Willow Street Workshops

Discover how yoga helps you to build strength and flexibility in your mind, body and spirit in this six-week introductory course. Intended both for raw beginners and those new to the Anusara style of yoga, Yoga Basics for Beginners introduces students to alignment principles, key yoga postures, and fundamentals of yogic breathing. Tuesday nights, January 12 - February 16.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Susana Crespo is a graduate of WSYC's Teacher Training program and has a Masters' from Clark University in International Development and Social Change. Off the mat, she explores the geography of global problems through the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). On the mat, she explores the inner landscape of the body-mind with a sense of discovery, joy, and freedom. Brimming with enthusiasm for Yoga's power of transformation, she is half-Ecuadorian and speaks Spanish.

Join Maria to learn to find a more peaceful seat to support you in beginning a meditation practice. Using the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment, you'll begin to open your hips and pelvic floor, creating a supportive foundation from which to explore the basics of meditation and pranayama (breathwork). All levels welcome. Friday evenings, January 15 - February 19.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Maria, RYT 500 and Certified Anusara Yoga teacher, is inspired and delighted by her first yoga teacher, Suzie Hurley, as well as John Friend and other wonderful senior teachers. Prior to teaching yoga and becoming a mom, Maria danced and performed professionally for many years. She considers teaching yoga to be one of her greatest blessings.With kindness, enthusiasm and clarity, Maria helps her students find a place of love, acceptance and courage within each class.

Discover how yoga helps you to build strength and flexibility in your mind, body and spirit in this six-week introductory course. Intended both for raw beginners and those new to the Anusara style of yoga, Yoga Basics for Beginners introduces students to alignment principles, key yoga postures, and fundamentals of yogic breathing. Saturday mornings, January 16 - February 20.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Joe Miller draws upon his 20 years of yogic exploration and study of anatomy to recognize and celebrate our endless potential to align with the rhythms of nature and truth flowing within and around us. Joe uses his deep understanding of Anusara Yoga, Tantric Philosophy, and Ayurveda to support every student in connecting to their innate wisdom and discovering their own greatness. Joe has been teaching for over 10 years, is an integral part of the WSYC Teacher Training program, and continues to deepen his own practice by studying with his principal teachers, John Friend, and his amazing family.

Take your yoga practice to new heights with Acro Yoga, which blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the lovingkindness of Thai Massage and the challenge of Acrobatics in a unique practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness. No Acro Yoga experience necessary, but students should be comfortable in Yoga I/II. No partners necessary, as there are always friendly folks to work with in class! Sunday afternoons, January 17 - February 21.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Vanessa has been doing yoga for many lifetimes! She is honored to share these empowering teachings and invites all students to experience their infinite potential.Her classes balance effort without tension and relaxation without dullness. She thanks her principal teachers: Ron Reid(Vinyasa), John Schumacher (Iyengar) and Moses Brown (Anusara).

Intended for mothers from 4 weeks to 2 years post-partum, this course introduces students to yogic practices that restore both strength and serenity to hardworking bodies and spirits. A sustained emphasis on shoulder openers, abdominal and pelvic floor work, and restorative yoga practices is complemented with special attention to finding balance in breastfeeding bodies, making time for yoga at home, and even a session on integrating your baby into your yoga practice. All levels welcome. Sunday afternoons, January 24 - February 28.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Carrie Ganz loves to share her delight in Anusara yoga with her students. She is a recent graduate of the Willow Street Yoga Teacher Training Program and continues to study and learn with her teachers. Her classes emphasize empowerment and joy and are imbued with a sense of creativity, play and freedom.

Natalie Miller endeavors to offer her students what Anusara yoga boundlessly gifts to her: a loving and supportive community, a reverence for the inherent wisdom of body, and ever-new revelations of the beauty within and around us. Natalie's classes eloquently inspire students to love who they are and to be in awe of who they're becoming.

The heart is a powerful energy center: a source of dreams and a collector of joyful memories. But our hearts may also gather impressions or scars from old hurts, often slowing or even blocking our hearts’ nurturing energy and even causing us to experience life through a lens from the past and miss the present. During this workshop, we will use the powerful practice of iRest Yoga Nidra to free the positive energy of the heart. Everybody welcome.

Mary B. Bauer practices yoga nidra to calm and quiet her mind and thereby enable her to bring out the best in herself by bringing out the best in others. She has studied yoga nidra under Robin Carnes for 3 years and has completed Richard Miller's Level 1 Teacher Training.

