Dear Friends,

February is here, bringing cold weather (finally) and the holiday that we often have mixed feelings about -- Valentine’s Day. Usually our feelings about Valentine’s Day range from dreamy romantic, when we have a partner that we love, to avoidant, when we don’t, to everything in-between. We often feel we have to have that one particular person in order to enjoy this holiday.

This year, I’d like to suggest that we expand our definition of our beloved. Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day with everyone and everything that we love, including perhaps our children, our cats or dogs, our dear friends, our fellow yoga students, or even our favorite tree. Consider making Valentine’s Day simply a chance to commit ourselves to sending a little more love their way.

And since I’ve been in a poetry mood lately, I thought I would share a love poem that is very very dear to me. This poem was written by Gardner Brown, an eccentric Dupont Circle-area artist, who was involved in my meeting my partner, Paul. I’ll save that story for another time. One night before our wedding, Gardner came to our apartment, quite intoxicated, with this poem as a gift for us. We asked him to read it at our wedding, which he did. Later that night, he goosed my Grandma’s behind.

I think it can apply to any sort of beloved. I offer it to you, with love.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Annie

This then the moment
Witnessed
Affirmed
Indelibly Irreversible
In recognition of a simple truth
Abandoning higher superlatives
We stand
All private contests
Now lost or won
Leaving steadfast in that brilliant residue
The brave confession of not being able to part
And
Yes
Prepared in advance for
Expectations
Aspirations
Awes and joys
Hopes and tears
All these but unruly children cavorting
Within the sanctuary
And rising far above these loyal words
Lingering beneath dreams
A final separate inquiry
Banished only by the vision
Of a far better me smiling back from behind your eyes
Proclaiming
This moment
A fortress of safe surrender
A birthing like others
Demanding
Commanding
Alarming
Disarming
All combined to freely flow
On warmer seas of discovery
Not just of man and woman
Wife and husband
But in cleaner definition
Celebration
Our delivered
Assignment
Resolute though tender
Abundantly bathed in glistening gratitude
Profoundly respecting those countless energies
Here assembled
Embracing this moment
For a presentation
For those who care to see
Gathered
Here
With
You
And
Me
The
Dedicated
Spectacle
Of
Us

Nia
Saturday, January 27, 11:30 am–12:30 pm, $20
Nia is an expressive, barefooted, dance/fitness practice that blends Eastern and Western movement arts, including Tai Chi, Tai Kwon Do, Aikido, Yoga, Jazz, and Modern Dance. Formatted like a traditional exercise class, including a warm-up, cardiovascular component, and floor play, Nia is safe for all ages and body shapes and is presented in levels of intensity so you can choose the degree of movement that's right for you. Within each class, you'll find a different intention and focus, with various styles of music such as reggae, jazz, classical, world beat and celtic creating a fun and movable environment. With Amy Liss, a Nia Brown Belt instructor. Her goal is to share her love of movement with others, and, through Nia, to help people heal through movement.

Happy Body, Happy Mind (5–8 years old)
Sunday, January 28, 1:30–3:00 pm, $30
In this workshop, kids will learn the basics of creating a healthy body, including movement and yoga, nutrition, and mindfulness. Includes a healthy snack. with Karen Schachter, MSW, Budding Yogis certified teacher.

Reiki Level I
Saturday, February 3, 12–6 pm, $95
Reiki is an ancient healing practice with origins in the Tibetan sutras, and is a method of connecting universal energy (chi) with the body’s innate powers of healing through a fully-clothed gentle touch. This training is a beginning level for those wishing to learn how to use Reiki methods with family and friends. With Susan Kilborn.

Yoga for Depression
Sunday, February 4, 1:30–4:00 pm, $50
Yoga is an ideal strategy to lift feelings of depression. This workshop will teach you breathing techniques and postures to brighten your mood. We will explore a variety of yoga practices, including asanas, breathing practices (pranayama), and meditation that can help bring us back into emotional balance and diminish the symptoms of depression and anxiety. We will look at ways to meet our experience with a heart of compassion and to develop practices that can alleviate suffering, as well as release the impact of traumatic stress that may reside in our bodies. With Karen Soltes, a clinical social worker and yoga teacher (see www.circleyoga.com for bio).

Infant Massage
Three Mondays, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, Apr. 9, 11 am–1 pm, $30 for one adult and one baby
This workshop is a hands-on instructional forum for babies and their caretakers (mom, dad, nanny, nana, etc.) and is ideal for babies one to six months (alert but not yet crawling). Where the ancient and modern intertwine, learn proven techniques to sooth, calm, and stimulate baby, and begin to establish healthy touch boundaries for both giver and receiver. With Luann Fortune, LMT. Luann is a longtime Northwest DC resident, instructor, and practitioner of massage therapy (see www.circleyoga.com for bio).

