Yoga Jambalaya: Nov 10, 2012

Yoga Jambalaya

Saturday November 10, 2012Join Balanced Rock at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Resort and Spa for our 6th annual day-long workshop showcasing local yoga inspired by Yosemite!

Class Schedule and Descriptions

Five Elements Meditation with Ruth Smiley

8:00am – 9:15amAyurveda, an ancient healing approach, and sister science to Yoga, uses the Five Elements - Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth - to help us navigate a healthy lifestyle. During this guided, interactive meditation, you will have a chance to observe each of the Five Elements as they flow through your body, and learn ways to utilize Ayurveda in your daily life and personal meditation practice.Bio: Ruth is an Ayurvedic Practitioner of 12 years, Reiki Master, Craniosacral Therapist and Esthetician. Through workshops, cooking classes, and one on one sessions, she aims to give clients and students a well-rounded experience of wellness.

Mindful Vinyasa with Anna Landauer

9:30am-10:45amMindful vinyasa is an energizing and vigorous style of yoga which consists of a continuous series of flowing postures linked together with breath. This class integrates meditation and mindfulness practice with classical yoga asana, encouraging heightened awareness of breath and body in order to guide one's attention to the present moment. An emphasis is placed on self knowledge and self care, as students are guided to listen and respond skillfully to the wisdom of their own body. Mindful vinyasa blends the strong alignment traditions of BKS Iyengar, attention to the present moment, with a graceful heart opening attitude and the flowing sequences of Vinyasa yoga.Bio: Anna has practiced yoga since youth and began teaching in 1998. She trained in classical Hatha Yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute, and in Anusara Yoga at Seattle Yoga Arts. In her classes she integrates the strong alignment traditions of BKS Iyengar, the graceful heart opening attitude of Anusara yoga with the flowing sequences of Vinyasa yoga.

Inversions, Playful and Challenging with Arin Trook

11:00am-12:15pmExplore the flow of water and the fire of vinyasa in this active, all-levels asana and pranayama class. Continue with a wide range of inversions in this focusing on getting some good "upside down time” to cleanse the body and see the world with a new perspective. A great opportunity to refine or extend your balance in full inversions including arm balances, shoulder stand, and headstand, the “king of all asanas.”Bio: Arin was introduced to yoga by his mom as a child and continues to take a playful approach to the practice. Arin blends music, philosophy, and storytelling into his physical classes, trying to explore the full spectrum of the practices of yoga. In addition to short studies with Richard Freeman, John Friend, and many others, Arin has taken teacher training classes with the Bihar School in India, as well as the recent Wild Yoga teacher training with Balanced Rock here in Yosemite.

Lunch break and Spa Time

11:45pm-1:45pmSign up for Massage or Spa treatments, browse local business and health care provider wellness booths, sit in the spa or go for a walk.The Yosemite Bug Hostel will provide a delicious and nutritious buffet-style lunch made with love and local ingredients. $9.00/personThe Yosemite Bug Spa will be open for use at a discounted rate for Yoga Jambalaya attendees.   $7.00/person.If you would like to schedule a massage with local staff, inquire at the front desk or call prior to the day at 209.966.6666.

Dessert for the Senses: Outdoor Meditation with Paula Wild

1:45pm-3:00pmJoin Paula for an outdoor movement meditation. We will delight in the connection between the five senses (Jnanendriyas) and the five elements (Mahabhutas) on this interactive journey with yoga philosophy and the natural world. This session is open to all levels and will be respectful of post lunch bellies. Please bring a water bottle.Bio: Paula is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and the Business Director of Balanced Rock. She has trained with remarkable teachers including Sianna Sherman, Dennis Eagan, Shiva Rea, and Kia Meaux. Paula is constantly inspired by the teachings of the natural world, and attempts to weave this wisdom into her yoga classes. She is currently teaching at the Dragonfly Health and Wellness Center, and Balanced Rock’s Community Yoga Classes.

Live, Musical Yoga Journey with Heather Sullivan and Kristin Ramsey

3:15pm-4:30pmJoin these local soul-sisters for a class on movement to sweet sounds of voice, violin and vibration. We will tap in to our inner rhythms and movements for an introspective and inspiring class. This all-level class will weave in physical postures, observation of our natural environment, lyrical poetry, breath, and mantra.Bio: Heather has live in Yosemite for over 13 years where she has lived in close harmony to the natural world and the changing seasons. The Yosemite landscape has been Heather’s primary yoga teacher and continually inspires her practice and teaching. She is co-founder of Balanced Rock and currently works as BR’s Program Director and lead Wilderness Guide. She works as a Shiatsu Massage Therapist, Birth Doula, Beekeeper, and for Mountain Meadow Farms.Bio: Kristin studied classical music on the violin from an early age and has performed professionally in styles ranging from classical and folk to jazz and rock. She has a deep appreciation of yoga, which she has practiced for 20 years. For her, music and yoga share the delightful common ground of peace, joy, and connection to the soul.

Restorative and Kirtan with Liesa Scholze

4:45pm-6:00pmEnjoy pure relaxation with this restorative yoga class. Gentle stretches, twists and turns and an inner silent focus while accompanied by live harmonium music. We will finish the class and our day of yoga with stories, chanting, and shared singing in the bhakti yoga practice of kirtan.Bio: Liesa Scholze moved three years ago to California from Germany, bringing her passion for integrating yoga and social work. She completed her teacher training with the Sivananda Institute in Tyrol, Austria and is a student of Babaji’s kriya yoga. Liesa recently trained with Street Yoga, a non-profit organization working with homeless youth and currently offers yoga classes to her students at the local elementary and high school, in addition to teaching at Dragonfly Health and Wellness Center and other local studios. Her classes are lively mixture of awareness, asana practice, breath work, meditation and chanting.

Evening Options

Enjoy the Yosemite Bug Café for a delicious dinner, dessert, or beverage.The Adam Burns Band will be playing live, local music starting at 8pm if you want to get your groove on!