Workshops

Yoga for Anxiety and Depression with Sarasvati Hewitt

Join Sarasvati as we learn the neuroendocrinology, psychology and anatomy of
depression, anxiety, PTSD bipolar, eating disorders and so much more. Learn how
the practices of yoga and meditation in the styles of Hatha,Yin & Vinyasa and seated
practice can help us to transform the body and brain. We will create a successful bio
individual practice for each student.

Mastering the Basics of Ashtanga Yoga with Michele Loew

A slowed down, mindful,and deep inquiry into the Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series with Michele Loew & supporting Yoga Space staff.

We will meet for 3 Thursday evenings to study the Primary series of Ashtanga so that each posture is carefully examined. Props and modifications will be utilized to support all students. Come learn the series as a way to deepen your yoga practice in general, as principles can by applied to other types of asana. As you memorize the series and set a foundation for Mysore self-practice, a regular home practice becomes your gift to yourself. Ashtanga Vinyasa is one of the most potent practices of cleansing and strengthening the physical body while awakening the subtle body and removing the obstacles to abiding in our highest selves.

This workshop will prepare the student to go into our led primary series classes safely and give encouragement to practicing in our Mysore guided self practice room each morning

$125 for full series 

$108 for Unlimited Monthly Members

Therapeutic Wisdom Teacher Training and Workshop with Doug Keller

Thursday-Sunday, December 13-16, 2018.  11am-2pm and 3-5:30pm 

$400 for the full weekend.

Individual session may be open to registration at a later date.

*We are unable to offer refunds for any reason for this workshop*

Sacral Rhythm and Low Back Health:

Thursday: Sacroiliac Stability in Asana, and Connections to the Breath and Pranayama

At the center of all movement lies the sacrum, the keystone of the pelvis, which regulates the curve of the spine as well as the ‘openness’ and flexibility of the hips. Much of yoga has focused on the suggested actions of the tailbone — even in describing ‘Mula Bandha’ — but has given little attention to the natural actions of the sacrum. This leaves the ‘tail’ wagging the ‘dog.’

The training will begin with going deeply into the details of understanding Sacroiliac, Pelvic and Low Back Pain, in terms of sacral stability and the rhythms of its movement in the sacroiliac joint. This will be in the context of the issue of pelvic pain and related low back pain, especially in connection with issues concerning the ‘Core.’

In this context, we will go much more deeply into the vital role of the breath, particularly in relation to pelvic and back pain, and how asana practice can be used to address breathing pattern disorders, postural patterns and fascial blocks that give rise to them.

Friday: Factors in Knee Health in Connection with the Hips

Most physical therapy for knees focuses on the bending/extending aspect of the knees, with emphasis on the hamstrings and quadriceps. But the knee is a ‘twisty joint’ capable of rotation, and many if not most knee problems arise from this aspect — which is of even more concern in yoga, which involves rotation of the shins in so many poses (especially the hip openers, which can stress the knee).

We will focus on the stretches and poses that will most benefit our knees to overcome problems of twisting, hyperextension (as well as stiffness) — and what our main emphasis should be in doing these poses, to personalize our practice.

Saturday Morning: Rethinking the Shoulders Part 1: The Complementary ‘Spirals’ That ‘Open’ the Shoulders

This session connects the health of the neck to the health of the shoulders — and how neck awareness is a key to working effectively with the shoulders (as well as recognizing how neck health is intimately related to the actions of the sacrum).

Shoulder ‘opening’ or exercises to increase the range of motion of the shoulders is most often taught in terms of external rotation of the arms. Yet the centering of the shoulder joint as well as its stable movement through wider ranges of motion depend upon complementary ‘spirals’ which can be initiated from the actions of the hands and forearms.

This first session will include focus on actively joining the actions of the head and neck in terms of Jalandhara Bandha (and head loop) with the opening of the shoulders and chest in a variety of poses. It will also introduce the idea of key ‘Movement Impairments’ especially having to do with the shoulder blades that are at the center of limitations in shoulder movement.

This approach will also include awareness of signs of impingement in the shoulders as well as issues such as ‘frozen shoulder,’ and how to work around these problems for healthier movement.

