Workshops & Events

July Workshops

Somatics Education Master Class: Intro to Freeing the Psoas

Friday, July 30th 5:15pm- 6:30pm

Somatic Education for Freeing the Psoas is a class that focuses on gaining better control of the psoas in order for it to move in balance with a group of muscles, including thepsoas, iliacus, abdominals, spinal extensors, hip joint flexors and extensors, and flexors of the ankles/feet, which all cooperate in walking movements. Poor coordination(generally through over-contraction or non-responsiveness of one or more of these "players") leads to dysfunction of the others and often to back pain or pain in the pelvis area as well as the interruption of proper movement of the hip. To just strengthenthe abdominal muscles or stretch the psoas are often misguided efforts to correct problems - which explains why, even though abdominal strengthening and stretchingexercises are so popular, back pain is still so common.

Psoas problems are really movement and control problems (dysfunctions of "muscle memory/movement habit" problems). Somatics education uses neuro-muscularreprogramming techniques that get at the source of the problem of tight or dysfunctional muscles which involves changing the programming of how the braincommunicates to the muscle. The brain controls the tension level of the psoas muscles as part of its control of posture and movement (postural reflexes). Neither abdominal strengthening nor psoas stretching exercises can change postural reflexes, which controlwhole-body balance and coordination. In order to correct psoas dysfunction you needretrain the postural reflexes through neuro-muscular reprogramming.

The Class
The principles of Clinical Somatic Education are based on neuroscience and how the brain and muscles work together and offers gentle and easy exercises that are appropriate for all fitness levels and results in greater ease in movement. Not only will you learn a set of gentle exercises that you can do on your own to help create more ease in movement of your psoas and the complex of muscles that coordinate with it such as
your abdominals, back, leg, and foot muscles. The following populations commonly attend these classes:
* Seniors with arthritis or chronic tension or stiffness
* Athletes/dancers/fitness enthusiasts/musicians, etc. who depend on fine-tuned physical movements
* Yoga or other mind-body movement practitioners/instructors
* Those interested in medication-free ways to prevent and alleviate pain, chronic tension, and stiffness

For those unfamiliar with somatic education, other closely related modalities relying on similar principles include neuromuscular rehabilitation and the Feldenkrais methods, although there are some differences in techniques and overall application. Most exercises will be done lying on the floor, with small amounts of walking and observing that can be modified for those with limitations. The instructor has 1 table that
can be reserved for someone who is unable to easily get down and up from the floor.

Bring to class: yoga mat, blanket, or exercise pad to lie on and an open mind for learning.

Instructor: Kim Kies is a Clinical Somatic Educator who is certified through a 3 year training program at the Somatics System Institute. She has worked with movement modalities for over 25 years in the Martial Arts and is completing her Ph.D. in Human Science, focusing on transformation and change through inner awareness practices.
For specific questions contact the instructor, Kim Kies, at 715-403-5241 or email somaticwellbeing@gmail.com. More information can also be viewed on the website at www.somaticwellbeing.com

Pre-registration required for this Master Class and space is limited. For registration-- find this event under "REGISTRATION CLASSES" on our online registration system. Cost is just $15.

 

September Workshops 

Working with the Back Bender with Theresa Evans

Thursday, September 23, 2010 from 6:00- 8:30pm

Many of us know the deep feeling of being energized after practicing a nice back bending class. For some of us though, this sensation is quickly replaced with an aching in our low back or tension in the shoulders and neck. To safely move into back bending positions and to avoid this stress in our low backs, the entire spine must be free to lengthen and participate in the movement. Use of the arch helps us to free up the entire front of the body, making space for a deep and luscious backbend in a safe and supported manner. In this workshop you will learn a series of poses using the arch that release the front of the body. Just as with the strip – the principles of the arch are based on the breath, pressure and relaxation.

Theresa Evans of Stone Path Yoga Studio leads us through this workshop, open to all levels. If you are currently working with a back injury, please email Theresa at stonepathyoga@gmail.com.

Cost is $25.00 pre-registration required.

 

Constellating the Soul: Untangling Our Lives with Darcy Cunningham

Saturday, September 25, 2010  9:00am- 5:30pm (with a lunch break)

In this approach, a map is a view of our inner-most landscape, focused with the laser of our deepest longings. This map highlights those elements of our soul which influence particular yearnings. Through this almost mysterious process we can “feel” the influences of the systems we were born into and live in, and of the, often blindly loving, choices of our past; we can feel the quality of the flow of Love and Life (or lack of)

~Experience how we are bound/entangled in past events and circumstances in our lives and families in ways that limit our ability to fully embrace life, love fully, and die well.
~Experience “soul”
~Take away images and “timeless truths” that you can choose to live in order to enhance your own life and the lives of your family. Contact your deepest longings for your own life
~Directly experience our interconnectedness as humans. 

