We are months into the new COVID pre-vaccine "normal" now.

I certainly still have loads of resistance to this "new normal" and I've noticed the ways that I've tried to manage the stress and uncertainty of these strange times. I've had my share of healthy ("good") management and escapism ("bad") management these past months.  Yet "good" and "bad" aren't terrific labels or terms for the patterns we develop to navigate times of heightened stressors.  

Escapism management occurs when we convince ourselves that our nervous system can't handle feeling the discomfort of the stressor . . .so we find ways to escape.  (You know the sort I'm talking about--food, booze, excessive exercise, online shopping, social media scrolling--pick yours out.)  Escapism management might be using familiar patterns of behavior that have actually helped see us through in hard times past. Our body/mind can turn to these patterns like old friends. Yet escapism management doesn't tend to be sustainable.  Shocker.  

Healthy management works much better in the long run .  

One thing I've noticed is that having a bedrock--a small set of self-care "must-dos"--is helpful to me.   For me it's three bottom-line daily care practices.  My three pledges to myself, if you will.  If I carry them out faithfully, I feel steadier in body and mind--particularly in these fluid times.

If I don't carry them out faithfully, then I start to feel, well . . .yucky.

My pledges involve the basics of breath & movement, sustenance, and stillness.  A good balance of body, mind, spirit.   Those pledges may need to be adjusted and morph eventually into different pledges.  But for now I've had that "down-to-Earth", "let's-get-real", "come-to-Jesus" type conversation with myself to identify and acknowledge these essentials as Truth.  Carrying them out means the train is less likely to  veer off  track or skip a station altogether. 

So they are important.  Cause I dislike feeling yucky. 

Where do we get the motivation to meet our pledges head-on?  

Just two thoughts I"ll share here that have provided a helpful perspective for me during these times (given by two separate teachers of mine):

One is that people change when they find their circumstances no longer tolerable.  The fact that they don't want to tolerate a condition anymore helps them shift toward change, seek new ways of being and commit to new patterns of behavior.  Often times this doesn't occur--meaning a commitment isn't made to new behavior--until the "thing" becomes completely intolerable--whatever the "thing" is.  Each person has their own "thing" with which to grapple. 

The other is that human beings don't tend to do well when they feel they are out of options.  So even in hard situations, it is helpful--even empowering--to recognize where a choice is still being made.  A person might be choosing between an array of pretty shitty options--but there is still a choice.  So when feeling stuck and out of options, it can help to reflect on what other options there actually are--even the ones that feel outlandish and far-fetched.  They are still other options that we aren't choosing.  Recognizing that helps us own our choices. 

Basically, choices are made according to what the nervous system believes it can handle.  Sometimes making  a change or taking action feels more uncomfortable or risky then staying in place and staying in "non-action".  

Until it's not.  Until a different choice is needed.  Then we're ready for steps towards change. 

What does all this mean?  

Well, just that these times lend themselves to that careful look at self-care--that careful look at what's working and what's really not working.  So that you can take action to design your own bedrock of pledges.  

And get on the road to feeling better.  

Care for Yourself and Be Well.  

Carolyn

During this unprecedented time, I hope everyone is staying safe and well, both for yourself and as a means to protect the most vulnerable within our population.  My family has been practicing social distancing since March 14th.  We do what we can to support local businesses from a distance and we use technology to connect with loved ones.  We are using this time to come together to take care of our home and yard; we make cooking family dinners exploratory and fun by trying out new recipes (and googling ingredient substitutes when we can't find certain items at the store!)--in short, we take it day by day and just do our best to appreciate joy where we find it.  I've noticed that I have to limit the amount of news I read online each day to keep fear and anxiety in check, so I'm doing that.  I also make time to get outside every day, to move my body, breathe, and practice some stillness.

Heart Tree Yoga continues serve clients with private 1-hour yoga therapy sessions using the  Zoom online platform.  We welcome the opportunity to serve you in this uncertain and fluid time.  You can reach out to me at [email protected] to schedule an online session.  

There are many wonderful online offerings right now--and occasionally those may not meet a person's individual needs and state of being.  Heart Tree Yoga has the ability to customize a yoga practice to meet your specific needs, whether you are dealing with physical pain and tension, in recovery from a particular injury or condition, or navigating symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression.  

You are not alone and we can help. 

