Workshops & Special Classes

MEDITATION & DEEP RELAXATION
Cultivating a living relationship to spirit
on and off the mat.

Wednesdays
July 23 & Aug. 20
8:15 - 9:45 a.m.

with Mary Bartel

· Want to be more present, more at peace, more effective, more awake?

· Want to bring greater clarity and insight into your relationships and work ... your life?

· Looking for a way to access the source energy that can fuel a more dynamic Self?

Yoga can teach you how to go deep inside and remove the physical, emotional and mental blocks that keep your energy and awareness from flowing freely through you and into your life. Meditation is the essence of yoga, a state of dynamic rest that naturally leads to insight as well as dynamic and creative activity, a way to transform yourself into an expression of your full potential.  Conscious deep relaxation is extremely healing on all levels of the body, physical and subtle.

We will explore the Yamas and Niyamas in a series of sessions beginning with these two summer sessions and will continue into the Fall/Winter session.  You do not have to attend all of them.  Each of the  5 Yamas - Restraints and 5 Niyamas  is a practice.  They are strong moral, ethical and spiritual considerations that when practiced reduce suffering and aim one more towards the lofty yoga goal of liberation of the soul.  We will explore one of the precepts each class and it will be the basis for our contemplation leading into a guided meditation and deep relaxation session.

The precepts of Yama and Niyama are laid down in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, as the first two limbs of yoga - the foundation of the Yogic spiritual practice known as the Ashtanga 8 Fold Path.  When these precepts are implemented the practitioner is better able to obtain the full benefits of the next two steps asana (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing regulation) and the four deeper practices beyond - sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and liberation.

Registration Required - $15/session.

Bring:  Journal or notepad, writing instrument.  Props (cushions, blankets) provided.

YOGA POSTURES BEYOND THE BASICS,

but not too crazy!

Including Inversions

Friday, August 8 - 9:30 AM - 11:30ish

A Yoga Postures Clinic

with Mary Bartel

Develop a better sense for postures you may have difficulty with, learn new postures and variations. This time allows you to work on postures in a very supportive atmosphere and to ask questions without feeling like you are disrupting the flow of a class. In this session, you will develop a better understanding of which muscles should be stretching and which contracting (strengthening) in various poses, positioning the body in postures with more confidence and safety.

This clinic will focus on standing postures, balances and inversions.  Learn the prep poses for some harder poses and the use of props to to create optimal alignment.  Once you learn these variations, you will be able to incorporate them in your personal and class practice - so you are able to challenge yourself when the moments are right.

Participants should have at least one year of experience or have developed the strength and comfort to hold poses.

Bring your sense of humor and humility, ultimately leave inspired and with a few new tools in your belt. 

There will be demos and opportunities to watch and see and then practice.

Workshop Fee:  $30

Class limited to 10 participants

When signing up let me know if there are any specific poses you would like included in this workshop.

Testimonial: 

“The strength of Mary’s Posture Clinic lies in her wonderful ability to explain, demonstrate and correct her students.  Her passion for yoga is contagious and it’s always a joy to learn from her. For me practicing yoga is a continuous journey and Mary always make it fun and interesting.”  Susan Friedmann, Lake Placid

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Increasing Joint Mobility Through

The Joint Freeing Sequence and More

Presented by Mary Bartel

Wednesday - August 27th

9:30 a.m. - noon

Feeling creaky, stiff or cranky?
Let's loosen it up!

Explore the potential for enjoying your body move with greater fluidity and no, or less, pain with an easy home practice that takes only 30 minutes to perform.  The Joint Freeing Sequence when performed mindfully and with breath is self-nurturing and will help you de-stress and de-compress your body and mind while increasing joint mobility, muscular tone, strength and flexibility.  These exercises are great as a stand alone practice or as a warm-up for a longer yoga session

Joints that are free in movement do not crack, create muscular stress, discomfort, or cause movement in an adjacent joint.  Learn how to reverse any of these symptoms of stuck energy flow - what yogis call ‘prana’ (life force). 

In this workshop:

• you will learn and practice a sequence of easy movements to increase your body’s freedom of movement.
• you will learn what the ideal range of motion is for each joint.
• you will gain awareness as to which muscles in your body are tight (need more release/stretch) and which muscles are weak (need more strengthening).
• you will be pleased to learn such an easy set of movements can make a dramatic difference in the way you feel, look and move!

These workshops are for everyone and any age.  Join us - wear comfortable clothes – we’ll have fun.                                         

Fee:  $35 (includes a laminated sheet of the exercises). 

 Mary is a professional level certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor.  She is currently studying and training with Mukunda (Tom) Stiles, to be certified as a Structural Yoga® Therapist. 

Testimonials:

I loved the workshop, I felt so good the rest of the day and I have done the routine both days since then, I would like to attend the follow-up session .

Margaret, Tupper Lake

Very informative workshop...I can't believe how fast the time went by as we engaged in yoga practice!  As I age, I want my body to have the ability to maintain muscle mass and range of motion.  Your class incorporated a multi-level approach on how to perform joint freeing postures with the correct body alignment.  Your enthusiasm and encouragement created an easy learning environment... everyone felt comfortable as we practiced doing something good for ourselves!  

Final thought:  I know my posture has improved (I've become more aware) because you shared your experiences/reasons for yoga practice -- Thank You for making a difference!

