It’s not spring yet – however…
We are so longing for the warmth and freshness of Spring that we decided to do some spring cleaning… We have cleaned out and re-organized the ‘mat closet.’ Do not be alarmed, we are trying a color code system, more details at the studio. Also, please remember that only 20-class, monthly & 3-month unlimited series holders can store their mats at Mala.
If your mat is at Mala and you do not fall into one of those three before mentioned categories, please pick up your mat by February, 21st. Thank you!
Snow day for some – but not at Mala!
We are open today so if you need to get out of your house, come practice!
Upcoming Events!
We’re Studio of the Month at the lululemon Brooklyn Showroom!
Come join us at lululemon’s Brooklyn Showroom, 472 Bergen Street (btwn 5th & Flatbush) from 11 am – 12 pm. Class is free, bring a friend — Let’s take the Mala community vibe down the road!
- Saturday, May 7th, with Christina
- Saturday, May 21th, with Steph
- Saturday, May 28th, with Britt
Happenings at Mala Yoga
Saturday, April 30th; 4:00pm – Untangling the Yoga Sutras: Meditation with Jen Whitney
Saturday, May 14th @ 4pm: Postnatal Yoga with Kristen Bower
Saturday, May 28th, 8:30 am – 2 pm: Urban Retreat with Angela, Christina, & Steph
Ashtanga Yoga
Part of Mala Yoga’s ‘Finding the Present Moment in Tradition‘ series.
Ashtanga Yoga the Primary Series with Christina Hatgis
Date & Time: Saturday, February 5th; 4-6pm
Cost: $45/space limited to 10 people, pre-registration essential!
Register online through your MindBody Online account or at the front desk.
Levels: Intermediate; not suitable for beginners
What is Ashtanga? The late Sri K.Patthabi Jois developed the Ashtanga system of yoga. He worked closely with his teacher, Krishnamacharya, to develop the six series of yoga poses based on their studies of the ancient yoga text the Yoga Korunta. The “primary series” has greatly influenced contemporary American vinyasa yoga.
Students will learn
• An overview of the postures in the primary series and discuss the vinyasa aspect of the practice.
• They will learn how ujjayi breath, the bandhas (energetic locks) and the drishti (gazing points) support the asanas to create a powerful and healing practice.
Christina, co-director of Mala Yoga, has practiced Asthanga Vinyasa yoga for over 10 years. She has greatly benefited from the daily practice of Ashtanga yoga and is excited to introduce the Ashtanga practice in its classical form, through this experiential workshop. Christina studies with New York City’s leading Ashtanga teacher Eddie Stern.
Questions? Please contact Christina at Christina@malayoganyc.com
To register, stop by the front desk or email info@malayoganyc.com
The King of Asana: Headstand
Part of Mala Yoga’s ‘Step It Up’ series.
The King of Asana: Headstand with Stephanie Creaturo
Date & Time: Saturday, February 12th: 4 – 6:15 pm
Cost: $45 (or sign up for both king & queen for $80)/space limited to 8 people, pre-registration essential!
Register online through your MindBody Online account or at the front desk.
Level: Intermediate level
When it’s time for “finishing poses” in yoga class, do skip them and go straight to savasana, go to the bathroom, or opt to do forward bending instead? If so, this headstand workshop is for you!
Both Sirsasana (headstand) – known as the “king of all postures” – and Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) – the “queen of all postures” – have great physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Classical systems of yoga encourage these two poses to be practiced together, as their positive impact on the body and the mind is considered unsurpassed by other poses. However, safe practice of these postures is often bedeviled by basic aspects of modern life – such as sitting for long periods of time in chairs and carrying heavy bags. When imbalances in the spine and the shoulders emerge, it can be challenging to practice headstand and shoulder stand with safety and ease.
In this intimate environment, we look at the structural anatomy involved in headstand and figure out what support your body structure needs to safely bear weight on your head.
This is not a vinyasa class, but an anatomically based experience where we deconstruct these poses from structural, energetic, and practical points of view.
Please contact Stephanie if you are unsure if the Headstand workshop is for you.
Prices dropping on Costa Rica Flights!
$319 round-trip to Costa Rica on priceline.com! Thanks for the heads up Britt!
The retreat to Costa Rica is for ALL LEVELS and is a great way to either start an inversion practice or strengthen an already existing inversion practice. Amongst the crashing waves, swinging monkeys, good food and heat we will explore ways to build strength, confidence and stability for an inversion practice, as well as catch a wave or two. So don’t be shy, talk to us and enjoy the benefits of elevating your feet at the beautiful, sustainable and relaxing Blue Spirit.
