Happenings

An Ancient Prescription for Moden Health Care with Scott Gerson, MD, PhD (Ayu) 

Saturday January 24th, 1-4pm  Fee: $60

This workshop, targeted towards yoga practitioners but open to the public, provides a comprehensive introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine. It will include a clear and concise presentation of the basic principles of Ayurvedic Medicine. Participants will learn about their own Ayurvedic constitution, learn about their optimal diet, daily routines to promote health, and safe and effective Ayurvedic herbs and preparations, including time-tested home remedies.

This workshop is taught by Scott Gerson, MD., M. Phil. (Ayurveda, PhD (Ayurveda) one of the nation’s foremost Ayurvedic physicians and researchers.

To register please call 845-358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.

Yoga Dance Choreography by Betsy Ceva - Two performances January 11

A Moving Mantra expresses the body’s inner voice through shape, imagery and movemnt, translating the harmony of meditation into dance. It is a formula of moving symbolism, creative expression and prayer.

A diverse company of Nyack based yogis will perform this integration of yoga, meditation and dance at Grace Episcopal Church on First Avenue at the corner of Franklin in Nyack. 50% of the proceeds from these performances will be donated to Grace Youth Group CYSM Volunteer Service Trips.

Two performances will be held on Sunday January 11th at Grace Episcopal Church: 3:00 and 5:30.

Suggested Donation: $15

Space is limited - reserve your seat by calling 845-358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.

Relax, Renew, and Breathe

Join us in opening the New Year with a calming, nourishing, blissful evening of Restorative Yoga and guided meditation. Restorative Yoga is a gentle, meditative practice that uses supported asanas and slow deep breathing to restore energy by modifying traditional Yoga postures with various props to support the body in deeply comfortable and relaxing ways. Meditation is a simple tool for de-stressing the body and mind in these times of personal turmiol and worldwide crisis. Focusing on the mantra of breath we come into the present moment and the edge of unlimited possibilities.

Friday January 2nd, 6-8pm, taught by Betsy Ceva. Fee: $20

All levels are welcome. Please register by calling Birchwood Center, 845-358-6409, or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.

Due to Holiday closings which fall on Two Thursdays in December the schedule for Liz Schulman’s level III Power Flow class has changed. Liz’s schedule in December is as follows:

Thursday     December 4th     9:15-10:45

Thursday     December 11th   9:15-10:45

Thursday     December 18th   9:15-10:45

Tuesday     December 23rd   9:15-10:45

Tuesday     December 30th   9:15-10:45

Treat Yourself to a Day of Relaxation and Renewal with Restorative Yoga and MassageTherapy.

Sunday December 14th

Choose and Restorative Yoga class at 12:45-1:45 or 2:15-3:15 and enjoy a 15 minute massage sampler between 1:00 and 3:00.

Restorative Yoga with Betsy Ceva is based on a yin style of yoga that uses deep stretching of the connective tissue to relax your body and still your mind. This practice modifies traditional yoga postures using various props to support the body in deeply comfortable and relaxing ways. You will sleep better and move easier after this class.

The Wonder of Touch ~ Touch is a basic human need. We all need touch, as we need light to live and grow. Massage Therapy is the art of touch - a flowing conversation between therapist and client. The therapist’s hands help the body to soften, open, and unravel it’s secret aches and pains. Take care of your body, relax your mind, uplift your spirit with NYS Licensed Massage Therapists Victoria Vaprik, Elizabeth O’Hara, Michelle Van Etten and Susan Cherniak Hyde.

$30 Restorative Yoga and Massage  -  $15 Restorative Yoga only  -  $20 Massage only

Sign up in the Birchwood lobby or register by calling (845) 358-6409

Massage Special for Participants of Relax & Renew Day: Book a one or one and a half  hour massage on December 14th and receive 15% off the price!

Discipline, Self-Awareness and Creative Inspiration

Taught by Liz Schulman    Friday December 5th   6-9pm   Fee:$40

Uncover your own unselfconscious, inspired home practice using Kriya Yoga

In this workshop we will explore Tapas (discipline), Svadyaya (self-awareness) and Ishvara Pranidhana (action with out attachment to results/creative inspiration) to find ways in which to create a personal home practice. Using discussion, journaling, meditation and asana this process will enable you to feel confident exptending your yoga practice beyond the confines of a class, and will help you to tap into your inner teacher. You will leave the workshop with three home practices that you have designed and the inspiration to create many more. Prior yoga experience is suggested and materials are included.