Kathy, Tupper Lake

Mary you are a wonderful instructor.  I learned a lot from your session.  I'm hooked!  I have started working on the joint freeing series at home.  My lower back ahs not hurt for for 2 days now - a great relief.  I believe my toes and feet are less painful allso, and after only 3 sessions.

Thank you for the handouts you gave us; they have been great to work off of.  Also, thanks for the efforts in making them as I will have them forever!  I would recommend this series to anyone who is just starting to exercise regularly or has been at it for years.  It has a lot to offer either.

Holly, Tupper Lake

Workshops and special classes previously presented are listed below.  If you would like to see any of these programs again or would like to have a workshop held at your location, please contact us.

Chi Walking Workshop
with Marsha Kameron
Certified Chi Walking Mentor and Tai Chi Teacher

Saturday, May 10  - 9 to 11 AM

·        Reduce stress and strain on your body

·        Improve balance

·        Focus your mind

·        Energize your life

·        Help with weight loss

 Suitable for all abilities:  No experience necessary.

The Chi Walking technique can be used for a relaxed energy-gathering walk or a fast pace power walk.  It has been used with thousands with profound results. (www.chiwalking.com)

The workshop will be conducted indoors and no shoes are worn for this session.  
Weather permitting, there will be a walk outside.  Bring your walking shoes.

Where:   Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center
238 Broadway, Saranac Lake 12983

Fee:  $30 Pre-registration and payment is required by May 7.  If space is available, $35 at the door.  Make check payable to Inner Quest Yoga and send to the studio address noted above.

For availability or questions, please contact me at (518) 523-9751; marshakameron@gmail.com

Marsha Kameron is a certified Chi Walking Mentor who received  instruction from Danny Dreyer, the founder of Chi Walking and Chi Running.  Marsha have offered Chi Walking programs to individuals and in the work place throughout the Tri Lakes area.  She teaches Tai Chi in Lake Placid, and is a licensed hiking guide and an ADK 46er.  Marsha has derived many benefits from Chi Walking and is excited to share these techniques with others.   

For questions about Chi Walking, please contact Marsha
(518) 523-9751; marshakameron@gmail.com

 

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Yoga Class and Satsang

Saturday, June 7 - 10:30 AM

Satsang - 1:30 PM

 w/Prem Prakash

 

Your Authentic Yoga

Regardless of the form of yoga you practice, directly realizing your authentic experience will produce great results. In this workshop we will practice enjoying our abilities, respecting our limitations, and appreciating how what we learn in yoga class can be carried forth into the profound and challenging yogas of daily life. We will also explore the historical dimensions of yoga, and how modern American yoga will be similar, and how it will be different, from its Indian roots.

Prem Prakash was born in the United States and spent the first 15 years of his life like most young men of his culture-- absorbed in matters pertaining to sex and sports. With the grace and guidance of his gurus, he was awakened to yoga and processes of developing wisdom and compassion. His writings have appeared in many publications in the U.S. and Europe, and he is the author of The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion (Inner Traditions International, 1998) and Three Paths of Devotion (YES International Publishers, 2002). Prem Prakash received the 2007 Service Award from the Institute of the Himalayan Tradition, and was recently honored by the Institute with the title of Yogiraj, “an accomplished yogi who lives in the world.” Prem Prakash lives at the Kailash Ashram in Middlebury, Vermont where he serves as co-director of the Green Mountain School of Yoga (www.gmsy.org).

$10 admin-studio fee and by donation to the teacher (dakshina - student expression of gratitude and generosity)

Please register by e-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net or call
Mary at 518-891-9944.  Drop-ins welcome as the space allows.

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Yin Yoga & Yin Yoga Massage
Workshop with International Presenter
Ken Nelson

April 26, 2008

Yin Yoga – 9:30 a.m. – 12:30

Yin Yoga Massage 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Enjoy the ordinary magic of stretching, lighten your spirit, and increase your freedom of movement. Get support for healing and wholeness through joint mobility, flexibility and compassionate community in this 2 part full day Yin Yoga and Yin Yoga Massage Workshop.  Choose attending the a.m. or p.m. session or come for the full day.

The morning session – Yin Yoga:  Learn a simple set of Yin Yoga postures.  Yin Yoga complements the muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat and the lengthening and contracting of muscles. Yin Yoga primarily targets connective tissues (fascia, ligaments, bones and joints) normally not exercised in an active asana practice.  Yin Yoga relieves pain and chronic tension in the hips, thighs, pelvis, spine, neck and shoulders by stretching and rehabilitating connective tissue—countering the shortening and stiffening effects of aging, injuries and neglect.   

The afternoon session – Yin Yoga Massage:  You'll have fun learning to give and receive asimple set of assisted-yoga-floor postures. Receivers hold these relaxed, supported poses for several minutes, while givers apply easy-to-learn, effortless Shiatsu and Thai massage methods: passive stretching, acupressure, twisting, range-of-motion joint mobilization, energy balancing, breathing, and gentle rocking.

Yin Yoga is rooted in Yoga Therapy, Energy Medicine and Meridian Theory—with insights into unifying chakras and meridians into one energy-conducting system. While Yang Yoga is mostly muscular, Yin Yoga works on connective tissue and fascia, found everywhere in the body.  New evidence shows fascia as the fabric of life—a living crystalline web through which meridians weave their vital life force (Prana or Qi) as healing bioelectric signals.

Fee:  $45 for either the morning or evening session.  $80 for both/full day.

