The Subtle Body
Dear Oyster Bay Yogis,
Happy October! I can’t wait to share all of the excitement we have in store for you this month at the studios. New classes, wonderful workshops, and seasonal fun are in store. Our theme of the month for October is “the subtle body.” We’ll be diving deeper into the chakras, the meridians, and prana, and perhaps we’ll discover that the subtle body isn't so subtle after all!
Nancy will be hosting a Yoga Nidra workshop in Oyster Bay, the Full Moon Gong Bath with Martha is in Glen Cove later this month, and Erica will be hosting a pop-up Chakra themed class at OBY on the 15th! Anne’s got some spooky fun planned for Friday Night Flow (check out the updated dates below). Plus, come see us at Oyster Bay Day in downtown OB on Saturday, 10/16 in a seasonal celebration with the community. Martha’s also filming a new Kundalini kriya we can practice along with each day at home to tap into our awareness of the subtle body.
You asked, and we listened, new weekly classes are being added to the schedule (and more to come very soon)!
In the remainder of our newsletter you’ll see our Pose of the Month, Sutra of the Month, Oil of the Month, and Monthly Challenge Winner for September. Plus a full listing of the upcoming events. I look forward to seeing you again at the studio very soon.
Namaste,
Amy
Pose of the Month
Navasana: Boat Pose
In keeping with our theme of the month, the subtle body, our pose of the month, navasana, aligns with the navel chakra.
Sutra of the Month
In Swami Satchidananda’s interpretation of this sutra, he discusses prana-apana, the upward and downward motion of prana - let’s see if we can feel it in our practice!
Oil of the Month
Our October OOTM is:
Harvest Moon
“With a crisp, clean, woodsy aroma, Harvest Moon is reminiscent of freshly fallen autumn leaves crunching below your feet on a crisp fall morning. Bergamot provides a subtle hint of sweetness and Cedarwood amps up the woodsy forest aroma. Fir Needle and Juniper Berry give this blend a crisp, clean mountain air feel, while Cardamom shines through bringing warmth. When diffused, this blend may help keep airways clear during times of seasonal illness. Harvest Moon can also help soothe sore muscles due to overexertion.” -Plant Therapy
Click here to learn more about Harvest Moon
This month, enjoy 20% off your purchase of Harvest Moon essential oil at the studios.
Monthly Challenge Winner
Our Monthly Challenge Winner for September 2021 is:
LeeAnn Grecco!
Congratulations LeeAnn! You attended 21 classes in the month of September, and you’ll get your next month of membership for free! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community.
Who will be our October winner?
Chakras
by Lisa Funk
Prana, or life force energy, is drawn into the body through the breath and moves through the body along channels called nadis. There are many nadis, but three of particular importance. The central channel is the sushumna nadi. The two main nadis, ida and pingala move in a crisscross, spiraling fashion along this path. Where these energy channels cross there are energy centers, or wheels, called chakras.
In yoga, we create balance in the chakra system by moving the prana. The seven main chakras are arranged vertically along the sushumna nadi from the base of the spine to the crown on the head. These energy centers regulate the flow of prana. Together the seven chakras form a formula for wholeness that integrate the mind, body and spirit. Pain, disease, discomfort, or general disharmony can occur when there are even minor disturbances in the subtle body. Investigating the chakras is a way to gauge your entire system.
1-Muladhara: root chakra (red)
The area of the body: base of the spine.
This chakra is associated with your sense of security and familial relationships. When this chakra is unbalanced, you may feel depressed, anxious, or even constipated. When the root chakra is balanced, you will find contentment, happiness, and inner peace. You will have more compassion and patience towards yourself and those around you. A balanced root chakra brings emotional stability and an incredible sense of being able to cope with whatever the universe throws your way.
2-Svadhisthana: sacral chakra (orange)
The areas of the body: sacrum, hips, sexual organs.
This chakra is connected to sensuality and creativity. The function of the sacral chakra is pleasure and overall enjoyment of life. Blocked energy in the sacral chakra can result in low back pain, reproductive issues, urinary tract infections, and bladder and kidney issues. When in alignment, you will have the energy for creativity, movement, pleasure and relationships.
