Willow Street Workshops

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.

Dive deeply into the renewing power of Yoga Nidra and your own Intuitive creativity. This workshops begins with an individual affirmation of intention for the day’s work, followed by a 50-minute YN practice designed to immerse your senses in the elements of nature (special emphasis on the how the pranamaya kosha interacts with air, fire, water, earth, ether - a practice style known to enliven the creative and intuitive faculties). During the 2nd hour, we will hold quiet space for each other to reap the benefits of the practice with an hour of journaling, drawing, meditating, silent yoga practice, or just being. Bring your journal, drawing pad/pens, sitting cushion - whatever you'd like for the 2nd hour. Beginners are welcome.

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 completing Richard Miller's Yoga Nidra iRest certification program, and created the popular Yoga Nidra CD, Birthing the Phoenix. www.joylifecoach.com

In this workshop, the first of a series, we will explore the story and mythos of the beloved Ganesh from a Tantric perspective. Come explore through stories, asana, and mantra why the elephant-headed one is considered the remover of obstacles and how you can draw upon his archetype to cross the threshold into your heart's greatest fulfillment. Everybody welcome.

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.

Ever wonder what comes next after handstand and crow pose? Tap into your boundless potential to fly in this playfully challenging arm balance workshop. We’ll explore the foundation of arm balancing, beginning with crow pose and soar to new, exciting heights from there. 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. Then we’ll learn how to sustain a sense of ease in each pose. 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 Levels II and up, able to do handstand and crow pose comfortably.

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.

Have you always dreamed of singing or chanting but felt you couldn't? Or, would you like your love of singing to enhance your yoga? Come discover how the connection between breath, body and voice will improve your yoga. Experience how the joy of singing and chanting and the peace of yoga done at the same time enhances them both. This workshop focuses on connecting the body to the breath, the breath to the voice, the voice to the body, the voice to the song, and the song to the spirit – and most of all connecting joy to our hearts and our lives. All levels welcome.

Kathy Carroll, an Anusara Affiliated teacher, has been Suzie Hurley’s student for almost 20 years. She is a professor in a MEd program, a writer of educational books and musical CDs, and a Vibrational Kinesiologist. A teacher and healer, Kathy helps students experience the joy that comes from integrating yoga into daily life.

Lynne Feingold is a classically trained singer, music therapist, published author, and certified yoga instructor from Integral Yoga.

Shoden is a Japanese word that means "First Teachings." This workshop introduces students to the traditional style of Japanese Reiki with a particular emphasis on self-healing. After learning about the essence and method of Reiki, we'll discuss and practice the importance of self-healing. Within this context, students will learn how to share the practice of Reiki with family and friends for the enhancement of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Certificate and manual will be provided. Everybody welcome.

Olga Rodriguez Rasmussen, D.Min, E-RYT, is a Certified Anusara Yoga® Instructor, a Reiki Master Teacher, and a practitioner of Reconnective Healing® and neo-energetiks. Olga encourages her students to embody greater alignment, and to connect more deeply with their hearts and the spiritual essence of the practice - a path inviting transformation, joy, celebration, and compassionate living.

Have you been there? Holding Down Dog & feeling your arms shake, "floating" through Chaturanga & ending in a belly flop, or going into Half-Handstand & coming down after a few seconds? If so, please come prepared to work and play hard! We’ll focus on hand, arm, shoulder, back, and core principles to strengthen and support us in the weight-bearing poses that often challenge us in our yoga practice. Come open your heart in a delightfully strong, anchored way! For students who have completed at least one session of Yoga I/II.

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.

Anyone with neck and shoulder pain will greatly benefit from a better understanding of the shoulders and how best to take care of them in yoga practice - as well as in everyday life! By exploring the Universal Principles of Alignment, basic anatomy and breath work, students will learn how to relieve pain and discomfort, transforming any weaknesses or injuries into a greater experience of strength and freedom. All levels welcome.

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.

Radically expand your backbends, open your heart, and free your head by using greater precision with the alignment principles. In this subtle, but seriously playful workshop, we will focus on connecting heart and mind physically and energetically through seamless integration of skull loop and shoulder loop to enable us to be more fearless, free, and playful while still feeling safe and supported in our backbending practice. For students Level II and up.

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

Active-Isolated Stretching is a system "for eliminating or reducing chronic pain and restoring lost range of motion faster than any other technique you've seen." It's used in everything from physical therapy to Olympic training: for yoga students and teachers (as well as other athletes, computer users, and health practitioners), AIS is an amazing way to break stubborn tension patterns and increase range of motion. Everybody welcome. Part 1: Upper body. We’ll work with the neck, head, jaw, shoulders, arms, and hands, as well as learn general self-care techniques, including hydrotherapy and self-massage.

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.

As we open ourselves fully to the ebb and flow of breath, we gain access to boundless currents of power and oceans of calm. In this workshop, we’ll begin with breathing inquiries, discovering how and where our breath is shallow; then, we’ll learn to use simple yoga posture flows and basic pranayama to experience an ever-deepening, whole-body breath. Everybody welcome.

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.

Active-Isolated Stretching is a system "for eliminating or reducing chronic pain and restoring lost range of motion faster than any other technique you've seen." It's used in everything from physical therapy to Olympic training: for yoga students and teachers (as well as other athletes, computer users, and health practitioners), AIS is an amazing way to break stubborn tension patterns and increase range of motion. Part 2: Lower body: We’ll work with the spine, low back, pelvis, hips, legs and feet, as well as learn general self-care techniques, including hydrotherapy and self-massage.