Integrated Movement Therapy Basics
Friday, February 9, 11 am–4 pm, $75
Integrated Movement Therapy® (IMT) is a holistic therapy approach for people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood, who live daily with special needs. Using yoga based movement and breathing techniques a Masters-level therapist addresses the unique challenges of people with special needs in a calm, supportive and nurturing environment. This IMT Basics workshop is a prerequisite for any IMT Level 1 training. Students must take Basics one time only. With Stephanie Hager of The Samarya Center in Seattle. See www.samaryacenter.com for bio and more information about IMT.

Integrated Movement Therapy, Level 1: Yoga Based Therapy Techniques for Teens and Adults
Friday, February 9–Sunday, February 11, $350, combined with Basics, $360
Hours: Friday 5–8 pm, Saturday, 12:30–5:30 pm, and Sunday 1:30–6:30pm
Integrated Movement Therapy® is a holistic therapy approach for people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Using yoga based movement and breathing techniques, in this comprehensive workshop, a Masters-level therapist addresses the unique challenges of teens and adults with special needs in a calm, supportive and nurturing environment. This workshop is intended for medical professionals, care-givers, educators, mental health counselors, and anyone else interested in learning how yoga can be used as a tool for working successfully with teens and adults, especially those with special needs. This workshop is also appropriate for yoga teachers and yoga therapists who would like to gain more experience in teaching yoga to all types of people. In this workshop, you will learn some of the basic concepts underlying I.M.T., and be given the tools you will need to incorporate them into your own work with teens and adults. A 10% discount is offered for registrations received three weeks before start of the workshop. With Stephanie Hager of The Samarya Center in Seattle. See www.samaryacenter.com for bio and more information about IMT.

Couples Massage
Saturday, February 10, 4:30–8:30 pm, $180/couple
This workshop will introduce a variety of massage techniques for your partner or friend. We will learn basic Swedish technique, trigger points, Reiki, and some deep tissue and bodywork techniques. We will provide tables and cushions, lotion, and sheets for draping. Each partner will receive a one hour massage from their partner during the workshop. Workshop limited to 6 pairs only so please register early. With Eduardo Cortina, NCBTMB, CST. Eduardo is a certified Massage therapist, CranioSacral therapist, and teaches Alexander Technique and T'ai Chi.

Daddy & Me Yoga (5–10 year olds)
Sunday, February 11, 10–10:45 am, $20/pair, $14 each additional participant
This class is designed especially for dads and their kids to share the joy of yoga. It will give dads the opportunity to have a special hour with their kids, have some fun and do some yoga. We’ll be doing yoga poses, interactive partner poses, playing yoga games, and of course, relaxing. No yoga experience is necessary. With Linda Feldman, Director of Budding Yogis (see bio at www.buddingyogis.com).

Parent/Child Yoga
Sunday, February 11, 11 am–12 pm, $20/pair, $14 each additional participant
Family Yoga offers kids and parents a chance to practice yoga together. Classes are structured like kids yoga classes with more emphasis on interactive and partner poses for kids and adults to do together. No yoga experience necessary.

Unleash Your Inner Dog-Pose
Saturday, February 24, 11 am–12:30 pm, $20
Does Down Dog leave you howling the blues, or have you wagging your puppy tail in delight? In this workshop, we'll focus on some of the most common pesky "fleas" of this pose: sore wrists, achy shoulders, and tight hamstrings. We'll break this fundamental pose into its components, work with partners, and find a sense of ease and joy. At the end of the workshop, participants will answer the age-old riddle, Down Dog, is it an inversion, forward bend, or back bend? With Jill M (see www.circleyoga.com for bio).

Barefoot Beats
Saturday, February 24, 7–7:45 pm, $30/family
Celebrate Winter with your family, and free your spirit, mind, and body by moving to the beats of music from around the world. No dance or yoga experience necessary. With Judi Sperber, who conducts dance, art, and music workshops with kids of all ages and families.

Introduction to Back Bending
Sunday, February 25, 2–4 pm, $30
Come and study with Annie's teacher Kate Miller, one of the country's foremost Anusara Yoga teachers. Kate will teach you to open your body and heart with a workshop on backbends. Using the great power of the Universal Principles of Alignment, we will tap into the freedom of the upper back and shoulders. This Anusara workshop is sure to give you the leverage to start moving into a deeper back-bending practice. With Kate Miller (see www.circleyoga.com for bio).

Yoga for Soccer Players (ages 7–12)
Saturday, March 3, 3–4 pm, $18
Learn stretches that will help your child stay flexible all through the soccer season, and learn yoga poses that will strengthen core muscles, recommended by sports medicine doctors and physical therapists for all athletes. In addition, young athletes, will learn relaxation and de-stressing techniques that will help them leave the game on the field when it’s over. With Annie Mahon (see www.circleyoga.com for bio).

Finding your Family’s Hidden Food Allergies: An interactive workshop for families (ages 7+)
Sunday, March 4, 12–2 pm, $40/parent+child
In this workshop, we will discover tools to help ferret out hidden food allergens that could be causing some of your family’s health difficulties, including bloating, digestive disorders, mood swings, and aching joints. We will learn how to discover the allergies, and how to best work with them. With Tricia McCauley of Nutricia Consulting. Tricia McCauley is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Severe food allergies began her journey with food and cooking almost 20 years ago. She believes there is no one right diet that’s right for everyone. Through her company, Nutricia Consulting, Tricia teaches individuals and workshop participants to become detectives in the quest to discover their unique nutritional needs.

