Words fail to convey the total value of yoga.  It has to be experienced.
-BKS Iyengar

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all.  My family and I have skipped town and are visiting family in Manchester, VT.  It's cold, white and beautiful.  As always, I miss the studio.  On my last day of teaching I had come running into the studio for one of my classes and Christy was on her way out.  We started talking about how crazy it is outside of our little sanctuary.  For me, the juggle of young children, holidays, family, and everything else that life tosses around is sometimes overwhelming.  But.....  the minute that studio door opens it's like a breath of fresh air.  My mind settles down, I can think and peace immediately fills me.  That is the subtle magic of this special space, The Anjali Yoga Studio.  Your experience is so important to me and I hope that every time you walk in the door the world outside disappears and the universe inside you appears, beautiful, illuminated, inspired, awake, alive, invigorated, calm, clear and peaceful.  Fairy dust is hard to come by these days.  We are overstocked.  Come in, let it all go and let the magic of the universe sprinkle you with glimpses of your hearts wisdom.  

Andrew Keel and Ryan Chang in Ashville.  These two guys stumbled into my class one evening and surely had no idea of what they were getting into.  I mean this by saying that they probably thought they were going to stretch out, which they did... But clearly, the tentacles of YOGA have reached deeper.  Beauty inspires beauty.  These pics tell the story.  Thanks gentlemen for sharing your experience with us.  No matter where you are, your yoga is always with you.  Whether you are on top of a beautiful mountain or in the midst of battle, your practice, your breath, and your soul will never leave you.  Thank you for gracing me with your presence in class.  You guys are AWESOME!!

Mr. Ryan Chang & Mr. Andrew Keel- Vrksasana - Standing Tree Pose

Check out this link from NPR news on-line...
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/06/131734718/just-breathe-body-has-a-built-in-stress-reliever?sc=emafweeblylink_new_window


If you find this interesting, please try our Intro To Meditation with Jessica Patella.  Jessica is a Dr. of Naturopathic Medicine and teaches both the Meditation and Kundalini class.  She is spectacular!  

Get loose and stay strong this winter with our 6 week Cyclists and Runners series.  

Each class will begin with a warm-up in an 83 degree room followed by a workshop focusing on alignment in a specific set of poses. Classes will close with a 10-minute restorative pose and a guided meditation/visualization.Standing Poses

Standing poses efficiently and effectively strengthen the leg as an entire unit which helps to protect knee and ankle joints. They also stretch the leg muscles.  As you learn proper alignment, you’ll learn to use often weak muscles in the arches, inner and outer thighs. 

Balancing Poses

These poses teach you to stand evenly on one foot and find your focus and steadiness on your feet or your hands. 

Inversions

In yoga, inversions are poses in which the heart is above the head. Benefits of inversions range from better sleep, focus, and digestion to the satisfaction found in methodically approaching challenging poses.

Backbends & Twists

“Twists are renowned for their balancing and toning powers…and are often balms for sluggish digestion, low energy, stifled breathing, and a variety of muscle aches and pains.” “Backbends are thought to be energizing, uplifting, and stimulating.” (yogajournal.com) Backbends also help to undo the forward curvature/hunching of the shoulders that often comes with cycling.

Hip Openers

Tension in the hips often affects the knees, shoulders, or lower back.  Opening the hip joints and stretching the hip flexors is especially beneficial for runners and cyclists. Read this great article for more information It's All in the Hips.

This series is open to all levels and all people.  Don't miss this opportunity to stay fit and warm this winter.

Namaste'