Inner Fire Yoga Journal

Namaste Yogis and Yoginis,

Rolf Gates' workshop weekend starts TODAY! We've decided to use the whole space (both yoga rooms) so there is still room for you, should you decide to drop in to any or all of his workshops this weekend. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from a yoga-master. Read about it below, or check our website for details.

Congratulations to Draga Gakovich Draga

, who crossed the mark of practicing 1000 classes at Inner Fire Yoga! She is an inspiration to all, being in her late sixties and so dedicated to her wellness through a regular yoga practice. She is a big asset to our community. We love you Draga!

It is so inspiring to watch the Personal Revolution Board fill up with stickers. Way to go yogis! Keep up the great work - just one more month to go. (If you are a little behind, do some doubles - two classes in one day - to catch up!)

Mark you calendar for our annual Abundance Celebration happening Saturday April 25th. All yoga classes that day are free. There will be a silent auction to benefit The Children's Center of Madison. Please donate an item for our auction! Contact Carrie to make a donation.

Keep Yoga-ing!

Namaste,

Marit Sathrum
Owner/Director
Inner Fire Yoga Center for Wellness

Student Spotlight

"I started doing yoga because I thought it would be a fun way to work out. Not long after I began taking flow classes at Inner Fire, I was hooked. It was only a matter of time before I took my first Bikram class, I still remember how awkward I felt, but again, it was only a matter of time before I was hooked. This past summer I decided to try the vitality challenge. This dedicated practice to yoga inspired me. I learned to challenge myself beyond my boundaries and to be patient and persistent. All summer I celebrated incremental improvement and as I look back, all those small pieces have added up to something quite substantial. Not only am I much more flexible and strong (emotionally and physically), but I lost two dress sizes and gained a ton of confidence. Through finishing the challenge, I realized that my yoga practice at Inner Fire is irreplaceable not only because of the yoga itself but because of its supportive community of students and teachers. I want to do this until I'm 105."
~Elizabeth Roesler

Meet IFY Instructor...

Ken Kloes

My yoga journey began with chronic pain that wouldn't go away. My back hurt and I had knee pain which required surgery. As a last resort I thought that I would try that crazy "yoga thing" where you stretch and lie down a lot. Probably wouldn't be too much of a workout - My first class was Bikram. Kicked my butt! This was not a lazy walk in the park. But when I was done I felt amazing. Layers of stress washed away with the sweat. After 60 days my back and knees were healed. I was hooked and haven't looked back since.

As a yoga instructor my understanding, commitment and practice of yoga has only deepened. I've learned that it's not about how hard you exert yourself in a pose, but instead it is how struggle free you can breathe while taking yourself to the edge. Can you be where you are at your limit yet still remain calm and breathe through it? That's the challenge.

In my classes I'm intent on getting my fellow yogi's to breathe and find their "sweet" spot, the place where you are working hard yet able to keep your focus. I'm there to help you go further than you thought possible, then celebrate the joy and satisfaction of a breakthrough as you open up your body and spirit.

Everyday is a challenge in staying present, remembering what is important and living the ideals of a yogic lifestyle. My current mantra is "Life is simple, but not easy." It's simple to breathe, yet not easy to maintain breath throughout practice. It's simple to clear the mind and focus for a moment, but not easy to stay in the moment for long. It's simple to listen to your intuition and know your truth, but not easy to have the courage to act upon it.

I plan to teach and practice yoga for many years to come. The Inner Fire community is amazing and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I'll see you on your mat in class soon!

Namaste, Ken

Karma, Practice & Transformation

A Vinyasa Intensive Weekend & Teacher Training
with Teacher and Author Rolf Gates
February 27 - March 1, 2009

Rolf Gates, author of the acclaimed book on yogic philosophy Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga (Random House) conducts Vinyasa Intensives and Teacher Trainings throughout the US and abroad. His classes are a synergy of the dynamic freedom of a powerful Vinyasa class with the structural integrity of precise alignment. Named in Travel and Leisure's Top 25 Yoga Studios Around the World and Boston's Best Yoga Teacher, he has been featured in numerous publications to include Yoga Journal, Natural Health and People Magazine. He has also filmed a yoga series for Comcast. In 2005 Rolf produced his first Vinyasa audio CD. A former social worker and US Airborne Ranger, Rolf brings his eclectic background to his practice and his teachings. For more information click here.