 For Information and to Register:  Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center|
238 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983            518-891-9944
www.innerquestyoga.net          mary@innerquestyoga.net      

 Addresses all skill levels & ages interested in health & healing, yoga, massage, movement, dance, healing/martial arts, holistic medicine, helping professions, & spiritual community. Yoga teachers—enhance your personal practice & get classroom skills to assist your students. Cushions and blankets are available at the studio but you are encouraged to bring your own mat and props if you have them. SPACE IS LIMITED so please book early.

BIO:  Ken Nelson, PhD, a leader in teaching the healing arts, has taught worldwide since 1975. He lives in Lenox, MA, where he teaches yoga, massage and meditation at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. www.SacredHealingArts.net

Introduction to
Aromatherapy Workshop

Workshop presented

by Jim Hoit, LMT & Aromatherapist

 Saturday, February 23
9 a.m. - noon

 Join Jim Hoit, licensed Massage Therapist and certified Aromatherapist in examining the history and science of essential oils and their therapeutic applications.

In this workshop we will:

·        look at the chemistry, manufacturing and how to know the purity of essential oils

·        discuss both the physical and emotional balancing aspects of their substances viewing them from both an eastern and western perspective.

·        learn which oils would be wonderful and safe for tending to some common ailments and discomfort.

·        blend a custom creation of your own to take home.

Fee:  $45 – please pre-register by Feb. 21^st to reserve your space. 

To register contact Mary @ 891-9944 or e-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net

Or call Jim @ 524-5829 for more information.

Anatomy of Yoga Poses
with Mary Bartel

Sat., Feb. 16, 9 - noon
 

Come explore your body and Yoga practice in this experiential workshop to understand the major anatomical movements of the primary Yoga postures.
Deepen the connection you have with your muscles as you learn which muscles are stretching/relaxing and which muscles are contracting / strengthening - as all muscles work in pairs. 

With this understanding of your body, you will be able to:

· deepen your capacity to drawer your senses within.

· develop a keen awareness of muscle sensations.

· recognize the difference in the feelings of muscles stretching versus contracting.

· guide your breath with intention to the working muscles.

· make the micro-movements that will contract or relax muscles on a deeper level moment to moment.

· explore what truly feels good as you cultivate a steady comfortable pose … most important as is instructed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

 Fee:  $35

To register e-mail: mary@innerquestyoga.net or call 518-891-9944.

Explore Your Truth About Food

 The Yoga of Food

 Ayurvedic & Yogic Teachings For

Promoting Health and Improving Your Well Being

with Mary Bartel

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008

9 - 12:00 noon

In this ‘healthful’ workshop Mary will introduce:

• Anna Yoga:  The Yoga of Food and Spiritual Sustenance - Yogic philosophy of eating and food.

• Ayurvedic fundamentals.  Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which evolved among the Brahmin sages of ancient India some 3000-5000 years ago and is considered a sister science to Yoga.  Ayurveda literally means “science of life.”  Patients of Ayurvedic practitioners learn to understand their unique bodily constitutions and are taught how to use diet, herbs, massage, and lifestyle to harmonize body, mind, and spirit so that healthy people can stay healthy and folks with health challenges can improve their health.  This system teaches that good health is innately ours and to balance and harmonize the body we need to connect more with the laws of nature.

In this workshop you will:

• Explore your truth about food and eating.  You will be presented with a couple of sets of questions to help you dive into an in depth study of your eating habits.

• Complete an Ayurvedic survey to determine your body constitution.

• Explore and we will discuss various yogic principals and Ayurvedic recommendations. 

• You will leave with a renewed sense of how to nourish yourself and improve your well-being. 

Fee:  $35. Pre-registration and payment is required as space is limited.  Bring a journal and a pen. 

BEGINNERS YOGA
(2 Sessions Intensive Program)
w/Mary Bartel

January 19 & 26

8:30 a.m. - 12:30

Get inspired and familiar with yoga in this intensive program and begin to feel the many benefits of this ancient practice.  This program is great for beginners or for those who would like a refresher.  Each session will begin with yoga philosophy.  Then we will focus on rhythmic movement with breath while performing various yogic stretches and warm-up exercises.  You will be instructed, watch and then practice the primary Yoga postures (asanas) and yogic breathing techniques (pranayama).  You will also be instructed and practice seated centering meditation & relaxation. Modifications of postures will be offered so anyone can join the workshop.  You will learn the principals of alignment and how to adapt to your individual needs.

The workshop is limited in space so there is ample opportunity to work individually with participants.

Why practice Yoga? ... see the classes page for more info.

To register please call Mary @ 891-9944 or e-mail.  Please describe briefly your intention for this program and if you have any physical limitations.  This class is intended for students able to get up and down off the floor without assistance.  Students with disabilities or special needs would require one-on-one private sessions - call for details.

Program fee:  $75 (includes take home practice materials).  Pre-payment please to secure your space.  This program will be held with a minimum of 6 participants.|

Yoga props and mats are available for use during this program and can also be purchased at the studio. 

SELF-REFLECTION

FOR THE NEW YEAR

w/Jen Harry

Take a break from the hectic holiday pace and find deeper meaning in your celebration of the holidays.  Please join us for a workshop that will give you some quiet time to integrate self-reflection and mindfulness into your holiday celebration.

Drawn from the principals of Japanese Psychology, this workshop will guide us through a structured reflection of the past year and allow us to take time to become more aware of our life’s blessings and the support we receive as well as to look back at our accomplishments and actions.  We will also take time to identify goals for the coming year, including what we might need to do differently in order to live more meaningfully in 2008.  Please bring a journal or notebook to write in.  

