First Saturday of the month from March to May 2024:
March 2, 12-3pm: Yoga & New Beginnings
April 6, 12-3pm: The Heart of Yoga Practice
May 4, 12-3pm: All Life is Yoga
Self-Transformation is at the heart of yoga practice. Whether you are newer to yoga, have been practicing a very long time, or somewhere in between, the teachings are timeless in that they meet us exactly where we are in the present moment of our life's journey.
If you are curious about the deeper dimensions of yoga, considering or going through a big life change, searching for purpose or meaning in your life, wanting a healthier relationship with yourself and others, seeking inspiration in your practice, and/or looking for community, holistic well-being, happiness, and peace... This may be a good place to start.
This three-part series will focus on the transformational aspects of yoga on the mat (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually), as well as the teachings and practice that have potential to change our lives off the mat.
The three sessions with their unique corresponding themes will provide an opportunity for inquiry, exploration, community connection, discovery, and over time, Self-Transformation.
SESSION ONE: YOGA & NEW BEGINNINGS
March 2, 12-3pm
March's theme will center around what it means to begin again, in every moment. We will explore the thought-provoking subject of yoga origins and meaning, both from source texts and our own personal experience. The ongoing and engaging inquiry of "what is yoga" and "who am I" will be a foundation for this month, as well as setting our sincere and truthful intentions for practice.
March's yoga practice will center around grounding and stabilizing standing and seated postures, emphasizing roots, foundation, and strength, with flexibility enhanced as well, to adapt to present time experience encompassing creativity, connection, and flow.
SESSION TWO: THE HEART OF YOGA PRACTICE
April 6, 12-3pm
April's theme will center around sādhanā, the sanskrit word for practice as a means of realization, and what is encouraged on this spiritual path of yoga, for it to be successful.
April's yoga practice will center around the core and heart center, encompassing the ability to be strong and centered, as well as open and vulnerable. It takes courage to keep up our practice in seeing clearly and living authentically with whatever is present in our lives. With Session One as a strong foundation for our practice, we can dive deeper into balancing our strength and flexibility, as well as knowing ourselves on and off the mat.
SESSION THREE: ALL LIFE IS YOGA
May 4, 12-3pm
May's theme will center around this significant teaching of Sri Aurobindo: "All life is yoga." How is it that our inner realizations and transformations that happen on our yoga mats may begin to (and continue to) inform how we live our lives off the yoga mat? Our perspective and lens may widen, and with this shift we may encounter an expansive sense of Self that has more potential than we realized. As the third and final session in this series, it is the seed of our continually unfolding Self-Transformation.
May's yoga practice will center around more subtle practices that encourage us to hear our own inner voice, intuition, and wisdom. This includes a complete yoga posture practice to ground us and enliven us, as well as chanting mantra, sitting in silent meditation, and surrendering to deep relaxation and pure awareness.
Each session will include:
Welcome Circle: Introductions & Check-In
Mantra Meditation
Discussion of Monthly Theme including time for Personal Contemplation and (optional) Sharing
All Levels Vinyasa (Flow-Based) and Restorative Yoga Practice
Deep Relaxation
Closing Circle: Meditation & Reflections
For the most benefit it is recommended to participate in all three sessions as they are designed as a complete series, however sessions can be taken on their own if necessary.
Investment:
Early bird- Reserve by February17th:
$195 all three sessions ($65 each)
$70 each session (if registered for individually)
After February17th:
$225 all three sessions ($75 each)
$80 each session (if registered for individually)
Space is limited... Reserve early to save your spot!
Recommended to bring:
yoga mat (if you do not have one you can borrow one at the studio; props are also available at the studio as needed)
comfortable clothes to practice in, as well as layers to adjust to personal body temperature preferences
eye pillow (or soft piece of clothing/small towel to cover the eyes)
journal/notebook and pen
water bottle and/or cup for hot tea (hot water and tea bags will be provided, or feel free to bring your own favorite tea)
open mind and heart
For an even deeper Self-Transformation experience: Consider joining the 9:30-10:45am Vinyasa class with Leila beforehand. If you choose to do this, make sure to reserve your spot in advance on the schedule page. You can sign-up for a single drop-in class or use your class package. Feel free to bring lunch, (or buy lunch from any of the amazing eateries around the studio and you can bring it back to the studio), for a lunch break until the Yoga & Self-care session begins at 12pm.
All are welcome... See you there!
About Leila: Leila Swenson, E-500 RYT, is a joyful, kind, and inspiring Vinyasa teacher, whose classes flow naturally from the heart. Her yoga studies began in 2000 at the Himalayan Institute, and she has been teaching full-time in the SF/Bay Area since 2010.An experienced teacher, Leila has had the privilege of teaching at Firefly Yoga, Yoga Tree, Nest Yoga, Esalen, Glow Yoga, Urban Flow, Flying Yoga, Academy of Art University, Ubisoft, Craigslist, Tishman Speyer, and privately. She has served on the faculty of Yoga Tree Teacher Trainings in SF in 2019 and 2020, served as a Guest Teacher in Laura Burkhart Yoga Teacher Training in 2022, and leads an international Happiness Yoga Retreat in Mexico every year. Leila is devoted to yoga and believes yoga is the most effective practice for self-discovery, love, health, happiness, compassion, acceptance, and peace. Website: www.leilaswenson.com
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