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Category: Latest News

Namaste Sunday

Namaste Sunday!

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Some time ago, Sunday was reliably a day of rest, but in today’s world it might be a regular work day, a day of worship, or at the very least, a day to squeeze in kids activities, shop for groceries, and make those overdue visits to people we really do love.  But, somehow through all the choices and busyness, Sunday feels like its own special day.  

Sandwiched between Saturday and Monday, Sunday is the day where we take stock of the end of one week and the beginning of the next.  Like the phases of the moon, the flow of the week is an ever present reminder of change. Sunday can be the day to press the reset button and take some time to restore and prepare, to pause and reflect, to locate/relocate our own personal North Star.

If yoga is one of the tools that you use to “press the reset”, come and join us at First Street Community Center for Restorative Yoga on Sunday, November 3, from 4 – 5:15 pm and/or Full Moon Yoga on Sunday, November 10, from 6 – 7:15 pm.  To learn more, check out our First Street Yoga “CLASSES” page or contact us directly at First Street Yoga [email protected] 319-895-8060.

Midwest Yoga 2019

Yogis in the News – Midwest Yoga Festival!

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As we talked about several weeks ago, one of our goals at First Street Yoga is to encourage connections and community through yoga and news that is important to you (see Yogis in the News – Do Turtles Walk Backwards? blog post dated Sept 25, 2019).  With that goal in mind, I wanted to share information about the upcoming Midwest Yoga & Oneness Festival (MWYF) November 15-17 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque.  

The MWYF has been going on since 2016 and by all accounts achieves its mission to create inspiring, fun, transformative experiences through “an exploration of yoga for all levels, shapes, and sizes…” I’m thrilled to report that this year two of my teachers from 500 Hour Teacher Training at the Himalayan Institute will be highlighted at the Festival.  

Pandit Rajmani Tiguanit, spiritual head and chairman of the Institute, will present the keynote address, Yoga of Inner Radiance, on Saturday afternoon.  In this session, Panditji will present the system of meditation described in ancient texts concluding the lecture by leading participants in meditation.  Shari Fredrichsen, a key facilitator at the Himalayan Institute’s Teacher Training and Professional Certification programs, will be presenting workshops on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Shari’s unique style integrates movement and breath awareness to lead her students into an experience of yoga that truly supports body, mind, heart and soul.

I hope you will have a chance to attend this year’s Midwest Yoga & Oneness Festival event.  Festival passes are available for part day, single day, or multiple day attendance. And, when you go, you’ll have a chance to hear two of the world’s most knowledgeable and loved yoga master teachers without driving to the east coast!

Contact us for any questions!

Looking forward to seeing you there! – Carol

Boy Carefree Child 259704

KAY Kids Yoga at First Street Community Center

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In this fast-paced, hustle and bustle world we live in, we often don’t realize how much stress and pressure our kids face. This can get in the way of their inner peace and joy.  KAY (Kidding Around Yoga) Kids Yoga can help counter these pressures and can be beneficial in so many ways. It helps with flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and body awareness. It allows kids to connect more deeply to their inner self and build confidence and self-esteem. The techniques and poses we learn in KAY Kids Yoga help us increase concentration, focus, and a sense of calm. During class we weave in fun and silly games and songs with positive themes and messages like kindness, sharing, and compassion in a non-competitive environment. We stress inclusivity and focus on the self. This allows kids to master new things and increase their determination and perseverance.

In KAY Kids Yoga we learn breathing and relaxation exercises to help calm the nervous system and manage emotions. We reflect inward so they can recognize what they need and handle difficult situations properly. Everything we do in KAY Kids Yoga encourages healthy habits and a positive mind-body connection, which are very important tools to serve them for the rest of their lives!

KAY Kids Yoga is taught by Devon Olberding.  Class is scheduled from 4-4:45 on Mondays for kids ages 5-12.  The cost is $40 for a five punch card or $80 for a ten punch card or $10 drop in.  To register contact First Street Yoga at [email protected] or call 319-895-8060.

Restorative3

Restorative Yoga – The Art of Rest

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RE-STOR-A-TIVE “having the ability to restore health, strength, or a feeling of well being”

You may have heard about restorative yoga and wondered what exactly it is.  During restorative yoga, props are used to support the entire body in a position of comfort.  Because we are comfortable, it becomes effortless to rest in a position designed to release tight muscles.  As we deeply relax, the body has an opportunity to replenish stores of energy and recover a sense of calmness.

Restorative yoga can be a complement to our more active physical practices of yoga and sports.  And, by preparing the body for stillness, restorative yoga is also a complement to our contemplative practices of mindfulness and meditation.

Restorative yoga is individualized making it appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.   We hope you will join us at First Street Yoga for Restorative Yoga on the first Sunday of the month.  Our next class is Sunday, October 6 from 4 – 5:30pm. To register, email [email protected] or call 319-895-8060.  The cost is one class card punch or $15 for drop-in.

Do Turtles Walk Backward

Yogis in The News!

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As part of our new First Street Yoga website, we hope to connect you to First Street Yoga classes and events through this “Yoga Blog”.  But, because we believe in connections, we also plan to also use this space to share important things that are happening in our community.

This week we have the pleasure of sharing the good news that Laura Rega’s book has been published and is now available on Amazon / Kindle in e-format AND paperback.  Do Turtles Walk Backwards?: Tales of Aging is a book of short stories that cover both simple and complex aspects of aging.  As stories are meant to do, this beautifully written book invites reflection and conversation about the inevitable changes that occur with aging.

To read more or to purchase click here to go directly to Amazon.  And, don’t forget to give a shout out to Laura when you see her around town or in a First Street Yoga class!

Pranayama and Meditation Workshop – Sunday, September 22!

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If you’ve looked at the health news recently, you will already know that meditation is one of the most evidence based and universally recommended mindfulness practices.  But, there are many things that may get in the way of an intention to give meditation a try. I know that I’ve told myself that “I just can’t sit and do nothing!” or “I’ve tried, but I couldn’t stop thinking about other things.”  or even “I don’t know, maybe meditation is part of a religion?”  

Well, the truth is that meditation isn’t about religion, turning off your thoughts, or becoming a different person.  According to Wikipedia, meditation is “ …a practice…to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state”, and …”Meditation may be used with the aim of reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and pain, and increasing peace, perception, self-concept, and well-being.”  

Pranayama and meditation are cornerstones of yoga and are equally accessible to people with a regular yoga practice as they are to those with little or no experience with yoga.  During the Pranayama and Meditation workshop we will learn basic breathing techniques and follow that experience with a short instructor led meditation. Join us this coming Sunday, September 22 from 4:00 – 5:15 to explore how a systematic approach that includes focused breathing can make meditation accessible.  The cost is one class card punch or $15 for drop in.

To Register, contact First Street Yoga Instructor, Carol Daly, at [email protected] 

PRE-REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED!