Events

Kirtan (Sacred Chanting) w/Ashana & Friends
Wednesday, May 22
7PM to 8:30PM

Kirtan (from the Sanskrit word meaning to sing) is a form of folk mantra chanting that arose from the Bhakti movement, ecstatic love poems to the divine, of 15th century India. Their message was simple: Cultivate joy.  This class is an invitation to explore the profound effects of sound and singing as a part of a complete yoga practice. The Yoga of Sound is known as Naad Yoga. Chanting like singing asks us to find union and balance between breath, precision, and surrender. This practice provides an opening to deeply connect both with ourselves and with the Divine. Experiencing the vibration of your own voice can slow your heart rate, alleviate nervousness and stress, and even bring you to higher states of consciousness.

At age twelve, Ashana was accepted to study with Luís García Renart, a renowned student of Pablo Casal’s. Luís was a passionate teacher who helped sculpt Ashana’s musical technique.  Later, she went to the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. At sixteen, she spent an inspirational week there, reconnecting with community living and beginning her practice and study of yoga. At Kripalu, Ashana first learned about the devotional path of Yoga, called Bhakti Yoga, and slowly realized it was her own hearts path. Devotion and romance for the divine inform Ashana’s music and imbue it with a magic that can be felt, seen, and heard. A decade later, Ram Dass helped reveal the perfection of Ashana’s decision to choose the path of devotional music rather than the life of a full-time classical musician. The path of grace was already in her life. Ashana’s harmonic journey continued through performances with the Kripalu Drummers, Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Ram Dass, Uma Reed, Donna De Lory, Danny Birch, Jaya Lakshmi, Daniel Paul, Tatianna Shapiro-Leiste, Lukas Nelson, Udaya Bryce and many others.

Cost is $15. – registration open! – go to ‘workshops’ (please bring your cushion if you have one)
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5 Pranas: The Winds That Fuel Our Existence
Led by Shannon Sonnier
Saturday, May 25
2PM to 4:30PM

Prana is a universal energy that pervades all of life.  There is only one form but it divides into 5 different
movements in relation to our physical existence.  These 5 different movements nourish and cleanse our existence.
The 5 pranas are also known as pancha vayus (5 winds) in Sanskrit.  We will discuss how the movement of these
winds affects our lives on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.  There will be discussion and asana practice
to understand the importance and the roles that each play in our lives. All levels are welcome.
Cost is $30. Go to ‘workshops’ page to register.
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Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga
w/Guest Teacher Jennifer Beyt Coffin
Wednesday, May 29
6:30PM to 8:30PM

Unlock the power of your center! The core is often misunderstood and improperly activated in yoga poses.
The result can be fewer benefits from your practice, loss of power, and increased potential for injury.
Learn the foundational principles that make core strength vinyasa yoga (TM) so unique.
Strengthen from the inside out in new, surprising and much more accessible ways. Enrich the quality
of your attention, wellbeing,  and life on and off the mat, no matter what style of yoga you practice.

Beginning and advanced yoga practitioners are welcome. Yoga teachers can learn techniques that
they can apply in their classes. Cost is $25. Click ‘workshops’ tab at left to register.
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NATIONALLY REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
SUMMER SESSION
June 3 – August 1, 2013
Led by Jerry Smith-Guidry, Lafayette’s only E-RYT 500

Join us and learn from our aspiring teachers. Only $5 per class!
This is another great way to be consistent in your practice and
offer support to our soon to be teachers.

This class is open to all levels.

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FREE Take Shape For Life Info/Tasting Events!
Monday, June 3 @ 7PM and Saturday, June 8 at Noon

Reach Optimal Health and Weight Loss Goals – Learn More at the FREE info/tasting event!
Learn how to incorporate healthy habits to achieve and maintain optimal health.
Safe, rapid results to take it off and keep it off. Feel Better, Look Better, Live Longer.

There will be samples of products for you to taste. Free, but please reserve your spot.
registration open soon on the ‘workshops’ tab

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Restorative Yoga & Meditation w/Shannon Sonnier
Friday, June 14
6PM to 8PM

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life; enjoy a relaxing and restoring evening.

Nurture yourself with this wonderful practice that is often called the “bubble bath” or “dessert” of yoga.  In this practice all poses are done with the support of props and are held for a longer period of time to allow the body to completely release.

We will incorporate pranayama and affirmations into this practice to allow for maximum rejuvenation.  There will be a guided meditation at the end to release anything that may be blocking us from being our highest self.  Participants will need to bring two standard size pillows.  All levels are welcome.  Space is limited to 10 people. Investment is $20.
Registration open soon on the ‘workshops’ tab.
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Yin Yoga Workshop w/Kayla LeMaire
Wednesday, June 26
6PM to 8PM