3- Manipura: solar plexus chakra (yellow)
The areas of the body: abdomen, mid-back, side body, core.
This energy center is associated with self-esteem, sense of purpose, digestion, and personal identity. When blocked, you may lack energy, feel weak, have allergies, or have liver and digestive problems. If balanced, you will feel energy, strength, and confidence. Manipura chakra is all about being able to deal with things. Can you stand up for yourself? Are you strong and courageous? Allowing yourself to grow and become a better version of yourself means taking action and leaving behind what no longer serves you.
4- Anahata: Heart chakra (green)
The areas of the body: heart, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, upper back.
This chakra serves as our center for love for oneself and others, compassion, and forgiveness. The heart chakra affects the heart, lungs, chest, arms and hands. When misaligned, you may feel lonely, jealous, defensive, and have difficulty trusting others. When the heart chakra is open, you will feel love, compassion, and joy. Find love, kindness and compassion as you open your heart to new experiences and new people.
5- Vishuddha: Throat chakra (blue)
The areas of the body: throat, neck, mouth, jaw, ears, and even the shoulders.
The throat chakra connects the lower chakras to the higher ones. It connects the energies between your basic needs and your higher wisdom.
If the throat chakra is blocked, you may feel depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. When difficult situations arise, you may shut down, instead of speaking up. A blocked throat chakra may manifest in thyroid problems, sore throat, gum disease, ear or sinus infections, or tight shoulders. Once opened and balanced, you will be able to articulate your ideas, feelings and opinions openly. You may also find that you feel heard and understood. Speak your truth and listen with compassion. Are my words true? Are my words necessary? Are my words kind?
6- Ajna: Third eye chakra (indigo)
The areas of the body: Center of the forehead in the space between the eyebrows and inside the mind.
Higher knowledge, intuition, imagination and visualization are all connected to the third eye chakra. If blocked, you may feel eye strain, headaches, migraines, anxiety, memory issues, or insomnia. An open and balanced third eye results in clear thoughts, stronger intuition, and the ability to see things as they actually are. See deep within yourself, into your intuition and inner knowing, trust your intuition.
7- Sahasrara: Crown chakra (violet)
The areas of the body: crown of head and skull.
This chakra is associated with thought, connection to spirit, wisdom, and self-knowledge. Signs of a blocked crown chakra may include confusion, imbalance, poor coordination, or lack of focus. When in balance, you will feel more at ease, relaxed, clear-headed, and connected. Some questions to ask yourself: What is my purpose? How can I best serve the whole? An open crown chakra understands that everything is connected and it allows us to put our shortsighted self-interests aside in service of the whole. The crown chakra opens up to a boundless sense of oneness and connection.
4 Week Beginner Yoga Series
Classes meet at Glen Cove Yoga or Virtually on:
October 6th at 6pm-7:15pm
October 13th at 6pm-7:15pm
October 20th at 6pm-7:15pm
October 27th at 6pm-7:15pm
Join owner and instructor, Amy Garvey, for this 4 Week introduction to yoga. We’ll start with the basics, and each week we’ll progress, 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. You can join in-person at our beautiful studio in downtown Glen Cove, or livestream the classes from home.
Standard Admission:
You’ll learn all the basics of yoga, have all your questions answered, and leave the program feeling ready to begin practicing yoga at home or in studio classes.
$74 per person includes
(4) 75-min beginner yoga classes
In-studio, or livestream access
VIP Admission:
Get lifetime access to the class recordings, as well as a customized private lesson to address your unique needs and interests.
$124 per person
(4) 75-min beginner yoga classes
In-studio, or livestream access
(1) 1-on-1 Private Yoga Lesson with Amy (Can be scheduled anytime after registration, through 4/31/21. In-studio or livestream available).
Lifetime access to the class recordings, as well as a recording of your private lesson
Pop-Up Chakra Flow
Friday, October 15th
6-7:15pm
with Erica Tymeck
at Oyster Bay Yoga
A 75-min All Levels flow class that explores the connection between body, breath, and the 7 chakras. Use your physical practice to create space for prana to flow freely through the energetic centers within the subtle body.
$22 to drop-in (in-studio) / $18 to drop-in (online) / FREE for OBY members
Full Moon Movement, Meditation & Gong Bath
Wednesday, October 20th
7:30-8:30pm
with Martha Flanagan
at Glen Cove Yoga
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.
$22 to drop-in / Free for GCY members
Yoga Nidra Workshop
Saturday, October 23rd
2-3:30pm
with Nancy Rich
at Oyster Bay Yoga
Yoga nidra is the art of conscious relaxation. You will learn techniques which will allow you to reach new states of conscious awareness with acute perception of both your physical and subtle body. As you practice these techniques you will feel the flow of prana move through physical, emotional, and energetic blockages. The end result is the healing of the body and mind and the expansion of consciousness.
The sessions are done laying down or sitting and are appropriate for EVERYONE, regardless of physical limitations.
Yoga Nidra allows us to heal deeply held patterns of energy in our bodies, manifest health and wellness, and consciously create whatever it is that we want to create for ourselves in this lifetime!
Experience the peace and joy that you are.
Nourish yourself in the many additional benefits of Classical Yoga Nidra:
✦ Improves functioning of the immune system
✦ Lowers blood pressure
✦ Pain & inflammation reduction
✦ Helps to stabilize blood sugar
✦ Calms & cools the nervous system, while improving & stabilizing mood
✦ It treats insomnia, psychological disorders, & psychosomatic diseases.
✦ Relaxes the mind, relieving stress & anxiety
✦ Helps in enhancing memory & increases capacity for learning
✦ Relieves muscular, emotional & mental tension
✦ Results in increased energy levels
$35 per person (10% off for members)
Please dress in comfortable layers and bring a bed pillow.
Friday Night Flow: Spooky Halloween!
Oyster Bay Yoga
Friday, October 22nd at 5:30pm
&
Glen Cove Yoga
Friday, October 29th at 5:30pm
Break a sweat to some spooky Halloween-themed tunes in this fun all-levels vinyasa flow class with Anne! The BEST way to start your weekend. Halloween costumes are encouraged!
Free for members and just $10 to drop-in!
Upcoming Events & Schedule Updates
EVENTS
Pajama Yoga: Friday, 10/1 & the 1st Friday of each month at 6:30pm with Diana Singh (Oyster Bay)
4 Week Beginner Yoga Series: Wednesday, 10/6 at 6pm with Amy Garvey (Glen Cove)
Yin Yoga: Sunday, 10/17 at 2:45pm with Martha Flanagan (Oyster Bay)
Pop-Up Chakra Class: Friday, 10/15 at 6pm with Erica Tymeck (Oyster Bay)
Full Moon Movement, Meditation & Gong Bath: Wednesday, 10/20 at 7:30pm with Martha Flanagan (Glen Cove)
Friday Night Flow: Spooky Halloween: Friday, 10/22 at 5:30pm with Anne Davidson (Oyster Bay)
Pajama Yoga: Friday, 10/22 & the last Friday of each month at 6:30pm with Diana Singh (Glen Cove)
Yoga Nidra Workshop: Saturday, 10/23 at 2pm with Nancy Rich (Oyster Bay)
Friday Night Flow: Spooky Halloween: Friday, 10/29 5:30pm with Anne Davidson (Glen Cove)Yin Yoga: Friday, 10/29 at 7:00pm with Martha Flanagan (Oyster Bay)
SCHEDULE UPDATES
New class! Wednesday 7:00am Kundalini with Martha Flanagan starting 10/6 (Oyster Bay)
New class! Thursday 10:30am Restorative Yoga with Nancy Rich starting 10/7! (Oyster Bay)
New class! Friday 9:15am Flow 1-2 with Nancy Rich starting 10/15! (Glen Cove)
Theme change! Tuesday 4:45pm Pilates is now Cardio Pilates with Gina Murphy (Oyster Bay)
Theme change! Thursday 6:00pm Pilates is now Gentle Pilates & Restorative with Gina Murphy (Oyster Bay)
More to come very soon!
Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter. I look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, stay well.
Amy