Expand Your Mind

AS WE ENTER THE DARK SEASON, KEEP YOUR INNER LIGHT BRIGHT.

STAY WITH YOUR PRACTICE!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
for expanded information on all
classes, workshops & events.

INTRO TO YOGA SERIES

STARTS WEDS, NOVEMBER 2

with Bianca Raffety

This series will provide you with the tools to become stronger and more flexible in a variety of ways as you become a budding expert in the science of yoga.

NEW YOGA FOR ANXIETY & DEPRESSION SERIES BEGINS

w/Bianca Raffety; Weds, Nov. 2 - Dec. 14

This series has sold out every time we've offered it. Participants say it makes a remarkable difference in their lives.

SACRED ANATOMY SERIES

w/Bianca Raffety, Sept. 16 - May 4

Each class will explore and bring to life the energetic and physical anatomy of the focus for that day by examining the physical structures and their energetic associations.

THE CHAKRAS SERIES

with Ellen Boyle, Sept. 22 - Nov. 10

Embark on a journey of self-discovery integrating the subtle body work of the ancient Indian system of healing called the Chakras.

THE SHOULDER GIRDLE

with Susan Grote, PT & Beth Award

Saturday, Nov. 5, 2:00-4:30 pm

Learn to engage and honor the structures that support your arms in standing poses, and the transition from downward dog through plank pose to chaturanga dandasana.

ANUSARA 101

with Grace Meyer
Saturday, Nov. 5 2:30-4:30 pm;

$30 fee includes one week of free classes!

Dive fully into the basic language and practice of Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment.

THE SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE

Thanksgiving Practice w/Denise Benitez

Nov. 24, 9-11 am

Join the SYA community for a practice designed to cultivate appreciation for this life, our bodies, and abundance.

Benefit for Yoga Behind Bars.

YOGA AND STRENGTH

with Denise Benitez & Carla Quam

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2:30-4:00 pm

Muscle is the "engine of youth." This class will address every key muscle group of your body, leaving you feeling open and strong.

CURTAINLIGHT RESTORATIVE YOGA

with Jane Hitti

Thurs, Dec. 22, 7:15-9:00 pm

This extended restorative yoga practice invites you to rest deeply, renew and welcome the return of the light.

2012 RETREATS

WITH DENISE BENITEZ

April 22-28, 2012 - Molokai, Hawaii at Hui Ho'olana. Payment plans available.

July 27-29, 2012 - Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat. This weekend will fill; plan ahead!

READ DENISE'S BLOG

More information on classes and events at SEATTLEYOGAARTS.COM

SAVE THE DATES IN 2012!

Feb 3-5 - Martin Kirk Anatomy Workshop

Mar 31-Apr 3 - Paul Muller-Ortega at SYA

June 16-17 - John Friend in Seattle

Expand Your Mind

The body practice of yoga is form based.

We return to the same forms again and again.

Regularity and familiarity allow growth,
Like a seed that needs the containment
Of the earth in which to germinate and grow.

Within the embrace of the poses,

We see our potential for expansion and evolution.

We also see our contraction, laziness and resistance.

Inevitably, inner commentary arises and
Asana becomes a thought filled process.
This points to the inseparability of mind and body.

Words shape our ideas, our experiences, and even
Our bodies! Concepts and beliefs come from words.
Certain thoughts make us physically stronger,
Others make us weaker.
Does your mind diminish your own best efforts?

The yoga tradition tells us that a truly
Yogic mind is generous, intrinsically open, creative,
Flowing, brightly expectant, fearless, innocent.
How to get from the mud of condensed mind
To the spaciousness of yogic mind?

Therein lies the life work of a yogi,
Which includes the increase of subtlety, refinement, the
Rigor of repetition, joyful persistence, dedication.

Practice observing inner and outer dialogue.
Investigate meaning behind meaning, second to second.
You will forget again and again.
This, too, is the life work of the yogi.

Expose your awareness to revelatory texts, and
Inspiring words, images, and ideas.
These images and ideas seed themselves in
Your consciousness.

Instead of submitting
To the dominant fear-based paradigm,
And its stories of terror and deficiency,
Contemplate the four great images of the yogi,
Which lead to freedom:
The abyss, the ocean, the moon and the lotus.

In this way, nature will teach you: What about you is unlimited and unchanging?
What about you always resides in openness?
When you witness yourself, what is witnessing?
Where is your true and free home?

(Poem: Denise Benitez, Image: Unknown)

We are dedicated to your expansion.
With love from your teachers,
Denise, Rainey, Bianca, Meg, Beth, Jane, Grace, Rebecca, Jorge, Erin, Ellen, Laura