This month marks Sherri’s TWO Year Anniversary as an instructor at MGYS. In addition to her specialized yoga training and careful instruction, Sherri’s undeniable charm and joyful character make her a unique and valued member of our MGYS family.
We love you, Sherri, and look forward to more years together!!!
Please give Sherri a BIG hug when you see her! If you haven’t had the privilege of taking a class from her check out our FULL schedule and GO to a Gentle or Hatha 1 class under her instruction.
We love our teachers and students at MGYS and are grateful for our yoga community in Nacogdoches. Thank you for practicing at MGYS and keep spreading the love, MG Yogis! See you on the mats. Namaste.
Throughout our lifetime most of us begin to stiffen and to shrink with age. This does not have to happen. The health our our fascia will determine the state or our body as we age. Fascia requires movement, warmth, and adequate hydration to remain healthy. We are connected together because of a vast, spider web-like network of fascia, which travels through our entire body like a heavy sweater. . Recognition of fascia’s true significance and complexity is just spreading into the yoga community. This workshop will explore the latest scientific understanding of fascia, both anatomy and physiology, and how to make better use of this understanding in how we practice yoga. Happy fascia is fluid. Come learn how to make yours fluid.
Saturday, July 11th. 9:00am – 12:00pm
Having Fun with Assisted Yoga Learn how to work hands on with assisted asana in a safe and fun environment. Learn how to receive and give support to each other in asanas both familiar and new. Partner work can be used to make the most challenging asanas accessible and also to make foundational poses more challenging. Assisted poses allow us to relax more deeply into stretches, and it is common for students report that they have found new levels of flexibility from this work that they did not know they were capable of. We will also use partner exercises to sharpen concentration, practice communication skills and increase our pro-prioceptive senses. You do not need a partner to attend this workshop. Most people usually come alone and then facilitators help match up partners for each exercise. This is a great way to meet new friends with shared interests.
Saturday, July 11th. 1:30 – 4:30pm
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nida, sometimes called ‘yogic sleep’, is an ancient practice that was introduced to the West by teachers like Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Rama in the 1960’s. It is said that one hour of Yoga Nidra can replace 4 hours of regular sleep. Yoga Nidra is typically practiced in 8 stages. After a gentle asana practice, we begin in Shavasana with a guided relaxation. Next we repeat pre-determined affirmation called a Sankalpa. The third step is called the rotation of consciousness which is followed by breath awareness. The fifth step is called the manifestation of opposites. Then we enter into creative visualization. To close, the sankalpa is repeated, before starting a very gradual return to normal consciousness.
Sunday, July 12th. 1:30 – 4:30pm
Yoga and Writing: (Asana Class) Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation are amazing tools for shifting consciousness. Learn how to combine yoga with creative writing to tap into deeper sources of inspiration. We begin with an Asana class to shut down internal dialogue and distance students from the momentum of their daily routines. Then we move into pranayama and meditation to still the mind and deepen our sense of self. Following a writing prompt, to set the mind in motion again, we write for 20-60 minutes and then form into small groups where anyone who wishes to read to the group will have an opportunity to do so. The reader can ask for feedback from the group, but only positive feedback.
One workshop $55
Any Two workshops $100
Any Three workshops $140
All Four workshops $175
Early registration (prior to June 29th) 10% discount.
Throughout our lifetime most of us begin to stiffen and to shrink with age. This does not have to happen. The health our our fascia will determine the state or our body as we age. Fascia requires movement, warmth, and adequate hydration to remain healthy. We are connected together because of a vast, spider web-like network of fascia, which travels through our entire body like a heavy sweater. . Recognition of fascia’s true significance and complexity is just spreading into the yoga community. This workshop will explore the latest scientific understanding of fascia, both anatomy and physiology, and how to make better use of this understanding in how we practice yoga. Happy fascia is fluid. Come learn how to make yours fluid.
