March 2023 at Oyster Bay Yoga

Manifestation

Dear Oyster Bay Yogis,

Happy March! As we turn the corner from Winter into Spring, what do you want to cultivate in your life? Something specific? Or a general feeling or emotion? Can we use the teachings of yoga to help us be better manifesters? Bringing about positive changes in our life is not easy, but much of it has to do with stripping AWAY illusions, blocks & staleness. Letting go of something often creates more space for something better to make its way in. Can we learn from Patanjali’s outlining of Prakriti (illusion) & Purusha (reality)? Join us in the studio to go deeper.

Namaste,

Amy

Pose of the Month

Adho Mukha Vrksasana: Handstand Pose

This month we breakdown Adho Mukha Vrksasana, or Handstand Pose. Click to watch the video!

Sutra of the Month

The gunas are the building blocks to reality. The gunas exist in three forms: sattva (balance), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). Patanjali says that all things align with the gunas. The essence of each object has a mixture of movement, immobility, and rest, and this recipe can change over time.

Samadhi is a state of deep absorption and union with the object of meditation, in which the meditator experiences a sense of oneness and transcendence. One of the benefits of achieving samadhi is that the meditator gains the power to manifest their intentions instantly. This is because in the state of samadhi, the mind is completely focused and free from distractions, allowing the meditator to access the full potential of their consciousness. However, it's important to note that this sutra is not suggesting that we should only meditate in order to gain power or achieve our goals. Rather, it's a reminder that the practice of meditation can have profound effects on our lives, including the ability to achieve our goals and desires with greater ease and efficiency.

The concept of "dukkha" in Buddhism and "duhkha" in Hinduism, which is often translated as "suffering" or "unsatisfactoriness". It suggests that those who are able to discriminate and see clearly will recognize that everything in life is inherently painful or unsatisfying. This may sound like a pessimistic view, but it's actually meant to be a call to action. Our attachment to pleasure or avoidance of pain can actually lead to more suffering, and that cultivating a sense of detachment or non-attachment can help us find greater equanimity.

Oil of the Month

Our March OOTM is:

Blues Buster

“The effect of scent on our moods has been well-documented scientifically. The smell of something familiar or comforting often results in an improved mood. People around us seem friendlier, colors look brighter, music sounds sweeter! It doesn’t take much to move that subtle switch from negative to positive. Our Blues Buster Essential Oil Blend is formulated with bright, cheerful Tangerine, Pink Grapefruit, and soothing Bourbon Geranium to increase your sense of emotional well-being. Blues Busters is excellent for diffusion or a personal aromatherapy inhaler. It can also make a great addition to body care or massage products when diluted in a carrier oil to 4%.” -Plant Therapy

Click here to learn more about Blues Buster

This month, enjoy 20% off your purchase of Blues Buster essential oil.

Monthly Challenge Winner

Our Monthly Challenge Winner for February 2023 is:

Sandra Thelusmond

Congratulations Sandra! You attended 65 classes in the month of February, and you’ll get your next month of membership for free! Great job!

Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community. We love having you in class!

Who will be our March winner?

Events

 

Pajama Yoga

Friday, March 3rd

6:30pm-7:30pm

with Diana Singh

Kids ages 4-10 can come dressed in their PJ's for a fun yoga class with stretching, games and stories to help them get ready for bed.

Milk & cookies provided!

$20 per child

Beginner Yoga

Sunday, March 5th

2:30-3:45pm

with Angela Loomis

Are you interested to start practicing yoga but don't know where to start? In this beginner class, we'll start with the basics, developing a better understanding of our body and our mind. You will quickly learn how good yoga can make you feel, physically and mentally, and how yoga can serve you on your wellness journey. Absolutely no experience required. Learn along with other beginners like yourself in a warm and welcoming environment.

$25 to drop-in/FREE for members

Full Moon Movement, Meditation & Gong Bath

Monday, March 6th

7:15-8:30pm

with Martha Flanagan

Full Moon Gong Meditations allow us to honor the cyclical nature of the moon together. During the class there will be a seated meditation, incorporating mantra, pranayama and mudra, gentle movement to prepare the mind and body for the healing vibrations of the Gong.