Cost: $30 Please register by January 4^th.  

Call 891-9944 or email mary@innerquestyoga.net 

Jen Harry has a B.A. in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University, has worked in the mental health field for over 6 years and has been studying Japanese Psychology for the past 3 years and currently is a candidate for certification in Japanese Psychology.

Intro. to Shiatsu
A Japanese form of Body Work

October 20
9 - 11:30 a.m.

Based on the traditional Asian principle that: “Where there is free and balanced flow of life energy, or ‘chi’ illness will not appear”, Shiatsu provides us with an easily accessible and inexpensive method to encourage that flow.

Join practitioner and instructor, Jim Hoit, Licensed Massage Therapist, for this intriguing look into this Japanese style of bodywork.

In discussion and hands on experience, you will learn about the concepts of; yin & yang, the five elements, meridians, and the methods used to encourage harmonious energy circulation to promote physical and emotional well being.

This style of bodywork is performed fully clothed on floor mats.  Wear loose comfortable clothes, bring an open inquisitive mind and an intention to be healthier. Shiatsu benefits the giver as well as the receiver so try to bring a partner, but singles are just a welcome.

Attendees will receive a coupon good for a 25% discount on a Shiatsu session with Jim.

Fee:  $30 singles or $55 a couple

To register call Jim at 524-5829 or Mary at 891-9944.  Please forward payment payable to Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center, 238 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.  Space is limited so pre-payment and registration is suggested.

Attention, Action, and Gratitude: An Introduction to Japanese Psychology

Morita Therapy
October 18^th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Naikan Therapy
October 27, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

This is a 2-part workshop that will allow us to take a look at the principles and practices of Japanese Morita Therapy, which is sometimes called the “psychology of action” and Naikan Therapy, which is a method of self-reflection.

Today’s society has become preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness, we are always striving for the “perfect” feeling state of pleasure and happiness that we often feel is just out of our reach.  We spend a lot of time (and money) concentrating on why we are feeling unhappy, depressed, anxious, angry, etc.  As a result, we get stuck, unable to move forward, unable to act on our goals and dreams or even on the tiny details of our lives that need to get done, like the dishes or the laundry.  We have become very skilled at noticing what is wrong in our lives and believe we must wait until we are “feeling better”, “more confident”, or “no anxiety” to accomplish what we need to do.

Morita and Naikan therapies offer us an alternative viewpoint.   They teach us skills that help us live a more constructive and meaningful life.  By teaching us how to shift our attention to a more realistic view of our lives, we begin to see all that we do have and through a variety of exercises, we learn that we can take action, despite how we feel.   

Rooted in eastern philosophy, these workshops will show you how learning these skills can be applied to life in our western society.  The applications to our daily lives range from overcoming mental health problems such as anxiety and depression to improving our relationships and changing our habits.

Please join us for:

Morita Therapy
Thurs. October 18^th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

A brief history of Morita Therapy developed by Dr. Shoma Morita, an overview of the basic principles including co-existing with the ups and downs of feelings, discovering our purpose, working with our attention and strategies for taking action.   

Naikan Therapy
Sat. October 27, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

A brief history of Naikan Therapy developed by Ishin Yoshimoto.  Learn how to use this method of self-reflection to cultivate gratitude, develop greater self-awareness, and examine the impact you have on the world and in your relationships to others.   

Cost: $30.00 for one workshop or $50.00 for both.
Please register by October 15^th, by calling Mary @ 518-891-9944 and/or forwarding payment for your workshop options.  Pre-registration and payment is required as there is a minimum number of folks needed to hold these sessions.

TAO & Then

Introduction to Taoist Theory & Tai Chi Easy

Workshop presented by Jim Hoit, LMT

Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 9 - 11:30 a.m.

John Qi (Chi) Gong practitioner and Shiatsu therapist Jim Hoit for an exploration of Taoism, the philosophy that gave birth to the concepts of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi.

Learn about the ideas of Chi, Yin & Yang, and inner alchemy.  Then join us in the practice of the Healing Sounds & Tai Chi Easy.  The workshop will conclude with a simple visualization meditation.

In the Chinese language, tai chi means the "balance and harmony" of natural forces within ourselves and our world. Tai chi also means "supreme ultimate," pointing to the awesome nature of all life and our own lives within the universe. Tai chi is a very well-known form of the ancient self-healing art known as qigong. Qigong (Chi Gong) means to cultivate (gong) healing life energies and resources (qi).

Tai Chi easy is a is a great starting practice with simple qigong and tai chi movement - a mind-body practice that combines exercise and meditation to activate self-healing properties ancient Chinese texts call the "healer within" and the "elixir of life."  Jim’s teacher, Roger Jahnke says, “The most profound medicine for body, mind, and spirit is produced in the human body for free.”

Fee:  $30   Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

To register for this workshop call Jim on his Cell Phone @ at 518-524-5829 or call Mary @ Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center and leave a message 518-891-9944.  Mary will not be in the office the week prior and the day of this workshop so please do not try and register by e-mail then.  Jim will check the messages at Inner Quest.

CHAKRA YOGA
with Mary Bartel

Wed., August 29, 8:30 - 11 AM

====================================   

The session begins with an introduction to the Yoga philosophy of the 7 major energy centers.  Known as the Chakras (holographic wheels of energy), they govern the functioning of the body in all physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.  You will explore your energetic power as you strengthen old weaknesses using movement, breath, intention and sound.  

