May 17, 2008: Amyla Reader Strode teaches Restorative Yoga, 2:00--4:00 pm
$25 before May 15, $30 after May 15
Rest is essential for renewal. Immerse yourself in the gentle, nourishing practice of Restorative Yoga. In this workshop we will use bolsters, blankets, and props to support ourselves in deeply relaxing and therapeutic poses. All levels, shapes and sizes are welcome. Restorative Yoga is especially inviting to total beginners. For practitioners of more vigorous yoga styles, Restorative Yoga offers a lovely complement. Please join us.

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June 8, 2008: Mindy Spadacenta teaches a Roller Workshop, 2:00--3:30 pm
$25 before June 6th, $30 after June 6th
This class is designed to teach students how to enhance their physical well-being, work through injury or chronic tension and gain flexibility, pelvic stabilization and strength with the aid of a foam roller. We will pinpoint certain areas of the body such as hips, upper and lower back, quadriceps and ham strings and learn how the roller can be useful tool in releasing and opening up muscle tissue, balancing tension on both sides of the body and increasing awareness of holding patterns and possible weaknesses.

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July 6, 2008: Jeffifer Shoemaker teaches Restorative Yoga for Balancing the Nervous System, 2:00--4:00 pm
$25 before July 3rd, $30 after July 3rd
Imbalances in our nervous systems can manifest in many forms, including acute or chronic stress, insomnia, irritability, mental and physical fatigue, anxiety, depression and other conditions. Restorative yoga is deeply quieting to the nervous system and can help restore balance to the mind-body-spirit. Props are used to meet and support the body in poses that are held for a few minutes up to15 minutes or more. Attention on the breath and on alternately opening different parts of the body cultivates stillness in the mind and ease in the body. Restorative yoga is accessible to all levels of practice, including beginners. In this workshop, we will focus intention on balancing and quieting the nervous system.

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July 18--20, 2008: Matthew Sweeney on Ashtanga Yoga
$250 ($200 if paid by June 1, 2008)

This weekend workshop is an informative and practical exploration of Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga. It will include traditional Ashtanga Yoga, therapeutic Vinyasa sequences and Yoga philosophy. It is a unique opportunity for both novice and advanced Yoga enthusiasts to practice under the tutelage of an international and advanced Yoga teacher.

Matthew delivers these workshops with enthusiasm and a fun-filled atmosphere to allow you to explore the joy of Yoga.   The latest aspects of Matthew's workshop series include flowing led practices and insightful guidance on various hints, tricks and techniques for some of the more intricate aspects of Asana practice. These sessions are useful for Yoga practitioners from any tradition and are not just aimed at traditional Ashtanga Yoga students.

Friday Evening . 7-9 pm . Gentle Alternative Vinyasa Sequence (I) . Chandra Krama: The Moon Sequence
Beginning with a short introduction about the workshop and Vinyasa Yoga this class will commence with Moon Sequence. Feeling tired? Depleted? Injured? Or otherwise a bit low? This sequence is a gentle flowing Vinyasa form accessible for all levels. Although this sequence was originally intended for practice on the full moon, the new moon and during the menstrual cycle, it is appropriate at any time for women or men. This sequence emphasises the hips, groin, lower spine and abdominals, which will feel awake and alive after moving through the postures. It takes pressure off the neck, shoulders and wrists (common from the standard jumps in the Ashtanga series) and is useful as a regular alternative to the intense heat of the traditional Ashtanga. Whether old or young this sequence is great for any age. Some Yoga experience is recommended.

Saturday Morning . 9 am-12 pm . The Complete Primary Series
Taught in a flowing and informative manner, this class will take the students through the Primary Series from start to finish. Students will be encouraged to attempt the postures to their own particular level of ability to avoid pain and injury and to maximize the sense of joy and ease that is possible in the traditional sequence. A discussion and answer session will conclude this class, with examination of some of the anatomical and physiological outlines of the Primary seated postures and individual body types.

Saturday Afternoon . 2-4 pm . Jumping Through, Jumping Back and Primary Series discussion
This class will explore the methods and techniques necessary to implement greater ease and ability with jumping through and jumping back. This class will begin with a warm up based on the traditional series and then explore the jumps in Suryanamaskara followed by the jumps in and out of the sitting postures--both cross-legged and straight-legged. These useful techniques have been comprehensively developed over many years and are applicable for students of any level.

Sunday Morning . 9 am-12 pm . Alternative Vinyasa Sequence (II) . Simha Krama: The Lion Sequence
This sequence is the second series that Matthew has designed. The Lion Sequence flows from the Moon Sequence, introducing postures that expand upon concepts begun in the latter series. It involves exploration of different standing postures, therapeutic back bends, a shoulder opening sequence and a playful approach to various inversion postures. This sequence can be a useful alternative to the traditional Intermediate Series where you may find certain postures (or the whole sequence) becoming either too painful, impossible or simply inappropriate for you.  

Sunday Afternoon . 2-5 pm . Headstand, Handstand, Pranayama and Meditation
This class will begin with a short warm up, followed by an exploration of headstand, the fore-arm balance and handstand. A combination of easy to follow techniques and a fun atmosphere of learning will infuse this session. This class will finish with the subtle aspects of Yoga including Pranayama (breathing exercises), Meditation and a final question and answer session.  

July 21--23, 2008: Matthew Sweeney on Adjusting Skills for Teachers and Students
3:00--5:00 pm each day $120 for all three days

With experience running teacher training courses, one-on-one apprenticeships and 20 years of Yoga practice, Matthew will be offering a unique series of classes on adjusting skills. Each session will progress through the four basic aspects of the Primary Series: Standing Postures, Core Sitting Postures, Back Bends and Inversions (Headstand and Handstand). These hands on skills are easy to learn and will be conducted in a safe and considerate manner. You are encouraged to book for all 3 sessions to gain the most from these classes.

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Please note our workshop and mini-workshop policies:

Workshops
Discounted payment amount is due in full one month prior to the workshop.

Payment in full is due two weeks prior to the workshop. (If the workshop is not full, we'll accept payment until the workshop begins.)

All but $25 of your payment is refundable if you cancel seven days before a workshop. After that, no refunds will be made unless another student fills your spot in the workshop.

Mini-workshops
Mini-workshops are held at Yoga Spot on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. We decide if the mini-workshop will be held based on the number of students registered. To be registered, a student must pay in full by 10:00 the Thursday morning prior to the workshop. If spaces remain available, drop-ins will be accepted at the higher fee that was announced with the workshop information.

Cancellations must be made by Thursday at 10:00 am prior to the mini-workshop date, and fees minus $5 can then be transferred to other workshops or classes. No refunds are available.

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