Currently group classes with Heart Tree Yoga can be found in these places:

For all:
On Monday nights at 7pm, Yoga Nidra (a deeply restorative guided relaxation practice), offered through Body Grace Fitness and Yoga - contact bodygrace.com.

For the Stroke population and caregivers:  
On Mondays mornings, two classes for the Stroke population and their caregivers (Gentle Yoga and Gentle Adaptive Yoga) offered through the Stroke Comeback Center - contact strokecomebackcenter.org.

For preschool-aged children:
I am posting a free weekly 30-min yoga class for 3-5 year olds on my Heart Tree Yoga youtube channel, found here:  www.youtube.com/channel/UCNAdtss5yUkpgSYNpxqAKDg?view_as=subscriber. This is to help the mamas and papas out there with their kiddos at home.



May you be well. 
May you be safe.
May you be surrounded by kindness and love. 
​May you be at peace. 

OCTOBER EVENTS

Mark your Calendars! 


SUNDAY OCTOBER 2
Yoga Nidra and the Art of Conscious Relaxation
4:30-5:30 pmat Body Grace studio in Vienna 
Fee: $20 pre-registered: $25 drop-in

Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that takes people into a state of deep relaxation through a guided meditative process and conscious visualization. Also known as yogic sleep, the practice gives rest to the mind, body and senses by drawing the practitioner into a state of conscious awareness—a brain state between full wakefulness and full sleep. This practice has been linked with reducing stress, tension and pain; improving circulation and immune functioning; lowering blood pressure and inflammation; and stabilizing mood. Yoga Nidra is generally practiced while lying down or in a seated position. For your comfort, please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes before class start. Mats and blankets are available at the studio or feel free to bring your own. Please RSVP to reserve a spot with Jan at [email protected] 

• Yoga Nidra is back this month! 
• Growing Resilience Program for People with Parkinson's starts this month!  
• Adaptive Yoga for Survivors of Stroke and their Caregivers--2nd location offered--now in Loudoun County! 

 
SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Mark your Calendars! 


SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Yoga Nidra and the Art of Conscious Relaxation
4:30-5:30 pm at Body Grace studio in Vienna 
Fee: $20 pre-registered: $25 drop-in

Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that takes people into a state of deep relaxation through a guided meditative process and conscious visualization. Also known as yogic sleep, the practice gives rest to the mind, body and senses by drawing the practitioner into a state of conscious awareness—a brain state between full wakefulness and full sleep. This practice has been linked with reducing stress, tension and pain; improving circulation and immune functioning; lowering blood pressure and inflammation; and stabilizing mood. Yoga Nidra is generally practiced while lying down or in a seated position. For your comfort, please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes before class start. Mats and blankets are available at the studio or feel free to bring your own. Please RSVP to reserve a spot with Jan at [email protected] 



REMINDER:  MONDAY EVENINGS 6:45pm-8pm, Body Grace Fitness and Yoga

Yoga for "Core" and Connection

A truly stable core allows the body to respond naturally, without bracing and excessive tension, despite changes in how fast you are going, how much weight you are carrying, or if you are changing direction.  This unique class is for people seeking to strengthen and balance their internal structure—“core” stability—through improved movement.  Class will include a blend of mindful movement, breathing exercises, yoga poses and meditation to help practitioners experience how a supportive and responsive “core” emerges when you are moving and breathing well. Class suitable for all levels.


Growing Resilience: Mindfulness and Body Awareness for People with Parkinson's Disease

I'm pleased to share that this Fall there will be a second offering of this very special program that ran this Spring.  Trisha Stotler, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor and I teamed up with a 6-session class series for people with Parkinson's.  This is a one-of-a-kind program designed to bring the benefits of mindfulness and body connection to people with Parkinson’s, and empower them towards greater inner resilience, well-being and quality of life.

In the program Trisha and I offer strategies and techniques drawn from the clinically studied MBSR program with therapeutic yoga practices. Elements are designed to improve breath, movement, and body awareness, while reducing body tension and addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety often experienced by people with Parkinson’s.

As part of the program, participants receive follow-up support for each class, including a weekly video download offering a short home practice highlighting adaptive yoga-based movements to improve stability, balance, and flexibility.  Participants also receive (2) 60-minute private sessions—one each with Trisha and Carolyn respectively, designed to help customize supportive home practices further.  

