Weekly Meditation Begins!

We are so grateful to welcome the Laughing Teabowl Sangha, a local Zen Buddhist group, who will be hosting meditation on Wednesday nights from 7:00-7:45pm.

Basic meditation instruction will be provided for those new to meditation, followed by a 30 minute sit and a short discussion. We have props (blankets, bolsters, blocks) for you to use to create your perfect seat, or feel free to bring your own. 

Two Yoga Series to Begin Sunday!

We are thrilled to be hosting Dr. Wyatt O'Day as he shares his love of yoga, combined with his experience as a Medical Doctor.

Join us for one or both of the following workshop series!

Beginners Yoga Series: Have you been curious about yoga? Ready to learn more about it? Now is the time. Learn all the modifications so that you can go to any class in a friendly welcoming environment.  

• This is a 5 week series - each Sunday beginning October 22. 
• 3:00-4:15pm.
• If you are unable to make a session recordings will be available for streaming. 
• Pre-registration and payment required.
• $150 for all 5 classes (+tax)
• Space is limited - reserve your spot today.
• ALL levels welcome!

Yoga for Chronic Back Pain: Taught by a medical doctor! Learn a sequence based off the recent Boston University Study showing benefits of Yoga compared to Physical Therapy. A beautiful blend of practice and information. 

• This is a 5 week series - each Sunday beginning October 22.
• 4:30-5:45pm .
• $150 for all 5 classes (+tax)
• streamable video available for classes you are unable to attend.
• Registration and pre-payment required.
• Space is limited - reserve your spot today.
• No yoga experience required!
   

What is FAR Infrared Therapy?

Far Infrared Ray (FIR) are waves of energy, totally invisible to the naked eye, which penetrate the surface of the skin where they gently and elevate the body's surface temperature to 107.6F/42C and above, positively activating body systems and functions.

Far Infrared does much more than just heat you up. It surrounds your body and penetrates the skin, joints and muscles.  FIR helps to build a stronger immune system, better cardiovascular health, and speeds up the healing process for soft tissue injuries such as tears, pulls, and sprains. It enhances oxygen flow and increases circulation. In addition, Far Infrared heals scars, wounds, and cuts and rejuvenates skin texture and appearance by lessening coarseness and reducing pore size.

Think of all these anti-aging, therapeutic benefits in one FIR heated yoga class! 

Just a few of the many benefits you will receive at your next heated yoga class with us at Sōl!

14 Day Challenge - Ashtanga Inspired

How might 14 days of yoga impact you? What do you stand to gain by committing to something powerful? Would you like to be stronger in body, mind and spirit? Let your curiosity loose and join us for a 14-day Ashtanga** (ash-TAHN-gaa) inspired challenge! 

Whether you are new to the mat or a seasoned practitioner, this is an opportunity to experience the benefits of a consistent yoga practice with a group of people who are equally committed, each of us there to support one another. Grab a buddy and cheer each other on. If you don’t try, how will you ever know?

Space is limited so registration is required, either online or at the loft. $75 fee to participate or $50 if you are a recurring donor. You will be entered into a drawing to win a sweet yoga+love package that includes a yoga mat, block & towel. Valued at $100+

**Ashtanga Yoga, also called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, is a vigorous and flowing style of yoga developed in the 20th century. It involves synchronizing breath with progressive and continuous postures, which produces internal heat while detoxifying the body. It builds strength, flexibility, and stamina, while calming the mind and improving overall health.

“Be witness to the very noticeable ways that things begin to shift ... in your practice, your body, your life. ”

— Karen Buxcel

WHAT TO EXPECT:

First half: We will practice a basic ashtanga sequence that will remain the same each day so that you are able to gauge and track your progress in each posture.

Second half: You will be introduced to more advanced postures as an option to take your practice further; but the core practice remains the same. 

At the end of each daily practice, space will be available for those who would like to stay for meditation.

Sunday will be a rest day w/ optional homework. 

If you cannot make it to the loft each day, you are encouraged to practice at home.

July 17 - July 30 :: 6:30am - 7:30am - with Sunday as our rest day.

"What Should I Do About My F'd Up Life?"

The question that author Colin Beavan, Zen student and Dharma teacher, asks in this article is on the minds of many. It seems that we are in constant search of the next thing to make us happy, or happier; only to realize that those are short-lived.

The answer that Beavan receives from his Zen teacher is profound and a really good reminder of what we each can do to come closer to our own humanity, to accept that we are messy creatures and that that is OK! 

I see more and more students opening to the practice of yoga as a way to be present with what is. To stop and be still and feel it all. When we can see that we're all perfectly imperfect, we begin to allow the waves of life to simply roll past us, without washing us away. The waves will come, this is a guarantee. They never stop coming. Through the practice of yoga and meditation, we can learn to surf them with ease and grace.

Read the full article here in the Lion's Roar. 

“You learn from suffering, and from against that background, you can recognize happiness.”

— Thich Nhat Hahn

Today is the best day to begin.

A new student joined us recently for his first yoga class ever - let's call him Bob. As I do with all new students (and regular students, as well) I spent a few moments with him after class to see how it went.

"I wish I had started this 20 years ago!" was Bob's response.

We hear this sentiment often from our students. They look back with regret for not starting then. Often times, this becomes the reason - or excuse - for not beginning now, today, right where you are. 

Certainly Bob had several opportunities to begin a yoga practice over the past 20 years, but something kept him from starting. I see this happen all the time. I listen to the excuses people have for not taking care of themselves and it's painful to watch, but one thing I have learned is that we can only help those who are ready for help. 

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

— Chinese Proverb

We've all been there, right? Maybe you can relate. It's so easy to blame our body, our schedule, our job, our kids - and all the other things that keep us from doing what we truly know we need to do.

I'm not sure yet if Bob will continue practicing yoga, but I do know we can learn something valuable from this. Consider that it's our resistance, excuses and discomfort that keep us from getting what we want. Our resistance, excuses and discomfort are the very things that keep us from growth and transformation.

What is stopping you from beginning or staying committed to your practice? Examine your resistance, excuses or discomfort and choose a new way forward. If you've been waiting to start, stop waiting. Waiting leads to regret and there is nothing more painful than regret.

Private Yoga - with a personal touch

Maybe you've been doing yoga for awhile and have a few little things you'd like to refine, clarify or clean up in your practice. 

Maybe you've never done yoga in your entire life and would like a little one-on-one time with someone who can help you make sense of it.

Our instructors are all certified and qualified to guide you in developing a strong, safe and meaningful yoga practice - one that is as unique as you. We all have different needs, histories and bodies! Sometimes a little extra support makes all the difference in the world. 

Choose between one single session, a small package of 3 or a larger package of 12.

• One session will give you an introductory peek into the basics of it all or help you with that one trouble spot.
• Three sessions will give you more time to connect with a teacher and work through more information and material.
• Twelve session will give you dedicated time with an instructor as well as more opportunity for follow up and greater ability to really track your results. Imagine what some personal attention each and every month of the year could do for you, no matter what your goals are. 

We are here to help you develop a practice that works beautifully for you, no matter where you are in your journey.