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.

In the extraordinary adventure of welcoming a new person into the world, partners in birth and pregnancy can realize whole new levels of intimacy and trust. In this workshop, couples will cultivate deeper connections with one another – and with baby – through discussion, partner yoga postures, relaxation exercises, and birth preparation. Partners will leave confident in their ability to give one another the steadfast support and loving encouragement they need throughout pregnancy, birth and the exciting journey ahead. Everyone welcome – no yoga experience necessary.

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.

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.

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.

Do you feel a little frantic? A never ending "to do" list bearing down on you? This workshop will assist you in learning an effortless meditation practice that offers easy access to your underlying ground of being -- the embodied experience of "nothing to do, nowhere to go, everything just as it is". When you visit this aspect of yourself regularly, the experience of life begins to ease and feel more gentle. The workshop is appropriate for all levels of experience.

Robin Carnes discovered yoga at age 18, and it has gradually become the center of her life. She completed her Anusara teacher training at WSYC and is also a certified YogaRhythmics and Kripalu DansKinetics instructor. As a life coach, Robin loves working with groups and individuals to help them create more joy, passion and purpose in their lives.

If one text could illuminate the path into the whole range and sacred power of yoga practices, this 7th century text is it. Detailing the sacred journey of yoga through body, breath, mind and spirit, its teachings shed light on every meaningful step we've ever taken or will take in yoga. In these workshops, we highlight key teachings of the text and practice informed by its profound wisdom.

All classes include asana, pranayama, bandha and meditation. All levels of experienced yoga students are welcome.

I. Foundations of Tantric Hatha Yoga: Asana, Bandha, Pranayama In this session, we explore the "preliminary" practices of the Tantric Hatha tradition, which according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, include asana, pranayama, and bandha. Our focus will be on the tantric approach to these practices and their intent in the larger scheme of the tradition.

II. The Yogic Science of Evolution: Body, Energy, Consciousness This session is dedicated to the practices that are the culmination of asana and the Tantric Hatha tradition as a whole. We overview yoga's most sublime terrain, which include teachings on kundalini, laya yoga, mudra and kriya. These practices and the principles behind them are a seamless extension of asana and should inform the way all students approach the preliminary practices.

III. Teacher Class: Elevating the Art and Science of Teaching Yoga In this session we explore, based on the teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, how to grow the effect and power of your classes. Our focus is on the practical tools and approaches that teachers can use to help their students: evolve, deepen their practice, and, in the process, elevate the whole art and science of teaching (open to all teachers).

Please note: Light on Hatha is a FALL workshop, and thus is not eligible for the 25% Summer Student Discount!

Rod Stryker is the founder of ParaYoga and widely considered one of the country's leading yoga and meditation teachers. He has taught for nearly thirty years, and leads retreats, workshops, and trainings worldwide. Rod is one of few American teachers today transmitting an ancient tradition, one that has been handed from teacher to student for literally thousands of years.

In this workshop, we'll explore the key yogic teachings of ayurveda and the concept of yoga as alchemy. All classes include asana, pranayama, bandha and meditation. All levels of experienced yoga students are welcome for the entire workshop or individual sessions. Please note: all Alchemy of Ayurveda sessions will be held at the Hindu Temple of Metropolitan Washington, 10001 Riggs Road, Adelphi, MD 20873

I. ParaYoga® - An Overview of the Three Vital Essences. We overview the key yogic teachings of ayurveda and the concept of yoga as alchemy. Our focus is on the subtle essences: prana, tejas, and ojas. We explore the principles of how to use the essences to empower our practice and teaching, tailor it to our (or our students') individual needs as well as how to use them to activate higher potential.

II. Tejas--The Subtle Force of Inner Radiance. Practice focuses on the yogic techniques through which inner fire is stoked and the light of our personality is brightened. As tejas is increased the higher potential of perception is activated, along with the power to attract the conditions most suitable to success and growth. Specific postures and sequencing awaken this force that leads to illumination and transformation.

III. Ojas--The Prime Vigor. This workshop focuses on the teachings of ayurveda and the yogic techniques that grow enduring vital force. Experience the practices (and the right approach to them) that nourish this subtle essence (which is the basis for all three vital essences) and that grow healing, vitality, potency and joy. Emphasis is on the poses and approach to meditation that build patience, sustained confidence, peace and compassion.

IV. Prana--Prime Life Force. Practice focuses on the yogic techniques that build and balance the elemental force that governs expansion of mind, body, and psyche. Prana, as activated through the appropriate asanas and pranayamas, frees us from the pain of limitation and restriction, brings lightness to the body and boundless awareness.

V. Meditation as Healing Meditation has the potential to be the most powerful of all yogic healing arts, whether we seek physical, emotional or spiritual healing. We explore three key practices: kriya, tantric visualization and the core healing mantra of the vedas while highlighting the specific effects of each. Through lecture and practice we explore how these key meditative practices affect particular healing and transformation.

Please note: Alchemy of Ayurveda is a FALL workshop, and thus is not eligible for the 25% Summer Student Discount!

Rod Stryker is the founder of ParaYoga and widely considered one of the country's leading yoga and meditation teachers. He has taught for nearly thirty years, and leads retreats, workshops, and trainings worldwide. Rod is one of few American teachers today transmitting an ancient tradition, one that has been handed from teacher to student for literally thousands of years.