While researching for A Red Lotus, many activities, web sites, products, etc. are discovered that merit sharing but do not fit clearly within the theme of specific needs yoga resources for NYC. Therefore, this blog was started to share such ideas as well as to spotlight some great community ideas.
Nyoman Rena has designed an original bracelet, Lotus Passion, and ring, Lotus Heart of Peace, with lotus flowers cast of sterling silver and made radiant with a carnelian heart. (I ordered the ring.)
yama therapeutics draws from a wide range of India's traditions. The 18-day yama therapeutics Yoga Teacher Training program is for people seeking to create a therapeutic healing practice incorporating Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation Arts. Training graduates are eligible to apply for 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) status with Yoga Alliance. People already engaged in Western healing traditions such as nursing, social work, psycho-therapy or physical or respiratory therapy are especially welcome.
Bent on Learning offers instruction in yoga and meditation to students in grades K through 12 in New York City public schools and youth centers as a means of reducing stress and improving concentration, self-esteem and overall health. They also train public school teachers and staff in yogic techniques and exercises so they can assist students in focusing their energies.
FOR INSTRUCTORS, NURSES, etc.: Sometimes neck, back and pelvic pain can be caused by structural restrictions/instabilities and habits of movement that reinforce or create the structural issue or issues. This workshop will shed light on key anatomy (structure), kinesiology (function) and common disorders on the spine and pelvis. After laying the foundations, participants will learn to integrate both structure "how the arrangement and organization of the parts relate to one another" and function "how we can use the structure more efficiently and more gently." This course will help you use Hatha Yoga, pranayama, Raja Yoga, rooting/stabilization techniques from qigong and Feldenkrais inspired practice to confidently and efficiently serve people with spinal and pelvic pain. (30 CNE or YA hours).
One BrickOne Brick is a volunteer organization that brings people together to help non-profits and community organizations staff events or work on projects. One Brick volunteering does not require a commitment; attend as few or as many events as you want. Check out the event calendar and RSVP online.
Note: The Times Square yoga events will not be geared toward students with specific needs or adaptive other than by personal adjustment. Please make sure the event's activities are suited to your needs.
Learn the fundamentals of common yogic breathing (pranayama ) techniques. "You'll find the practices comfortable and joyful, and you'll learn to use the prana (vital energy) for healing, cleansing, and strengthening."
Learn about respiration and the anatomy underlying yogic breathing, including how the positioning and movement of the spine affect the breathing apparatus. Explore the breath in various asanas as well as in deep relaxation.
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How the Body Breathes with Roger Cole, Ph.D. a Yoga Spirit telecast 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Learn the anatomical mechanics of breathing. Manually locate many of the relevant muscles, bones, cartilages, etc. on your body, feel how they work, and use them to modify your breath. The class will not advocate a breathing method, but it will include instructions on how to keep your practice safe and comfortable, how to deepen your practice, and how to explore breath-based techniques.
Yoga Spirit offers tele-classes (workshops) for students and teachers on a wide variety of yoga-related topics. The classes are live, 60-minute, interactive sessions conducted over the phone. The general format is lecture-based with question and answer periods. Sometimes, additional materials are provided via download. A downloadable recording of the workshop also is included in the fee–and the recordings are available even if you cannot or do not "attend" the workshop. (and, yes, they obviously are fond of lotus symbolism, too. :)
Yogamazing provides weekly free, short videos and podcasts of yoga sessions. Ideas for the themed sessions come from viewers. The sessions span the full range of fitness and experience requirements, so watch first to see if a particular session suits you. Recent podcasts are available for download (and purchase) at Yogamazing; a wider selection of videos is available at this search page at Brightcove.
Karma Yoga: the "Food for Yoga" class returns! 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 30 Co-taught by Angela and Steph Cost of class? Three cans of food
Even if you can't attend, please consider donating non-perishable food. Food will be donated to the Hanson Place Central United Methodist Church/Campaign Against Hunger, a food bank in Fort Greene.
Note: This class will be taught in the studio's tradition. It is not a specific needs or adaptive class.
Ways to Learn Thai Yoga Massage / Therapy / Bodywork
NOTE: since this post originated, additional offerings were located! Therefore, it has been re-posted with new information!