Please reach out with any questions at 
[email protected] or 703-862-5922.


Adaptive Yoga for Survivors of Stroke and Their Caregivers

As many of you know, one of the fantastic local resources here in Vienna, VA is the Stroke Comeback Center (SCC).  It is a place for survivors of stroke to take classes and receive rehabilitative support across a variety of areas.  I have been blessed to teach a weekly yoga class at the Vienna site for the last 2 years on Monday mornings.  

I'm happy to share that the SCC is opening an additional location--the Loudoun Headway Project--in Leesburg, VA.  I will be teaching a weekly class there as well on Wednesdays from 1pm-2pm.  I'm so excited to be part of the SCC's work to bring services to the Loudoun area.

These adaptive classes--at Vienna and now in Leesburg--are designed to meet individual needs at any fitness level--with a strong focus on seated and some standing work (as appropriate.) Emphasis is placed on body awareness, mindful movement, breath work, and yoga-based exercises to help build stability and strength while fostering mobility and flexibility. Every class includes restorative practices to reduce stress and tension. 
I love the classes where we focus on improving wellbeing through better functional movement mechanics and strategies to help balance mood.  

I love to say that yoga is appropriate for every BODY.  No matter where one is in the stage of life, yoga can make a difference in some form. In our classes together we discover together how this is true. 

Please help spread the news about our new location!  

For more information see https://strokecomebackcenter.org

Growing Resilience: Mindfulness and Body Awareness for People with Parkinson's Disease
I'm pleased to share that this Fall there will be a second offering of this very special program that ran this Spring.  Trisha Stotler, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor and I teamed up with a 6-session class series for people with Parkinson's.  This is a one-of-a-kind program designed to bring the benefits of mindfulness and body connection to people with Parkinson’s, and empower them towards greater inner resilience, well-being and quality of life. Each class includes an adaptive yoga practice. 

In the program Trisha and I offer strategies and techniques drawn from the clinically studied MBSR program with therapeutic yoga practices. Elements are designed to improve breath, movement, and body awareness, while reducing body tension and addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety often experienced by people with Parkinson’s.

As part of the program, participants receive follow-up support for each class, including a weekly video download offering a short home practice highlighting adaptive yoga-based movements to improve stability, balance, and flexibility.  Participants also receive (2) 60-minute private sessions—one each with Trisha and Carolyn respectively, designed to help customize supportive home practices further.  

Kickoff weekend:  
Saturday September 28th - 2:00-4:30 pm* (note - first class 2.5 hours)
Sunday, September 29th - 2:00-4:00 pm

Sundays:  October 6,  13,  20,  27 -  2:00-4:00pm

Location:  Emmaus United Church of Christ in Vienna, VA - 900 Maple Ave E
$345.00

To register: 

http://https://www.hearttreeyoga.com/group-therapeutic.html   

Please reach out with any questions at 
[email protected] or 703-862-5922.
,
​

Happy July from Heart Tree Yoga

• Growing Resilience Program for People with Parkinson's - Fall 2019 
• LOVE Your Brain - information on classes
• The Hello Station . . .part 2

 
UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark your Calendars! 


Growing Resilience: Mindfulness and Body Awareness for People with Parkinson's Disease
I'm pleased to share that this Fall there will be a second offering of this very special program that ran this Spring.  Trisha Stotler, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor and I teamed up with a 6-session class series for people with Parkinson's.  This is a one-of-a-kind program designed to bring the benefits of mindfulness and body connection to people with Parkinson’s, and empower them towards greater inner resilience, well-being and quality of life. Each class includes an adaptive yoga practice. 

In the program Trisha and I offer strategies and techniques drawn from the clinically studied MBSR program with therapeutic yoga practices. Elements are designed to improve breath, movement, and body awareness, while reducing body tension and addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety often experienced by people with Parkinson’s.

As part of the program, participants receive follow-up support for each class, including a weekly video download offering a short home practice highlighting adaptive yoga-based movements to improve stability, balance, and flexibility.  Participants also receive (2) 60-minute private sessions—one each with Trisha and Carolyn respectively, designed to help customize supportive home practices further.  