Backbends not only open your heart, they also stretch, strengthen and align your spine and pelvis -- that is, if they are done with fully integrated alignment through the supportive back and core body. Do your backbends ever cause you pain or cramping in your low back, mid back, shoulders or neck? Then come learn to energize the back body more fully, as Maria and Lucy focus on the strong actions of the backbody in backbends: pelvic loop, kidney loop, shoulder loop and skull loop. We’ll work and play together, celebrating our open hearts on Valentine’s Eve! For students Level II and up.

Lucy Lomax, RYT, a Certified Anusara teacher, credits yoga with keeping her balanced in a frenetic world. She retired early as a financial policy analyst to be a yoga teacher. Believing that yoga is a metaphor for life, she teaches the importance of moving from a position of strength and inner wisdom of the body/mind. Lucy infuses her teaching with a sense of lightheartedness and enthusiasm.

Maria, RYT 500 and Certified Anusara Yoga teacher, is inspired and delighted by her first yoga teacher, Suzie Hurley, as well as John Friend and other wonderful senior teachers. Prior to teaching yoga and becoming a mom, Maria danced and performed professionally for many years. She considers teaching yoga to be one of her greatest blessings.With kindness, enthusiasm and clarity, Maria helps her students find a place of love, acceptance and courage within each class.

What better way to say “I love you” than accompanying your favorite yogi to a yoga class? This Valentine’s Day, spend a leisurely afternoon loosening stiff joints, releasing tension, and stretching your body... with your buddy! Kelly Fisher and her couch-yogi husband Erik Dunham will lead you through a series of yoga poses and deep relaxation to help you and your partner connect with your playful inner beings together. Spousal relationship and previous yoga experience are not required.

Kelly Fisher is a Certified Anusara Yoga instructor, and her teaching is rooted in 17 years of yoga and meditation practice. This practice is the foundation of everything she does -- from her ongoing yoga studies to her musical exploits, from getting the groceries to hiking in the woods. Her goal is to help each of her students develop a similar foundation so that they might flow with Grace in every moment.

Discover how yoga helps you to build strength and flexibility in your mind, body and spirit in this six-week introductory course. Intended both for raw beginners and those new to the Anusara style of yoga, Yoga Basics for Beginners introduces students to alignment principles, key yoga postures, and fundamentals of yogic breathing. Tuesday nights, February 23 - March 30.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Susana Crespo is a graduate of WSYC's Teacher Training program and has a Masters' from Clark University in International Development and Social Change. Off the mat, she explores the geography of global problems through the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). On the mat, she explores the inner landscape of the body-mind with a sense of discovery, joy, and freedom. Brimming with enthusiasm for Yoga's power of transformation, she is half-Ecuadorian and speaks Spanish.

Students a bit reluctant to move beyond the comfort of Yoga I/II will build all the knowledge and confidence they need in this preparation for the leap to Yoga II! You'll spend each week progressively building into and through key intermediate yoga poses, including handstand, crow, wheel, and revolved standing poses (among others), giving you both an idea of what to expect in Yoga II as well as a refined understanding of how the principles will support you in your brave new world. Friday evenings, February 26 - April 2.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Naomi Gottlieb-Miller, RYT, began her study of yoga in 1999 to take the edge off of living in NYC. A graduate of WS YTT Program, she continues her yoga study with senior Anusara teachers. Naomi brings lightness and play to all her classes, encouraging students to invite a healthy dose of laughter into their practice. She is inspired by the joy her students bring to their mats and considers teaching yoga the best gig ever.

Discover how yoga helps you to build strength and flexibility in your mind, body and spirit in this six-week introductory course. Intended both for raw beginners and those new to the Anusara style of yoga, Yoga Basics for Beginners introduces students to alignment principles, key yoga postures, and fundamentals of yogic breathing. Saturday mornings, February 27 - April 3.

Short course registration is open for the first two weeks of each course; tuition is $99 and may not be pro-rated. No drop-ins or make-ups are permitted, and regular workshop cancellation policies apply.

Joe Miller draws upon his 20 years of yogic exploration and study of anatomy to recognize and celebrate our endless potential to align with the rhythms of nature and truth flowing within and around us. Joe uses his deep understanding of Anusara Yoga, Tantric Philosophy, and Ayurveda to support every student in connecting to their innate wisdom and discovering their own greatness. Joe has been teaching for over 10 years, is an integral part of the WSYC Teacher Training program, and continues to deepen his own practice by studying with his principal teachers, John Friend, and his amazing family.

