Yoga Studio in San Francisco and Yoga Marais in Paris:





Registration begins January 2. I need to know nice and early this year if you're interested. We have 12 slots for yoga students, not counting significant others.
Send me an email for more info: amanda at dogayoga.net.

It's going to be so good. You don't want to miss it ;-)