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eNewsletter Archives

June 2009

The summer solstice is on Sunday, June 21. Throughout human history, the solstice has often been considered a time of passage or transition. As such, this longest day of the year is celebrated by many cultures throughout the world. How will you celebrate?

Whatever your tradition, Jai Yoga has plenty going on to help you rejoice in the miraculous transition into the long, light-filled days and abundance that make summer in Maine so special.

Check out the listings below to find the offering that will fill you with love and light! Enjoy!

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in this issue

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

STUDIO NEWS

PRACTICE

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES

MEDITATION, DHARMA, YOGA
7:15-8:30 PM $Donation of choice
Every Monday nigh this Spring!
Together, we will look closely at how meditation, the dharma and our yoga practice can be at the very center of our everyday life. While we will learn from each other, the group is not meant to be instructional. Donations will benefit the Jai Yoga Scholarship Fund. No need to register! Feel free to drop-in!

PRENATAL YOGA
THURSDAYS 4-5:15 PM JUNE 4-25 4 classes $50
This class is for women at any stage of pregnancy. Learn gentle postures, breath work, vocal toning and meditation to cultivate strength, flexibility and tone in the body that is now a home for two. Meditation and breath work help to create calm and confidence in preparation for labor, childbirth and parenting. Meet other expectant moms in this fun and relaxing class. No prior yoga experience is necessary. We do recommend that you check with your care provider before attending a yoga class.

LAUGHTER YOGA CLUB!
FRIDAY JUNE 5 5:45-6:30 PM $1 suggested donation
Every first Friday this Spring!
Laugh to get your heart pumping and the positive energy flowing! This is an excellent way to support the community and yourself in an ongoing way. Come laugh with us!

LAUGHTER YOGA WORKSHOP
SUNDAY JUNE 7 2-4 PM $25
Come learn about and experience the practice of Laughter Yoga. See how laughter can enhance your life by improving your physical and mental health, adding more joy to the everyday, and by offering a deeper sense of connection to yourself and those around you. In addition to practicing laughter, we will also look at topics such as self-care, inspired goal setting and increasing confidence. This is an invigorating, rejuvenating and fun workshop! No experience necessary.

YOGA BOOT CAMP WEEK
MONDAY-FRIDAY MORNINGS 6:15-7:15 AM JUNE 8-12 $60/series or $16/class
Commit time this Spring to change your routine and to change your body. Drop a dress size, feel incredible, be beautiful. Join us for an intense and exciting program! Get ready to drop those extra pounds and to re-energize your life! Let go of your inner intellectual and just sweat, breathe, hold and move. Your body will thank you for it. Ending each session in savasana (corpse pose) is the best part. Basic knowledge of yoga is needed to participate.

FAMILY YOGA
SATURDAY JUNE 13 $20
2-2:45 PM FOR KIDS 3-5 YEARS OLD
3:15-4:15 PM FOR KIDS 6 YEARS OLD+
Every second Saturday this Spring!
This will be a fun yoga practice for the whole family! Explore yogic games and postures together! All ages are welcome in each class, but please note that the classes are geared towards separate age groups.

YOGA NIDRA
SATURDAY JUNE 20 2-4 PM $20
Every third Saturday this Spring!
Yoga Nidra is a powerful yet simple technique of guided relaxation; the perfect antidote for a busy and fragmented life. As you are guided to move your awareness throughout your body, you will experience deeper and deeper states of relaxation, resulting in a sense of peace, harmony and balance. Deep healing is possible with the practice of “yogic sleep,” a true gift to the body, mind and spirit. No experience is needed.

RESTORATIVE YOGA
SATURDAY JUNE 27 2-4 PM $20
Every last Saturday this Spring!
Restorative yoga uses blankets, blocks, cushions, ties and the wall to support the body in a complete letting go. Releases tension, calms the nervous system, removes the toxic leftovers from stress and floods the body with happiness and bliss. A gentle and slow-paced class. Totally relaxing, no experience necessary.

