Winter time has brought many new faces to Namaspa; many are trying out yoga for the first time as part of a New Years Resolution, and others are looking for a warm, invigorating environment to beat the winter blues.  We asked some of the new yogis at Namaspa what their time at our studio has been like so far, and we got some really enthusiastic responses!  Namaspa continues to be an inviting and empowering community for everyone; including those who have just started.  If you are thinking about trying an introductory month, or just want some motivation to get back to in  studio during these cold winter months, keeping reading to sample some of the results from our "Namaspa Newbies" survey.

This past weekend was an especially sweaty, invigorating and inspiring one at Namaspa; we were lucky enough to have a guest Baptiste teacher visiting our studio, Rachel Nelson from Vail CO.  Rachel is a powerful Baptiste teacher whose challenging practices are taught with a sense of humor and grace that comes straight from the heart.  She kicked off the weekend on Saturday morning with a Baptiste flow class of 45 students.  If you missed the practice, and do not believe that 45 people can fit in Namaspa’s studio, you are mistaken!  Yogis practiced mat to mat, and there were still a few spots to spare!  Needless to say, there was a lot of energy in the room, and a lot of sweat!  Rachel taught a Baptiste flow practice, with lots of fun variations including some handstand practice.  Yogis left feeling thoroughly rung out, but ready for more, and most returned on Sunday afternoon for her three hour detox practice.

                                                       Powerful, invigorating yoga!

            
                                                    45 yogis, with room to spare!
 
            Rachel based Sunday’s detox practice on a sequence from Sean Corn, but added her own flair and personality to each pose variation.  Participants practiced advanced pranayama exercises that cleared out stagnant energy and replaced it with fresh, clean oxygen.  We held poses for extended periods of time; especially twisting asanas and hip-openers.  Each sequence of asanas rid the body of specific toxins such as environmental toxins, toxins of the mind (such as self-doubt or self-hatred), or toxins from unhealthy relationships.  Rachel encouraged us to share aloud, laugh, cry, and most importantly, simply connect with the person on our mat.  The practice was a powerful way to ring in the holiday season, a time when we all eat more, exercise less, and stretch our schedules thinner. Rachel ended practice with a longer than usual savasana, which, after three hours of practice, was especially blissful. 

On Saturday afternoon Rachel also taught an advanced assisting workshop for our Namaspa teachers and teachers-in-training.  Teachers learned some very fun and interactive new ways to help their students get deeper into poses and find better alignment.  As can be expected, these adjustments also feel really good…. for first hand experience, ask teachers to show you some of their new skills in class!

                               
                                      Rachel shows Pam and Carly an assist for half moon pose.

Overall, if you made to all three events this weekend, or just one, you were bound to walk away feeling better than before.  Rachel is a simply radiant and inspiring Baptiste teacher, and we couldn’t be more blessed to have had the opportunity to practice with her.  If you want to get in touch with Rachel, or just check out her website, you can find her at http://www.rachelnelsonyoga.com/.

Keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming workshops, events and visiting teachers by reading our newsletters, checking out the Namaspa homepage, or by simply coming to class and asking our teachers or volunteersJ

See you on the mat!

Namaste

           I'm sure you've seen the posters around the studio advertising upcoming bootcamps with Baron Baptiste.  You've probably heard teachers mention these bootcamps during practice, or seen pictures on facebook of your favorite Namaspa teachers attending these bootcamps.  Maybe you've even been to the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute website and seen empowering photos of a Bandana-wearing Baron next to a list of upcoming workshops. But what exactly is a Baptiste bootcamp and what could it do for you?  

            This month, we interviewed two Namaspa Teachers; Nancy Lumpkin and Julie Lowes, and asked them to shed a little light on the subject.  Both Nancy and Julie have completed level I and II bootcamps, and Nancy recently got back from assisting her first program!  The have a lot of insight to share; and you can read their interviews below!