Kickoff weekend:  
Saturday September 28th - 2:00-4:30 pm* (note - first class 2.5 hours)
Sunday, September 29th - 2:00-4:00 pm

Sundays:  October 6,  13,  20,  27 -  2:00-4:00pm

Location:  Emmaus United Church of Christ in Vienna, VA - 900 Maple Ave E
$345.00

To register: 

http://https://www.hearttreeyoga.com/group-therapeutic.html   

Please reach out with any questions at 
[email protected] or 703-862-5922.
,

LOVE Your Brain

Back in March I completed a certification with LOVE Your Brain -- an organization devoted to improving the lives of those affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI) —both survivors and their caregivers.

LOVE Your Brain helps make TBI friendly yoga classes available and accessible to both survivors and of TBI and caregivers.  These classes are designed to create community, foster resilience and help people understand the importance of loving your brain.

A LOVE Your Brain TBI friendly 6-week yoga class series is run four times a year.  In Virginia, registration for these classes can be accessed here:  http://www.loveyourbrain.com/lyb-yoga-va.  

In July I will be assisting in one of these classes.  It is unfortunately too late to register for the July session start--but I will try to keep everyone posted on upcoming sessions (whether I am teaching or not.)  I encourage anyone who has been impacted by a TBI to check out this fantastic program.


THE HELLO STATION

Part 2
​
If you followed my newsletter last month you know that I decided to hold a "Hello Station" to mark my 51st birthday.  I promised a Part 2 update to this adventure. Here it is:    
 The picture above represents my favorite thing about that day.  That was the dry erase board I brought along on which little people could express themselves.  I mean, just look at it.  It fills me with joy.

I was so grateful for all the people that I knew who took time out of their day to stop by for a hug and hello.  (I was spoiled all day long too by folks bringing by food, flowers and even balloons. Gracious.  Thank you.)

The morning started off unexpectedly really.  I made sure I was there promptly at 9:00 am.  At 9:04 a bird pooped on me.  I had to laugh because I was trying to set no expectations for the day - and this was definitely not what I expected --and I hoped it wasn't an omen for the day.  Later I learned from a few people that being pooped on is supposed to be good luck, according to a Chinese proverb or something like that.  I was just glad that my car had paper towels inside.  Lots of gratitude for that!

It was also incredibly fun and fascinating to see folks reactions to the station. That is the people who I didn't know who were either walking, running, or cycling by.  Walkers would sometimes stop and inquire what this was all about and then were and completely joyous when they learned that the only purpose was to say hello--that I wasn't selling anything or trying to get information from them, etc.  I mean really, the smiles broke out wide when that discovery was made.  

Another favorite memory was a father walking his child in a stroller and stopping and asking:  "So how does this work?"  I replied, "You just say hello." To which he immediately replied, "HELLO!" And added "JOB DONE!"  It tickled me so much and still makes me smile. 

Cyclers were fun too because many of them would holler out "HELLO" and they rode by.  Fantastic.  

Just like the little people, adults had the opportunity to express what hello means to them. There were two questions they could answer on a large paper:  "Hello means . . . .?" and/or "What has been your best hello?"   Here is what they said:

• Hello is the 1st spark when making a connection.
• Sunshine in a word.
• Hello with a hug and a smile.
• Love you momma pie.
• Hello to every person.
• How ARE you?  (emphasis on really caring about the answer
• Hello is almost as awesome as a hug!
• Connecting with a smile!!!
• A warm greeting is code for I Love You. 
• A hug.
• Many smiling faces.
• A result of a joyful spirit.
• An appreciation of who they are.
• Unconditional open introduction. 
• When I saw my sister after a long time. 
• My reaching out to let you know that you matter. 
• You SEE me. 
• When my dog happy to see me.  Which is always. 
• Hey!  Namaste! 
• A greeting to make you feel better about yourself. 
• How is it with your soul today? 
• Hello is love. 
• Aloha ~
• Personal connection. 

I mean, AWESOME, right?

I can't think of a more joyous, wonderful way to have spent my birthday this year.  

Hello is lifting.  It helps the soul shine.  I wish you all more "HELLOS."

Care for Yourself and Be Well.

With light,

Carolyn
 

Happy June from Heart Tree Yoga

• Yoga Nidra is back this month! 
• Growing Resilience Program for People with Parkinson's will be offered again this Fall -stay tuned for dates!
• The Hello Station . . .part 1

 JUNE EVENTS
Mark your Calendars! 

