Sunday September 26, 10:00-11:30 am
Sunday January 16, 10:00-11:30 am
Saturday February 5, 3:00-4:30 pm with Allison McCready

Space is limited; please pre-register

Santa Monica Yoga welcomes new students to our studio for a free orientation. Learn about what yoga is, where it came from and basic guidelines for practice. We also help you find classes that suit your needs and answer any questions you may have. A beginning level class will be included. Anyone who attends a free orientation, who has not previously purchased a pass at SMY,  is eligible to purchase a 5, 10, 15, or 20-class pass at a 20% discount that day.

October 3 to 24, Sundays 10:00-11:30 am
January 23 to February 13, Sundays 10:00-11:30 am
February 12 to March 5, Saturdays 3:00-4:30 pm with Allison McCready

$90 for series of four (includes two bonus classes).
Pre-register Now

This is an in-depth course which provides a solid foundation for practicing yoga either on your own or in group/class setting. Step-by-step instruction is given for basic yoga postures and breathing techniques; allowing you to move at your own pace in a comfortable setting. Special package price includes 2 additional classes on our regular schedule. Two additional classes must be taken within 60 days. No credit or make-ups for missed sessions.

Sundays 1:00-2:30 pm
October 3, November 7, December 5

$25 each pre-registered

• June 27 Pre-register Now
• July 11 Pre-register Now

$30 each at the door

Take one, any, or all classes. Appropriate for all levels and abilities.
Space is limited, please pre-register.

The Feldenkrais Method^® of movement education provides an opportunity for you to reinvent how you experience yourself in your yoga practice. Each class will shine new light on a particular posture or group of postures. By improving your understanding of your body’s architecture you will promote greater comfort, ease and safety, while experiencing increased joy and interest both on and off your mat. Ellen Sevy (BA, GCFP), is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practioner^CM, Gyrotonic^® teacher, yoga instructor and professional dancer/teacher. She began teaching dance and yoga in 1980. In 1994 she began offering Feldenkrais^® classes and found it to be successful in promoting a more graceful and informed yoga practice. Ellen loves exploring movement and believes a healthy relationship with movement is necessary for overall wellness. For more information about Ellen or The Feldenkrais Method^® visit, www.informotion.biz

The terms Feldenkrais^® and Feldenkrais Method^® are registered service marks. Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner^CM is a certification mark of the Feldenkrais Guild of North America.

Saturdays 6:00-7:15 pm, $10 suggested donation
September 18, December 18

OM has been described as the primordial sound; a sacred mantra representing the absolute oneness of the Universe. By chanting OM we use this sacred mantra to enter into a dialogue with the divine. Chanting helps us clear illusion from our mind and tune our inner being to the frequency of Love. The sweetness of chanting stills the mind, dissolves worries, and opens the heart. In addition to profoundly affecting the individual, chanting OM reverberates through the body of mankind, helping to heal a violent world. In this class we will set intentions for the new season, chant OM and immerse ourselves in the loving vibration of this simple and powerful prayer.

Helpful notes:

• No yoga experience is required - all are welcome
• Arrive a few minutes early
• Avoid eating at least 1 hour before chanting
• Leave your cell phone in your car

Allison believes yoga is a truly transformative practice on all levels - body, mind and spirit. As a teacher she creates an environment that supports each student's personal evolution. In her classes, Allison emphasizes breath and healthy alignment. She began her own yoga practice in 2000 and has completed teacher trainings with Erich Schiffmann, Max Strom, Sherry Brourman and Jamie Elmer.

One hour session, $10

Join Indira as she guides you through gentle yoga stretching in preparation for a seated mediation, a walking mediation and another seated mediation. Each new moon you are encouraged to write out your intentions for the cycle and review them during the Full moon meditation.

The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and profoundly affects every body of water, including US.  It communicates to us and ties us rhythmically with all of life's cycles.  We acknowledge that cycle by taking the time to get quiet and be still so that we may feel that influence and hear the primal inner voice with which Nature is speaking to us.

New Moon is the birthing cycle of the moon’s various phases. The new moon is the optimal time for planning and seeding your intentions.  The dark side of the moon with its mysterious unseen forces offers a nurturing environment where our intentions can establish roots before their miraculous manifestation begin to sprout and reach out to the stars.

If the New Moon represents creation, manifestation, birth and rebirth then the Full Moon completes the cycle—representing death, change, or tying up loose ends.  Full Moon sheds light on the things that we no longer need to hold on to.  Once we have become enlightened to ways that are blocking us, the easier to let go.  Traditionally, the Full Moon is also used for the setting up of plans and for the releasing of old and unwanted patterns or issues.

Most cultures have a tradition and practice of relating to the moon for its influence and inspiration.  Whether you are a man or a woman, no one needs to explain the meaning behind "lunar cycle" --- it is a powerful influence and the strongest pull on our body that can take us out of our habitual physical fixation and into the etheric.  The moon is the celestial orb of dreamtime and tied to the unconscious. When we meditate, we can drop into our subconscious and hear the quiet voice of the heart.
 
A great time for fasting or eating very light is during Full and New Moons. We sit together to give support to that choice because the group energy can help the individual ride the wave of the collective.  Sitting in groups makes it easier for the individual to practice stillness and allows one to go deeper more quickly.

We begin with some gentle yoga stretching, followed by a guided meditation, walking meditation and a second, shorter sit.  On New Moon days, you have an opportunity to write out your intentions. There is also time to ask questions as well as share your experiences regarding the mediation.  Beginner or experienced student benefit from this collective community meditation.