             Nancy Lumpkin

A total immersion into not only the Baptiste yoga asana practice but the methodology and philosophy which creates an incredible environment of community, support and the belief that anything is possible. It is 8 days of taking your yoga asana practice to a whole new level with Baron leading most of the group practices and becoming more aware of who we are and the "blocks" that we have that are holding us back from our full potential through discussions, journaling and partner sharing.  Along with all of this, each participant learns the Baptiste sequencing of the Baptiste vinyasa flow and experiences teaching the flow to fellow participants, the Baptiste staff and Baron. Boot camp is also a great way to connect with others that have a similar love of yoga and long term friendships are formed. And on top of all of that, it's a great way to travel to different places and experience some wonderful energizing foods!

● What has your progression as a baptiste teacher been like?

Well, I didn't wake up one day and decide to be a Baptiste influenced yoga teacher!  When I signed up for my 200 hr. yoga teaching training through Heart of the Cascades YTT, I didn't even know what Baptiste yoga was.  During my training we learned about different hatha yoga styles and when I experienced my first Baptiste class I knew I was home.  The practice spoke to me not only on a physical level but on a spiritual and mental level...it worked!  I felt so strongly about this practice that when I graduated in May from my YTT, I immediately signed up for Level 1 because I wanted more. At that time I wasn't sure exactly what it was I wanted more of, just that I had a hunger. After Level 1 I knew that I was on the path of a lifetime and a year later I was at Level II.  At Level II my love and appreciation of this practice went even further with more awareness of who I really am and stepping into my true teacher voice and confidence.  I found myself in front of over 120 yoga teachers, the Baptiste staff and Baron himself and taught the Baptiste flow during my Level II experience.  I had never felt so supported and empowered than when I left my Level II training in Austin, Texas.  The fire in my belly was lit up and I could feel myself opening up for the first time in forever. At that time I dedicated myself to only teaching the Baptiste style yoga and to immerse myself 100%.

● What steps did you have to take to be able to assist a boot camp?

To assist at a boot camp, you have to have completed Level 1 & Level II and apply, just like any other boot camp.  In my application I stated that I wanted to learn more about the Baptiste programs by providing support in any role and reaffirmed my commitment to make the boot camp the best possible. Once my application was accepted I did a phone interview with one of the Baptiste staff and several weeks later got an email that I had been accepted.

● How was assisting different from simply going to a bootcamp?

Being a participant of a boot camp is very different than being an assistant.  Being assistant means supporting the boot camp program, the facilitators, the Baptiste staff and participants in any way needed.  That support could be in the form of  mopping up the sweat during and after asana practice, setting up over 100 chairs for discussion times, moving the same 100 + chairs out of the studio after discussion times, setting up the studio for an asana practice to offering a participant electrolytes to working the Baptiste retail store. Assistants do not participate in the discussion times but hold space for the program.

● What new things did you learn from assisting that you did not know before?

Where do I begin?  I feel as though every day was a huge learning experience! I learned actual physical assists and received at the moment hands on feedback from the Baptiste staff and Senior Baptiste teachers that I practiced on.  I learned how to assist using true north directions and bringing that awareness to the bodies of those practicing yoga.  One of my biggest take-aways was about taking the time to listen and observe the student's body and breath before an assist. To do that, I needed to be fully present to myself, my energy level and my full awareness from not only my own body but from a global awareness also. Meaning, assisting to what the teacher was speaking to and really making the words and physical assists land fully and in sync. I was reminded how it felt to work on a high energy high performing team with a common goal and how satisfying and energizing that can be. The assistant team didn't get much sleep but yet there was a high level of energy and commitment to the practice.

● What have you learned/ gained from your trainings with Baron?

I have learned a new awareness of myself and how my words can land for someone and how powerful I can be by my languaging and my full presence.  I am aware of when I'm not present and know how to bring myself back.  Baron has this uncanny way of listening and observing individuals and empowering each of us.  I'm attempting to mirror his active listening tools and observation into my work place, my home and with my yoga students. From my Baptiste trainings I've learned to speak from my heart with no hidden agendas and have found a peace in my heart that I hadn't felt in a long time. I'm able to fully commit to myself and my relationships and know when I'm in my head and speaking from my "lie".  I have gained a new confidence about myself and forgive myself when I make mistakes and am not perfect.  Having this knowledge has allowed me to bring my love and energy to those around me.

● Any words of advice to those who are thinking about signing up for a training?

There's no way to tell you what your experience will be since we are each different, but I can tell you, you will have an amazing experience. Don't wait sign up today!  If not now, then when!!??