Discover how knowing and working with your Archetypes profoundly shifts your personal or professional life and spiritual practice. These Archetypes,or Isthadevatas, reside deep into our collective Unconscious and help us especially during moments of life transitions.
In this unique workshop, Manoj will bring in statues and relate the symbolisms of Hindu & Buddhist deities to archetypes within us. Discover how these ancient teachings have practical relevance to your life in today’s society, bringing peace of mind as well as uncovering our underlying common spirit. The deepest Bhakti filled understanding of these symbolisms along with the non-dualistic teachings of Vedanta and Tantra inspire us in this journey of Yogic Awakening. Includes Mantra chantings and Meditations. Everybody welcome.

Part I: Introduction to Archetypes - Symbolisms of Ganesh and Hanuman
It is strongly recommended that everyone attend this session. Not only it sets the tone for the rest of the sessions, but you may hear something that might shock you a bit.

Part II: Shiva, Nataraja, Ardhanareshwara, Dakshinamurthi, Vishnu and his incarnations.

Part III: Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali. Maa Durga.

Part IV: Putting It All Together - The Role of Archetypes and Symbolisms in Spiritual Sadhana.
Lord Buddha and Goddess Tara. Divine Lovers Krishna & Radha.

Dr. Manoj Chalam uses humor, stories and everyday experiences in his talks on Mythology, Vedanta and Tantra. Indian-born Manoj is a faculty member at Yoga Journal conferences and has given Keynote lectures at Yoga festivals. He is a scientist with a doctorate in Chemical Physics from Cornell University. The pursuit of money and fame consumed Manoj initially and at some point he realized that it is a treadmill going to nowhere except a burnout. It took a long time for Manoj to figure out that his calling in life is to assimilate and teach spiritual practice and philosophy through the symbolisms of Yogic Hindu art which he now imports from India. Manoj has compiled a book on Hindu/Buddhist Symbolisms and presents workshops at retreats of Yoga studios, Sivananda Yoga teacher trainings, John Friend's Anusara Yoga and Universities.

Chanting softens your heart and frees your mind, and is a form of meditation that allows you to focus and experience un-selfconscious joy. You do not have to have a beautiful singing voice to feel the ecstatic bliss of the ancient mantras that are just as powerful today. Join Leah and Kelly for a full moon celebration with kirtan; proceeds will be split between Ramana’s Garden and a local food bank. Everybody welcome!

Kelly Fisher is a Certified Anusara Yoga instructor, and her teaching is rooted in 17 years of yoga and meditation practice. This practice is the foundation of everything she does -- from her ongoing yoga studies to her musical exploits, from getting the groceries to hiking in the woods. Her goal is to help each of her students develop a similar foundation so that they might flow with Grace in every moment.

Leah began practicing yoga in 1992 and it has been the guiding force of her life ever since. She is inspired by the gentle yet powerful ways that yoga has transformed her life and shares this enthusiasm with her students. She hopes that every student experiences yoga as an invitation to step into the greatness of who they are and to embrace the mystery of who they might yet become. Her passions include her family, her two big dogs, and art. She is a certified Kripalu teacher, Willow Street graduate, and currently is pursuing Anusara certification.

Dive deeply into the renewing power of Yoga Nidra, with its effortless dissolving and unwinding of the limiting self-beliefs and misperceptions that keeps us stuck and suffering.In this workshop, we explore how the Power of Opposites is used in Yoga Nidra to dissolve false limitations, affirm our inherent wholeness, and facilitate integration at deep emotional and mental levels. You will have the opportunity to work with a key limiting belief or emotional state, and learn how to design opposites work to enhance your sankalpa. Some previous Yoga Nidra experience recommended.

Joy came to Yoga Nidra after 15 years of teaching earth-based awareness practices and 9 years as a full-time life and holistic spirituality coach (in her pre-Willow Street days). She has been leading Yoga Nidra practices since 2003, is a Certified iRest Yoga Nidra teacher, and created the popular Yoga Nidra CD, Birthing the Phoenix. www.joylifecoach.com

Experience a powerful combination of Active Isolated Stretching, self-massage, and safe restorative work to address the other side of your lower pelvis tension and discomfort.

Judy LaPrade has been a massage therapist, mental health practitioner, and yoga teacher for many years. She holds MA’s in both Rehabilitation and Counseling Psychology as well as 1,000+ hours training in Connective Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Sports Massage from the Florida Institute of Natural Health. Judy loves to share her passion for extreme self-care with people at all levels of ability through humor and serious fun.

