Happenings

Join Julie Lifton on Saturday May 1st, 2-4:30pm 

When we practice yoga there is a therapeutic clearing of our energy that transcends language, even culture. Our healing can be greater when we become conscious of some of the universal, cultural and personal notions that are already present in our yoga practice. In this workshop we will use our imaginations to explore yoga on another level.  Along with a deep asana practice, discussion and writing will be included.  Come and experience another way that yoga can enhance your evolution! Open to all levels.

Fee: $30

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

Join Betsy Ceva for a Merging Movement & Meditation Workshop Sunday, April 25, 9:45am -12:45pm at beautiful Ananda Ashram in Monroe, NY.

Don’t miss the Moving Mantras Performance Group’s yoga-dance concert on Saturday April 24, 8:45pm in the Blue Sky Center at Ananda.

Have you ever felt  restless in your seated meditation? Does your body protest and your mind jump fron thought to thought? Merging Movement & Meditation workshops combine guided movement experiences with divine play and the exploration of Self through the body to access joy, delight and connection.

Included is a focused asana practice that ranges from gentle to vigorous with detailed attention to finding equilibrium in the body, breath and mind. You will investigate meditation in motion using mudra, walking and movement improvisations. You will also learn to embody a word or intention to chant with the whole body and mind. 

Whether you are an experienced dancer, a yoga practitioner, or someone who simply enjoys experession through movement, this weekend retreat will open your heart and free your creativity.  No previous experience is necessary - everyone is welcome.

Fee: $50

To learn more about Moving Mantras visit www.movingmantras.com. For information about the retreat or to register contact ananda@anandaashram.org or visit www.anandaashram.org. 

The retreat with Betsy and Charlene was a relaxing and fun yoga time at Sole East Resort in Montauk. 

The retreat included asana, pranayama, and meditation classes, two nights/three days at beautiful Sole East Resort in Montauk, with delicious meals, a hike in Montauk’s pristine nature preserves, and a performance by Yogi G, father of Komic Yoga.

Join us next year!

Yoga for Kids ages 7-12 with Betsy Ceva, Thursdays 4:30-5:30 through June 10th - Join anytime!

The Birchwood approach to Yoga for Kids incorporates creative, enjoyable exercises that work to deveolp the whole child. Yoga for Kids fosters self-esteem, concentration, physical and emotional equilibrium, and an overall sense of well-being. $14 single class.

Parents can do Yoga too! Parents, take your own class while the kids do yoga. 4:30-5:30 - Everyone is welcome! Single class $14. Regular class cards also accepted.

Drop ins are welcome! For more information email us: info@birchwoodcenter.com

Yoga for Every Body!

New studends can enjoy one month of unlimited yoga for only $40. See our schedule at www.birchwoodcenter.com to choose the class that’s best for you. Drop in anytime before April 30th to take advantage of this great offer.

Namaste!

Discover the Ancient Practice of Yoga Nidra

Sunday, April 11th 3-5:30pm

What if disease isn’t just disease? What if depression isn’t just depression and stress isn’t just stress? What if so many of the problems we experience physically, mentally and emotionally are just manifestations of a variety of deeper causes? The truth of the matter is there is no mind without the body and no body without the mind. What we refer to as body, mind, thoughts, emotions or energy are not separate, but are all part of one seamless system. To treat it as anything less limits our healing potential. Discover the ancient practice of yoga nidra (yogic sleep) that uses a series of body, breath and awareness techniques to take you into a profound level of stillness. Performed in a comfortable reclined position, this technique:

Prevents disease and supports the optimum health of the body from the inside out.

Interrupts the patterns by which thought forms can affect the health of the body.

Resolves root energetic imbalances that manifest as mood swings, excessive worrying of stress.

Allow us to manage the life we have with greater clarity, serenity and balance.

Kamini Desai, PhD developed the core program curriculum for the Amrit Yoga Institute and teaches across the country.Trained at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, with degrees from Smith College and LaSalle University, Kanini is certifies in contact partner yoga, yoga therapy, Danskinetics, and holistic health education. Kamini’s versatile body of teachings applies principles of yoga to everyday life. Her corporate clients have included Sony, Mars Candy Company, and the Department of Defense in the Netherlands.

Pre-registration by April 4th: $35 ~ After April 4th: $40

Call Birchwood to register or email us: 845-358-6409, info@birchwoodcenter.com

A Yoga Dance Workshop with Helena Mertens

Friday March 5th   6:30-9pm   Fee: $35

Dancing Yoga is an exhilarating, creative experience. Join us for a mixture of high energy workout, soulful connection and exuberant fun!

Dancing Yoga will not be foreign to Birchwood students who are familiar with Betsy Ceva’s Moving Mantras - both combine the beauty and joy of danceing with the prayerful connection of Yoga. However, Dancing Yoga is choroegraphed on the mat and is accompanied by different kinds of music. For this workshop we will dance to the Beatles.

You will enjoy this workshop more if you are and intermediate level Yoga practioner or have some dance background.

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

Friday February 19th, 6-9pm, Fee: $30

Join Betsy Ceva to learn how to create a daily meditation practice. You will learn the benefits of meditation, how to sit, about the workings of the mind, a a variety of meditation techniques including Trataka (training the gaze), Ham ‘Sa breath meditation, and the Koshas (five bodies). We will also talk about the obstacles for the Yoga practitioner.  This workshop is part of the Birchwood Center Teacher Training program but everyone is invited.

Call to register: 845-358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.

Massage and Stretch Together for Couples

Sunday February 14th, 2-6pm, $100 per couple

Connect with your partner through breath, movement and touch. Learn how to stretch together and give each other a really great foot, shoulder and neck massage. Betsy Ceva and Charlene Bradin will join forces for this fun and soothing experience. Materials are included.  Everyone is welcome!

Call Birchwood to register: 845-358-6409 or email info@birchwoodcenter.com.

Moving Mantras~Merging Movement & Meditation with Betsy Ceva

Saturday February 13th, 1:30-4:30  Sponsored by the Yoga Teachers Association

YTA members: $35     Non-members: $45

Have you ever felt restless in your seated meditation? Does your body protest and your mind jump from thought to thought? Have you ever imagined that by embodying your meditation you could remember your true self and let it out to play? Moving Mantras-Merging Movement & Meditation workshops combine guided movement experiences with divine play and the exploration of Self through the body, peeling away self consciousness to access joy, delight and connection. Come prepared to move and be move in the safety of like souls. Letting go of the inner critic, open you heart and free your creativity in the spirit of non-judgment. No previous experience is necessary - everyone is welcome!

The workshop includes a focused asana practice that ranges from gentle to vigorous with detailed attention to finding equilibrium in body, breath and mind. Through creative exploration you will investigate meditation in motion, using mudra, walking, and other movement patterns.

To learn more about Betsy Ceva and Moving Mantras visit www.movingmantras.com.

For more information about the workshop or to register call: Michael Sassano 914-478-0694 or email info@ytayoga.com