Dear Yogis,

Neck and shoulders are the Tuesday evening focus for the month of May.  We will explore strengthening and stabilizing movements for the shoulder muscles and apply those actions within the yoga postures. Since many of us hold the world on our shoulders a good portion of class time will be dedicated to shoulder and neck releases and relaxation.

The photos above show a variation of gomukasana.  As you can see my son can easily clasp his hands together, while I can barely touch my fingertips.  This posture shows several components of shoulder mobility, and teaches us where we have restrictions.

This will be a great class for those of you keen on learning a bit of shoulder anatomy, interested in the ranges of motion of your shoulders and wanting an evening wind-down.

With Light,
Pam

Weekly Classes

Monday: Gentle Yoga 9:00 – 10:15 am

Tuesday: Yoga for Neck and Shoulders 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Wednesday: Deepening into Yoga 9:00 – 10:15 am

On-going weekly classes $12 drop in, or 4 classes for $40

All classes held at:
River Street Dance Theater
421 N 2nd Street, Hamilton
www.inspansionyoga.com

Dear Yogis,
Once again balance has resurfaced.  It seems that we must continually practice this art in order to stay “on top of things.”  In my own adventures I am learning more and more about the importance of one of the deep stabilizers in my body, the transverse abdominis (TVA).  The TVA is the deepest layer of the abdominal core, and often gets overlooked in favor of the showy rectus abdominus, or potential six pack.  The TVA helps stabilize both the spine and the pelvis.

When we feel stable and self-assured in our movement that confidence extends into other aspects of our lives.  We truly become more adaptable, able to roll with the punches.  Truly balance affects us in every move we make. Join us Tuesday evenings at 5:30-6:30 to learn more about the TVA, and other core stabilizers and how strengthening these muscles can improve your balance.

Peace,
Pam

Mark your calendars for the next Yin Class!
Saturday, April 20: Yin Yoga 10-noon (please register) $25

Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice incorporating stillness to nourish our joints, soften the muscles and move chi through the meridians of our body.  Think slow, softening, deepening, melting….Poses are held anywhere from 45 seconds to 5 minutes. Please give me a shout out to let me know you are attending.

Weekly Classes

NO CLASSES APRIL 8 -10

Monday: Gentle Yoga 9-10:15 am

Tuesday: Yoga for Balance 5:30-6:30 pm

Wednesday: Deepening into Yoga 9-10:15 am

On-going weekly classes $12 drop in, or 4 classes for $40

All classes held at:

River Street Dance Theater
421 N 2nd Street, Hamilton
www.inspansionyoga.com

Dear Yogis,

This time of the year I find myself a little impatient for spring.  Living my entire life in the northern tier of states I do not know why I persist in this, hmm…. what to call it, completely unrealistic fantasy.  I do know my body senses the increased daylight and though it is still cold I feel like surfacing out of my winter dormancy.  With this increased vitality my practice is intensifying, both in strength and endurance, preparing my body and mind for the busy spring ahead.
Learning fresh ways to incorporate core strength and new dynamic sequences has kept my practice interesting and challenging.  I am excited to share these teachings with you!  Core Flow Yoga includes tried and true core work and integrated dynamic movement.  Join us on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, River Street Dance Theater, to energize and strengthen your body.

Vasisthasana (side plank)

On the softer side of life the yin yoga class in January was, clearly, a much needed respite for many people.  Those attending suggested a monthly yin class (at least through the spring).  Ask and you shall receive, put these dates on your calendar:

Saturday, March 16, 10 – noon
Saturday, April 20, 10-noon

Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice incorporating stillness to nourish our joints, soften the muscles and move chi through the meridians of our body.  Think slow, softening, deepening, melting….Poses are held anywhere from 45 seconds to 5 minutes. Please give me a shout out to let me know you are attending.  Register for Yin here.

Health and Happiness,

Pam

On-going weekly classes $12 drop in, or 4 classes for $40:

Monday: Gentle Yoga 9-10:15 am

Tuesday: Core Flow Yoga 5:30-6:30 pm

Wednesday: Deepening into Yoga 9-10:15 am

All classes held at:

River Street Dance Theater

421 N 2nd Street, Hamilton

Yin Yoga is a beautifully slow, quiet practice that complements more strenuous yoga practices and athletic activities.

Why Yin?

1. Yin focuses on the connective tissues around the muscles and joints
2. Practicing yin increases flexibility
3. A yin practice improves circulation in the joints
4. You deepen your connection with your body and connect with your breath
5. Practicing yin builds perseverance
6. It’s meditative
7. Within a yin practice you can find deep peacefulness

Join me for a quiet two-hour practice.  Most postures will be seated or supine.  Invite your body and mind to open.