$25 to drop-in / FREE for members

Crystal Yoga & Meditation

Saturday, March 11th

2:30-4:00pm

with Barbara Kataisto

Join Barbara Kataisto for this 90 minute Grounding focused Crystal Yoga & Meditation class, the first in a series of three classes. In each class, you will learn to connect, incorporate and benefit with crystals and essential oils in your yoga & meditation practice and daily routines.

In each session, we’ll go over or share in:

  • The ‘essence’ of essential oils, how to use them, their benefits and specifics to yoga and other uses

  • The ‘magic’ of crystals, how to use them, their benefits and specific uses for yoga and other uses

  • A pranayama specific to each session's topic

  • A meditation enhanced by the frequencies of the crystals and essential oils

  • A yoga practice intentionally focused based on theme

The Crystal Yoga & Meditation series will be offered once a month, focusing on different themes each class. These are the following themes:

  • March 11 - Grounding Crystal Yoga Class

  • April 22 - Heart Centered Crystal Yoga Class

  • May 6 - Hatha & Relaxing Crystal Yoga Class

Option to sign up for all three classes or single class. Please sign up in advance as space will be limited.

You will leave with a kit including some sample essential oil(s) and crystal(s) related to the specific practice.

$45 to drop-in (10% off for members)

$120 to sign up for all three classes

Yin Yoga

Sunday, March 12th

2:45-4:00pm

with Martha Flanagan

Are you moving too fast?
Doing too many things at one time?
Too much "mind chatter" or just want to slow down?
Yin yoga can provide an antidote for this.


This class will guide you through a series of poses that are primarily done sitting and lying down. The poses are held for 2-5 minutes at a time to allow connective tissues (fascia, ligaments) to soften, lengthen and lubricate. A yin yoga practice compliments a yang practice and allows for a more balanced approach to life.

$25 to drop-in/FREE for members

Meditation

Tuesday, March 14th

7:15-7:45pm

with Anne Davidson

Meditation is known for helping your mental and emotional health. Being led through meditation using various techniques, this 30 minute class will help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and to cultivate peace of mind. Leave class feeling calm and relaxed.

Class offered in-studio and virtually.

$25 to drop-in/FREE for members

Friday Night Flow: The 80s

Friday, March 24th

5:30pm-6:30pm

with Anne Davidson

Want to move and groove with us on your yoga mat?

Roll out your mat with Anne for a fun all levels flow class, all while moving to an upbeat 80s playlist!

$15 to drop-in/FREE for members

Yoga Book Club

Friday, March 24th

7:00-9:00pm

with Peggy Adair

Join us for a one hour all levels flow yoga class followed by an hour discussion about our Book Club pick,

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

BYO snacks & drinks to enjoy during the book discussion.

$25 to drop-in/FREE for members

Meditation

Sunday, March 26th

8:00-8:30am

with Peggy Adair

Meditation is known for helping your mental and emotional health. Being led through meditation using various techniques, this 30 minute class will help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and to cultivate peace of mind. Leave class feeling calm and relaxed.

Class offered in-studio and virtually.

$25 to drop-in/FREE for members

Yin Yoga

Friday, March 31st

7:00-8:15pm

with Martha Flanagan

Are you moving too fast?
Doing too many things at one time?
Too much "mind chatter" or just want to slow down?
Yin yoga can provide an antidote for this.


This class will guide you through a series of poses that are primarily done sitting and lying down. The poses are held for 2-5 minutes at a time to allow connective tissues (fascia, ligaments) to soften, lengthen and lubricate. A yin yoga practice compliments a yang practice and allows for a more balanced approach to life.

$25 to drop-in / FREE for members

Upcoming Events & Schedule Updates

EVENTS

SCHEDULE UPDATES

  • Thursday 7:15pm Candlelight Flow & Restore with Anne Davidson starts on March 2nd

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

Until then, stay well,

Amy