At least four different schools offer training in Thai Yoga massage / therapy / bodywork in NYC. Classes vary from introductions for individual knowledge and practice through to extended certification training for individuals desiring to start or augment careers. Two of the schools have selected the same summer weekend to offer workshops in NYC! It seems the best approach for those desiring to learn more is to explore what the three schools practice and offer. The schools and upcoming workshops are introduced briefly below. Note that, although Thai Yoga might be beneficial to people with specific needs, these classes and trainings are not necessarily adaptive; please verify that the experience will be appropriate for you.
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The Manhattan-based Thai-Sustenance Traditional Thai Yoga Massage Training Program offers a level-1 program suitable for beginners and those with previous bodywork experience in 10-week and 2-weekend formats with Antoinette Maclachlan. On completion, students will be able to give a 1-1/2 hour full body Thai Yoga Massage. Similar level-2 training and advanced training are available. A portion of the course fee will go to a good cause.
Thai Yoga Massage Three Day Intensive, June 6 - 8, 2008 at OM Yoga Center with Jyothi K. Wanatabe. Participants will learn the theory and practice of a basic full body, 60-minute, Thai Yoga massage with a practical and hands on approach.
Introduction to Thai Yoga Massage at Integral Yoga Institute 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m Saturday, June 14 or 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9 with Jyothi K. Wanatabe. Participants will learn to give a 20-minute massage.
Certification requires level 1 and level 2 training, which will be offered at both locations later in the summer and fall.
deonThai Yoga Therapy is offering workshops at Exhale Spa. Bring a partner or come alone to pair up with a new friend. There are no pre-requisites and no prior Yoga or Massage experience is necessary. The weekend workshop often is the first step towards becoming a professional practitioner.
Upcoming NYC-area workshops include:
Thai Yoga Therapy – Guided Partner Class at Exhale Spa Upper East Side 7:00 -9:00 p.m. Friday June 6, 2008 with Deon De Wet. Workshop participants will learn the essentials of giving and receiving a basic sequence of Thai Yoga Therapy.
Thai Yoga Therapy – Guided Partner Class & Immersion Training, June 6 - 8, 2008 at Exhale Spa Upper East Side with Deon De Wet. The weekend workshop starts with the Friday evening class and continues with more instruction and practice. Participants will learn to practice the basic treatment session at home (at first with the aid of a guidebook).
Of course, A Red Lotus is not the first or only red lotus yoga. Here are two others inspired by the symbol ...
Red Lotus Yoga in Rochester Hills, Michigan is a well-known, Ashtanga based studio working to help students practice yoga on and off the mat. Red Lotus Yoga in Maple Ridge, British Columbia offers a variety of yoga classes embracing the idea that yoga practice can be transformative and fun.
Please join Dr. Karen Moody, a pediatric hematology/oncology doctor at Montefiore Hospital for a discussion on the clinical effects of cancer (how it presents in people) and other medical issues. Dr. Moody will also touch on side effects of treatment and palliative care issues. The goal of this discussion is to give the yogi a better medical understanding. In this talk we will not be touching on yoga techniques but we certainly encourage that discussion and if there is an interest we can facilitate another forum where those caring for people living with cancer and giving palliative care can come together to share ideas etc.
Dr. Moody, also an acupuncturist and yogi, recently opened a program at the Children's Hospital called IMPACT (Integrative Medicine and Palliative Care Team). IMPACT offers yoga, massage, acupuncture and nutrition/holistic health counseling for patients and their families. Services are also available to hospital staff for a nominal fee.
We are asking that anyone who is registering, email Bess Abrahams, the IMPACT Yoga teacher, at beabraha@montefiore.org or call 917 716 5077 and let her know what type of cancer is involved, the age of the student and any other particulars that might be important (location of tumor, age, stage, etc...), so that Dr. Moody can make sure to discuss that particular type of cancer. Obviously, we will keep all student/patient information on a first name basis only. There will be a $20.00 fee for this workshop although no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
This talk will be hosted at a yoga center devoted to yoga therapy run by Alison West and Deborah Wolk.
WHERE: The Yoga Union Center for Backcare & Scoliosis 32 West 28th Street (between 6th Avenue and Broadway) 4th floor WHEN: May 20th TIME: 12:00-1:30pm RSVP: beabraha@montefiore.org or 917 716 5077
The Samarya Center is offering IMT Basics and IMT Level 1 training workshops this summer. Workshops are appropriate for anyone who wants to learn about how to use yoga for healing, including therapists, teachers, parents, and yoga teachers.