Saturday, July 11th. 9:00am – 12:00pm
Having Fun with Assisted Yoga Learn how to work hands on with assisted asana in a safe and fun environment. Learn how to receive and give support to each other in asanas both familiar and new. Partner work can be used to make the most challenging asanas accessible and also to make foundational poses more challenging. Assisted poses allow us to relax more deeply into stretches, and it is common for students report that they have found new levels of flexibility from this work that they did not know they were capable of. We will also use partner exercises to sharpen concentration, practice communication skills and increase our pro-prioceptive senses. You do not need a partner to attend this workshop. Most people usually come alone and then facilitators help match up partners for each exercise. This is a great way to meet new friends with shared interests.
Saturday, July 11th. 1:30 – 4:30pm
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nida, sometimes called ‘yogic sleep’, is an ancient practice that was introduced to the West by teachers like Satyananda Saraswati and Swami Rama in the 1960’s. It is said that one hour of Yoga Nidra can replace 4 hours of regular sleep. Yoga Nidra is typically practiced in 8 stages. After a gentle asana practice, we begin in Shavasana with a guided relaxation. Next we repeat pre-determined affirmation called a Sankalpa. The third step is called the rotation of consciousness which is followed by breath awareness. The fifth step is called the manifestation of opposites. Then we enter into creative visualization. To close, the sankalpa is repeated, before starting a very gradual return to normal consciousness.
Sunday, July 12th. 1:30 – 4:30pm
Yoga and Writing: (Asana Class) Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation are amazing tools for shifting consciousness. Learn how to combine yoga with creative writing to tap into deeper sources of inspiration. We begin with an Asana class to shut down internal dialogue and distance students from the momentum of their daily routines. Then we move into pranayama and meditation to still the mind and deepen our sense of self. Following a writing prompt, to set the mind in motion again, we write for 20-60 minutes and then form into small groups where anyone who wishes to read to the group will have an opportunity to do so. The reader can ask for feedback from the group, but only positive feedback.
One workshop $55
Any Two workshops $100
Any Three workshops $140
All Four workshops $175
Early registration (prior to June 29th) 10% discount.
Standing Postures for Core Stability and Strength 9am-11am
Morning active yoga practice that fosters supportive strength from the ground up. Find ease and stability in standing postures for a sustainable yoga practice. We will look at how our core muscles and our feet create the essential foundation for our bodies. Enjoy a long restorative savasana.
Transformational Restful Yoga for “Every” Body 1pm-3pm
Restorative Yoga, through long held, prop supported postures, teaches that even though a pose appears to be still, there is a subtler action going on that involves a symphony of breath and body that brings the entire being into a state of deep repose and release.
The benefits of a restorative yoga class include:
Powerful relaxation to access a state of pratayahara (a withdrawn state).
Restoration and exploration of the mind, body and soul in passive postures.
Clarity, connection, and a spirit of offering through ishvara pranidhana (the divine within).
Moving meditation warmup and the graceful presence accessed with long held postures.
$35 per class $60 for both
Earlybird $30 per class Earlybird $55 for both
(Earlybird ends June 19th)
SFA Student Discount – $30 per class SFA Student Discount – $50 for both
(SFA Students will need to have a valid SFA ID the day of the workshop)
Melissa Smith, 500 ERYT, offers an individualized approach to yoga. Her style of yoga is a blend of traditions from many teachers from all over the world spanning more than a decade. This integrated approach will take you on an journey into cultivating a curious eye within.
“Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as bird wings. ~ Rumi
Join Rebecca Butler (RYT-500) for a weekend of workshops designed to help you connect to her guiding principle of Choosing Joy, no matter what circumstances life may serve you. The weekend is structured to be a journey — from awareness, to exploration and finally, to cherishing this truth. You will leave these sessions awakened to the empowering ability to choose your way of being and that is a priceless skill.
All 3 classes for $90
2 Classes for $65
Each Class $40
SFA Student Discount – All Classes $75
SFA Student Discount – 2 Classes for $55
SFA Student Discount – $30 per class
SFA Students must have valid SFA ID on day of workshop
Choose Joy — A fearless exploration of your central truth
{A well rounded, basic to intermediate level flow class including arm balances and inversions}
In this provocative yoga workshop, you will connect deeply to your true nature. It is Rebecca Butler’s belief and central teaching principle that joy is the quintessential foundation of our essence. Through carefully constructed sequencing, she will guide you along her spiritual trail that has led her to wholeheartedly invest in this truth. The asana (physical yoga poses) will be challenging, nourishing, sweat inducing and righteous. You will be confronted with glimmers of your edge while soothed with the certainty of grounding. You can expect standing poses, arm balances, inversions, floor work and core work, complimented by laughter, perhaps tears and definitely smiles. Indeed, exploring Avenues of Joy is truly a glorious undertaking.
