August 2024 at Oyster Bay Yoga

Balance

 
 

Dear Yogis,

Happy August! I hope you’re all enjoying some summer fun. If you’re like me, your practice helps you feel more balanced in your body, in your mind, and in your life. August is the quietest month of every year at the studio (and at every gym, health club or other fitness center in the country). We take vacation, the kids are off school and camp, it’s beach weather and social time with friends and family, and it’s a common time to fall out of your yoga practice. I say, never skip an opportunity to take a beach day when you can, but do notice if that one practice you missed led to complete abandonment of your routine so that in October you’re left scratching your head as to where your practice has gone! Don’t forget, we’re here for in-person and virtual classes, too (don’t forget to bring your travel mat on vacation)! And, as added incentive, we’ve got a fun BINGO challenge to help you stick with it through the summer. Check it out below!

All the best,
Amy


Pose of the Month

Ardha Chandrasana: Half Moon

 
 

This month at the studio we breakdown
Ardha Chandrasana: Half Moon.
Learn how best to practice this pose in any class all month long!


Sutra of the Month

 
 

In Sutra 2.46 of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, it emphasizes the qualities of a proper yoga posture (asana). It can be translated as "the posture should be steady (sthira) and comfortable (sukham)." This means that while practicing yoga postures, one should find a balance between effort and ease. The posture should be stable and firm, yet it should also feel relaxed and enjoyable. The idea is to maintain physical steadiness without strain, allowing the mind to remain calm and focused. This principle helps practitioners develop a harmonious connection between the body and mind, which is essential for deeper meditation and inner peace.


Oil of the Month

Our August OOTM is:

Lemongrass

 
 

“Looking for an essential oil that’s powerfully lemony, fresh, and invigorating? You've found it. Lemongrass Essential Oil can create an uplifting atmosphere in your living space. When you’re needing an emotional boost during challenging times of your life, Lemongrass is a wonderful addition to diffuser blends or to diffuse on its own. It can also help alleviate discomfort in muscle aches, boost circulation, or add warmth to indigestion problems. And last but not least, this essential oil provides great use for when you’re spending time outdoors, keeping annoyances at bay.” -Plant Therapy

Enjoy 20% off your purchase of Lemongrass essential oil all month at the studio.


August Bingo Challenge

 
 

It's official: The summertime heat is here to stay!
So how do we beat the summer heat while staying active? 
With Bingo!

This month we're challenging you with a Bingo Challenge! During the month of August, you'll get a chance to beat the heat, build strength in your mind and body, and win some amazing prizes!

Be sure to stop by the front desk to get your bingo card and make sure to bring it with you each class. We'll stamp your cards (once per class) to get you closer to winning! Prizes will be handed out in September. This is open to all, so be sure to join in the fun! We can't wait to play along with you 😎


Back-to-School Donations

 
 

We are partnering with People Loving People this August for their Back-to-School donation drive!

We’re collecting essential school supplies to support students in our community. Items needed include folders, crayons, markers, pencils, pencil boxes, dividers, binders, and more. In addition to school supplies, we’re also collecting snacks such as fruit snacks, individual bags of pretzels, cheese-its, and other child-friendly snacks.

Every donation helps and is greatly appreciated.
Drop off your donations at the studio and help us ensure every child has a great start to the school year!


Summer Memberships

 
 

Calling all students, teachers & out-of-towners!
Summer is a great time to start up a yoga practice, now that your schedule is a little clearer. And, if you’ve been practicing elsewhere regularly, we’d love to have you keep up your routine with us for the summer. Normally we’ve got a 3 month minimum commitment for our membership pricing, but we’ve got a special offer for you if you’re just here for the summer. Our popular Summer Membership option is back, running from June to August! Click below to learn more and purchase your membership ☀️

Last day to purchase a package is August 9th!


Follow us to stay connected for upcoming events and news

 
 
 

Events

 

Pajama Yoga

 
 

Friday, September 6th
5:30-6:30pm
with Diana Singh

Bring your little ones (ages 4-10) dressed in their pajamas to a fun and interactive yoga class! Class includes gentle stretches, games, and stories to help them wind down and prepare for a peaceful sleep. And to top it off, we'll provide milk & cookies for a sweet treat before bed. Don't miss out on this cozy and enjoyable experience!

Please sign up in advance for this class, space is limited.

$20 per child


Restorative Yoga with Reiki Activation & Aromatherapy

 
 

Friday, September 20th
7:00-8:30pm
with Nancy Rich

Settle into a nourishing evening of relaxing restorative yoga postures, enhanced with reiki & aromatherapy. Restorative yoga is a blissful, slow down practice that relieves stress, anxiety, fatigue, while releasing mental/physical tension & chronic pain through the use of supporting props (bolsters, blankets & blocks). You will be guided into a peaceful state of stillness, while receiving reiki & aromatherapy. Reiki is a form of hands on healing through which energy is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the recipient to encourage emotional & physical healing. The experience will be enhanced with gentle aromatherapy to promote a sense of relaxation & wellbeing. This deeply healing practice is appropriate for everyone & is essential for those with a fast paced life.

Space is limited for this event, please sign up in advance.

$45 per person (Early Bird Price Ends 8/31)
$55 per person
10% off for members


Pelvic Floor Portal & Women’s Circle

 
 

Sunday, September 22nd
5:00-7:00pm
with Eliza Tappan

The female pelvis is a portal of mystery and transformation. It stores our traumas and our deepest longings and potential for joy, release, and empowerment. It is the space where pain can be alchemized into pleasure. This workshop is designed to lay the physical, emotional, and practical foundation for women looking to change their relationship with their power center.

The workshop begins with guided movement and a short women’s circle, because when women share their voices and their hearts, real magic unfolds. The workshop will continue with:

Experiential Anatomy: Identifying & palpating the external bony structures of the pelvis. Learning the muscles and supporting muscles of the pelvic floor. If you can envision the parts of the body you’re working with, it will transform your practice and daily experience of your own pelvis.

Breathwork: Increasing sensation. Using breath to both activate and release your pelvic floor.

Muscular Release: Using a therapy ball (free gift for attending) to perform muscular release techniques for your pelvic diaphragm and supporting muscle groups.

Nervous System Integration: Practices to tone and regulate your vagus nerve, directly impacting the pelvic floor.

Pilates: Integrating your new tools and awarenesses into a pilates-inspired flow. Your exercise, movement, and daily life is meant to be more enjoyable and pleasureful!

$88 per person
10% off for members


Yoga Book Club

 
 

Sunday, September 29th
6:00-8:00pm

with Peggy Adair

Our Yoga Book Club is taking a break for the summer, which should give you plenty of time to read our next selection! Our next meetup we will be reading The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. This class is led by Peggy Adair with a one hour all levels flow, followed by an hour of book discussion. 

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to nourish your body, expand your mind, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for both yoga and literature! Make sure to stop by our neighbors, Theodore's Books, and get a 15% discount on the book. Grab your mat, BYO drinks & snacks, and write down all your questions about our book pick!


Full Moon Movement, Meditation & Gong Bath

 
 

Friday, October 18th
7:00-8:15pm
with Martha Flanagan

Celebrate the Hunter's Full Moon with Martha Flanagan, where we honor the cyclical nature of the moon together. This class includes a seated meditation, incorporating mantra, pranayama, and mudra, as well as gentle movement to prepare the mind and body for the healing vibrations of the Gong.

Please sign up in advance for this event, space is limited.

$45 Early Bird Pricing (Ends 9/30)
$55 per person
10% Off for Members


Upcoming Events & Schedule Updates

UPCOMING EVENTS


 
 


Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Until then, stay well,

Amy