Spring is in the air and so much is happening this month! We are so pleased to announce that David Hickey and Eden Martin of Crystal Journey are returning to Brunswick on May 9 for an evening of universal sound at Frontier Cafe! We also have a lot happening at the studio to help you rejoice and relax as we move through this exhilarating yet calming time of year.
More information and links to online registration are available below! We hope to see you at the studio soon!
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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 – EVERY MONDAY NIGHT 7:15-8:30 PM $Donation of choice
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!
LAUGHTER YOGA CLUB! – FRIDAY MAY 1 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!
YOGA BASICS SERIES – TUESDAYS MAY 5-JUNE 23 (with open practice on 6/30) 5:30-7 PM 8 classes $88
Perfect for beginners or those wanting a nice refresher of the fundamentals! In this 8-week series, we will cover 18 basic yoga postures and 4 breathing techniques, providing a strong foundation from which to build a home practice and to fully participate in our gentle and moderate classes.
FAMILY YOGA – SATURDAY MAY 9 $20 2-2:45 PM FOR KIDS 2-3 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.
SONIC MEDITATION: CRYSTAL BOWL AND PLANET GONG CONCERT -SATURDAY MAY 9 7:30 PM $20, 12 and under free FRONTIER CAFE, FORT ANDROSS
In partnership with Frontier Cafe, Jai Yoga is so pleased to welcome back David Hickey of Crystal Journey and artist-painter Eden Martin! Two years ago, Jai Yoga hosted David Hickey and Eden Martin for a magical, meditative evening of universal sound. Please join us again for an incredible experience. More information is available at our website or at Frontier’s website.
YOGA NIDRA – SATURDAY MAY 16 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.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER ALL LEVELS CLASS – MONDAY MAY 25 5:30-7 PM $Donation of choice
Please join us in support of the Jai Yoga Scholarship Fund and help our community members continue their yoga practice in challenging economic times. On Memorial Day evening, Kara will guide a class that will include a flowing sequence of postures followed by Yin-style seated postures and meditation. 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the Jai Yoga Scholarship Fund. Please note: there will be no other classes held Memorial Day weekend.
RESTORATIVE YOGA – SATURDAY MAY 30 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 our website, www.JaiYogaHome.com for registration links and a complete listing of 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
IT’S A GIRL!
Just before 4 AM on April 25, 2009, little Mia Ellen Pierce was welcomed into the world. Congratulations Jen and Tony!
CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY
There will be no regular classes May 23-25, 2009 for Memorial Day weekend. However, we are offering a special class on Monday, May 25 to raise money for our scholarship fund. Details available in “Upcoming Workshops and Classes” section of the newsletter.
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.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
At Jai Yoga, we value our relationship with the community and each individual within the community. We would love to hear from you! Please let us know how we’re doing. What do you like? What would you like to see more of? Feel free to share your ideas with us! Please email us at info@jaiyogahome.com with your comments!
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
REAWAKEN WITH BRIDGE POSE – SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA
Strength and softness, rooting and lifting, exhilaration and relaxation; these are just a few of the opposing elements you may find in exploring bridge pose.
Bridge pose is an ideal posture to explore during the intense, yet peaceful, breaking open of new life happening all around us right now. This posture helps to “bridge” the mind and the body, joining energy with calm.
1 – Begin reclining on your mat with knees bent and the soles of the feet hip-distance apart on the floor, about 12 inches away from your pelvis
2 – Let the hands rest on the floor, palms up near the pelvis. Roll the shoulders back and let the shoulder blades broaden as they slide down the back, opening the chest
3 – Check that the feet are parallel and that all four corners of the feet are pressing into the mat. Turn the palms down and press gently into the mat
4 – Strengthen through the legs, hugging the muscles into the bone as you tuck your tailbone and begin to peel the pelvis away from the mat. Let the motion carry up through the spine, lifting one vertebra at a time away from the mat until you come to rest on your shoulders. If you like, you can clasp your hands below the pelvis, extending and pressing through the arms
5 – Point your tailbone toward the knees, which are directly over the heels but reaching forward, lengthening away from the pelvis. Try to keep the thighs and knees parallel, not bowing to the sides
6 – To avoid compressing the neck, lift the chin slightly and gently press the back of the head into the mat. Lift through the sternum
7 – Continue strengthening through the legs and arms as the shoulder blades broaden and the chest opens
8 – Breathe here for 3-7 breaths before lowering one vertebra at a time back to the mat
Notes: The buttocks should be firm, but not clenched in this pose. Instead, try to use the strength of your core and legs to keep lifting. Move slowly and with compassion as you roll in and out of bridge pose with the breath.
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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