Saturday (10am-12n)
Choose Magic — This is how we walk on the moon
{A clinic about arm balances and inversions}
There is no limitation. The only limitations are those that we place on ourselves. We subscribe to this prison of our awareness, recreating the same reality day after day, to prove to ourselves that we are not crazy (one of the greatest fears of our day and age — being crazy). In this workshop, we will trot carefully and mindfully to your edge — spiritually and physically. And then, we will take a deep breath and enjoy the view. For it is at this place, where with compassion, breath and kindness, we can create meaningful and lasting change. Yes, it is magic. Seamless press-ups from crow to handstand require nothing short of believing in magic. My more pragmatic students roll their eyes at this. And it’s at precisely this moment when I offer, The trees breathe what we exhale and we breathe what they exhale… You don’t believe in magic?! Come Choose Magic and see what’s really possible when we drop resistance and lean in to infinite possibility.
Sunday (10am-12n)
Choose Miracles — Shift from Fear to Love
{A playshop of softening into the moment through partner style restorative work and deep hip opening}
A miracle is defined as a shift in perspective from fear to love. In this session, we will work with great tenderness into softening and caring for the major joints via partner-style restorative yoga, long holds in deep hip openers and a sound healing session to culminate this cleanse. You will be stripped of fear, which resides in the root chakra. You will be cleared of any lingering resistance to your worthiness and awareness of the ability to Choose Joy, Choose Magic and Choose Miracles in everyday moments, no matter what the circumstances. (ONLY POSSIBLE IF YOU HAVE INTEREST IN ME BRINGING A SOUND HEALING SPECIALIST. I can also just do a simple restorative session)
Please join us for this sure to be sensational weekend with Rebecca.
Bio:
Rebecca Butler is a humble and happy yoga teacher (at the RYT 500 hour level), published author, inspirational speaker, retreat leader and entrepreneur, as well as a mom. In addition to owning and operating her own yoga studio, The Sanctuary Yoga Room in Fort Worth, TX, she travels teaching her empowering weekend of Choose Joy yoga workshops in varying cities all over the country, including the Telluride Yoga Festival.
It is her intention for her classes to render her students physically satiated and spiritually uplifted, her writing to spark your soul and her inspirational speaking to awaken you to your purpose within. It is her own purpose to help others recognize the ability to Choose Joy no matter what life offers.
In 2012, her mother passed from ALS or Lou Gehrigʼs disease. In that heart-wrenching journey, Rebecca learned that life is meant to be cherished, never squandered; movement, health and breath are righteous gifts to be celebrated, never neglected; and kindness, love and grace are the only admirable ways of being. She integrates this wisdom into her teaching, writing, speaking and daily approach to life.
In addition to being a wellness expert for MindBodyGreen, Rebecca has been featured in Origin Magazine. Her writing has also been published on on multiple other sites including Elephant Journal and in a book titled The Yoga Diaries: Stories of Transformation through Yoga by Jeannie Page.
You can find out more about her retreat schedule with The Travel Yogi, teaching, traveling & writing at www.rebeccabutleryoga.com, or connect with her on facebook or twitter or Instagram . #choosejoy
Melissa Smith, 500 ERYT, offers an individualized approach to yoga. Her style of yoga is a blend of traditions from many teachers from all over the world spanning more than a decade. This integrated approach will take you on an journey into cultivating a curious eye within.
Rebecca Butler is a humble and happy yoga teacher (at the RYT 500 hour level), published author, inspirational speaker, retreat leader and entrepreneur, as well as a mom. In addition to owning and operating her own yoga studio, The Sanctuary Yoga Room in Fort Worth, TX, she travels teaching her empowering weekend of Choose Joy yoga workshops in varying cities all over the country, including the Telluride Yoga Festival.
