4 WEEK ASHTANGA IMMERSION & FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Events & Workshops, Studio News | 0 comments

4 WEEK ASHTANGA IMMERSION & FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP
FOR MYSORE EVENING PROGRAM AT MGY

Investment: $450
Holiday Deal: $350 (by December 23, 2024)
*Payment options/plans available upon request.

Minimum 5 students/ Maximum 15

Join Authorized Ashtanga teacher Amy Sanford for a month-long immersion beginning on January 19th. Learn the traditional practice of Ashtanga Yoga through the Mysore Method. Throughout this immersion, students will receive individualized attention while learning the proper sequence of the Primary Series, postural alignment, breathing techniques, and the breath-movement count. Students can expect to explore the postures and overall method in a safe and supportive environment at MGY. The format of this class will be flexible yet clear, allowing for discussions that will guide and deepen our understanding of Ashtanga Yoga throughout the month. We will also delve into philosophy, exploring the 8 Limbs of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

In addition, this Immersion serves as a powerful opportunity to forge connections and uplift our community. AYN at MGY deeply values the strength of togetherness and meaningful friendships.

Over four transformative weeks, this teaching and learning method is designed to impart an intelligent and inclusive practice, enhance self-agency, and create a nurturing space for self-awareness and supportive relationships. By the end, you will possess the knowledge and confidence to visit and practice in any Ashtanga shala across the globe. The Ashtanga community is vibrant and global, with authorized teachers, shalas, and practitioners in every corner of the world.

All are welcome.

*Please come and, through direct experience, discern whether Ashtanga is different from the narrative that has kept you from attending AYN.

*Perhaps timing has been an issue in the past, or maybe things just didn’t align. Now could be the perfect time! If you’re even a little curious, this is for you.

*If you’ve participated in other Ashtanga workshops or classes with me and felt the transformative nature of this practice, this immersion is for you! Become an integral part of shaping an inspiring and innovative evening Mysore Program at MGY.

*If you haven’t heard of Ashtanga and are looking for a practice that supports your physical and emotional well-being while enhancing your spiritual knowledge, consider dedicating four weeks to it. From there, let’s see. 🙂

*If you’ve been practicing with me at AYN and would like to join this group, you are warmly invited. We are all students and can benefit from sharing our experiences and exploring the meaning of yoga together. AYN members are eligible for a discount, so please ask for more details.

Tentative Itinerary:

  • Friday, January 17, 5:30 pm – 7 pm, Philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga (70% Lecture)
  • Saturday, January 18, 1- 3:30 pm, Standing Postures
  • Sunday, January 19, 1- 3:30 pm, Standing Postures
  • Saturday, January 25, 1-3:30 pm, Closing Postures
  • Sunday, January 26, 1-3:30 pm, Closing Postures
  • Saturday, February 01, 1:30-3:30 pm, Primary & Breathwork (50% Lecture)
  • Sunday, February 02, Primary & Breath-Movement (50% Lecture)
  • Friday, February 7, 5:30-7 pm, Intro to Mysore Style (50% Lecture)
  • Saturday, February 8, 1-3:30 pm, Mysore Style
  • Sunday, February 9, 7-9 am, Mysore Style

4 Week Ashtanga Immersion Required before attending weekly classes

Weekly classes at MGY begin Tuesday, February 18th.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-6:30 pm
Sunday, 7- 9 am

Friday morning 1/2 Led Primary beginning in April, 7:30-8:45 am, for AYN and MGY Mysore Members with a regular Mysore practice.

If you’re excited to start or deepen an Ashtanga practice and join a growing yoga community, reserve your spot today. Your place is vital to the success of this new addition to the MGY schedule. MGY and AYN welcome you and are here to support you as you explore a lifelong and continually evolving yoga practice beginning in 2025!Space is limited

REGISTER HERE

HOLIDAY BREAK ANNOUNCEMENT

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Events & Workshops, Studio News | 0 comments

HOLIDAY BREAK ANNOUNCEMENT

Hello and Happy Holidays from MGY!

As we approach one full year in our new location, let’s take a moment to reflect on the end of last December, the end of 2023. We united as a community to repair, remodel, relocate, and ritualize just in time for the 2024 New Year.

While there may have been some initial skepticism – rightly so, given the overwhelming tasks and limited time- when proposing this to my loving partner, David, he, as always, trusted my vision and faced the challenge with determination. Thank you, David, for your unwavering support in nurturing the growth of MGY and for tirelessly ensuring that our space functions beautifully.

