April 2010 Newsletter

They say April showers bring May flowers, so hopefully we will have a summer full of blooms. Please keep an eye on our schedule page, as we are working on finalizing a couple of changes to our schedule. Any changes will be announced on our schedule page a minimum of two weeks before the changes actually go into effect. We anticipate moving our 7:00am class to 6:30am to take advantage of the early summer light and bountiful energy creeping up from the soil. We would love to hear any feedback about class times that people have to help us better serve you.

Cancelled classes

This friday (tomorrow – 4/9/2010) the noon class is cancelled. All class cancellations/schedule changes are posted on our schedule page, so if you ever have a question you can refer there.

Upcoming Workshops

Unfolding the Self: An exploration of the Chakras

with Kelly Jean Moore

Saturday May 22nd 1:00pm – 3:30pm
& Sunday May 23rd 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Learn about the seven wheels of the Chakra system examined through the lens of traditional Eastern yogic philosophy and western developmental psychology. Once you understand and begin to use this powerful tool for self- inquiry, you will be well on your way to healing and integrating all aspects of spirit, mind, and body into a whole human being.

Intro to Yoga Workshops

Our next Intro to Yoga Workshop is scheduled for this weekend on Saturday (4/10/2010) from 1pm-2:30pm. This is a great workshop for someone totally new to yoga as well as the seasoned beginner. There are still some spots available, so if you are interested, please let me know. The workshop covers the basics of Yoga, pranayama (breath), asana (poses), and touching upon philosophy.

Referral Program

Bring friends to yoga and get a discount! For each new student you refer to Yoga Eight, get 10% off your next regular priced purchase (class cards/memberships). The referral discount is cumulative. To take advantage of the referral discount you must make a purchase within 30 days of the referral. Let us know if you have any questions.

Newsletter only special offer

Refer someone new to the studio in the next two weeks (4/8/2010-4/22/2010) and double your discount on your next purchase within 30 days of the referral. This doubling can only be used once.

Yoga term of the month

Brahmacharya

Continuing on our theme of looking at the yamas, this month we explore brahmacharya. Many times people ask me what the 8 in Yoga Eight is for. It has a double meaning, both referring to ashtanga (ashta=eight, anga=limb). Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is one of the classes we offer, and is where I draw a great amount of my experience from. Ashtanga is also the term when referring to yoga as a whole and the eight different limbs. Two of the limbs we actively practice at Yoga Eight, asana (posture) and pranayama (breath). Brahmacharya is one of five components of the yamas (moral observances), one of the six other limbs.

Brahmacharya literally means under the tutelage of Brahma, which in turn normally refers to a time of spiritual study. Many interpretations of this yama interpret it as celibacy (which would be practiced during the time of study). I prefer to interpret this yama as a focus on moderation. Take chocolate cake for example. Eating too much chocolate cake is not healthy, but in moderation there is little risk. With this in mind, anything taken in excess that can be damaging or dangerous is best approached with moderation (or abstinence if it is dangerous in all circumstances). Of course there are many different ways to approach the concept of brahmacharya, and I encourage everyone to explore and find the best interpretation for you.

Thank You

I want to thank everyone for your kind words, hopes and wishes for me and my family. My daughter, Masaki, was born last Monday. I especially want to thank Jennifer and Katie for covering my classes, sometimes at the last minute. I also want to wish Jennifer the best luck in her current “adventure” and am looking forward to her return next week.