We will practice a Chakra Yoga Flow of Yoga asanas (postures) that will emphasize awareness of the subtle energy body, focused breath, and internal sensation to induce physical, emotional and spiritual healing. 

The class begins with a seated meditation on the chakras and breathing techniques, followed by slow flow gentle warm-ups and held postures with chakra awareness.  You will be invited to assess your capacity TO BE, moment to moment, working at your edge.  The class ends with 20 minutes of yoga nidra (deep guided relaxation) and seated meditation. 

Fee:  $32 (includes a Chakra Chart for home practice and meditations). 

For more information or to register
Call Mary @ 891-9944 or e-mail mary@innerquestyoga.net.

Embodying Freedom: Practicing the Eight Limbs of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra
A Yoga Intensive                 

with Mary Bartel and returning national presenter
Christopher Tompkins, M.T.S., M.A., PhD Candidate

Wednesday - Aug. 1st - 6 - 8:30 PM

If you practice Yoga and wish to experience the full potential of your unfolding, this Intensive is for you!

For thousands of years, yogis have described the moment of spiritual liberation to occur when our true Spirit (Purusha), forever whole and content, is discriminated from the constantly fluctuating states of mind that we experience in our daily lives. Sage Patanjali, the author of the most authoritative Yoga scripture, the Yoga Sutra (2^nd-4^th centuries C.E.), teaches us how the nature of our whirling minds (citta-vritti) keeps us from experiencing our true Being. The goal of the Eight Limbs of Yoga (ashtangas) is to free us from the painful cycles of mental/emotional attachments and to lead us inward, to a place of deep connection to the  blissful nature of the inner Self (kaivalya).

In this unique Yoga Intensive, we will directly embrace the powerful  teachings of Patanjali and put them into practice. We will deeply meditate as a community on Patanjali’s teachings about the nature of the Self, the obstacles we encounter through attachment to mental cycles, and effect practices that have lead countless yogis to sat-chit-ananda (the bliss of pure conscious Being). In order to offer a glimpse into the fulfillment promised by these teachings, we will practice the 8 limbs of Yoga as taught by Patanjali, including Asana (postures), Pranayama (calming the breath to calm the mind, Pratyahara (withdrawal of consciousness from the restless senses), Dharana (Focused Visualizations), and Dhyana (Meditation on the Inner Self).

Christopher Tompkins is director of the University of California’s renowned “Meditation, Mysticism, and the Mind” class (meditate.berkeley.edu).  Christopher and his team of instructors have now initiated over 2,500 students in the practice of yoga meditation. He has 3 degrees in Religion, including a Master’s Degree from Harvard and a Master’s from Berkeley in Sanskrit. His doctoral dissertation focuses on the origin and development of Kundalini Yoga in medieval Tantric and Hatha Yoga traditions. Chris lectures in Yoga centers nationally and trains Yoga teachers in the history and philosophy of Indian Yoga.  He is the co-founder and co-director of the Yoga Foundation (www.yogasthana.org).

Fee:  $30  Pre-payment and registration is required to secure a space. 
E-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net or call (518) 891-9944.

Kirtan (Devotional Chanting)
Friday, June 29 - 8 PM

Yoga Class and Satsang
Saturday, June 30 - 9 AM

with Prem Prakash

Kirtan is a trance journey utilizing the vibratory language of sanskrit, accompanied by musical instruments of all varieties. It is the soundtrack to the eternal cosmic dance of consciousness, truth, and love.  Musical and vocal skill is irrelevant, yearning does all the work.

Yoga literally means "union," with the primary yoga being between the body, mind, and breath. Once this foundation is formed, the practitioner can travel inward and work with the inner fire to burn away impediments to higher consciousness. There is only one yoga -- a spiritual art and science which you can discover inside yourself.  All welcome.

Prem Prakash was born in the United States and spent the first part of his life like many young men of his culture-- absorbed in sex and sports. With the grace and guidance of his gurus he was awakened to the spiritual art and science of yoga, and processes of developing wisdom and compassion. His current practice focuses on communion with the Divine Couple: God and Goddess. His writings have appeared in many publications in the U.S. and Europe, and he is the author of The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion (Inner Traditions International) and Three Paths of Devotion: Goddess, God and Guru (YES International Publishers). Prem Prakash lives at the Kailash Ashram in Middlebury, Vermont where he serves as Director of the Green Mountain School of Yoga. www.gmsy.org.
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Fee:  By Donation (dakshina - student expression of gratitude and generosity) 

Let us know if you will be joining us:
E-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net or call 518-891-9944. 

Drop-ins welcome as space allows.

Journaling and Yoga

for Body, Mind, and Spirit

with Lori Batcheller

Saturday, June 2, 2007 - 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Journaling and yoga have long been known to foster health and well-being, and recently scientific research has studied the specific healing benefits. Join long-time journaler, author, and professional-level Kripalu Yoga instructor Lori Batcheller for a half-day of journaling and yoga to promote health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit.

In this fun, supportive environment, you’ll learn about the scientific studies showing how directed journaling can enhance the immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce the symptoms of physical ailments and visits to health clinics, and promote feelings of well-being.

The day will begin with gentle yoga followed by specific journaling exercises to help you:

• Release stress and powerful emotions, such as anger, sadness, tension, and grief

• Gain new perspectives on current challenges

• Heal relationships

• Access your body wisdom

• Meet your Inner Healer

• Create an individualized wellness kit

• Rediscover your creativity and innate joy.