SUNDAY JUNE 21
Yoga Nidra and the Art of Conscious Relaxation
4:30-5:30 pm at Body Grace studio in Vienna 
Fee: $20 pre-registered: $25 drop-in

Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that takes people into a state of deep relaxation through a guided meditative process and conscious visualization. Also known as yogic sleep, the practice gives rest to the mind, body and senses by drawing the practitioner into a state of conscious awareness—a brain state between full wakefulness and full sleep. This practice has been linked with reducing stress, tension and pain; improving circulation and immune functioning; lowering blood pressure and inflammation; and stabilizing mood. Yoga Nidra is generally practiced while lying down or in a seated position. For your comfort, please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes before class start. Mats and blankets are available at the studio or feel free to bring your own. Please RSVP to reserve a spot with Jan at [email protected] 

REMINDER:  MONDAY EVENINGS 6:45pm-8pm, Body Grace Fitness and Yoga
Yoga for "Core" and Connection
A truly stable core allows the body to respond naturally, without bracing and excessive tension, despite changes in how fast you are going, how much weight you are carrying, or if you are changing direction.  This unique class is for people seeking to strengthen and balance their internal structure—“core” stability—through improved movement.  Class will include a blend of mindful movement, breathing exercises, yoga poses and meditation to help practitioners experience how a supportive and responsive “core” emerges when you are moving and breathing well. Class suitable for all levels.


Growing Resilience: Mindfulness and Body Awareness for People with Parkinson's Disease
I'm pleased to share that this Fall there will be a second offering of this very special program that ran this Spring.  Trisha Stotler, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor and I teamed up with a 6-week class series for people with Parkinson's.  This is a one-of-a-kind program designed to bring the benefits of mindfulness and body connection to people with Parkinson’s, and empower them towards greater inner resilience, well-being and quality of life.

In the program Trisha and I offer strategies and techniques drawn from the clinically studied MBSR program with therapeutic yoga practices. Elements are designed to improve breath, movement, and body awareness, while reducing body tension and addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety often experienced by people with Parkinson’s.

As part of the program, participants receive follow-up support for each class, including a weekly video download offering a short home practice highlighting adaptive yoga-based movements to improve stability, balance, and flexibility.  Participants also receive (2) 60-minute private sessions—one each with Trisha and Carolyn respectively, designed to help customize supportive home practices further.  

Stay tuned for more information on Fall dates and location!   

Please reach out with any questions at 
[email protected] or 703-862-5922.
,



THE HELLO STATION

Part 1
Sometimes I'm inspired to do strange things that I can't explain.  This is such a thing.  Here is the story:
 Six years ago when I turned 45-years-old I did something that for me felt a little far-fetched and out of my comfort zone. I invited anyone who might like to come to a free yoga class at the community center to raise money for Crisis Link. I was a new yoga teacher at the time. 

This Wednesday, June 12th, I turn 51. (Last year I was in Canada when I turned 50- so this sort of nutty thing wasn’t possible.)

Recently, I’ve been thinking about human connection. As background, this sort of thing happens with me fairly frequently: I’ll be out somewhere and I will see a stranger and the thought will pass through my mind – “I wish I could have a conversation with that person.” It will just be that there is something in them that draws me to them. For example, this past week as I drove along I saw a woman walking with her family, crossing the street and the thought came – “wow, that woman has so much vibrancy in her.” A little later I was walking out of a coffee shop and I saw her again, sitting outside. I started to head to my car – but then I stopped, turned, walked up to her and said, “I don’t know if you have strange people coming up and saying strange things to you very often, but earlier I saw you walking along with your family as I was driving past and this thought passed through my mind – 'Wow, that woman has so much vibrancy in her.'” When I shared the story, the woman smiled and thanked me. It was a lovely moment – connecting to another human being and speaking truth.

So, I was sitting in meditation this weekend and this thought crossed my mind – “you should set up a Hello Station.” Huh?

And there it was. My out-of-the-ordinary, totally random, far-fetched and out-of-my-comfort zone idea for being 51. So here I go. 

