Dear Friends,
February is the month of Love. With Valentine's Day on February 14, we often think about the people that we love the most, and we honor our relationships with them by giving gifts, and telling them how much they mean to us. I enjoy this tradition very much. I hope that all of you have a chance to honor someone that you love, whether it's a friend, a family member, a teacher, or a life partner.
What we don't often think about during valentine season, is honoring our relationship with the one most dear to us -- ourselves. In our culture, honoring and loving ourselves is usually regarded as selfish and egocentric. In reality, taking care of our own energies -- physical, spiritual, and emotional, actually makes us more whole and more able to open our hearts to others. This is a benefit to all beings, and a gift to the world.
Have you ever listened to your own emotions the way you would listen to your beloved sharing his/her feelings? Have you ever cared for your own body, the way you would for a sick child? Have you ever prioritized your own self-care because you know that it will benefit all of your loved ones? If we see that every one of us is interrelated, then loving and caring for our own energy translates directly into caring for all other beings.
This month, why not set your intention to treat yourself with the same love and compassion that you would treat your special valentine. Feed yourself the most wholesome and delicious food you can, bathe yourself gently and slowly, take time to stretch and move your body in the ways that feel wonderful to you, rest when you feel the need, and embrace your own strong emotions as precious gifts from your deepest self. Ask yourself each day, "How are you feeling today? What would make life more wonderful for you today?" and then see if you can offer what you need to yourself. Your loved ones will benefit and so will all of the rest of us.
Love to you,
Annie
Circle Yoga
It’s easy to Be here
Non-violent Communication
Saturday, February 4, 2–5 pm, $35/person or $60/couple
In this interactive and fun workshop we will learn the basics of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). NVC is a powerful tool that helps us cultivate more compassion toward ourselves and others, to prevent and resolve conflicts and stay present and connected even in the most difficult situations. With Inessa Love, NVC Training and founder of dcnvc.com.
Partner Yoga
Sunday, February 5, 3–5 pm, $40/couple
Couples can truly share the yoga experience as we practice classical poses, partner poses, and relaxation, making this a perfect Valentine’s Day treat. With Cinema.
Yamas and Niyamas
Sunday, February 5, 1–3 pm $25
Come learn about the yamas (abstinences) and niyamas (inner observances): moral disciplines essential to the spiritual development of the yoga student. Learn how applying these ancient principles in your daily living as well as in your practice of the asanas (yoga poses) will allow you to live a more mindful, fulfilling, and harmonious life with yourself and others. These universal principles appear in most of the ancient religions of the world. This workshop will delve deep into the meaning of these disciplines as they relate to the physical exercise of yoga. Practicing the yamas and niyamas can open the door to the inner mysteries of your soul. With Marisa Vargas of Circle Yoga.
IMT for Adults & Teens
Thursday–Sunday, February 9-12, $350, $300 if paid by January 19
Thurs. 1–6 pm, Intro. | Fri. 6:30–9:30 pm | Sat. 12–4 pm | Sun. 10–4 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 adults and teens with special needs in a calm, supportive and nurturing environment. With Molly Kenny of The Samarya Center in Seattle. See www.samaryacenter.com/imt/index.html for more information about Molly Kenny and IMT
Budding Yogis' Family Night: Barefoot Beats
Saturday, February 25, 6:30–7:30 pm, Adults with kids ages 3-10, $30/family
Chase away the winter blues 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.
Worst Enemy/Best Teacher: Surviving and Thriving with the Difficult People in Your Life
Sunday, February 26, 10am–3 pm with author Deidre Combs and Annie Mahon, $115
In this workshop we will practice techniques for facing conflict, especially with difficult people. We will integrate our learning through the practice of yoga asana led by Annie. Includes a light lunch and a copy of Worst Enemy, Best Teacher.
FREE Introduction to Meditation
Tuesday, February 28, 6:30–7:30 pm, $free
Introduction to Teaching Yoga to Kids
Sunday, March 5, 1–3 pm, $50
Do you think you might enjoy teaching yoga to children? Or do you think your child might benefit from learning to relax through the non-competitive practice of yoga? This introductory workshop, intended for teachers and parents, is for anyone interested in learning how to enrich children’s lives with yoga practice. This training course for all levels of experience will focus on making yoga fun for children, using yoga games, teaching specific postures, breathing techniques and guided meditation, and more. Beginners are welcome. Additionally, for those interested in teaching in a class setting, this course will introduce you to the Budding Yogis certification program for Yoga Alliance credits and Public School CEUs coming to Budding Yogis’ Chevy Chase studio soon. With certified instructors Annie Mahon and Linda Feldman. See www.buddingyogis.com for bios.
Yoga stretches for Soccer Players (ages 7–14)
Sunday, March 5, 11–12 am, $18
Young soccer players will learn yoga stretches that will help them prevent injury, stretch muscles commonly used in soccer, and relax stressed-out athletes. With Annie Mahon, Founder and Director of Circle Yoga.
Daddy & Me Yoga (5–10 year olds)
Sunday, March 12, 11–12 am, $18 couple, $12 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.circleyoga.com.
Special Conditions Yoga
With Jenny Otto
Coming Soon
DC Yoga Week!