Yoga to Relieve Chronic Pain
Saturday, March 10, 3–5 pm, $40
If you have frequent aches and pains, chronic neck and back tension, arthritis, or fibromyalgia, this workshop will help you learn useful tools to use in your daily life. Several research studies have found that yoga can significantly improve the well-being of people living with chronic pain. This workshop will explore the use of gently moving yoga postures, mindfulness exercises, body and breath awareness, stretching, and deep relaxation to help you live more comfortably. With Lyne Picard, Licensed Chiropractor and Yoga Instructor

Our Anniversary Party! Circle Yoga and Budding Yogis Celebrate 4 years!
Saturday, March 17, 2007

Balance your Life through Yoga and Healthy Eating
Sunday, March 18, 3–5 pm, $50 (includes a healthy snack)
In this workshop we will explore the yin and yang of movement and eating. We will discuss the energies of different types of foods, including those that you normally consume. We will practice yoga to activate new energies, and we’ll discuss how to make manageable changes to your eating habits with the help of your yoga practice. We will practice yoga nidra (a deep relaxation state) to help set our intentions for a healthier more balanced life-style. With Annie Mahon, Director of Circle Yoga (see www.circleyoga.com for bio), and Karen Schachter, a licensed clinical social worker, MSW, and health counselor who combines her social work experience with her nutrition and health knowledge allowing her to specialize in helping busy families. Karen has also received a Budding Yogis certification.

FREE Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
Tuesday, March 27, 7–8:30 pm, FREE
Learn about mindfulness and basic meditation techniques. Wonderful for people who want to start a meditation practice, and those interested in learning more about mindfulness. With Annie Mahon of Circle Yoga.

Integrated Movement Therapy for Adults, Level 2: An Introduction to Yoga Based Therapy Techniques for Teens and Adults
Friday, April 13–Sunday, April 15, $425
Hours: Friday 5–9 pm, Saturday 12:30– 6 pm, Sunday 1:30–7 pm
Integrated Movement Therapy® is a holistic therapy approach for people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Using yoga based movement and breathing techniques, in this comprehensive workshop, a Masters-level therapist addresses the unique challenges of teens and adults with special needs in a calm, supportive and nurturing environment. This workshop is for anyone who has completed the IMT Basics and Level 1 workshops and is intended for medical professionals, care-givers, educators, mental health counselors, yoga teachers, and yoga therapists who would like to gain more knowledge of IMT practices as related to all types of people with special needs. In this workshop, you will learn more detail of the concepts underlying I.M.T., and be given the tools you will need to incorporate them into your own work with teens and adults. A 10% discount is offered for registrations received three weeks before start of the workshop. With Molly Kenny of The Samarya Center in Seattle. See www.samaryacenter.com for bio and more information about IMT.

Integrated Movement Therapy Basics
Friday, June 22, 11 am–4 pm, $75
Integrated Movement Therapy® (IMT) is a holistic therapy approach for people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood, who live daily with special needs. Using yoga based movement and breathing techniques a Masters-level therapist addresses the unique challenges of people with special needs in a calm, supportive and nurturing environment. This IMT Basics workshop is a prerequisite for any IMT Level 1 training. Students must take Basics one time only. With Stephanie Hager of The Samarya Center in Seattle. See www.samaryacenter.com for bio and more information about IMT.

Integrated Movement Therapy, Level 1: Yoga Based Therapy Techniques for Teens and Adults
Friday, June 22–Sunday, June 24, $350, combined with Basics, $410
Hours: Friday 5–8 pm, Saturday, 12:30–5:30 pm, and Sunday 1:30–6:30 pm
Integrated Movement Therapy® is a holistic therapy approach for people of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. Using yoga based movement and breathing techniques, in this comprehensive workshop, a Masters-level therapist addresses the unique challenges of teens and adults with special needs in a calm, supportive and nurturing environment. This workshop is intended for medical professionals, care-givers, educators, mental health counselors, and anyone else interested in learning how yoga can be used as a tool for working successfully with teens and adults, especially those with special needs. This workshop is also appropriate for yoga teachers and yoga therapists who would like to gain more experience in teaching yoga to all types of people. In this workshop, you will learn some of the basic concepts underlying I.M.T., and be given the tools you will need to incorporate them into your own work with teens and adults. A 10% discount is offered for registrations received three weeks before start of the workshop. With Stephanie Hager of The Samarya Center in Seattle. See www.samaryacenter.com for bio and more information about IMT.

Integrated Movement Therapy, Level 2: Yoga Based Therapy Techniques for Children
Dates TBD, with Molly Kenny, $425
Hours: Friday 5–9 pm, Saturday, 12:30–6 pm, and Sunday 1:30–7 pm

Spring Registration begins for current students – March 19, 2007
Spring Open registration begins March 26, 2007

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