Fri, February 27, 6-9pm Intensive: Karma
Sat, February 28, 2-5pm Intensive: Practice
Sun, March 1, 9-noon Teacher Training (see below)
Sun, March 1, 2-5pm Intensive: Transformation

Cost: $175 Entire Vinyasa Intensive workshop
         $225 Intensive Weekend + Teacher Training
         $65 Individual Sessions
         $75 Teacher Training (only)
         $125 Teacher Training + 1 Vinyasa Session
        Yoga Alliance credit is available for all sessions.

More Info on the Sunday Morning Teacher Training

Teacher Training: The Art of Theming

In every class there is an opportunity created by the students, the teacher and the practice. The theme that emerges from a class articulates this opportunity and allows for the essence of the practice to be taken off the mat and into our lives. Theming is the means by which the Yoga teacher brings yoga theory into the daily lives of the students. This training will be an introduction to the methodogy Rolf has developed for synergizing the physical and the metaphysical. This workshop is open to teachers and passionate students of yoga alike. It is recommended that if you plan to attend the teacher training, also attend at least one of the other weekend sessions as well.

Inner Fire Flow: what is it?

Inner Fire Flow is a graceful, fun and challenging flow yoga class. This sequenced class of foundational postures combines well known power flow sequences with classical poses (similar to Bikram). It enables practitioners to let go of external focus, calm the mind and experience the moment to its fullest, connecting being with breath. After an Inner Fire Flow class, you'll leave feeling strong, energized, cleansed and open to all that may arise.

Testimonials on Inner Fire Flow Class

"Recently, I've discovered the tranquility of the Inner Fire Flow sessions. Because it's an integration of Bikram yoga and flow, IFF strikes a balance combining the best elements of both. Like bikram, the IFF asanas are sequential, but less rigidly or predictably so. I find that I'm not always anticipating the next sequence as I am in Bikram. The flow between the asanas creates a sort of gentle, quiet dance and when the hour has expired, I feel as if I've had a solid workout, but with tranquility." Keesia Hyzer

"Inner Fire Flow is carefully crafted to balance the demanding rigor, toning, and alignment benefits of Vinyasa flow with the poised, focused and deliberative nature of Bikram yoga." Justin Rivas

IFY Abundance Celebration
SAVE THE DATE Saturday · April 25, 2009 ~ Free yoga on Saturday! ~ Indian buffet dinner and party begins at 6pm. ~ Silent auction to benefit The Family Centers of Madison. Do you have a good or service you are willing to donate for the silent auction? If so, please contact Carrie at retail@innerfireyogacenter.com ~ And much more, details to come soon...

Retail Boutique

BRIGHTEN YOUR YOGA WARDROBE
New spring colors from Lululemon and Eco friendly fabrics from Prana

Less is more in the hot yoga studio!

Pair some Lululemon Boogie On Shorts with the Not So Deep B Bra or the Flow Y Bra. (see right)

Want a bit more coverage? Choose the Groove Pant and a Scoop Neck Tank also from Lululemon. (see left)

Designed to withstand 5 years of physical athletic abuse Lululemon clothing is worth the investment.

NEW ECO WEAR FROM PRANA
Enjoy the feel of the soft organic cotton by pairing the new Becca Tank with Carlie Knickers, Paige Capri or Jada pants from Prana. Great for in or out of the yoga studio!

Inner Fire Yoga's Mission is to cultivate peace in the world by guiding our community on the path to freedom in body and mind, kindling the inner fire of the heart.
Sun-Moon

We value: The wellbeing of individuals and our greater community. Compassion and acceptance. Friendliness and kindness. Commitment to a disciplined practice. Integrity. Cleanliness. Environmental consciousness.

An Invitation from Inner Fire Yoga Center for Wellness

Step through our doors into a warm and cheerful refuge. Replace the noise of your busy world with the comfort of a safe, healing environment. Our supportive community will encourage, stimulate and motivate you to create a life of balance, strength and inner peace. Join us -- our passion for yoga and expert guidance will challenge you to achieve new heights of fitness in both body and mind.