workshops & events

:: Save Your Hips :: Yamuna Ball Rolling w/ Heather Marie Miller 9/11

Event Date
Saturday 9/11, 1:30-3:30pm (West Philly)

Details
Stop Stressing your Hip Joints! Create more flexibility and space in and around your hips using Yamuna Body Rolling balls at this afternoon workshop. Come with your yoga mat and close-fitting clothing, and you'll leave with a new freedom of movement throughout the pelvis and hips. Your hip joint is where the thigh bone connects to the pelvis. This is a joint with tremendous potential for holding our torso with strength and energy upright, connecting us also firmly through our legs to our feet and the earth. It is also unfortunately an area which we load with tremendous pressure: from body weight pressing down from above, and from impact coming up from our legs and feet below. Chronic lower back and/or hip pain, sciatica, and piriformis syndrome are common from both overactivity and underactivity. Over time, the slow wearing out of the joint can result in hip replacements. All of these can be related to simply not having the information you need to care for your hips. When you learn these Body Rolling routines, you'll know what you need to do to be able to do all the activities you love without stressing this joint. This class will teach you what this joint needs to maintain it's full range of motion and balance, and ease of movement. You will learn simple hip and pelvis anatomy and the work that you can do throughout your life to keep this joint strong, flexible, and powerful.

Investment
$30 by 9/4, $40 after

:: Inversion Immersion :: w/ Justicia 9/11

Event Date
Saturday 9/11, 1:30-3:30pm (Main LIne)

Details
The Mystery of inversions is no match for the wisdom of progressive training techniques! Students will experience an active asana sequence, which provides tools for the understanding and embodiment of effective inversion practices. We will deconstruct the formula for successful, safe inverting, so bring all your questions! After solidifying spotting techniques, we will progress to Partner Inversion Training; a playful, safe, supportive environment will empower the whole room to be upside down and connect to the divine! Intermediate yoga practice recommended (suggested one year minimum).

Investment
$25 by 9/4, $35 after

:: Sweet Little Life :: Ayurveda + Yoga w/ Dhyana 9/13

Event Date
Monday 9/13, 7:30-9pm (West Philly)

Details
There is a great saying in Ayurveda, "Even nectar can be turned into poison, and poison can be turned into nectar," which drives home the fact that we must know how to make correct choices (foods we eat, people we spend time with, things we prioritize) so we can best enjoy this sweet little life of ours! We will explore in this workshop helpful healing through food and herbs, ancient secrets that promote beauty and radiance, and practice yoga and meditation from the Kundalini tradition with a focus on toning and detoxing. Absolutely all levels of students, even students with NO prior experience will benefit and are welcome to join in on this workshop!

Investment
$20; Zrii sampling & Ayurvedic sweets included!

:: Body Locks + Unlocking Blocks :: w/ John Vitarelli 9/17

Event Date
Friday, 9/17 2:30-4:30pm (West Philly)

Details
Bandhas.

Investment
$20

:: New Beginnings :: Welcome Back Students! w/ Noelle Connolly 9/20

Event Date
Monday 9/20 7:30-9pm (West Philly)

Details
This special vinyasa class is dedicated the students returning to the city to embark on another year of dedicated study. With new beginnings inherently comes increased energy and a heightened state of awareness. Join Noelle and harness this energy to enjoy a focused, enlivening practice; Yoga will help sustain an even, energetic presence for the coming months!

Investment
$20

:: FORGIVENESS :: The Yogis Top Priority! Kundalini Yoga + Hawaiian Prayer w/ "L" 9/25

Event Date
Saturday 9/25, 7:30-9pm (Old City)

Details
In life, through all of your spiritual endeavors, you must aim to treat others with utmost love and respect. If for a moment you hurt another, YOU should be prompt to ask forgiveness. Similarly when you are harmed (whether intentionally or accidentally) YOU must be immediate in your action to forgive. Why? Your happiness depends on it! In this illuminating workshop, we will work with the powerful kriyas of Kundalini Yoga while embarking on an inward journey of self-discovery, healing and forgiveness through the Hawaiian method of prayer known as Ho’oponopono. Together we will create space upon the altar of our hearts to transcend our resentments by releasing anger, fear, and stored emotions, and burning Karma that binds us. Relaxation will be accompanied by healing sounds of the sacred gong. Expect to be challenged; arrive with an open mind, leave with an open heart!