• Learn to value your journal as a trusted friend.

Workshop Fee:  $49.

No previous writing or yoga experience is necessary. Bring a journal and favorite writing instrument. 

To ensure an exceptional experience, space is limited, so please register early.

An experiential educator since 1998, Lori Batcheller began keeping a journal in childhood, and has personally used journaling to help rediscover her Authentic Self, access her blocked creativity, heal family relationships, change careers, and recover from chronic neck pain. She is a professional-level Kripalu Yoga instructor and Certified Journal Instructor and is on the team of educators at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. One of her greatest joys is passing these valuable tools onto others.  To learn more about Lori click visit:  www.lbcreative.com

For more information or to register for this workshop

Call Mary @ Inner Quest Yoga 518-891-9944 or e-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WEEKEND

with

JEFF COCHRAN

Saturday, April 21^st, 9:30 - noon

TEACHINGS AND CELEBRATIONS

Join Jeff Cochran for a morning of earth-wisdom teachings and celebrations.  Jeff will use storytelling, drawings, poetry, and props to share a unique and valuable synthesis of Black Elk’s Medicine Wheel and the four-body teachings of Buddhism.

To get our bodies and smiles moving with the spring, participants will join Jeff in group performance poetry that combines earth-wisdom teachings and motion to celebrate the cycle of the seasons.

We'll delight in the Medicine Wheel’s ability to renew and expand our awareness of our personal relationship to nature and natural cycles and forces.  Jeff will reveal how these fundamental natural truths, allowing us to discover where the teachings of Western science, Buddhism, and Christianity, merge.

Black Elk was an Oglala Sioux holy man and Catholic catechist.  His teachings came to us primarily through the books, Black Elk Speaks and When the Red Tree Flowered, by John Neidhardt, and The Sacred Pipe, by Joseph Epes Brown.  Vine Deloria, Jr. Has suggested that Black Elk’s teachings have become an, “American Indian bible...that serves both Indian and non-Indians of today as...a key to translation from modern American in to older American Indian modes of thought.” Black Elk says of his Great Vision, “It is true and it is beautiful and it is for all men.”

 Jeff Cochran’s mother and grandfather are Native American Salish.  Jeff has worked as a writer and cartoonist for News From Indian Country.  For five years he has been the fire-keeper for Sioux sweat lodge ceremonies.  Since 1978, her has been a student of comparative religions with a specific interest in origin stories and how they can be of use when addressing environmental issues in the Industrial Age.  He has also studied Buddhist and Taoist teachings and practiced Qi Gong for eight years.

Fee:  $30

To register e-mail: mary@innerquestyoga.net or call 518-891-9944.

STRESSED?   WORRIED?

Acupressure for Emotional Healing

with Dr. Karen Guenette

Sunday, April 29^th – 2:00 – 4:30 PM

Participants in this workshop will learn Emotional Self-Management program, a technique that employs a combination of acupressure, tapping on acu-points, eye movements with breath and focused thought to encourage the healing of stress, emotional issues, discomfort and phobias.

Results using this program can hasten any healing process by removing energetic blockages that can stem from polarity reversals in a person's electromagnetic field. This is a hands on workshop. Please bring a notebook, pen, and a cushion to sit on.

Led by Dr. Karen Guenette of Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture, P.C. in Lake Placid

Fee: $50

Confirm Date Thursday April 26th

For more information or to register call or e-mail:

Mary Bartel at 891-9944 mary@innerquestyoga.net

Sounds for Healing Concert
Peter Blum & Pulse Field

 Fri., May 11th - 7 PM 

Modern science is now showing us what the sages and mystics of every ancient culture understood: Our universe is composed of energy that is matter vibrating - and tuning into those frequencies can be profoundly healing and inspirational. Experience an evening of meditative and healing sounds featuring Peter Blum with an extraordinary collection of over 35 Himalayan Singing Bowls; Naaz Hosseini, voice and violin; and David Budd, digeridoo, frame drums and percussion.  

Audience members are encouraged to bring pillows or blankets to be able to relax
their bodies and let the music transport their minds and spirits inward or outward.

Concert fee $12. Pre-registration is encouraged, as last year this concert filled the studio.

To register e-mail: mary@innerquestyoga.net or call 518-891-9944.

This concert is to be held at BluSeed Studio, Cedar St. off Broadway, Saranac Lake.

ESOTERIC MUSIC THERAPY  WORKSHOP
Sat, May 12 - 9 AM - 4 :00 PM

Learn Sacred Vowel Sounds to tone the body's energy centers and much more in this day-long workshop with Peter Blum, Naaz Hosseini, and David Budd. This intensive workshop combines active sound practice with listening and contemplation on a conscious and unconscious level. No prior training is necessary. These practices can be used to enhance vitality, creativity, and communication skills. Suitable for personal growth or for health professionals interested in expanding their musical and intuitive skills.

