Pranayama Teqniques Workshop
Join Sandy on Saturday, January 24 at 11am
Pranayama techniques are essentially learning to refine, control, and manipulate the breath, which in turn allows you to control and direct the prana – primal/vital life force (energy) – within your body. You can then learn to calm your mind and use your body more efficiently. As you increase your awareness of the connection between mind, body, and breath, you will start to see how they affect each other both consciously and unconsciously. You may even be able to shift to a desired (calm, clear) mental state by using simple pranayama exercises.
During this workshop we will introduce, demonstrate, and practice: Cleansing Breaths (Kapalabhati); Balancing (nostrils) Breaths (Anulom Vilom and Nadi Shodhan); Tranquilizing Breaths (Bharmari and Ujjayi); Cooling Breaths (Sheetali and Sheetkari); and Dynamic/Energizing Breathing (Bhastrika).
Please bring: a yoga mat and water bottle; we have props. All levels welcome. Pay what you can, suggested donation $25. All proceeds go to LAYA.
Beginner Yoga Sessions
Session 1: February 3rd, 530-630pm
This class is an overview for true beginners or returning yogis who want a refresher on the importance of spinal health and posture to feeling better. In the Iyengar tradition the integrity of the spine is central to a good yoga practice. Learn how to balance effort with ease; learn how your whole body can affect your posture; and learn why both strengthening and stretching are important. Yoga etiquette and mindset will be introduced and of course we will experience Savasana (come discover why it might be some people's favorite part of a yoga class)!
Session 2: February 5th, 530-630pm
This class is an introduction for true beginners or returning yogis who want a refresher on the basic standing poses. Come experience why yoga is done in bare feet, why a sticky mat is important, and why foot placement and action is so important to the integrity of your spine. Mountain pose, Triangle, Warrior 1 and 2, extended side angle, and standing forward fold will be introduced. Come experience your body in these postures without worrying about if you LOOK "right." Yoga is for EVERY body. You are not meant to try to look like a picture in a book or the most flexible yogi around. Of course class will end with stretching and Savasana! Stay for Q&A if desired. Join both sessions. It is not mandatory to attend session 1.
Coming Back to Life
Please join us on April 11th at 11am for the Carnegie Book Club. We will be discussing the book Coming Back to Life by Joanna Macy and Molly Brown . In this 75-minute session we will discuss the book, create a circle and do the exercises from the book led by Galina Weber and Sandy Kaplan while drinking tea.
Breathe and Stretch - Date to be decided
Join certified Yoga Breathing coach and science of stretching expert Darla Swanson for an hour designed to calm your mind, ease stress, and refresh your body.
This unique class blends breathwork and stretching to support stress reduction, better sleep, lung health, and even core conditioning. You’ll learn practical breathing techniques—from simple, calming practices to deep, cleansing breaths—that you can use daily in just minutes.
Throughout the class, Darla will share insights from her work as a stress-reduction researcher, weaving in the science behind why breathwork and stretching are so powerful.
You’ll leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and equipped with lifelong tools to reduce stress and restore balance whenever you need it.