"Don't tell me to relax, it is stress that is holding me together".  Bill and I grew up with that message taped to our refrigerator.  Our mother was juggling being a single parent, full time breadwinner and all around superwomen.  Stress was the fuel that kept her going.  Luckily she realized that she couldn't sustain the elevated levels of stress.  She turned to yoga, biofeedback, meditation and some other outlets like listening to really loud opera and country music.  
 
Today most people live with chronic stress.  Some stress can be good and motivating, useful and normal.  When stress happens too often or lasts too long, the impact can be detrimental and can lead to a whole array of problems including back pain, headaches, moodiness, sleep difficulties, and a compromised immune system. 
 
If you have been feeling "stressed out", overwhelmed, anxious, or unmotivated now is a good time to take control.  You can sign up for "Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction" (a long and fancy title for "Kick Stress and Anxiety Naturally"). Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement for the series.  We have heard about more and more employers offering assistance.
 
We have two sessions to chose from and free introductory dates happening soon. 
Read more about "Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction" Classes at Sellwood Yoga and Dates for the Series and Intro Sessions

Sign up now
for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Classes with Denise Gour

April 23rd (6:00-8:00pm)

End your week and start your weekend off right by getting a massage with a loved one or friend. Thai Yoga Massage is done on a padded mat wearing comfortable clothes (yoga, etc.) The method we will practice will incorporate more Yoga Therapy and relaxation into the session, so while it will still be Thai Yoga, we won't be throwing you around the room. If you have never experienced this form of healing and massage, it's truly balanced and peaceful. It is Bill's favorite type of massage. After the class, there will be tea, wine and healthy light snacks and time to stay relaxed and chill out.

Read more about the Thai Yoga Massage Class

Sign Up Now:  space is limited, pre-registration only

Sunday, April 25 (1:15-3:45pm)

Arm balances can help to increase strength, stability and agility. They are great poses to harness the power of concentration and focus while maintaining a playful and inspired attitude.

The workshop is open to anyone new and eager to learn arm balancing as well as those who have an active arm balancing practice.

Detailed instruction and skillful techniques will be suggested in order to add variety, make modifications, and entertain possibilities.

Celebratory champagne and sparkling juice as well as dark chocolates will be served at the end of the workshop.

Please pre-register in advance.  Savonn will be contacting all enrolled students prior to the workshop to discuss wants, needs, concerns, etc.

SIGN UP NOW

Our friend Kira, owner of Lulu Bandha's studio in Ojai, CA started a class called "yoga for stiff white guys" over 8 years ago when she opened her studio.  We loved the idea and took some adjectives away from the title.  "Yoga for Guys" was one of the most popular series at our studio in San Francisco.  The men were mostly the husbands and boyfriends, roommates of the gals who came to the studio regularly.  Bill packed the guys into the SF studio and wow did the place get hot, sweaty and focused.  After a fun first run at Yoga for Guys as a series in Portland we decided to make it a regular weekly class. 

The class is casual and taught in the Vinyasa yoga tradition for guys new to yoga through level 2. 

The class meets every Thursday 7:30-8:45pm.
*One beer on your way home at the Leipzig optional.

Read more of the story behind why Yoga For Guys started at Sellwood Yoga's blog.
 
Contact Bill directly for any questions: bill@sellwoodyoga.com

Please join us May 23rd for the special first ever lululemon Pearl District 5 & 10k run sponsored by Sellwood Yoga and Whole Foods. This benefit for Street Yoga will take place at Oaks Park starting at 8:00am. The course will be along the Springwater Corridor. Whole Foods will provide post-run refreshments and snacks.

We are forming a Sellwood Yoga running team for those interested in running either the 5k or 10k. We will have t-shirts available. For now, you can register for the event here

Send Bill an email: bill@sellwoodyoga.com when you register and he will follow up with details for getting on the Sellwood Yoga team.

We also need volunteers for the race day to help out at our aid station. If you don't feel like running but want to be a part of the event, please let Bill know as we need help in our efforts to help others.

The whole event promises to be a fun day for a great cause. Street Yoga gives youth and their caregivers the tools to overcome early life trauma, through the sharing of life-building mindfulness and wellness practices grounded in the ancient healing principles of yoga. We serve by helping them create a sense of true home in their own bodies, minds and communities.

For more on Street Yoga visit their website

 

Welcome Nathan Mills: