Petals Flower Trike Joins Us for Community Yoga at Musser's Park 9/5
Community Yoga every Sunday at Musser’s Park Lancaster is ALWAYS a Pay- What- You- Can class for all. This Sunday, 9/5, from 9:00 am- 10:00 am, join us because Petals Flower Trike will be there after class! Enjoy class in nature and purchase some flowers to bring home some of these beautiful reminders of Earth into your home or give them to a friend!
Class is always pay what you can, we will have extra mats, and feel free to bring a friend. Register online or walk up.
Summer Solstice Asana & Acupuncture
You are invited to a summer solstice practice inspired by the Chinese Element, fire. In this workshop we will be capturing the essence of the element of summer, which is fire, and the energetics with a fun and lively 90 minute movement class taught by Debbie. This will be followed by a 30 minute guided meditation where Nick will utilize an acupuncture protocol to assist in balancing the fire energy within. June 20th, 1:30- 3:30, $40, Payment plans avail.
The summer season is time to cultivate joy, it illuminates our outer and inner world.
Debra is co-owner of Ananda Integration and Dower Wellness. She is the Manager of Holistic Therapy at Lancaster General Health/ Penn Medicine. Debra earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and biochemistry at Millersville University and is a Board Certified Structural Integrator. She completed the entire course of study at Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI). Debra is now an assistant and co-teacher for ATSI. She has over 1,000 hours of certified yoga instructor training and is an E-RYT. She currently teaches yoga in private practice.
Nick is co-owner of Ananda Integration and Dower Wellness. He is the Lead Acupuncturist at the Lancaster General Health/ Penn Medicine. Nick and his wife, Debra, have co-created a 300 hour yoga teacher training called Adaptation.
Nick earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and biochemistry at Millersville University and a Master of Acupuncture and Herb degree at the Won Institute of Graduate Studies. Nick has been practicing alternative medicine and studying the body for over a decade.
There She Rose: KEEP Rising
KEEP RISING TOGETHER
Back by popular demand, we will gather once again before the Summer Solstice to celebrate the divine beauty that continues to rise within ourselves and one another.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Receive a rose, experience herbal cleansing, anoint yourself with Wild Rose Ritual Oil, be guided in meditation + intuitive movement, journal, engage in herbal tonic tasting, create your own floral crown OR garland, connect with other women, connect with your inner mentor + leave with written prompts for ritual at home.
If you were present at our last gathering, know this will not be an exact replica, rather a continuation of rising together.
This event is facilitated by Michelle Newman, curator of the BE WELLBOX. Your BE WELLBOX is infused with loads of intention and guidance for bringing deeper meaning to your everyday existence rooted in nature, self - love, and a sacred connection to the earth. West End Yoga Studio is proud to learn from and support this meaningful, local, woman-owned business in Lancaster PA. Your BE WELLBOX is a true experience made of researched, ethical, and quality moments that make a true mark on Our Community’s connection. Thank you Michelle!
Arm Balance Workshop 9/12, 12-2 pm
Have you ever wanted to move into an arm balance, but just weren't sure how? Instagram and "How-To's" on the internet can be helpful, but not NEARLY as helpful as attending a workshop with an actual instructor!
During this two-hour workshop, West End Yoga Studio instructor Janna Springer will guide us safely into and back out of arm-balance preparatory poses, including Crow, Headstand, and others! She will also give us lots of tips and tricks for how to hold those poses once we get into them! She will lead us through a short asana practice for warm up, and will support us through our exploration of these tricky poses.
This Workshop also includes a Facebook Group where Janna will also be offering strengthening poses and movements to help you prepare for the workshop. You will be invited to the Facebook Group after registering. Studio Community Members $30 per Member, Students $35. Enroll before it fills!
Please wear comfortable clothing - something you feel comfortable wearing while upside down!
We will see you on the mat!
Get to know Janna:
"Growing up, I was not an active child, and I was not involved in any sports except for 2 years of track in High School. I occasionally worked out here and there and consumed a lot of processed, sugary foods. In my early 20s, I came across bloggers who posted pictures of themselves balancing on their heads, making pretty shapes with their bodies and eating a whole foods/plant-based diet. This lifestyle inspired me, and I wanted in on it (and to learn how to do a headstand)! This led me to take my first yoga class in 2014. I had no idea what I was doing. I had not even watched a YouTube video to see what I was getting myself into. The yoga instructor could tell I was new to the practice because she ended up staying after class to show me how to properly do chaturanga. Although I started off uncoordinated and confused, I stayed curious and showed up week after week and became addicted and inspired by my weekly improvements.
I wanted to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for yoga with others, so I decided to take my sincere passion to the next level and became a certified yoga instructor in 2020.
Yoga leaves me feeling taller, stronger, and empowered after each class. I want to share this with you!"