Integrated Movement Therapy® is a holistic therapy approach for people of all ages, using yoga’s philosophical, physical and spiritual framework in conjunction with conventional neuro-physiological perspectives to address unique challenges, including: chronic pain, depression, stroke, MS, Autism, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, and anxiety. Click here to learn more about IMT.
IMT Basics is a five-hour introductory course that focuses on:
The evolution of IMT, including its roots in both yoga and traditional clinical field.
The underlying philosophies of IMT.
The ingredients for an optimal learning environment.
A basic understanding of how neural pathways are built in the brain.
The six core principles of IMT and how these provide a framework for therapy.
IMT Basics Friday, May 30 in Portland, Oregon also: Saturday, June 14 in Seattle, Washington also: Friday, July 11 in Seattle, Washington
IMT Level 1 focuses on providing a more in-depth understanding of IMT’s holistic framework and its application during assessment and treatment. The workshop format is discussion with lots of experiential learning, including yoga postures and practical activities.
IMT & Adults Level 1, May 31 - June 1 in Portland IMT & Teens Level 1, July 11 - 13 in Seattle IMT & Adults Level 1, September 5-7 in Seattle
A percentage of the Portland training proceeds will support Street Yoga, an organization that teaches yoga to homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness.
Sankalpah Yoga holds community classes to benefit a different charity each month! For May, 2008, in an effort to raise money for a local Habitat for Humanity project, they will be holding:
$8 Community Classes 2:00-3:15 p.m. 16, 17, 18. The classes will be taught by all of the teachers of Sankalpah Yoga as an offering of their teaching skills to the community.
A workshop with Jude & Isaac 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, minimum donation $25.
Jude, Isaac, and the Sankalpah Yoga Teachers are happy to volunteer their teaching & time to support a worthy cause. If you cannot attend the community classes or workshop, feel free to give a donation to the front desk. Please visit the Sankalpah Yoga web site or contact them for more information.
Note for specific needs students: These classes are in this studio's tradition. If you would like to attend, please visit the site and contact them to make sure you can be accommodated.
Street Yoga offers free yoga, wellness and meditation classes to homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness in Portland and Seattle. Their mission includes helping homeless youth increase their physical, emotional and spiritual strength, stamina and flexibility so they can better meet their own core needs. They work closely with service providers striving to help homeless youth secure safe housing, nutritious food, accessible health care, employment, clean clothing, educational choices and human dignity. Please watch the video above and visit their site for more information.
This training will focus on homeless youth, and youth at-risk of homelessness. This latter group includes youth who have been involved in the foster care system, youth from homeless families, young people who have been physiclaly, sexually and emotionally abused, youth in detention, and youth who identify as a sexual or gender minority. Youth who are homeless or in transtional living situations spend much of their time and energy devising strategies for survival on the streets. This leaves precious little time for rest or personal reflection. Street Yoga offers these youth accessible, non-threatening environments in which to take off their backpacks and to experience strength and stillness in both body and mind.
Street Yoga highly values direct, compassionate action. In this training, you will receive practical, real world knowledge and techniques that will assist you in teaching at-risk youth. You will also be encouraged to dig into your personal experience in order to draw out your own courage and compassion as a teacher.
Street Yoga does not prescribe a strict methodology for bringing yoga to youth. Instead, we will cover the basic techniques we have found most useful and will present a brief sketch of the challenges faced by these young people. You can expect to learn:
Population characteristics and backgrounds.
Communication techniques, including conflict prevention and de-escalation.
Useful yoga postures and sequences, including ideas for special populations.
Common challenges to creating and maintaining a yoga program for youth.
How to work effectively with organizations and use resources efficiently.
This training is open to individuals of all levels and backgrounds. Whether you have been teaching for years or are just beginnning to share mindfulness practices with others, we simply ask you to begin where you are and share what you know.
Going into the training, we see three goals, for which we set our intention:
That you will develop your confidence and skills to teach homeless youth, and youth at-risk of homelessness.
That you will better understand the connections between youth homelessness, and foster care, a history of childhood abuse, family rejection and poverty.
That you will feel inspired to volunteer to teach yoga to homeless youth in Portland, or to create a program of your own in your part of the world.
This training is open to everyone, with a special invitation to every kind of teacher, administrator and caregivers. Previous Yoga or healthcare experience is helpful but not necessary.