Anyone who's experienced the dull, nagging ache of sacroiliac pain knows that when your SI Joint is out-of-whack, your whole world feels off-kilter. In this workshop, we'll explore various do-it-yourself approaches to addressing chronic sacroiliac misalignment. Beginning with a look at the anatomy of the pelvis (so we know what we're dealing with), we'll then move on to refining our understanding of the ways in which the Universal Principles of Alignment can help to keep the sacrum stable, even in the most challenging of poses. We'll also learn a variety of self-adjustments that can help us to make peace in the sacroiliac space, giving us that serene and stable feeling that comes along with happy hips and low backs. Previous yoga experience recommended.

Natalie Miller endeavors to offer her students what Anusara yoga boundlessly gifts to her: a loving and supportive community, a reverence for the inherent wisdom of body, and ever-new revelations of the beauty within and around us. Natalie's classes eloquently inspire students to love who they are and to be in awe of who they're becoming.

Prana, meaning spirit or life force, was understood by the ancient yogis to have five main components representing upliftment (pran), grounding (apana), assimilation and digestion (samana), communication and speech (udana), and expansion (vyana). We will learn and practice meditations and asanas for each prana; learn where we are strong or deficient in a particular prana; and in the process develop the ability to direct our own power of awareness and spirit. A handout including the meditations on the five pranas will be provided, and the workshop will conclude with yoga nidra to seal the benefits. Level I/II and up.

Tyagan Scott Attaway is a Certified Anusara teacher and loves the spiritual teachings of Swami Satchidananda. He believes that a good yoga class leaves students feeling better about themselves. Tyagan, his spiritual name, means unconditional love and is a helpful reminder that the key to happiness is to serve and love all life.

Get ready to grow, align, cultivate, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit with joyous anticipation of spring and the coming gardening season! Suitable for novice and experienced yogis and gardeners alike, this workshop show ways to align most optimally when digging into the dirt and also provide an opportunity for your true self to blossom. Elizabeth will donate a portion of her profits to benefit the Youth Garden at the National Arboretum. Everybody welcome.

Elizabeth is a certified Anusara yoga instructor. Her study of yoga is informed by her work as a government lawyer and her commitment to citizen advocacy and volunteerism. Her classes express her belief that the practice of yoga helps to bring us in alignment with our true nature, enabling us to be more compassionate and generous to our living planet, all other beings and ourselves. She was raised in a meditative tradition and took her first yoga class over 25 years ago. She is also a Reiki master. See more about Elizabeth at her website: rosegardenyoga.com

Once you’ve become more adept at the basic arm and hand balances, it’s time to really fly. Tap into your boundless potential to fly in this playfully challenging arm balance workshop. We’ll use the foundations set up by basic arm balances like crow pose and handstand to soar to new heights. In order to truly delight in the more advanced arm balances, we’ll break down the ways and means of achieving a smooth lift off. You’ll learn new ways of getting into poses you’ve done before and even try poses maybe you’ve never seen before. Then we’ll learn how to sustain a sense of ease in each pose, as well as transition from one arm balance to the next! We’ll also touch on good exit strategies for each pose, should the unexpected happen. Come with a playful spirit and leave with a deeper understanding of your own inner strength! For students Level II/III and up.

Naomi Gottlieb-Miller, RYT, began her study of yoga in 1999 to take the edge off of living in NYC. A graduate of WS YTT Program, she continues her yoga study with senior Anusara teachers. Naomi brings lightness and play to all her classes, encouraging students to invite a healthy dose of laughter into their practice. She is inspired by the joy her students bring to their mats and considers teaching yoga the best gig ever.

Feeling mentally and physically exhausted? If so, it's time to restore your mind, body and spirit in this nurturing and therapeutic restorative workshop. Each pose uses many blankets and props to help you release physical and emotional tension. No yoga experience necessary; feel free to bring a friend or family member.

Karin Wiedemann is working towards Anusara Certification and has completed a Teacher Training with David Swenson in Ashtanga Yoga. She empowers her students to explore yoga off the mat by practicing breath, alignment and meditation in every day situations. She specializes in teaching stress relief through yoga at corporations in downtown DC. Please visit her Urban Yoga website, www.urbanyogastudio.com.