John Protopapas Performance: Classical Indian Music, 9/17 7:30-9
An evening of music and meditation. John Protopapas has been studying and practicing classical Indian music on the Sitar and Yoga for over 35 years. He teaches the world music class at York College of Pennsylvania where he shares his musical journey, and world travels. Join us for this musical inner journey, where he will perform and share his insights on this musical tradition that is deeply Intertwined with the whole Yoga tradition. Community Members $30, Students $40, In- Studio, Limited Tickets
"I headed East to India and after many unusual coincidences, met my main sitar teacher. I felt that I had finally arrived home. Not just physically but musically and spiritually. "
Growing up in South Africa, I often had the opportunity to be in environments where music played an important role and where it was often the predominant medium for transforming people. My most memorable moments were Greek weddings and gatherings with family and relatives. It was not uncommon for me to see rather old shopkeepers doing complete backbends and other rather strenuous and extreme physical movements with a little help from ouzo and lots of help from the live Bouzouki bands. Together with this was the warm and familial experience at the local Greek church where I experienced Byzantine chant together with the visuals of the priests and icons and incense. All of these elements were used as an aide to a deep spiritual awareness. To this day, the sounds of Byzantine chant trigger off many positive and spiritual feelings deep within me. In many ways, I believe that my early exposure to Byzantine chant is what ultimately led me to North Indian Classical music (both of which are monotonic systems of music).
Parallel to this were the culturally opposite experiences of watching African drummers and dancers spontaneously express themselves uninhibited with group participation as a key element. One as a tool for self transcendence, the other, a unifying and uplifting force in the light of the incredible oppression and suffering the Africans were experiencing at the time. African music to me always brings a great feeling of joy and celebration. Finally, I left South Africa, mainly due to the incredible injustice that was taking place at the time. I arrived in Greece where I spent some time exploring my roots, taking every opportunity to listen to live traditional music. The unique way of the Greek clarinet and the sounds of the Cretan lyre were my most profound musical experiences. Of course, I had fallen in love with Greece and traveling. Two years later, I headed East to India and after many unusual coincidences, met my main sitar teacher. I felt that I had finally arrived home. Not just physically but musically and spiritually.
For so many years, I had been developing ideas about music, self expression, improvisation etc. What I found in Classical Indian Music was the culmination and fruition of all these ideas. This musical system is not only spiritual in nature, but is a complete musical system where through rigorous training, one acquires the necessary skills to go deep into one’s creativity, touching on very deep elements of our human nature. It not only leads the musician and listeners into deep states of contemplation, but has the ability to touch on the most refined elements of sound and aesthetics.
Over the course of 23 years, I have continued my sitar studies mainly with Professor Virendra Kumar Sen, retired professor of DAV College, Dehra Dun and the late Gopal Shankar Mishra of BHU and Rabindran Narayan Goswami of Benaras. Also, I have had the opportunity to study tabla with Pyari Lal Mishra and Pakhawaj with Shri Kant Mishra, both of BHU, Banaras. I teach World Music at York College, PA. I also teach sitar, tabla and yoga privately. I regularly perform and give lecture demonstrations at local colleges. Ultimately, music is a blessing that comes through us and not from us. I feel classical Indian music when seriously listened to has the ability to give us a glimpse of that which we are all seeking in so many millions of ways: a gentle taste of the Beloved.
Sacred Songs & Affirmations 10/10, 7-8 pm
Sing Your Soul's Song.
We invite you to an Evening of Sacred Songs & Affirmations, led by Megan Hall-Bunty.
Megan is a yoga instructor, musician, and singer/songwriter. Allow yourself to Sing Your Soul's Song as Megan leads us in musical affirmations, poetry, and Sacred Songs influenced by poets and mystics from around the world. Free your voice, as you honor your Soul.
Artwork with the lyrics of all the songs will be given to you, so that you can truly feel free to join in.
Community Members $18, Single Pass $20
Poses with Purpose September: Clean Up on Walnut
Join us to help Clean Up on Walnut!
The businesses on & around the 200 Block of West Walnut Street in Lancaster are joining together for a Clean-Up Extravaganza! Sign up for a 30 minute time slot to help clean up our blocks and the surrounding parking lots. LCSWMA will be providing supplies, as well as a small treat (non-food) for children who participate! Children can participate for FREE, and for ages 12+ it is $15.
We will hold this two-hour clean-up on Sunday, Sept 26, from 3-5 pm behind West End Yoga Studio. Participants can sign up for a 30 minute time frame to clean up on the 10, 100, and 200 Blocks of West Walnut (including the parking lot across from Rachel's), the 300 Block of North Water, and the parking lot behind the building housing West End, Root, and possibly other surrounding areas if we have enough participants.
Each paying participant will receive a voucher for the following:
* West End Yoga: One FREE Class
* Rachel's Creperie & Café: One FREE Cup of Coffee & a 10% Off Coupon
* Root: 10 % Off Coupon
* Levengood's Cider: One $5 Gift Card
* Our Town Brewery: One FREE 10 oz Beer, Soda, or Lemonade
* A Day in the Life Records: 10% Off Coupon
Restorative Yoga, Special Class 9/19 6-7:30 pm
Join Roberta Strickler for an evening of Restorative Yoga. Finish your weekend with a restful series of supported poses. Relax your mind and stretch your body. Members $20, Students $25. Maximum of 15 Students. All props will be provided and Students may feel free to bring their own if they wish.
Meet Roberta
Roberta seeks the unity of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation as a lifestyle. In poses she works toward each person's alignment for posture and balance. Each class cites a theme and some sort of lesson. Poses develop in sequence so there is always something new. Flow is slow. Be prepared for fun and learning.
Her yoga certifications came from Kripalu in 1995, then 13 years studying Anusara, and now Iyengar yoga. She cites Doug Keller as a longtime teacher of Yoga As Therapy and the Philosophy of Yoga. Roberta taught yoga as part of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction team for 6 years. She studied Ayurveda at Himalayan Institute for 20 years and received an Ayurveda Counselor certificate from Kripalu in 2014.
HONOR THE LIGHT: Candlelit India relief
HONOR The Light: Candlelit India Relief
Join Us for a Candlelit Restorative Class, Signature Cacao Chai, music, and Connection of Energy and Prayers for India on Sunday 5/23. 100% of all revenue from this class will be urgently donated to SEWA USA.
Click HERE to Register and email us if you would like to join virtually or donate further.
India has blessed our culture with the ancient wisdom of yoga. And as a community that profits off of yoga, it is our responsibility to give back. Now is one of those times.
This country is in crisis. The people are suffering as they battle a deadly variant and second wave of the the Corona virus. They are lacking the resources that we are fortunate enough to have access to during this time of the COVID.
There are hardly any vaccines to be found even for those most well-resourced. Oxygen shortages are killing COVID patients that should be healing. Mass funerals and burials are happening around the clock.
We are currently seeing the highest death rate in the world, without any clear picture of how to get out of it.
After careful consideration of a list of vetted organizations, we have chosen to support Sewa International.
Sewa is Sanskrit for ”selfless service.”
Please join us for our special candlelight event in raising funds for India or go directly to their site to donate.
https://www.sewausa.org/mobilehome/
Follow them on Instagram for updates:
Yoga Wall, A Deeper Understanding & Training: 9/26 12:00- 2:30, 10/03 12:00- 3:30
Offered by Maggie Mowery, this Yoga Wall Training is for the Yoga Practitioner who wishes to increase their knowledge of the Yoga Wall to enhance their personal practice and also for the Certified Yoga Instructor who is looking into expanding their knowledge and possibly enhance their offerings. Tuition for this training is $135. For those that would like to attend 1 Session the cost is $85.
This training will take place in two sessions:
Yoga Wall Basics: September 26th, 12:00- 2:30 pm
Props, Safety, & Review: October 3rd, 12:00- 3:30 pm
Maggie’s Yoga Wall Journey:
”I have been practicing yoga since my early twenties. A few years back, I sprained my wrist. The injury took over a year to heal, and as a result I was no longer able to practice yoga in the way that I had before. I couldn't take a power yoga class or even an aerial yoga class without being in pain. Then I discovered the yoga wall, and my life changed. I couldn't stay in a downward facing dog on my yoga mat, but I could hold down dog for long periods of time by using the yoga wall. Through my wall yoga practice, I found that I could not only find better alignment in my body, but I could also strengthen my wrist without causing further injury. The yoga wall can help you to experience yoga in an entirely new light.
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Maggie began teaching Wall Yoga in 2017
Her first Class offering for Our Studio was in this passion, teaching her Students on the Wall
The Yoga Wall, at it’s core, is an alignment based Yoga practice. Maggie furthered her education about alignment and functionality in her second 200 hour Teacher Training, and immediately translated this wisdom into her classes.
Maggie Mowery is a certified Alignment Yoga teacher and a certified Hatha Yoga teacher holding two 200 hour Yoga Certifications. Maggie has been teaching yoga since 2017, and has been practicing yoga for over 25 years. “Alignment Yoga has literally changed my life. I now have a much deeper understanding of how the human body works and of how I can align my own values with the life that I wish to lead." When she is not on her yoga mat, Maggie loves to paint, sculpt in clay, be in nature and spend time with her loved ones.
Photo Credit Michelle Johnsen
Helps those be present and build confidence as Students work through poses with added support
Therapeutic benefits can help aid and heal injury ranging from degenerative disc disease, arthritis, sciatica, or an injury from athletics
Strength is built through proper focus on alignment creating functionally stronger supportive muscularly structures, connective tissues, and large muscle groups
Poses that are not yet achievable on the mat are made more accessible on the Wall to build strength for growth in one’s Practice
Competitors and athletes may utilize the wall as a new tool for or aid to increase flexibility and strength in new ways
Supports correct alignment to open the joints and increase mobility and flexibility in a manner that can be functional
All Asana poses can be performed with variations on the Yoga Wall including inversions, balance poses, twists, back bends, forward bends and standing postures
Allows us to experience an open spine through multi plane movement- creating balance in the body