The Queen of Asana: Shoulderstand
Part of Mala Yoga’s ‘Step It Up’ series.
The Queen of Asana: Shoulderstand with ANGELA CLARK
Date & Time: Saturday, February 19th: 4 – 6:15 pm
Cost: $45 (or sign up for both king & queen for $80)/space limited to 8 people, pre-registration essential!
Register and pay online through your MindBody Online account or at the front desk.
Level: Intermediate level
When it’s time for “finishing poses” in yoga class, do skip them and go straight to savasana, go to the bathroom, or opt to do forward bending or throw your legs up the wall instead? If so, this shoulder stand workshop is for you!
Both Sirsasana (headstand) – known as the “king of all postures” – and Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) – the “queen of all postures” – have great physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Classical systems of yoga encourage these two poses to be practiced together, as their positive impact on the body and the mind is considered unsurpassed by other poses. However, safe practice of these postures is often bedeviled by basic aspects of modern life – such as sitting for long periods of time in chairs and carrying heavy bags. When imbalances in the spine and the shoulders emerge, it can be challenging to practice headstand and shoulder stand with safety and ease.
In this intimate environment, we look at the structural anatomy involved in shoulder stand and the different ways we can prop ourselves to get the benefits of this inversion.
This is not a vinyasa class, but an anatomically based experience where we deconstruct these poses from structural, energetic, and practical points of view.
Please contact Angela if you are unsure if the Shoulder Stand workshop is for you.
Meditation Workshop, Feb 26th
Part of Mala Yoga’s ‘Finding the Present Moment in Tradition’ series.
Contemplate to Rejuvenate: Meditation with RICKI JEAN TRINK
Date & Time: Saturday, February 26th; 4-5:15pm
Cost: $25
Sign up at the front desk or online if you have a Mindbody Online account.
Level: No meditation experience necessary
Deepen your meditation practice through Heart Centered Meditation:
Are you plagued with incessant brain chatter throughout the day? Distracted by thoughts or worry when you really need a good night’s sleep?
Ongoing Meditation practice is proven to relieve these stresses and distractions while increasing energy, awareness, mental focus and a sense of well-being.
Join Ricki Jean as you explore the techniques of Heart Centered Meditation. You will use guided imagery and breath work to quiet the mind, strengthen your connection to the energy of the fourth chakra and deepen your practice.
The Fourth Chakra, also known as the heart center, acts as the balance point for all the chakras. It governs our relationships and how we interact with others. A balanced heart chakra is expressed in acceptance of self and others, personal values and ethics, following one’s unique direction in life.
Workshop Series Descriptions
2011 workshop series at Mala
BREAK IT DOWN TO BUILD IT UP: In these workshops we dissect poses that are seen in every class at Mala Yoga. Students learn what physical actions are needed to safely hold and experience the pose. We’ll look at bodies and assess if, due to structural “stuff”, we need to adjust how to enter, hold, and exit a pose. These workshops are suitable for beginners to advanced practitioners with the greatest appeal to “yoga geeks.”
STEP IT UP: Have you been swimming in the shallow end of the pool for 2, 3, or 5 years? Meaning, if you have been in basics classes for a while and are intimidated by “all levels,” or even worse, “intermediate/advanced” – these workshops are for YOU. Here, in a small group environment, you can explore the physical and mental transitions that build the confidence to keep you safe and get you strong to advance your practice. Challenge your habits and kick your practice up a notch!
Bright Minds, Big Hearts: We’re lucky to live in a time where there are so many great teachers sharing their wisdom on yoga and other mind/body disciplines. See what guest teachers are bringing their wisdom, humor, and practices with the Mala community in 2011.
Find the Present Moment in Tradition: Students get the time and space to explore the origins of the modern yoga practice, from translating and discussing ancient texts to moving through a series of postures considered “classical,” to just being still on their meditation cushions.
The Adventure Series: Highly physical, greatly humorous and outrageously fun, these workshops nudge you to push your boundaries. Come prepared to try those back of the book poses, and choose your adventure!
The Family Series: Family Yoga classes are designed to bring this beautiful practice to everyone. Each class will provide tools, games and poses that can be practiced at home with your family. Classes improve strength, coordination and flexibility. Meditation, chanting and relaxation techniques are incorporated into each session. No yoga experience necessary, classes appropriate for 2-6 year olds. Adult participation is required.
It’s January!
Please note that we are watching the weather and will update the site and facebook if there are any changes to the schedule. In the mean time take a look at what’s to come in the next few weeks.
Untangling the Yoga Sutras with Jen Whitney
Family Yoga with Lauren Maples
And in case you can’t get to class, keep your practice going with our podcasts!
PS – It was 81 F in Costa Rica today!