Learn

· The history of sound and music for healing purpose

· "Magical" overtone singing • Deep Listening meditations

· Singing Bowls to tune the mind/body

· Rhythms of brain-wave entrainment

· The secret power of your name

· Shamanic journeying with drum and rattle

Bios of Performers/Workshop facilitators:

Peter Blum has been a musician all of his life and has spent the past 25 years exploring the esoteric aspects of sound. His teachers include Ustad Jamaluddin Bhartiya (sitar), Dr. Karl Hans Berger (jazz improvisation and rhythm), Pauline Oliveros (Deep Listening), Jill Purse (overtone singing), Fabien Maman (vibrational healing), and Beautiful Painted Arrow (shamanic use of sound and vibration). For the past dozen years he has focused on healing through sound.  He has relesed 6 CD's featuring the Himalayan singing bowls. Sounds for Healing workshops/ concerts have been held at Omega Institute, The Abode of the Message, HealingWorks, Academy of Universal Music, Wave Hill, The Yoga Zone and many other sacred spaces.

Naaz Hosseini is a Gestalt therapist and Voice Empowerment coach.  She sang her first aria at two and went on to specialize in movement and voice with extensive experience in the creative and healing arts, including training in Continuum with Emilie Conrad Da'oud, Gestalt Couples Counseling with Marla Silverman, and Teaching for Understanding with Lois Hetland at Harvard University. She practices Kundalini Yoga and Authentic Movement and is certified in craniosacral therapy. Naaz has performed worldwide as a vocalist, dancer, violinist, and actress with the Meredith Monk Vocal Ensemble and has composed and performed for Pilobolus and The National Theatre of the Deaf. She received the 2001 Rockland County Executive Arts Award for Performing Artist.

David Budd taught himself to play the drumset when he was a teenager, and he delights in creating percussive sounds from nearly any object. He developed an interest in playing hand drums, and began studying frame-drum percussion in 1997 with world-renown drummer, Layne Redmond. With Redmond, he has studied Middle Eastern and Brazilian music. In addition to drums, David plays the digeridoo and various bamboo flutes, and practices overtone singing.

Workshop fee: $85 or $75 registered before May 1.

Registration and pre-payment are required.

E-mail: mary@innerquestyoga.net or call 518-891-9944.

The workshop will be held at Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center

A day of Anusara Yoga
with Ann Greene 

Saturday, May 19, 2007

 9:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Aligning the Lower Body
A Clinic for Teachers & Dedicated Students

Each of us has an etheric double, an optimal place of alignment for our body, heart and mind. When we access this place, we connect with our true self and experience our innate joy. Utilizing the Anusara Yoga method we will look at the optimal blueprint for our lower body.  This will be taught in the style of a clinic with emphasis on the feet, legs, low back and hips.  Learn helpful alignment techniques and therapeutics to bring greater freedom to your practice and your life.

Fee:  $45 (attend Clinic and Class for $80)

 
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Align with the Divine
A full spectrum class

This class will integrate the material that was covered in the morning with an upbeat and lively class that will cover a range of postures as we align our bodies, hearts and mind with the divine.  You do not need to attend the clinic to attend this session.  A class for all levels of experience.

Fee:  $45 (Attend clinic and class for $80)

Ann Greene is a certified Anusara Yoga teacher. A student of yoga since 1986, she brings love, passion, and creativity to her teaching. She teaches workshops at local yoga centers and teaches internationally. She is featured with her husband, Todd Norian, in the Partner Yoga video.

To register for either or both the sessions with Ann Greene
please call Mary @ Inner Quest Yoga

518-891-9944 or e-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net

REFLEXOLOGY FOR PARTNERS

Workshop presented by Jim Hoit, LMT

Saturday, TBA - 9:30 - 12:30 a.m.

Join certified reflexologist Jim Hoit, LMT for this one day introduction to the most fun your feet will ever have.  You will learn the basics of zone theory, mapping, preparation, contraindications and technique.  There will be a demo session and then you’ll get your feet wet “ha, ha” by sharing application with your partner while Jim observes and assists.  Participants will leave with a basic foot map and knowledge  to perform a relaxing foot massage session.

Bring short fingernails, towel, lotion, and your feet.

Fee:  $50/per couple 

Pre-payment is required as space is limited – so please register early.

Cancellation policy:  50% retained unless another couple fills your space.

To register call Jim Hoit on his cell phone @ 524-5829 or Mary at Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center 891-9944.

Jim Hoit, LMT is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of massage and certified reflexologist.  He is also a certified aromatherapist and shiatsu practitioner.  Jim operates his massage therapy business, Roots & Branches Bodyworks, at the Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center.  He can be reached for an appointment by calling 524-5829.  Jim's menu of services for bodywork can be viewed online by clicking the Bodyworks line above.

For more information or to register for this workshop
Call Mary:  518-891-9944 or e-mail:  mary@innerquestyoga.net

STRETCH to DECOMPRESS

An extended class with Leigh Ann Tahash

Fri, Dec. 29 - 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This class is a go ... hope to see you there.

A nice gift for you!
Come take a 2 hour break from life to Stretch, Flex & Decompress!

The class begins with some movements and standing stretches, progressing into deeper levels of stretching.  There is a strong emphasis on breathing throughout the class.  The slow deep breathing allows for release of stress, and for the opening and releasing of deeply held tightness throughout the body.

This Stretch class can be used to create better flexibility, increased range of motion, and as a way to develop and enhance body awareness.  This class can potentially be used as a tool for personal growth, and a way to create deep transformational changes in one's life - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Stretch technique is that of Lucy Bowen McCauley, dancer, choreographer, and teacher at the Academy of the Maryland Youth Ballet.  Leigh Ann's contribution to this technique comes from 15 years of teaching and observation of my students, my own past dance and movement training, plus experiences with Educational Kinesiology, bodywork, and healing energy therapies.