We live in challenging times in which many people feel out of balance. Yoga is a spiritual practice and technology for finding inner well being at the very ground of our human experience no matter how great the challenges in our world are. Betsey, at age 63, embodies great wisdom, humor and compassion and will inspire and empower you to meet and explore the challenges that your life and yoga practice present. Under her guidance you will learn to embrace change and uncertainty as the pulse of the Universe calling you forward toward your own evolutionary destiny -- beckoning you in your own journey -- toward great transformation amidst these unsettling times in which we live.

Embrace Challenge and Respond With Enthusiasm
A full-spectrum practice for students Level I/II and up.

Find Courage In Backbends
For students Level II and up.

Accept What Is: Seated Poses and Pranayama
For students Level I/II and up.

Create a Foundation for Balance: On Your Feet, Hands, and In Life
For students Level II and up.

Betsey Downing, Ph.D., RYT-500, has been a yoga practitioner since 1972 and a meditator since 1974. She is one of Anusara Yoga's senior certified teachers, and has studied with John Friend as her primary teacher since 1994. Her early influences were Sivananda yoga, Joel Kramer, and then Iyengar yoga for many years. Betsey leads workshops and teacher trainings nationally, including teaching at the Omega Conferences in Miami and New York.

Join Carmel as she leads you through a practice with the sounds of chimes and drums, chants and music from India. This workshop is about creating abundance in your life: you’ll look into your heart and ask for what you really want and deserve to have in this life: Happiness? Love? Security? Faith? With an array of postures and supportive words, Carmel offers you a strong abundance practice in the morning, helping you awaken to the light in your heart. Then, enjoy an afternoon practice of an array of forward bends and twists to bring gratitude for all that you have received. This gift of a workshop allows you to open your heart, and to radiate with more light and love then you had before you arrived.

Carmel took her first yoga class in 1989 after a book fell on her head at a local bookstore. Pure grace brought her to her first John Friend workshop in 1989. John became her teacher and the practice of Anusara her gift. After following John around the country for a few years, John certified Carmel in 2003 at the altitude of 9000 feet at Inner Harmony a retreat center in Utah. Carmel is forever grateful for all the light and love she has received from the practice and all the teachers she has met. In 2008, Carmel began her studies with Paul Mueller-Ortega, starting in his Entering the Heart of Shiva year long study and practice.

Why is it that most of us spend so much time feeling frantic despite our best efforts to stay centered? While it may seem as though being too busy is a very modern affliction, ancient Yogic teachings indicate otherwise, i.e., that humans have struggled with over-doing for centuries. In this workshop we'll explore the core beliefs that drive constant activity and keep us feeling overwhelmed and incomplete. What insight do Yogic teachings offer that could be relevant to your life and help you to find better balance? Come and find out! Join us for an afternoon of self-inquiry in which we'll employ journaling, discussion, and an iRest yoga nidra practice. This workshop will build on the Reclaiming the Human Being workshop from last September, but there are no prerequisites.

Robin Carnes discovered yoga at age 18, and it has gradually become the center of her life. Robin is a certified iRest yoga nidra instructor, yoga instructor and Kripalu DansKinetics instructor. Since 2006, Robin has become fascinated by how iRest yoga nidra meditation can help people in all walks of life experience greater health and well-being. Her passion is sharing yoga and meditation with military servicemembers and families, as well as others who have experienced trauma.

Anti-aging is a myth, but aging with grace and vitality is totally possible! Join Suzie and Marion (both 65+) to discuss the challenges (and myths!) of aging on four levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Then, learn how specific yoga practices, including asana and meditation, as well as what we eat, think and believe all affect our bodies and the aging process. Within this warm and supportive kula of golden goddesses, we will celebrate the ways in which age can lead us to be more fully ourselves. Everybody welcome.

Marion Griffin is both an Anusara and Kripalu certified teacher. Her first yoga teachers were Rikki Middleton and John Schumaker. She taught High School for 30 years, and is a water colorist and an oil painter. With love, a smile and inspirational words Marion invites her students to look at and enjoy the deeper aspects of their yoga practice.

Suzie Hurley is the founder and Director of the Willow Street Yoga Center, which she opened in 1994, and has been teaching yoga since 1981. Suzie is a Senior Certified Anusara Teacher and gives Anusara workshops and trainings nationally. Along with her extensive Anusara training she is an Advanced 500-hour Kripalu teacher. Her 28 years of yoga practice include 16 years of Iyengar study, principally with John Schumacher. She is a certified Phoenix Rising practitioner.