Yin Yoga this Saturday, January 26, 10 am – 12 pm, River Street Dance Theater, $25

Cheers,

Pam

Dear Yogis,

The month of January is named after the two-faced Roman god Janus, the god of doorways and new beginnings.  One face looks back to the past, while the other looks toward the future.  This is a good reminder for all of us to take time to reflect on the past year.  What lessons have you learned? What no longer serves you? What enlivens you?  What sustains you?

Over the past year I have become increasingly aware of how my yoga practice supports me. Being a distracted individual my yoga practice provides grounding and stability, two qualities that I find invaluable.  It is important to find a practice that brings harmony to our lives, and counter-balances our inherent tendencies. It is also important to find a practice that makes you want to come to your mat, something that you get to do instead of a chore that must be done.

This month I am offering two courses that are both focused but very distinct.  Core Strength on Tuesday evenings will concentrate on strength, power and precision.  Yin Yoga is a passive practice that draws on one’s ability to release and soften. Both styles can be incorporated into an existing practice and added to your yoga toolbox.

Wishing you a peaceful January,
Pam

Yin Yoga Saturday, January 26, 12-noon

Do you ever feel like you just “got there” when the instruction is to move into another pose?  Then yin yoga may be for you.  Yin yoga is a slow-paced practice incorporating stillness to nourish our joints, soften the muscles and move chi through the meridians of our body.  Think slow, softening, deepening, melting….Poses are held anywhere from 45 seconds to 5 minutes.  This two hour practice will include a gentle warm-up, a full yin practice and a long savasana.  $25

Register for Yin here.

For those of you that want to experience the yang side of life Core Strength Yoga is on Tuesdays at 5:30.  Class will focus on tried and true postures to strengthen the core, front and back, as well as some novel postures and transitions.

On-going weekly classes $12 drop in, or 4 classes for $40:

Monday: Gentle Yoga 9-10:15 am

Tuesday: Core Strength Yoga 5:30-6:30 pm

Wednesday: Deepening into Yoga 9-10:15 am

All classes held at:

River Street Dance Theater

421 N 2nd Street, Hamilton

Anybody else feel tired in December?  Like you want to take a little break?  As the days get shorter, and the nights longer, our bodies naturally want to slow down.  Our culture, however, wants us to speed up and buy,buy,buy.  Ironic, isn’t it?  We create such a gap.  It is beautiful to celebrate this time of year, but not at the expense of our sanity!

We can all incorporate simple acts of self love to replenish our energy.  During December my self care practices will be walks by the river with my doggie, morning yoga practice and a hot springs adventure.  Our self care practices do not have to be long, nor elaborate; taking five minutes to slow down and be present with the breath has enormous benefits for our health.

This month I am inspired to slow down, and I have created some space and practices for you to slow down too.

Tuesday, December 4  @ 5:30 pm Yoga for Relaxation: a very gentle movement class focusing on relaxation, release and softening.  Come one, come all… $12, or use your class card, River Street Dance

Tuesday, December 11 @ 5:30 pm Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep.  This practice always receives rave reviews!  Wear warm layers and bring your favorite blanket.  Come one, come all… $12, or use your class card, River Street Dance.

Saturday, December 15 from 2-4 pm Yoga and Sound.

The first part of this class will focus on gentle movement of the body and the breath.  Second half will be total relaxation, listening to Bella work with her singing bowls and tuning forks.  Space limited!  $40.  We will be at Bitterroot Sound Healing.  Please register with Pam to secure your space, or contact Bella @ 406-647-0202.  For more info see events.

If you have some time off this December and would like to join one of our on-going weekly classes I would love to see you!  Happy December.

Peace,

Pam

Inspansionyoga.com

Create Space for Your Practice

Dear Yogis,

Time and time again I am reminded how important my yoga practice is to me. There are periods of my life when I am consistent and dedicated  And there are days, weeks, perhaps months that I experience amnesia, getting so caught up in day to day living that my practice slides until I feel unsteady, exhausted and not quite myself.  These are the moments when it is most important for me to return to my practice.
So this is a heartfelt reminder to all of you to return, or stay steady and true to what nourishes you, be that yoga, meditation, prayer, hiking, laughing.  Whatever “your practice” is allow yourself that ever so needed space to dive in.  It will keep you healthier, and happier.
I wish you a wonderful November.
Peace,
Pam

Inspansion Yoga

Class Schedule for November

Monday 9-10:15 am Gentle Yoga
Tuesday 5:30-6:30 pm Yoga for Strength
Wednesday 9-10:15 am Deepening into Yoga

Each class is all levels, with variations and modifications to suit most.
Location:  River Street Dance Theater, Hamilton
Drop in fee: $12
4 Class punchcard for $40

Yoga for Strength

This month we will be concentrating our efforts on strength.  Being strong and centered truly adds grace to our practice and extends into our everyday lives.  Join us Tuesdays at 5:30 pm to activate your strength.