Creative Yoga Therapy (CYT)™ is a unique, proven and effective method for sharing Yoga with those who are frail, fragile, assisted elderly, disabled, impaired (including Alzheimer's & dementia), at-risk, in chronic pain and last stages (dying)–and their Caregivers.
Training starts with an evening workshop, Introduction to Creative Yoga Therapy: How to Better Share Yoga with Those Who are Extremely Sick and Suffering, during which you will learn about the rewards, challenges and many possibilities for treating advanced sickness and acute suffering with this joyful, user-friendly therapeutic Yoga approach.
The Level 1 Training (21 hours) continues with Tools & Empowerment Skills for Better Sharing Yoga with Those Who are Extremely Sick & Their Caregivers. The CYT Level I Certification Curriculum includes:
Learning about the many rewards, challenges and job possibilities in this field.
Basic CYT class format & teaching skills.
Adapting Yoga for seemingly very challenging situations.
How to integrate CYT in current medical and educational structures.
Ways to maintain health, balance & longevity in this kind of service.
Discerning one's unique role in sharing Yoga with the very needy and their caregivers.
Note that the introductory workshop also will be offered at Integral Yoga Institute July 9. Click here for more information. Level I training also will be offered at Integral Yoga Institute in NYC in the Fall.
Reconnect with yourself via the essence and techniques of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy in both group and individual self-exploratory sessions. Daily gentle-moderate yoga classes, meditation time, supportive circles, private yoga therapy sessions, deep self-reflection, community, and outdoor activities combine to rejuvenate and soothe your soul while renewing your relationship to yourself and others. Open to all; no training in yoga or yoga therapy is needed.
In order to stay informed when new workshops are scheduled, class times change, new classes are developed, classes are cancelled, and more, A Red Lotus relies heavily on a great free service, ChangeDetection. It monitors web pages for changes and automatically emails notifications of those changes. The email links to a log of the changes as well as to the page itself, making it much easier to find what's been changed. Anyone can use the service to monitor any website page for changes. It does not work well with frequently changed pages (unless the webmaster adds some extra code) and there are fancier, more complicated monitoring services out there, but ChangeDetection is an invaluable tool!
This Red Queen Lotus fractal art image is available on a wide variety of products from Grand Delusions. They'll even customize them if you ask them to.
Any experience level is welcome to this monthly class, with different theme each time. Learn to use your digital camera to dynamically express your experiences. Discuss your favorite photos in class as you discover how to create art, uniquely from your soul. Learn about a variety of styles and techniques.
At the end of 6 months, whether you've attended once or every class, your best photo will be shown at an auction-soiree, with proceeds going to benefit inner city art programs!
Classes are limited to twenty participants. Your photo mission for the month will be emailed to you when you register by calling 212.243.5995 or online.
Attuning the seven chakras—or energy centers within the body—brings a sense of calm and wellbeing. Each chakra correlates with a section of the body, and each has emotional and physical connotations. For example, the first chakra has to do with survival and a sense of safety.
Workshop participants will do gentle yoga postures to stimulate the chakras and become acquainted with the sounds and colors associated with them. The class will end with a guided visualization through the chakras, leaving you in a relaxed and vibrant state.
Red Lotus ProductionsRed Lotus Productions collaborates with charitable organizations to educate the public, highlighting the charitable organization's mission and supporting its efforts through benefit events. They plan, produce and promote these benefit events. Even charitable organizations who thought they could never afford or manage a benefit event now have simple and effective means to their goal with the assistance of Red Lotus Productions.
This benefit event is co-sponsored by Integral Yoga Institute and Jivamukti Yoga School.
In addition to the movie premiere, the event includes: Kirtan with Krishna Das; a panel discussion with filmmakers Joshua M. Greene and Shiva Kumar, Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon, and Integral Yoga president Swami Ramananda; and a special appearance by artist Peter Max.
The birth of the modern Yoga movement and its impact on the world chronicled in this documentary. Click here to view the trailer.
As a person with MS and a Kripalu yoga teacher, Karen O'Donnell created Teaching Adaptive Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis as continuing education for yoga teachers and health care professionals interested in offering yoga to students who may have limited access or ability to attend traditional yoga classes. Many of the teachers who have taken this training are now teaching specialized classes for students who have MS or more skillfully including people with MS in multi-level classes.
While the focus is on multiple sclerosis, this skills based workshop is applicable to other student populations who need an adaptive approach. Karen also offers more general workshops to help train instructors to teach adaptive yoga.