          Julie Lowes

● In your own words, what is a baptiste bootcamp?

A Baptiste Bootcamp is like walking into a room with a blindfold on, having no idea about what is going to happen and then coming out with the blindfold off after experiencing this amazing awakening into your way of being in the world.  You're totally rinsed out, turned upside down and back up again.  It's really all about clearing out the stuff that holds you back and keeps you from being authentic.  This process leads to a more fullfilling, powerful way of living and communicating with others.

● You have been to level 1 and level 2 bootcamps…. What was the difference between the two; what were the similarities?

In both Level I and II  you take a lot of time looking at how your belief systems that you've developed over the years have held you back from finding your own voice and tapping into your own personal power.  The difference between the two is that I was prepared to really dig deep in level II.  I understood what the work was about and the committment it took.  I was really ready to just show up with the willingness to listen and be honest with myself. That's what opens me up for change.

● Do you feel like your trainings with Baron have helped you grow as a teacher?  How so?

Both trainings have helped with my teaching because i feel like i have learned how to let go of trying to be perfect and just get up there and be real.  I have learned how to cue ,how to get people to breath, and most importantly how to be present.  My intention is to inspire others to live in the now and find their own power. 

● How would someone who wants to join a training take their first steps?

I encourage anyone who is interested in changing your life to just go online and sign up for a  bootcamp.  There are a few questions to answer, but all you have to do is speak from the heart.  

 

...inspired?  Want to learn more?  Check out http://www.baronbaptiste.com/ for more info!

until next time,

Namaste!

 

    Last weekend was the second annual Yu Bend event.  This year, Yu Bend was held at Drake Park, and we got a gorgeous day of sunshine and temps in the mid 70s!  If you don’t know what Yu Bend is all about, here’s a little backround:  Yu Bend is an event that unites the yoga community in Bend.  Last year was the first year, and local studio owners came together to lead an outdoor yoga class that integrated all different styles and forms of yoga, unique to their specific studios.  Last year’s event was such a success, that this year’s event was expanded into a 3 day experience.   The official start of Yu Bend began on Friday night at the Oxford hotel, where local yogis and out-of-towners got together for the opening ceremonies; which included live belly-dancers, a yoga flash-mob, and an intention circle for the weekend ahead.  On Saturday, two powerful outdoor yoga classes were held on the lawn at Drake Park, accompanied to music by Vasudeva.  The first yoga class of the day featured two well-known Namaspa instructors, Suzie Harris and Kristin Tone!  They led their portion of practice with enthusiasm and flair; an attitude that was shared with other local instructors who led a portion of the practice as well.  The afternoon class was a slower, more yin focused practice.  This portion featured our very own Deb Light, whose warm spirit and grace was enjoyed by all who participated. 

    The day also included Q and A sessions, tables where interested yogis could inquire about their local yoga studios and purchase everything from yogitoes to studio-specific T-shirts, and a raffle that included over 10,000 dollars’ worth of prizes.  Congrats to the days winners who won free massages, spa visits, and of course, tons of free yoga passes and yoga gear.

    On Sunday, Yu Bend participants were able to pick a local studio and attend any class of their choice for free!  Many tried out studios that they had never gone to before, and some stuck to their favorites.  All and all, Yu Bend was a success, a great way for the yoga community in Bend to come together, share experiences and support local business!  The experience was inspiring, powerful and most of all, fun.  If you missed it this year, keep your eyes and ears open for next year’s event, you don’t want to miss it!

                             
                                Suzie and Kristin, two of Namaspa's inspiring instructors!

                               
                                                                    Yogis unite!

                                 
                                                       Kristin Tone leading practice

                    
                                                            Side plank in the grass

                                
                                                            Local studio's info tables

                                                 
                                                              Free henna for participants!
         
                                 
                                                       Supporting local businesses

                                
                                                                    ....and artists!

                                
                                                           Savasanaaaaaaaahhhhh

For more info, visit http://yogisunitebend.com/ or check out more photos on facebook!

