If you've practiced with me, you may know I'm not the first teacher to offer a class that kicks your bum. Far from it. Mind you, there was a time, but that was quite a long while ago. So why do I front load this week's classes to let you know that challenge will be offered? I can't speak for other yoga teachers, but my goal is not to give that boot to your posterior. My goal--for you--is to strengthen your resolve, fortitude, and resilience. I'll just happen to use some more difficult options as an embodied avenue toward this more valuable intention.
I bring this into my class content as a way to potentially help you when you are challenged "off the mat." These challenges do, of course, come. This past week has been an especially disturbing challenge for me on a number of levels. A physical challenge (I was in the dentist chair for two and a half hours for the recreation of a crown), yes, which I witnessed myself face and survive. The far more difficult challenge was (is) a life/career/who-I-am-as-a-student situation that has tested the very core of my my world view. It has met this call to rise thanks in large part to my loving connection to my sangha with fellow teachers who I've studied alongside for many years. Whew!
I come to you to say that the steeped depth of my studies and the teachings I have under my belt, and that I share with you, have made a truly trying time one that I've weathered. I am witnessing the resources I have to face life's challenges. And I want to share resources with you in this week's classes that I hope will light your way when you need your own strength. Let's take a look at it on the mat to set you up for success.
When I was in the museum world and the safe keeping of the valuable art collections were my responsibility, I spent many hours setting up for "disaster preparedness." I am blessed with a tradition of teachings designed to do just this. I hope to facilitate your own disaster preparedness, in whatever guise. As we all learned over the course of the past 18 months, you never know when you'll need it, but the more we have evidence that we are strong and resilient, the more calm we can bring when the rubber hits the road.
Here are your opportunities!
My Sonoma schedule for August:
I am teaching two classes a week in Sonoma, both in the indoor Community Classroom.
*Integrated Yoga is not a new style of yoga for me, it's the same style of class I've been teaching (ParaYoga), I've just changed the name to reflect what the practices include. Integrated Yoga weaves together asana, breath, chanting mantra during asana, visualization (bhavana), mudra, and meditation. I simply love how potent yoga can be when these elements unite in an alchemy of energy!
The classes will now be on a drop-in basis, no registration required. I'll have a sign-in sheet for your name and email, and ask for payment before class.
Payment:
*Classes are $15, with payment by the following methods (in order of preference):
Venmo: Barbra-Brady-1, phone 707-227-0044
PayPal: barbrabrady1393
Check, Zelle, Cash.
*Please let me know if price is a prohibitive issue for you, I am happy to work with you.
Masks:
Masks will be required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status as of this moment. Should conditions change in the future, I'll let you know.
Class recordings:
I will be live streaming the classes on Zoom, as I have some longstanding subscribers via my website. If you discover that you'd like access to my recorded classes, I welcome you to subscribe. The autopay monthly subscription rate is $49. This makes each class $6, and the fee includes access to five recorded classes (updated monthly). This would give you the option of practicing live from the comfort of your home whenever you like. I offer a discount on coming to in-person classes for subscribers ($10 per class). Join our community!
blue door yoga & wellness schedule, Penngrove:
Integrated Yoga, Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00am
Gentle Yoga, Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm
Yoga Nidra (online only), Thursdays, 7:00-7:30pm
Much love, and I hope to see you! And do be in touch!
Barbra