Investment
$35 by 9/18, $45 after

:: The Householder :: Ancient Techniques for the Modern Yogi w/ "L" 9/26

Event Date
Sunday 9/26, 1:30-4:30pm (Rittenhouse)

Details
Within the 8-Fold Path, Patanjali stated very clearly that in order for one to attain Yoga, the state of supreme consciousness, it was necessary to abstain from sexual activity (Bramacharya). The reality is that the modern, Western Yogi is living more the life of a householder than an ascetic. In this workshop, world-renown Kundalini & Jivamukti yoga instructor "L” will illuminate ancient yogic techniques used by householders for millennia to maintain and replenish their creative energy. These methods help to effectively circulate this energy in a way that produces energizing and lasting results. Come for both the learning and the experience!

Investment
$35 by 9/18, $45 after

:: Embodying the Flow :: w/ Simon Park 9/24-26

Event Dates
Friday 9/24 6-9pm, Saturday 9/25 10am-6pm, & Sunday 9/26 10am-6pm (West Philly)

Course Highlights
NOTE:: Shiva Rea’s Amazing “Embodying The Flow” manual will be our guide (available at additional cost).

Prana Flow is Shiva Rea’s innovative and evolutionary approach to Vinyasa Yoga. You will study with Shiva’s longtime assistant Simon Park. We will build on and deepen your personal practice as a laboratory for exploring the creative potential of vinyasa and how to effectively teach it as well. Our exploration will include: The Embodiment of Tantric Hatha Yoga and the Roots of Vinyasa Yoga >The five movements of prana that serve as the underlying flow of yoga > Shiva’s three-part vinyasa method for teaching alignment in the flow and creating transformational vinyasa sequences >How to teach and integrate bandhas, pranayama and four classical sun salutations and six of Shiva’s innovative “namaskars” > Energetic alignment, vinyasa krama and hands-on assists for the core family of asanas > How to create the sutra or theme of the class through Shiva’s wave theory of creative and effective sequencing > How to teach and modify four different vinyasa series for beginners to intermediate levels > Embodying the flow experiences through live music and yoga trance dance > Living yoga with an understanding of your personal sadhana and sva dharma, or service to the world.

This training will enliven the way you practice and teach, and is open to students of all levels, but is certainly not limited to teachers or intermediate/advanced practitioners. This Prana Flow Teacher’s Training Module can be applied toward Shiva Rea’s Prana Flow 200 or 300 hour programs. The hours can also be applied to a separate 200 or 300 hour Simon Park program, which is an adjunct program of Shiva Rea’s Prana Flow Teacher’s Training.

Investment
$275 for the whole weekend, or $225 for DY 200hr TTP grads and E-Flow Part 1 participants.

:: Philadelphia Flyers :: Inversions + Arm Balaces w/ Chuck Peterson 9/27

Event Date
Monday 9/27 7:30-9pm (West Philly)

Details
A vigorous inversional flow for the experienced flier or those new to flying! Just bring a positive attitude, passion for flying or desire for sustained flight, and a willingness to push through your edges. We will learn to engage our core early and often to build strength, levity, and grace in our handstands and in life. Together we will build so much strength and balance that even the most difficult poses and events in life will be navigated with ease. Inspired by our dear friends, Brock and Krista Cahill, this practice has helped transform my life and I am honored to share it with my fellow Philadelphia Fliers!

Investment
$20

Indian Music Therapy & Personal Vedic Astrology Readings w/ Dr. harre Harran from Pondicherry, India September 25th- 28th, 2010

Program Dates
Friday 9/24 7-9pm :: Musical Healing Concert $5
Saturday 9/25 12-3pm Yoga of Sound Workshop + 4:30-6:30 Deeksha Oneness Initiation Program
Sunday - Tuesday 9/26, 9/27 & 9/28 :: One on One Appointments for Vedic Astrology Chart Readings

Musical Healing Concert * Yoga of Sound Workshop * Vedic Astrology Readings
The doctor visits us here at Dhyana Yoga once a year, traveling all the way from India to offer us his healing sounds. Dr. Harre Harran has over 40 cd releases with Indian ragas to free you from ailments ranging from high blood pressure to anxiety and to attract everything from love to athletic success! We highly recommend that you attend his wonderful healing concert on Saturday night to experience these primordial sounds for yourself and to ask him questions. This year, the doctor will additionally share DEEKSHA/INITIATION/UPADESA for the enhancement of the prospects of enlightenment during this lifetime for all who attend the Sunday "Yoga of Sound" workshop. This is a very special, deep an ancient offering that he feels moved to bring to our beautiful community this year!

A NOTE ON DEEKSHA INITIATION UPADESA :: This is the initial process of transferring the powerful energy capable of shifting long established patterns and creating profound inner transformation which helps the person to energize the chakras in the body and mind. It helps the person to take the journey into enlightenment in the simplest format. The person will experience the divine energy that awakens the enlightenment process. Only ordained and trained teachers can offer Deeksha Initiation Upadesa, and doctor Harre Harran, hailing from a Brahman family, is one such teacher. He is well versed in tradition, sastra, sanskrit, astrology, music and other important areas of Indian culture.

Investment
TBA

We will need your birth info for the chart!
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:: The Return of Eric Powell :: Hosted by Y2 9/26 & 11/13

Event Date
Saturday 9/26 1-4pm (Rittenhouse)

Details
Forthcoming...Please check back!

Investment
$TBD

October

:: Save Your Neck + Spine :: Yamuna Ball Rolling w/ Heather Marie Miller 10/2

Event Date
Saturday 10/2, 1:30-3:30pm (Old City)

Details
In this Yamuna Body Rolling workshop, we'll use 3-10" balls to learn how to build a long, strong, and flexible spine from yourtailbone through your neck, helping to create and maintain healthy vertebrae and discs. You'll also learn how to correctly work the abdominal muscles so they support and protect the lower back safely. According to Vanda Scaravelli, "You're as old as the flexibility of your spine," so come learn how to: * Activate your breathing to keep the ribcage lifted and flexible rather than collapsing and dropping down into the lower back * Keep your chest from dropping forward and down, thus thrusting the head forward and tightening the middle back—a common posture issue * Keep your upper back properly aligned with your head and shoulders * Create balance and lift throughout the upper back and neck vertebrae Bring a yoga mat and an open mind, and all other equipment will be provided for you!

Investment
$30 by 9/25, $40 after
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:: Save Your Knees + Feet :: Yamuna Ball Rolling w/ Heather Marie Miller 10/23

Event Date
Saturday 10/2, 1:30-3:30pm (West Philly)

Details
The knees are one of the most challenging joints in the body to care for. They need to be aligned correctly with both the hips and the feet and ankles in order for them to function without wearing them down. They also need to have proper space in the joint so they glide smoothly and efficiently. With the right information, you can keep your knees from wearing out so they actually last your whole lifetime! The feet, too, are often difficult to care for: We often wear unsupportive or restrictive shoes, we do all kinds of impactful activities, we sit all day, and/or we just ignore the feet and assume they'll keep us going without any attention or care. The foot should be able to move and articulate with strength and flexibility, not just function as a whole, like a tight rubber boot. Learning how to care for your feet can help prevent bunions, hammer toes, and injuries like plantar fasciitis. In this workshop, we'll use Yamuna Body Rolling balls to align your knees from above and below, creating length and space down your legs. We'll also use Feetwakers and Feetsavers to stimulate, strengthen, challenge, stretch, and liberate your feet. You'll walk out feeling lighter and more supported from your feet through your knees. Bring your yoga mat, close-fitting clothing, and a desire to walk lightly on the earth. Note: This workshop is not appropriate for those with knee replacements, or for those with severe osteoarthritis (eg., those unable to bend the knee more than 90-degrees).

Investment
$30 by 10/16, $40 after

:: Thai Yoga Massage :: w/ Justicia + Shawn 10/30

Event Date
Saturday 10/30 1:30-4:30pm (Old City)

Details
Forthcoming...Please Check Back!

Investment
$30 by 10/23, $40 after

Retreat to Italy w/ John & Dhyana :: "Salutations Under the Tuscan Sun IV"

Event Date
8/21 through 8/27 2011 (Tuscany)

Details
Ebbio's beautiful setting brings instant relaxation and invites each person to reconnect with the finer joys in life. There's truly something for everyone on this working vineyard with it's beautiful, old villa -- Plentiful, daily Vinyasa & Kundalini Yoga and Meditation classes are offered to you by John & Dhyana in the beautiful Yoga room; horses, donkeys, dogs, cats and other animals abound in their natural settings; landscapes beg to be sketched or painted; winding paths are perfect settings for a breathwalk or moment alone; delicious meals prepared with ingredients freshly picked from the many gardens nourish every stomach and soul; and numerous opportunities for day trips allow for exploration of the entire area to those interested... You will enjoy: * Simple, sweet, and comfortable lodging * Two delicious vegetarian meals per day "al fresco" or in the great room * Your choice of free evenings or group socials * Day Trips to local medieval towns including Montereggioni, Castellina in Chianti, Siena, and more * Day trips to other vineyards for wine tastings or to the nearby beautiful beaches and hot springs * Espresso all day and wine with each meal * All the Yoga and Meditation classes you care to take part in!

Cost includes all of the above (lodging + 2 meals a day + all classes) but you need to secure your own travel! We have had great success getting excellent fares from Philadelphia to either Florence or Rome in the past 3 years. From there you will simply take a train to Siena (and it really is simple to do!) and we will pick you up and drive you to Ebbio (the retreat site). Try searching travel sites like Kayak.com and Sidestep.com and be a bit persistent -- deals will come up! Since this retreat has become a popular annual event for DY, we do expect it to fill up, so please let John or Dhyana know if you have interest or questions so you can save your space before it's too late!

Investment
$925 by 2/21/2011, $1075 after; 10% discount to past retreat participants or groups of 3 or more; private rooms available for an extra $300 but are limited; a $500 non refundable deposit will hold your space today!

Click here to view the retreat site
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Ayurveda, Yoga + Mind/Body/Spirit DeTox w/ Dhyana TBD

Event Date
TBD (West Philly)

Details
Shift your total being into a greater sense of alignment with this powerful exploration into how Ayurveda supports every aspect of not only your Yoga practice, but of your life! "Ayur" means LIFE, and "Veda" is WISDOM, and when we are able to bring this Life Wisdom into our daily routines, our true potential reveals itself with effortless ease. Please come ready to do some yoga, some meditation, and bring all the questions your heart desires for the Q&A session! No experience wtih yoga, meditation or Ayurveda required, all are welcome!

Investment
$20; Zrii sampling & Dosha Balancing snacks included!

Friend :: MindBodySpiritDetox on Facebook to learn more about the challenge & Join Me!
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:: A Storytime Vinyasa :: w/ Leila Zinni TBD

Event Date
TBD

Details
Ever wonder why the Yoga poses we practice have their names and how they got those names? In this workshops, you'll have the change to connect with your inner Gods and Goddesses during a special All Levels Vinyasa flow. The myths and stories behind the asanas (poses) help us draw strength and inspiration to BE the energy they represent, and deepen the understanding of practice. Leila will explain how we confront fears with Shiva's poses, find heroism and faith with Hanuman's, and experience liberation with the pose of the sage Vasistha, among other favorites! This class is open to yogis of all levels with playful minds, join us for Storytime!