In this workshop we will map people (living and dead), places, concepts, loyalties, and even events not consciously known about, to explore the interrelationships, the order, the blockages. As we place representatives into position to create these maps, they are able to report the positional experience at that point in the system. Move one part and the system changes and we can then learn that too. Through witnessing these constellations, movements, and maps we see the infinite and loving ways that systems adapt in seeking truth and order, often blindly, so that we begin to develop a deep compassion for all human beings, supporting a more non-judgmental stance, bringing us closer to the yogic and tantric guidance to “Love All and Exclude None.”

Fee is $95 for this day long workshop. pre-registration required and space is limited, so sign up today! 

 

October Workshops

Tanya Boigenzahn Sowards Workshop Series Oct 22 & 23, 2010

Tanya (Boigenzahn) Sowards, RYT 500, RTT, CHTP, started practicing yoga since the early 90s and has been teaching since 1996. She devotes her life to sharing the gifts of yoga, wellness and well-being with clarity, ease, and joy while keeping in mind the constant evolution of the soul.

Priced individually or attend all three for $130.

 

Sankalpa Workshop with Tanya Boigenzahn Sowards

Friday Oct 22 | 6-8pm

Ever wonder why those New Year's Resolutions or commitments to self improvement never stick? In this workshop, turn your intentions towards reality by using ancient and time-tested yoga techniques such as understanding Samskara (impressions on our subconscious that get in the way of our own happiness through habit, negation and simple disbelief) and Sankalpa (positive intentions that affirm the root of your deepest desires).

Tanya will help guide you to come up with your own personal sankalpa to use over the next 6-18 months. Then we’ll work with asana and meditation to help deepen your connection to this sankalpa, leaving you feeling energized and optimistic! All levels welcome.

Cost for individual workshop is $40 pre-registration or $50 at the door. Priced individually or attend all three for $130.

 

Exploring the Rocket Series with Tanya Boigenzahn Sowards

Saturday Oct 23 | 9-11:30am

The “Rocket” is a vinyasa flow class with an emphasis on 1st, 2nd, 3rd Ashtanga Series Sequences that has been popular at Yoga North since Tanya introduced to us three years ago. Have fun and stretch your yogi limits in this creative and dynamic class designed for yogis who want to explore a variety of challenging poses while still earning the benefits of a steady and dedicated practice.

This invigorating routine wakes up the nervous system and rejuvenates the mind. Focus on back bending, arm balancing, inversions, and spinal twisting. Students are encouraged to do what you can, smile a lot, and to practice ahimsa. Bliss out with a challenging and enriching yoga practice that will awaken your soul, cleanse your body, and make you feel divine!

Cost for individual workshop is $50 for pre-registration or $60 at the door. Priced individually or attend all three for $130.

 

Inner Fire Vinyasa Workshop with Tanya Boigenzahn Sowards

Saturday Oct 23 | 1:30-4:00pm

In this flow-based workshop, inspired from the ParaYoga® tradition, learn effective pranayama, mudras, kriyas, and meditation techniques to bring out your inner light, plus expand your knowledge of yoga philosophy by studying passages from the Yoga Sutras and other relevant texts. Flow through a variety of Sun Saluations, standing, and seated poses at the pace and intensity based on your individual needs. Workshop several poses/techniques to help fine- tune more difficult aspects in your practice. Continue to explore poses and their building blocks (i.e. modifications) such as Full Bridge Pose, Forearm Balance, Handstand and Headstand. Bring your requests! Mixed levels.

Cost for individual workshop is $50 for pre-registration or $60 at the door. Priced individually or attend all three for $130.

 

November Workshops 

Awaken To Joy with Laura Erdman- Luntz

Friday, Nov 19th, 7:00pm- 8:30pm

Discover joy in the life you are already living! Join Laura as she leads a discussion on topics covered in her new book: ways to help you move beyond the ordinary to bring greater peace into your life, creating more open and loving relationships with your friends and family, finding harmony with your co-workers and joy in your work, and bringing more patience, love, and compassion to your relationship with your spouse and children. Please call or visit us online to register for one or both events. 

Cost: Free (Donations appreciated for Teacher Training Scholarship Fund)

 

Goal Setting from the Heart with Laura Erdman- Luntz

Saturday, November 20, 2010  9:30am- 4:30pm

Join Laura as she combines the beauty of yoga with the power of your imagination to create the life of your dreams. Using yoga, breathing, visualizations, discussions, and personal work, she will guide you through releasing that which no longer serves you, embracing what you want more of in your life, and surrendering to the grace and gratitude of the moment. A CD with the recordings from the day will be available for purchase at the workshop. Register online or call to sign up.

If you are ready to find true transformation in your life, this workshop is for you. 

Fee (including workbook):  $85 in advance or $95 at the door.
  

Check back for more upcoming workshops