To register, try our online registration system, available up to one hour before the start of an event! Visit www.JaiYogaHome.com to register and for a complete listing and links to more workshops!

Or, register by phone at least 24 hours in advance. Just give us a call: 207.725.7874. Leave a message with your NAME, PHONE and which WORKSHOP you want to attend and we’ll return your call ASAP.

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STUDIO NEWS

SUMMER 2009 SCHEDULE COMING SOON!
The Summer 2009 schedule begins July 1 and runs through August 31. Copies should be in the mail and at the studio, as well as posted on our website by mid-June. Stay tuned!

MEMORIAL DAY FUNDRAISER THANK YOU!!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Memorial Day Fundraiser Class. We raised $120 for the Jai Yoga Scholarship Fund.

SPRING 2009 OFFICE HOURS
Jai Yoga will hold regular office hours on MONDAYS 1:30-5 PM; THURSDAYS 12:30-3:30 PM and FRIDAYS 1:30-4 PM. At those times, messages can be left for specific teachers, questions can be answered and ideas will be heard! These are also excellent times to shop in our retail store! Please get in touch with us if you have any comments, questions, concerns or praise. Stop by the studio or give us a call at 207.725.7874.

DON’T LET ANYTHING STOP YOU FROM COMING TO YOGA CLASS!!
Jai Yoga offers partial and full scholarships, work-study programs and accepts time dollars (MerryMeeting Community Shares Program) as payment for classes! If you, or someone you know, are experiencing financial hardship, all the more reason to get to a yoga class. Our community is here to support everyone’s well-being! Please call 207.725.7874 today to discuss opportunities to enjoy the practice of yoga. Yoga is good for all of us!!

THE JAI YOGA SCHOLARSHIP FUND NEEDS CONTRIBUTIONS!
We’ve been helping so many people practice yoga that our scholarship fund is running low. Donations are very much appreciated and are welcome at any time for any amount.

Please give us a call at 207.725.7874 or email us at info@jaiyogahome.com if you are interested in making a contribution!

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PRACTICE

SURYA NAMASKAR – SALUTE TO THE SUN

The summer solstice is the perfect time to honor the sun and the transitions of the natural world with sun salutations.

There are many variations of the traditional sun salutation. Below is a basic sequence which flows with the breath.

1 – Begin standing in tadasana (mountain pose) at the top of your mat with your hands in anjali mudra (prayer seal)

2 – With an inhale, lift the arms overhead taking a slight backbend in urdhva hastasana (upward salute)

3 – Exhale as you swan dive forward with a flat back coming into uttanasana (standing forward fold)

4 – Inhale as you press your palms or fingertips into the mat (bend your knees if needed) and with the exhale, step your left foot back into a high or low lunge

5 – Inhale forward into high plank pose, making sure to strengthen through the legs and core so that your lower back/belly does not sag

6 – Exhale through chaturanga dandasana (four-limbed staff pose), keeping the shoulders back, elbows in and the core strong. Feel free to drop your knees to the floor first

7 – Inhale, peeling the chest away from the mat and coming either into bhujangasana (cobra pose) or urdhva mukha svanasana (upward-facing dog pose)

8 – Exhale as you press back into adho mukha svanasana (downward-facing dog pose), lengthening through the spine

9 – With an inhale, step the left foot forward back into your choice of lunge

10 – With an exhale, step the right foot foward to come back into uttanasana

11 – Inhale and reverse swan dive, lifting the arms overhead and back into urdhva hastasana

12 – Exhale, lowering the arms and coming back to tadasana with the hands in anjali mudra

Notes: This is one half of the cycle. Repeat on the right side for one full round of surya namaskar. Use your breath as your guide to know when to modify poses and how fast to move. This sequence can be done quickly, generating heat, but can also be done more moderately. Use the breath to guide you and to make the transitions as smooth as possible.

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Namaste,

Jen and the Jai Yoga Family

Jai Yoga

Suite 314 Fort Andross

14 Maine Street

Brunswick ME 04011

207.725.7874

info@jaiyogahome.com

www.jaiyogahome.com