 

Last Saturday, August 27^th, was our first annual “Mind-Body-Spirit; The Connection” workshop! This meditation/yoga workshop was held at the meadows at Shevlin Park and was a beautiful experience for all those involved.  The event served as a fundraiser for Africa Yoga Project, a project spearheaded by the Baptiste Institute, which helps Africans living in poor and rural communities to engage in the practice of yoga and to become teachers hemselves.  This particular workshop was launched in an effort to raise money for Samson Muhalia,  an aspiring yoga teacher in Kenya. 

            The first annual “mind-body-spirit” workshop began with a breath practice (Kapalabhatti Pranayama) and a short, walking mediation.  The walking meditation ended at one of the river bridges for a Bridge Ceremony.  This powerful ceremony entails picking something in your life that you would like to get rid of and then standing in silence facing downriver and picturing yourself throwing it into the river.  You then continue to visualize this entity while is washes away with the movement of the river. Turning upriver you invite something you want more of in your life and visualize it floating to you.  After this symbolic ceremony, participants returned to their mats for a short period of meditation, followed by a guided meditation led by Luanne.  Luanne led the group in Nadi Shodna Pranayama, followed by a guided body visualization meditation and ending with a chakra healing meditation.

            After a short discussion period following the meditation segment of the workshop, participants prepared for a Baptiste power vinyasa practice, led by none other than a sampling of our inspiring yoga teachers at Namaspa!  Mid-practice, we broke into pairs and Suzie spent some time breaking down inversions.  A few came into an inversion, such as headstand or handstand, for the first time, and even experienced yogis learned some new variations to try.  Practicing yoga outside in the summer sunshine was definitely an invigorating experience, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day!  We finished our practice around 1:00, just in time for a potluck lunch and an opportunity to receive a chair massage.  Thanks for all who were involved in making this event possible, especially Nancy, Julie, and Luanne, who dedicated lots of time and energy into the organization of this event.  If you missed out this year, we will be sure to re-create this successful event again in summers to come.

Until next time,

Namaste

                                         
                                     PJ during the Bridge Ceremony portion of the workshop


                                     Assisting students into half moon and headstand!

                   

                                             Powerful yogis in their vinyasa practice

                                            
                                                        A well deserved massage break

    On July 23^rd, Our fearless studio owner (Suzie) and studio handy-man/go-to guy (Wayne)  got married at Hollinshead Barn in Bend.  The ceremony took place outside, and Wayne and Suzie got beautiful weather; sunshine and mid-80’s, for the big day.  Sundari, a passionate and gifted yoga teacher here in Bend led the ceremony and provided her blessings for Suzie and Wayne’s marriage.  Close friends and family gathered to witness their marriage, join in the festivities,  and to laugh (Wayne’s been known to tell a few jokes here and there).   The ceremony was followed by a beautiful reception, carrot cake from Nancy P’s (yum!) and music and dancing in the barn.  Wayne’s band provided the entertainment! 

    Suzie and Wayne left for their honeymoon to Italy the following week and we are looking forward to their return and the stories that they will have to share of their travels!  Congrats to the newlyweds!  


Below are a few pictures from the wedding.... enjoy!

              
                                                     walking down the aisle


                                      Suzie looking gorgeous on her wedding day....no yoga clothes today

                       
                                                          Wayne entertaining the guests


                                                                 Cutting the cake

   
         About two months ago, we posted a blog outlining the specifics of downward facing dog, one of the essential poses of the Baptiste practice.  For this entry, we would like to outline Tadasana, or Mountain Pose.  Tadasana is such an important pose because it is a building block for every single yoga asana!  Tadasana not only serves as the building block for all poses in the Baptiste practice, but it can be practiced any time you are standing to improve basic balance and posture.  Below are some tips, suggestions and facts about this essential pose!

               

                                                        Two variations of Tadasana, mountain pose

Basic Alignment Points:

-Stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground, big toes touching, toes spread.  Weight is balanced evenly on the feet, 4 corners of the feet grounding down into the mat.

-Inner ankle back, outer ankle down, outer shin back, firm thigh muscles.

-Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor, keeping your pelvis neutral.   (Imagining that your Pelvis is a bowl of water, and that you don’t want any water spilling out the front or the back)

-Shoulder blades release down the back, widen through your collar bones, expand through the chest.

-Neck is long, crown of the head is directly over the center of your pelvis.

To take this pose deeper:

-Try taking your gaze up, or taking a little back bend.  To turn this pose up even more try closing your eyes to play with balance.