Our dedicated teachers rallied together from the spontaneous moment when I said, “We’re moving! What do you think?!” Without your passion and resilience, I wouldn’t have had the courage to take such bold steps forward. Students, your adaptability and spirit have been remarkable. We have moved four times throughout MGY’s journey, proving that together we can achieve greatness.

Many of you dedicated countless hours of hard work, while others generously contributed financially, and some prepared and delivered food for our incredible volunteers. This spirit of togetherness, those long days, and selfless acts have truly shaped the heart of our studio.

Each of you who has shown up and practiced has contributed to the unique essence of our beloved space. Yoga is skill in action, and in our 18 years of collective practice, we’ve discovered the profound strength of our unity within the MGY commUNITY.

We love you MGY!

This December, the teachers at MGY invite you to enjoy a peaceful last week of the year. We encourage you to spend this time mostly at home, with the option to visit the studio when one of us is there. You can also sit on the porch, come inside for a quiet moment to yourself, and visit and pet Turkey. Above all, take this opportunity to relax and recharge. That’s what we’ll be doing!

  • MGY will be closed for our Holiday Break from December 24, 2024 – January 01, 2025.
  • Yoga Mala is January 01, 2025. Details to come.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, & Happy New Year from MGY.

Comfort and Joy to All!

ASHTANGA FUNDAMENTALS WEEKEND WITH AMY SANFORD

by | Aug 4, 2024 | Events & Workshops, Studio News

ASHTANGA FUNDAMENTALS WEEKEND

WITH AMY SANFORD

This weekend is an incredible opportunity for those eager to delve into the transformative practice of yoga as taught through the traditional Ashtanga Method. Learn alignment principles of the foundational postures within the Primary Series, Yoga Chikitsa, along with breath work, gazing points, and breath count with sequencing unique to this method of yoga. Yoga Chikitsa means Yoga Therapy, whether you’re new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, you’ll gain a heightened appreciation for the foundational elements of this empowering practice.

Friday, 08.23.2024, 6:00-8:00 pm

What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Tristana Method (breath, gaze, postures) *in-depth explanation and exploration
Sun Salutation A
Sun Salutation B
Relaxation
Q&A

Saturday, 08.24.2024, 2:00-4:30 pm

Recap of Friday
Short guided practice
Foundational postures of Primary Series
Relaxation
Q&A

Sunday, 08.25.2024, 2:00-4:30 pm

Recap of Friday & Saturday
Breathwork
Mysore Style
Relaxation
Q&A
Refreshments and Mingling = Community Time <3

Teacher: Amy Sanford
Investment: Early Bird $125 <> $150
Registration Closed 08.18.2024

REGISTER HERE

SPECIAL RESTORATIVE SOUND THERAPY EXPERIENCE AT MGY

by | Jul 27, 2024 | Events & Workshops, Studio News

SPECIAL RESTORATIVE SOUND THERAPY EXPERIENCE AT MGY

AUGUST 11, 2024

Join Glenda for a presentation and guided discussion on the physiological effects of Restorative Yoga combined with Sound Therapy. Experience firsthand the deeply calming effects of Restorative Yoga combined with Sound Therapy on the mind and body.

Please bring a yoga mat. All other props will be provided.

Wellness Refresher (freshly juiced fruit/veg blend) included after the practice.

Date: Sunday, 08.11.2024
Time: 1:00-2:30pm
Place: MGY, 122 North Mound St, Nacogdoches, Tx
Teacher: Glenda
Investment: $35

REGISTER HERE

Glenda Schmidt

In my twenties I had a routine yoga practice. When my two daughters were preschool, we did kids yoga. (I still have the book we used 33 years ago)

Then my nursing career came to the forefront of my focus.

Always wanting to share knowledge, I taught many different classes, birthing, sibling, CPR, newborn, pediatric and adult resuscitation.

Knowing the importance of relaxation,<

Around two decades ago I took a 600 hour massage therapist course.

As retirement from nursing approached, I decided to reignite my passion for yoga.

Honoring my nature to teach, I took a 200 hour yoga immersion teacher training at the Yoga Center in Asheville, North Carolina. During the immersion, restorative yoga and kids yoga resonated the most with me.

My background in medicine & massage helps with my ultimate goal, to empower people to relieve stress and restore a sense of calmness in their life.