Looking for a Yoga Class?

As summer winds down find your way back to the mat.  We have several classes to enliven your practice!

Adult Education Classes

Yoga Flow

This class is for seasoned yogis to experience a practice that weaves one pose into the next.  Think grace, fluidity, flow. Scheduled so you don’t have to rush out the door first thing in the morning.  Saturdays 10-11:15 a.m.  Starts this Saturday the 29th! Ends October 27th.  Great deal for Hamilton residents and employees of Hamilton School District.  Please sign up with the Bitterroot College.

Chair Yoga

Yup, yoga in a chair.  Practice mindfulness, improve flexibility and tone.  Corvallis Adult Ed, starts Wednesday the 26th 4:15-5:15 p.m. Ends October 24th.  Sign up with Corvallis Adult Ed

Series Class

Yoga for Balance

Explore your relationship with balance in a variety of postures.  Learn what major muscle groupings you can build to help stabilize yourself, and how presence can support you in maintaining the posture.  Each class builds on the next.  $48 for 5 classes, use your current class card, or $12 drop in.  Tuesdays, October 2 – October 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m.  River Street Dance Theater.  Register here.

Weekly Classes

Support yourself, body, mind and spirit with a regular practice.  You are worth it!  4 class card for $40, or $12 drop in.

Gentle Yoga

Every Monday, 9-10:15 at River Street Dance Theater

Deep Release Yoga

Every Wednesday, 9-10:15 at River Street Dance Theater

Special Events

Yoga and Sound

Sound healing is an unique experience that affect individuals on many levels.  We will have an one hour yoga practice to prepare the body and mind to settle and receive.  Sound healing provided by Bella using Himalayan Singing Bowls and tuning forks.  Saturday October 13, 2-4 p.m. at Bitterroot Sound Healing.  Limited space!  $40.  Contact Pam to register.

I wish for you a beautiful autumn.  See you soon!

Namaste,

Pam

Inspansionyoga@yahoo.com

http://www.inspansionyoga.com

Happenings

Hello Dear Ones,

People are already inquiring about the fall schedule of classes so I thought I would put the word out.  After much deliberation about Adult Ed I have decided to change my offerings at Corvallis Public Schools.  At 4:15-5:15 I am offering a chair yoga class, and 5:30-6:30 is Yoga for Absolute Beginners, which most of you are NOT.  I have two reasons for doing this: I want to bring yoga to as many people as I can and adult ed is an easy and affordable way for people to experience something new, and most of you have taken so many beginning classes from me it is time for you to move into more in-depth classes, either with me or with another teacher.  Yes, I can hear some of you negating this opinion, but please think of that very first yoga class you took and how much you have learned since then.  What an incredible journey!  That said I have three weekly classes at River Street Dance Theater, Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9-10:15, and Tuesday evening 5:30-6:30.  If you are scraping change off of your car floor to attend yoga classes talk to me and we can work something out.  I do want to make yoga accessible to all, regardless of income.  If yoga classes cut into your latte fund that’s a different story (not to devalue lattes).

If you know of someone who would benefit by coming to one of the Corvallis yoga classes, please pass the word on.  Kristina is getting it on the Corvallis website very soon.  If you have any questions, thoughts or want to get in touch please do, I would love to hear from you!

Classes at River Street start on September 10.  Also, a balance series in October, read on:

Yoga for Balance

October 2-30

Balancing postures are one of the most common requests in my classes.  As we age our ability to maintain steadiness tends to decline.  Not only are strong stabilization muscles required for balance it is also an act of play, grace and trust.  Join me as we explore the art of balance in this 5 class series.

$48 for all 5 classes or $12 per class.

This Thursday, August 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the lovely Homestead on McVey in Victor.  Experience a one hour yoga practice followed by an hour of sound therapy with the singing bowls and tuning forks.  Hosted by Pam and Bella.  Sign up here.

Other News:

I am taking a short break this summer.  Last Inspansion Yoga class is Wednesday, August 8.  I will be back Monday, September 10.  Have a wonderful summer.