 Liz Schulman E-RYT 500, has been teaching yoga since 1999. Her vinyasa classes are crafted using breath-based, organic movement and choreography. Liz encourages her studentss to build strength, endurance and flexibility safely with the right mix of respect and patience for this challenging but creative practice. She is most inspired by the challenge of making yoga philosophy practical and bringing spirituality into everyday life.

To register call Birchwood 358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.

Thanksgiving Day Yoga - 8:30-10am

Two mixed level classes with Betsy & Charlene

$20 suggested donation per class - All proceeds will go to People to People

What better way to give thanks and share with our comminity than by moving body, mind, and spirit? Please join us on Thanksgiving Day morning for two mixed level classes taught by Betsy Ceva and Charlene Bradin.

The fee for these special classes is $20 - more is welcome, if participants are so moved - and all proceeds will be donated to People to People, a local charity that feeds, clothes, and takes care of kids and families in our area. Due to the donation theme this class is “cash or check only”, no credit cards or class cards.

All other regularly scheduled classes will be cancelled on Thanksgiving. Classes resume as usual on Friday November 28th.

Call Birchwood to reserve a place in class - spaces are limited and going fast. 845-358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com

Choreography by Betsy Ceva

Friday November 14th 8:30pm at Ananda Ashram. $15 at the door.

A Moving Mantra expresses the body’s inner voice through shape, imagery and movement, translating the harmony of meditation into dance. It is a formula of moving symbolism, creative expression and prayer.

 A diverse company of Nyack based yogis will perform this integration of Yoga, meditation and dance, choreographed by Betsy Ceva. Presented at Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY as part of the Merging Movement & Meditation Yoga Immersion Weekend, everyone is invited to this special performance.

To learn more about the performance or the retreat, call Ananda Ashram, 845-782-5575 or visit www.anandaashram.org.

A Yoga Immersion Weekend Retreat with Betsy Ceva at Ananda Ashram

Friday November 14 - Sunday November 16

This weekendand  retreat at Ananda Ashram merges movement, meditation and mantra to explore the essential question “Who am I?” Usingintention, breath and repetition, students will enjoy a focused asana practice that ranges from gentle to vigorous with detailed attention to balancing the physical structure, finding equilibrium in body, breath and mind. Through creative exploration you will investigate meditation in motion, using mudra, walking, and other movement patterns. Find your way into “now” through the body, through inner examination, letting go of old ideas and looking from a new perspctive. Open to experienced beginners through advanced students.

Merging Movement & Meditation Yoga Immersion Weekend includes the Friday evening Moving Mantras performance at 8:30.

Workshop Fee: $160 (does not include accomodations) Register early, space is limited. Call Ananda Ashram: 845-782-5575 or visit www.anandaashram.org.

Be Prepared to Move and Be Moved

An Otiyot Hayyot Movement Workshop with Judith Rose

Sunday November 9th, 2-5pm.  Fee: $40

In the tradition of mystical Judaism, this face of the Divine is called Shekhina. In yogic tradition, She is referred to as Shakti. Etymologically, the word Shakti is related to the word Shekhina, which derives from the Hebrew root, Shakhen, meaning “to dwell” or “to rest upon”.  In this workshop we will engage in an intense exploratiojn of the Hebrew word Shekhina, utilizing the dynamism and beauty of Otiyot Hayyot, literally meanning “Living Letters”. Together we will learn how to “em-body” the five focus letters and weave them choreographically into a graceful and meditative body-chant. As we move together in the passionate space of Mystery, we will put forth the intention of awakening to the Presence of the Divine that rests within all of us. 

Judith Rose is a movement artist, educational consultant, and award winning poet. She is the founder and director of Vital Movement and an Otiyot Hayyot practitioner certified by Dr. Yehudit Goldfarb. Judith maintains a private wellness practice in Nyack.

To register call Birchwood Center: 845-358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.