  • I am a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists and the Yoga Alliance.
  • 2015 200 Certified Yoga Instructor
  • 2016 Certified Restorative Yoga Instructor

3 DAY YOGA TEACHER INTENSIVE

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Events & Workshops, Studio News

3 DAY
YOGA TEACHER INTENSIVE

SEPTEMBER 27-29, 2024

Join us for this in-depth exploration of what it means to be a teacher while learning skills to be an even better teacher. Besides the standard adjustments to asanas, we also delve into yoga philosophy, and chanting, and explore these questions: What is my role as a teacher? How can I best serve the community in which I teach? How can I keep my teachings authentic?

We will learn the answers to these questions and much more as we deepen our own practices and understanding of ourselves. Each day we leave 30 minutes for open discussion at the end to share and connect in a community.

Through the weekend we will practice Morning Mysore, Yoga Sutra Chanting, Discussing Yoga Philosophy concepts and the Mind, Learn how to assess and Safely adjust students and learn dhāranā practices, sharing ways to concentrate or hold the mind still. As it is only from the place of silence, can we hear clearly.

FRIDAY 09.27.2024

7:00-8:00 am
Pranayama & Chanting

8:00-9:30 am
Morning Mysore

11:00-12:30 pm
MY ROLE AS A TEACHER

Delving into the traditional concepts in a modern world. Uncovering how to be a “good” teacher. Learning to observe my actions and others with curiosity and compassion. The yama / niyamas in action.

1:00-3:00 pm
ADJUSTMENT CLINIC PART 1

Basic Anatomy, Postures and Functions, Assessing and Injury.
Flexion / Pascimatānā Postures – Forward Folds
Extension / Purvatāna Postures – Back bending
Understanding the correct application of yoga to ourselves and our students.

4:00-4:30 pm
PRATYAHARA / DHARANA PRACTICE

Learning techniques/practices to move inwards

SATURDAY 09.28.2024

7:00-8:00 am
Pranayama & Chanting

8:00-9:30 am
Morning Mysore

11:00-12:30 pm
ADJUSTMENT CLINIC PART 2

  • Hands-on Adjustments and Verbal Cues
  • Lateral flexion- Parśva
  • Twist – Parivrtti
  • Exploring Our Presence in the Room and How to Safely Adjust Students.

1:00-3:00pm
ADJUSTMENT CLINIC PART 3

Hands-on Adjustments Practice– Working with Trauma Basics.
Learning our limits and when to send the student to someone else.
How the use of Ayurveda, Mantra, Pranayama, Lifestyle and Diet changes to create individual balance.

4:00-4:30 pm
PRATYAHARA / DHARANA PRACTICE

Learning techniques/practices to move inwards

SUNDAY 09.29.2024

7-8 am
Pranayama & Chanting

8-9:30 am
Mysore style

11 am-12:30 pm
KEY CONCEPTS OF THE YOGA SUTRAS

Understanding the Primary Purpose of Yoga- Incorporating ideas from Samkya and Yoga Philosophy. Realizing how these Ancient teachings are still very relevant in today’s modern world.

1:00-2:30 pm
VEDIC CHANTING

Clearing up the misconceptions. What does it mean to chant, why we do it, religiousness in chanting, who can chant and its purpose? And of course, we will chant a few sholkas together.

2:30-3:00 pm
Open Discussion

3-3:30 pm

PRATYAHARA / DHARANA PRACTICE

Moving inwards & closing

 

DAILY MORNING ROUTINE:

*PRANAYAMA & CHANTING – 45 MINS (Before each class)

A brief introduction to Pranayama as taught by O.P. Tiwariij followed by of stotrams and mantras to invoke the divine.

*MYSORE STYLE CLASSES

Moving through your personal ashtanga sequence, guiding you with tips and ideas to create ease and ensuring safety & longevity of your practice. Tara is fluent in Ashtanga through 2nd series and into 3rd Series and can guide you safely and playfully through your practice. She is also a Yoga Therapist and can help modify to create ease, restore or relieve depending on the condition.

BIO

Tara has been practicing yoga for over 20 years. Having lived in India, born to an Indian father and a Canadian Mother she bridges the gap between the East and West helping to share these complex ideas with accessibility. She practiced under Tim Miller, Sharath Jois and Saraswathi Jois. (Authorized Lvl2) Tara apprenticed with certified teachers for 6 years and full-time with R. Saraswathi Jois for 4 of those years in her busy Mysore shala, where she assisted 1000’s of students during this time. She studies Philosophy (Samkya, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and Vedic Chanting) with Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat, Yoga Sutras with Raghu Ananthanarayanan, Vedic Chanting with Sujaya Issac and Pranayama with Sri OP Tiwari.