Investment
$20

:: YOGA + REIKI :: w/ Dhyana & Kim Fleisher (of the Reiki School + Clinic) TBD

Event Date
TBD 7:30-9pm (West Philly)

Details
Reiki is a Japanese healing practice primarily facilitated by light touch. A practitioner's hands rest on various body parts to help assist the receiver move towards balance, wellness and wholeness and away from stress, tension, and dis-ease. During this special restorative yoga class, Kim will start the class by giving a brief description of reiki and answer any questions. Then, while Dhyana leads you through a gentle asana practice, Kim will provide healing reiki treatment. In restorative yoga, asanas can be held for several minutes at a time, leaving lots of opportunities for Kim to place her hands on parts of your body that may experience restriction, and to further allow for a deeper release.

Investment
$20

:: BANDHAS, BALANCING + BEYOND :: a vinyasa workshop w/ John Vitarelli TBD

Event Date
Please Check Back!

Details
Vinyasa practice is one of the most fun, creative, liberating forms of Yoga in the universe...and also one of the most challenging! If you become fatigued and ever notice your arms or legs getting exhausted and lazy even after warm ups, much less toward the end of a vigorious class, it may be time for you to start using your Bandhas! In "Bandhas, Balancing + Beyond," John will explain the yogis secret body lock work that subtly goes on during practice, how they bring you toward balance (and make actual balancing easier!) and go beyond with fresh insights and information to reignite your practice and/or your teaching!

Investment
$20

Retreat to Costa Rica w/ Justicia + Shawn :: Yoga And Thai Massage 2/26-3/5 2011

Event Date
February 26th through March 5th 2011 (Costa Rica)

Details
Spend a week in paradise with Justicia and Shawn in the most bio-diverse place on the planet (according to National Geographic), Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula! Home to four species of monkeys, toucans, parrots, and countless other animals, this pristine rainforest abounds with life, and is the perfect backdrop for a yoga adventure retreat you’ll never forget. Registration is inclusive for six nights and seven days at the stunning Encanta la Vida retreat center and lodge. From the lodge, it’s a short stroll through a grove of chocolate trees to catch waves at the very private Pan Dulce Beach, or hike inland to marvel at waterfalls and wildlife. Our mornings will begin with an upbeat, full-spectrum asana practice on the beautiful 2-tiered yoga deck overlooking the ocean, followed by breakfast featuring outstanding local foods and recipes. Your registration includes one adventure of your choice from the following: surf lessons, rainforest nature hike with optional 75-foot tree climb, or Thai Massage session or private yoga session. The days are yours to spend as you wish: at the lodge’s pool and bar, lounging in a hammock, surfing (boards available at the lodge), soaking up rays at the beach, hiking, canoeing, waterfall rappelling, bird-watching, touring an organic chocolate farm, flying through the jungle canopy on a zip-line, or one of many other adventures! Lunch is served at the lodge, or have a boxed lunch (included in price) prepared for you to take on your day trip. Our evening practices will have a more restorative focus, incorporating Thai Massage and pranayama. We’ll close each day with a community dinner at the lodge, and share our stories. Shawn and Justicia visited the Osa Peninsula last year in preparation to offer this retreat, and have hand-picked some of the most fun, exciting, inspiring things to share with you.

Investment
Eight days and seven nights in paradise! $1250 if paid in full by 1/31, $1395 after. $500 deposit will hold your space.

Register via Email!
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DY Prices:

3 Week Pass (New Students Only) $30
1 Class $15
10 Class Pass $120
1 Month Unlimited $110
3 Months Unlimited $300
1 Year Unlimited $950

studio info:
Email for private lessons

215.222.YOGA
215.496.0770