Fee:  $14 (registration required – minimum of 6 students to hold classes)

YOGA FROM THE INSIDE OUT
to deeply relax into and nourish body, mind & spirit

An extended class with Mary Bartel 

Wed, Dec. 27 - 5:30 - 7:30 PM (yes it's on drop-ins welcome)
Thurs, Dec. 28 - 8:30 - 10:30 AM (Registrations needed by 5PM Wed. the 27th - leave a message w/phone and we will confirm if this session is a go.)

Come explore your body in a new light.  The focus will be in attuning to the areas of the body that are calling to be freed or decongested while in held postures or in movement meditation.  You may find that with less restriction on how to hold the poses you find a new sense of freedom and joy in movement. 

 In this class, you will:

· Be guided into yoga flows and asanas (poses) with guidance to truly explore your divine nature from the inside out. 

· Be invited to discover the more feminine qualities of Yoga practice.

· Learn to cultivate deep awareness in a more organic exploration of movement through developing a connection with your ‘energy body’.

· Be encouraged to trust that the ‘energy body’ can expand outwards beyond your physical body and travel in all directions.

· Explore what truly feels good.

· Breathe, relax , feel, watch and allow moment to moment!

Fee:  $16 (call or e-mail to register as space is limited)

Mary trained with Angela Farmer, master yogini, in this her style of yoga.  Angela teaches her Yoga style (called Inner Body Flow) worldwide.  She said this style evolved after many years of practicing so rigidly with focus on alignment and perfection - a more masculine approach - and the need and urge to feel more and to have the freedom to move in yoga.   She invites students to: “Be slippery like a snail in its shell, undulate and slither like a snake, spread your wings like a bird.  Above all, let the light in and allow your soul to express itself in whatever way it chooses … through every cell in your being.  Let the energy of life flow through you!

Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture, P.C. Seminar Series Presents:

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:
What you really need to know. 

Saturday. October 28, 2006 at 9:00 - 10:30 AM
presented by Dr. Karen Guenette, M.D.

 You’ve heard of the old adage: "You are what you eat".
The more accurate version of this is really,
"You are what you absorb and can assimilate".

 In this one hour seminar, you will learn… 

• The top five eating habits to improve your health today
• why most people need supplementation of one kind or another - even though your doctor might argue about it
• why genetically modified foods is a "big deal" when it comes to your health
• why you can do more harm than good by choosing supplements indiscriminately
• how to evaluate the quality of nutritional supplements – you’ll be given a detailed worksheet so you can be an informed consumer
• which supplements are the most useful and safe for almost everyone to include in their daily regime

Leading this seminar will be Dr. Karen Guenette, a board-certified family physician and medical acupuncturist who practices integrative holistic medicine in Lake Placid, NY. Through her own debilitating illness, Dr. Guenette has learned how to heal through complementary alternative healing modalities over the last four years.

Following this seminar, there will be an optional free 15-20 minute overview discussing the brand name supplements Dr. Guenette uses herself and recommends to her patients. Every participant will come away with a free sample and have an opportunity to purchase other sample portions of various supplements they are interested in trying (at wholesale).

 Fee:  $20  Participation is limited to the first 25 paid registrants
Please register no later than Wednesday, October 25^th

Iyengar Yoga:

Basics and More

with Karen Stolz

 Saturday, October 28  - 11 am to 1 pm

 Iyengar yoga is named for B.K.S. Iyengar, the world-reknowed yogi, who brought his methodology for yoga to the west in the 1960's.  Iyengar, now in his 80's, has influenced hundreds of thousands of students world-wide through his Institute in Pune, India and his written works. Iyengar's classic “Light On Yoga,” first published in English in 1966, has served as the foundation for yoga instruction for over 40 years.

Iyengar yoga is characterized by precise postural alignment of each yoga posture. Props, such as blankets, blocks, and straps are used to assist the student to achieve and maintain proper alignment in a pose. The Iyengar teaching methodology is a solid foundation upon which to build better physical, mental and emotional health and to pursue higher spiritual goals.

Workshop Objectives:

1. Introduce Iyengar style yoga principles: precise postural alignment assisted by props if necessary; an instruction sequence that ensures proper execution of the postures; a teaching process of demonstration, observation and correction of yoga postures.

2. Practice yoga postures that are frequently emphasized in Iyengar style yoga, particularly inversions.

At the end of this workshop participants should expect to: 

1. understand the difference between Iyengar and other styles of yoga as taught in the West; 

2. have practiced Iyengar style postures, utilizing props if needed, and experienced Iyengar teaching methodology including the correction process.

To ensure personal attention, the class size is limited to ten people, so please register early.

Cost: $25   Pre-registration is required as space is limited.

Please bring a mat and props if you have them (otherwise they will be provided).

Karen Stolz completed Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training, Level 1, given by Richard Schachtel, at the Center For Yoga of Seattle. She has studied with Joan White, Angela Farmer, Victor Van Kooten and Vickie Vollmer and others.

A yoga practitioner since 1981, she began teaching yoga in Keene, NY in 2001. Since co-founding Alpine Adventures with her husband in 1985, she has been a full-time mountain guide, instructing and guiding rock and ice climbing, backcountry skiing and mountaineering. She has worked with body awareness and movement skills her entire life.

REFINE TO ALIGN

A Yoga Postures Clinic
with Mary Bartel

Friday, November 17, 2006 - 9:30 - 12:00 noon