This Wednesday, I’m going to set up a small table along the bike trail, near Church Street and the red caboose. It will simply have a sign that says The Hello Station. I’m going to sit there and if you are around, please stop by for a hello, handshake, hug, or even a holler. I think of it as a social experiment. I’m hoping that strangers and friends alike will wander by and stop- that I’ll get to meet new people and catch up with folks I know. What I think will be interesting is noticing how it feels to be there – doing something totally random and vulnerable. (And for those wondering, I have cleared this with my boys. They already accept their mom, strange as she is. God love them.)

Why am I doing this? In some ways, I have no earthly idea. LOL. People who may have always thought I was a bit random will completely think that even more than before. Yet, the thing is, I want to continue to be random as I get older. I want to open myself up to human connection and off-the-wall ideas when they come from my heart. And connection—human connection—is really why I think we are here. 
​
If you are around, please come by for a Hello on Wednesday. I’ll be there 9am-8pm. Whew. That is a long time. This is going to be a challenge, but a good one.
​

Care for Yourself and Be Well.

With light,

Carolyn
 
 

Here's what's coming up Heart Tree Yoga soon:  

• Moving Day DC! 
• Yoga Nidra - save the date in June!  
• and some thoughts about relating to experience and installing JOY.

Also, the Growing Resilience: Mindfulness and Body Awareness for People with Parkinson's program is underway--and we will be looking to hold another session this Fall. Please contact us to indicate your interest in participating in this very unique program--or pass the news along!  

Here's what's coming:

JUNE EVENTS

Mark your Calendars! 

SATURDAY JUNE 1
Yoga:  Breathe. Move. Empower!  
MOVING DAY DC - PARKINSON'S FOUNDATION
Registration:  8:30 am (opens)
Walk Start time:  10:30 am
Location:  Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, DC

I'm excited to share that I will be participating in the Moving Day DC event to support the Parkinson's Foundation, raising funds for Parkinson's research aimed at improving care for those with Parkinson's and advancing towards a cure.  The day of the event I will be leading a Parkinson's friendly yoga practice segment for anyone attending. I have also joined a local team supporting the event: Rock Steady Boxing NOVA.   Rock Steady Boxing NOVA offers classes to people with Parkinson's to improve quality of life through a non-contact boxing-based fitness curriculum.  For more information about their great program, please see https://rocksteadynova.com

Would you be willing to support this cause?  Here are 2 ways:

• Please support me and my team!  Here is where you can make a donation:  https://movingdaywalk.org/donation-search-results/?donate=Carolyn+Bagdoyan&event_id=37069.  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  I'm deeply grateful. 
• You can register for the event and participate yourself at https://movingdaywalk.org/event/moving-day-dc/.  I hope you'll join us!

And if you do come, please look for me and come out and attend the yoga segment I'm teaching!  Reach out to me and I'll share more details about time and location at the event.  

​
SUNDAY MAY 23
Yoga Nidra and the Art of Conscious Relaxation
4:30-5:30 pm at Body Grace studio in Vienna 
Fee: $20 pre-registered: $25 drop-in

Yoga Nidra is an ancient practice that takes people into a state of deep relaxation through a guided meditative process and conscious visualization. Also known as yogic sleep, the practice gives rest to the mind, body and senses by drawing the practitioner into a state of conscious awareness—a brain state between full wakefulness and full sleep. This practice has been linked with reducing stress, tension and pain; improving circulation and immune functioning; lowering blood pressure and inflammation; and stabilizing mood. Yoga Nidra is generally practiced while lying down or in a seated position. For your comfort, please bring a pillow and wear comfortable clothing and arrive 15 minutes before class start. Mats and blankets are available at the studio or feel free to bring your own. Please RSVP to reserve a spot with Jan at [email protected] 



REMINDER:  MONDAY EVENINGS 6:45pm-8pm, Body Grace Fitness and Yoga

Yoga for "Core" and Connection

A truly stable core allows the body to respond naturally, without bracing and excessive tension, despite changes in how fast you are going, how much weight you are carrying, or if you are changing direction.  This unique class is for people seeking to strengthen and balance their internal structure—“core” stability—through improved movement.  The class also seeks to bring balance to how our right and left sides respond to the world in movement through some laterality instruction.  Some therapeutic practices are used in class towards these goals--class includes a blend of mindful movement, breathing exercises, yoga poses and meditation to help practitioners experience how a supportive and responsive “core” and balanced body emerges and when you are moving and breathing well. Class suitable for all levels.