 

Saturday Afternoon: The Evolution of Prana in Yoga 

The afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday will transition to a treatment of the breath — both in practical pranayama practices that incorporate what is covered regarding the sacrum, head and shoulders, and in a consideration of how the practice evolved through the history of yoga, as the idea of Prana (and connected ideas regarding the Vayus) evolved. The Hatha Yoga tradition attempted to strike a balance between the specific physical techniques developed by the more ascetic traditions of the yogis, and the deeper layers of feeling, imagination, energetics and the cultivation of the ‘mantra body’ and Yoga Nidra developed among the more tantric-oriented yogis following after the tantric schools of Kashmir Shaivism. Both Saturday and Sunday afternoons will be experiential explorations of these themes, with historical background of the ideas included.

 

Sunday Morning: Rethinking the Shoulders Part 2: Further Aspects of Shoulder Work: the Wrists, Elbows and Spiraling into the Fascial Matrix

Sunday continues the exploration of the shoulders, exploring the hands, wrists and elbows more closely in terms of the fascial lines that link the many actions of the arms in asana to the fascial matrix of the rest of the body. This represents a further ‘rethinking’ of the shoulders and how to work into them — and their issues — including in some of the more challenging actions with the arms, with variations for making progress.

Sunday Afternoon: The Evolution of Prana in Yoga Continued

The same theme will be continued, with pranayama practices and further exploration of the practice, purpose and value of Yoga Nidra as it was approached in the Middle Ages. Some consideration of Mudra will be involved.

 

Candlelight Solstice Yoga Nidra

Joing Michele for a special evening to celebrate the Solstice and welcome the Winter season.  Yoga Nidra is a time to find stillness and quiet. Translating to 'the sleep of the yogi, it allows the body to rest deeply as the mind is guided through a deep meditative state.  

 

Buddha & The Yogis, “The Illuminated Subtle Body” In Molokai, Hawaii with Robert Thurman & Michele Loew

A Yoga & Meditation retreat in Paradise, in an intimate setting with world renowned Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman,  who will share the Buddha’s teachings with us daily and guide us through meditation practice & dharma talks.

Joined by Michele Loew, who will be sharing two yoga practices a day, accessible to all levels, which will focus on awakening our connection to the subtle body via asana and pranayama in the morning and restorative practices including Yoga Nidra in the evenings.  

Situated on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai, on a private working ranch.  Pu'u O Hoku Ranch.

About Robert Thurman:  

A recognized worldwide authority on religion and spirituality, Asian history, world philosophy, Buddhist science, Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman is an eloquent advocate of the relevance of Buddhist ideas to our daily lives. In doing so, he has become a leading voice of the value of reason, peace and compassion. He was named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Americans and has been profiled by The New York Times and People Magazine.

Thurman travels internationally lecturing to universities, companies, conferences and think tanks. He is a gifted communicator who can make complex concepts understandable introducing challenging ideas with intelligence and humor in a down to earth and comprehensible way.

He reasons passionately that H. H. the Dalai Lama, a true man with no worldly rank, is the most practical leader of world leaders, with principles that must be heeded by them to avert the worst outcomes of our present global crisis: nonviolent dialogue in place of war, environmental restoration in place of consumerist exploitation, inter-religious mutual affirmation in place of ideological competition, hope and determination in place of cynicism and denial. When these are widely implemented, we cannot fail to have a world renaissance of an amazing peace, beauty, compassionate justice, and shared joy!

Only 11 rooms, so this will sell out quickly and be an intimate setting..

January 4th - 9th 2019 (5 nights);

What’s included:

5 nights Lodging, 3 organic meals on the Lanai sourced from the farm, Study with Professor Thurman, and Yoga sessions with Michele.  

One special guided sunrise meditation walk to the very east end of Molokai to watch the sunrise and the whales.

One guided hike to the amazing Halawa waterfalls.

Free time in the afternoons to meditate or play on the secluded beaches.

What’s not included:

Flights and transfer from airport to ranch (about 30 miles).

$950 per person based on double occupancy shared.  ($850 for Tibet House Members)

$1600 single.  ($1525 for Tibet House Members)

$300 Deposit required to hold your spot.. 

Payment plans available (email info@theyogaspace.com for more information)

Don’t miss this opportunity to start the New Year in beauty and clarity from inspired yoga practice with these master teachers in this intimate and natural setting.  

 

Ladakh, India 2019 with Michele Loew "Illuminating the Subtle Body Meditation & Yoga Retreat"

Join Michele Loew for a trip of a lifetime in India, 2019. 

Yoga Nidra, Meditation & Illuminating the Subtle Body in the Glorious Himalayas. 

For Details please see our retreat's page:  http://www.theyogaspace.com/events/retreats