-You can also change the arm variation!  Have fun with it, and pick a pose that is comfortable for the shoulders and that can be held for 30 seconds without fatigue.  Some ideas are:

-Arms up, palms facing each other

-Hands interlaced, arms above the head

-Arms crossed behind the back, holding each elbow with opposite hand

To modify this pose:

-Stand with your feet slightly apart to widen your base and improve balance.


Benefits:

-Tadasana helps to relieve headaches, insomnia, and to raise low blood pressure.

Sanskrit:

Tada= mountain, asana=pose

Info for this blog entry taken from Baron Baptiste’s Journey into Power and Yoga Journal.com

       

upward facing dog, second round!

              
                              reaching towards the sky, tadasana.


Setting intentions.

        Last Saturday, June 18^th, we held our summer solstice 108 sun salutations class as a fundraiser for the Bethlehem Inn.  We raised $140 for charity and the folks at Bethlehem Inn were extremely grateful!  If you haven’t partaken in 108 sun salutations before, it’s an incredibly powerful practice during which we practice in a circle and complete 4 rounds of 27 Sun Salutation A’s.  108 is a sacred number in both Hinduism and Buddism and yogis have been using the number 108 for thousands of years in several sectors of their religious practice. Hindi prayer necklaces, or mala beads, have 108 beads and are used in meditation and chanting.  In yoga, it is believed that 108 nadis, or energy channels, radiate out to all parts of the body from their origin at heart center. By changing a mantra 108 times, or by cycling through 108 rounds of sun saluations, the energy created from the mantra or practice is sent through each of those channels so that it reaches all parts of the body.  

Here are some other examples of phenomena surrounding the number 108:

 

- The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.

- There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each letter has a masculine and feminine representation, shiva and shakti. (54 x 2 = 108)

- In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. (12 x 9 =108)
- 108 is the product of a precise mathematical equation( 1 ¹x 2 ² x 3 ³ = 108) which is thought to have special numeralogical significance.

        Many yoga studios around the country have a 108 sun salutation practice to welcome in a new season or an important milestone.  At Namaspa, we begin each round of 27 sun salutations with a dedication to a person, a cause or a higher power.  Each participant is encouraged to speak aloud and share their dedication to the group, therefore sealing their intention through spoken word.  Nancy Lumpkin, one of our long-term teachers as Namaspa, lead the practice for the 2011 summer solstice, and created a space for a healing, meditative and beautiful practice through her instruction.   If you didn’t get a chance to join in the celebration this time, there will be another practice this fall to celebrate the equinox.  It is truly a transformative practice, both physically (108 sun salutations in no simple task!) and mentally.

See you on the mat!

Namaste.

 

 

 

 

      

    June is our official volunteer appreciation month at Namaspa!  Our volunteers work diligently throughout the year, helping with everything from washing towels to organizing events; and we wanted to dedicate a blog entry to them! 

Namaspa volunteers are assigned a variety of roles, all essential to the upkeep and running of our studio:

Check-in:  This role is critical, especially during busy classes! Volunteers welcome students, get them registered or signed in to class and help to ring up any purchases.  Check-in volunteers typically arrive 20 minutes before class and stay about 10 minutes after to make sure everyone is entered.  Our current volunteers helping with check in are Luanne Barrett, Nora Waite, Nikki Roemmer, Emily Strome, Austin Kingsley, Lori Hintz, Linda Taylor, and Tina Bollman.  In the past, current teachers Pam Hardy and Lilli Worona have also helped with check in.

Studio cleaning:  This role involves staying after class and cleaning up the sweat - from the floor, blocks and mats.  A very important role in keeping our studio clean and germ free!  Paula Mueller has picked up this role at present.

Towels:  Megan Darby and Dave Forbes are keeping towels clean for the studio. Megan has been responsible for this role for almost three years!  This is a demanding role, especially in high-volume times.  Dara Hatcher and Lilli Worona have also helped with this role in the past.

Deep cleaning: We have three volunteers to come to the studio during off hours to clean and sanitize the downstairs and upstairs, floors and bathrooms - Lou Evans, Carrie Patterson and Bernadette Scarborough.  Their dedicated efforts help keep the studio shining!  Lou has been coming twice a week late at night for more than three years!