Tara is also a Certified Yoga Therapist in the lineage of T. Krishnamacharya. Her interest in yoga therapy is to help heal others from injuries and imbalances and she has helped many students return to health and stability in the body and mind. She specializes in Trauma, Stress and Anxiety. Tara continually studies Yoga as a Therapy, Yoga Texts and Vedic Chanting in the Traditional method and is a longtime Vipassana meditator. Her curiosity and passion for understanding the mind and body led her to study psychology (1993) and nutrition (1999).

Tara believes that to be a good teacher, one must be a good student. Therefore, she continuously expands her knowledge of yoga sutras, Ayurveda and healing through Sound and Vedas. She teaches in a traditional yet playful manner, incorporating the teachings of her teachers.

Tara Mitra
Inspiring Personal Transformation
Yoga Therapist, Chanting Teacher, Ashtanga Lvl 2
taramitrayoga.com

Dates: 09.27-09.29.2024

Investment: $350

REGISTER HERE

A HOLISTIC VIEW ON ASHTANGA YOGA: MYSORE, PRANAYAMA, ĀYURVEDA & CHANTING

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Events & Workshops, Studio News

A HOLISTIC VIEW ON ASHTANGA YOGA:
MYSORE, PRANAYAMA,
ĀYURVEDA & CHANTING

September 22-26, 2024

Yoga is a place we continually return to again and again and again. As we use our practices to slowly work at the subtle level we create change at the gross level. This calm, clear continuum allow us to see what we couldn’t see before, experience what we were not ready to experience and face our shadows and perhaps even transform them. These are the deeper layers of our practice that are available. Tara is honored to share them with you!

Daily Practice (5 Days):

5-6am
PRANAYAMA & CHANTING
A brief introduction to Pranayama as taught by O.P. Tiwariij followed by of stotrams and mantras to invoke the divine.

6-7:30am
MYSORE STYLE CLASS
Moving through your personal ashtanga sequence, guiding you with tips and ideas to create ease and ensuring safety & longevity of your practice. Tara is fluent in Ashtanga through 2nd series and some of 3rd Series as well as a Yoga Therapist and can help guide you, modify; restore or relieve depending on the condition safely and playfully through your practice. All are welcome.

 

Sunday, 09.22.2024

Pañcha Mayas (Koshas)
11-12:30pm
We often go through life allowing the mind to take us here and there without really understanding why we do the things we do.

The Pañcha Mayas also referred to as the Koshas, are five layers that make us up as humans, although we may identify with these layers, we are not them. You see, the mind is the main cause of our feelings, emotions, suffering, happiness, and liberation. Instead of identifying with these different parts of us, we learn to see what we are not, and if we understand what we are NOT, we start to understand what we ARE – starting with the gross level and slowly moving to the subtle levels.

Join Tara to learn more about the Pañcha Maya (Kosha) Model. During this workshop we will explore the five layers and recite the Panchamaya Shloka by TKV Desikachar (inspired by Taittriya-upanisat), a powerful chant that connects us to the different layers of the self. The class will end with a meditative practice guiding us to move to that space of silence within.

 

Thursday, 09.26.2024

Introduction to ĀYURVEDA + the Yogic Diet
11-12:30pm

The sister science to Yoga, Āyurveda (knowledge of life) teaches us how to stay healthy while preventing and curing disease with healthy diet and lifestyle practices.

Food is medicine if consumed correctly. What we eat today affects how we feel tomorrow, physically, mentally and emotionally. Have you ever felt sluggish the day after overindulging? I know I have.
Tara began studying nutrition in 1999 and working closely with an Āyurvedic doctor while following Ancient food principles for the last decade.

This course will discuss
Living a balanced Life, Digestive Fire, the Gunas, Daily Practices & the Yogic Diet and our link to nature using this ancient wisdom.

“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” ~ Ayurvedic proverb

Throughout the week, you’re welcome to enjoy the yoga studio during business hours. We have a lovely parlor and front porch to enjoy reading, tea, conversation, and/or the simple pleasure of just being. We’ll schedule a coffee date and lunch date to gather as a group on Monday & Wednesday. 

 

Dates: Sunday, 09.22-Thursday, 09.26.2024

Investment: $295

REGISTER HERE