Marketing/posting fliers : Heidi Thomas has been the marketing volunteer for more than two years, submitting updates and postings to the Bulletin and the Source, together with Jenny Ruiter and Wayne Newcome, making sure our fliers are posted all around town.

Organization/Accounting :  Lori Hinz has taken on the role of keeping our desk, back room and files organized, and is helping with other office matters.  Lisa Darsonval does our accounting and organizing of receipts for taxes, and we have Linda Taylor to thank for helping improve the overall organization and efficiency of the reception area, desk and back closet.

Volunteer coordinator:  Our volunteer team wouldn’t be complete without someone to help manage the volunteers! Carly Sullivan set up a process to train and manage weekly schedules for volunteers and to fill in the gaps when needed. 


   
 

Here is what some of our teachers have to say about our volunteers:

 

“I would like to recognize Lori Hintz.  Lori walked into the studio a few months ago and after her first class stated...."I want to be here and help out, what can I do?!"  From that day forward, Lori has been volunteering at the desk, greeting students and even signed up for our April-June 40 days program.  Lori brings fruit to her 40 days meetings that she attends and all this with a big smile on her face! She is always willing to help out wherever it is needed from organizing the teacher storage area, staying after a class she has taken to help out to filling up the humidifiers with water. Lori has a glow about her from the time she walks into the studio to the moment she leaves.  It is with pride and joy that I recommend she be recognized for all she does!” ~ Nancy

 

“Our volunteers are amazing! I appreciate all the volunteers who help with check in, they make getting ready for class so much more relaxing. Thank you.” ~Jenny

 

“I love the fact that every time I see Carly she's got this huge smile on her face!” ~ Pam

 

“Let's see, our volunteers are awesome, they make what we do possible through their support and consistent presence. Nora Waite in particular has been a big help for me checking people in before class, allowing me to make sure everything is ready and to connect with the students before class. I feel like their contributions also create a sense of community at the studio. Each person brings their own unique talents and abilities and having experienced financial hardship myself I love that the studio has created a space for people to exchange something other than money, everyone wins that way.” ~Mary 

 

“Our volunteers make our community more whole and integrated!  They are so proud to be working for our studio and it shows through their work.  We wouldn’t be able to have many of the fun community events we do at the studio without their dedication.  Thank you all!” ~Lilli

 

“I talk with studio owners around the country, and it is clear to me that we have a very special group of volunteers here at Namaspa.  The level of ownership, commitment and initiative is extraordinary!  Last year this was evident for the whole Bend yoga community at the YU! Bend event, at which 15 or so of our volunteers helped the event run seemlessly, and our volunteer team has already specifically requested for this years' event.  In particular, I would like to acknowledge our long-standing volunteers - Megan Darby (towels), Lou Evans (studio cleaning), Heidi Thomas (marketing), and Wayne Newcome (studio foreman/fix-it man) - these four have volunteered continuously in their roles for more than three years!  I would also like to acknowledge four other long-standing volunteers who graduated from our 200h Yoga Teacher training this year - Luanne Barrett, Pam Hardy, Lilli Worona and Jenny Ruiter all became involved with the studio through volunteering, and are now teaching on the schedule!

Special highlights: 

-Two years ago Carly Sullivan recognized the need for someone to manage the check-in volunteers as the studio, who were multiplying as the studio was growing so fast.  Carly set up a process to train and manage weekly schedules for these volunteers and the process has run smoothly since - all in her spare time!  Thank you, Carly!
- You see the check-in volunteers, but behind the scenes, Rachel Lee-Carman is the one who enters in the information forms, which allows the teachers and check-in volunteers to focus on what needs to be done for class.  Rachel has done this job regularly for two years, and has helped improve our filing system!  Thank you, Rachel!

I could add something for every one of the volunteers - they are all dedicated and awesome, and this studio could not run without them!” ~Suzie

                               
 

 

Thanks again volunteers for your smiles, hard work, and commitment to Namaspa.  Our studio would surely not be the same without your help!  If you see a volunteer this month (or any time of the year for that matter) remember to thank them and show them your appreciation!!!

 

Interested in becoming a volunteer?  Leave a comment on this blog entry or contact Suzie at Suzie@namaspa.com