The Spoonstudio ... come salve your soul
Schedule ...
Contact us: spoonstudio@eastlink.ca or (902) 403-9642 (YOGA)
Register Now for our next Session!
(see below)
Description of Classes:
Starting your day off right with ...
'Ocean Sunrise Yoga'
These morning classes are a wonderful way to begin your day. Come to the earlier class to connect with the awakening Sun (wonderful experience!) and have ample time to return home for breakfast, shower, then off to work! Or join us a little later in the morning if you prefer.
See the Schedule below. We are offering various times to accommodate various schedules. For the summer months, we will have class outside as much as possible (weather permitting) as the fresh air only intoxifies even more. A morning Yoga practice will help you energize, balance, find stability and focus your mind ... what a way to begin a day.
Deep breathing oxygenates the blood going to the brain and every cell of your body, so it’s very energizing. It wakes up your body and mind—without jitter-causing caffeine. We awaken slowly and consciously, not pushing to your maximum. We use a steady and smooth Ujjayi breath to link and enliven the poses. You should feel the benefits of the practice quite tangibly in terms of energy, alertness, and increased range of motion & stiffness alleviation. We start the day with a positive attitude which aligns our intentions. We watch the fishing boats come and go, we hear the gulls, osprey and connect with the morning from a positive natural perspective. "It's so beautiful and so much more than a physical experience."
Dress accordingly (weather). Each morning 1 hour prior to start time, all registered Students will receive an email notifying them of today's location (all in Eastern Passage/Cow Bay locations). We will enjoy beaches and shorelines as much as possible as well as our own backyard. Please bring a blanket/towel large enough to place under your yoga mat and if you don't appreciate the sensation of your skin touching the bare ground ... make it even larger. This is to protect your mat from the morning dew, sand, etc. and also gives a more 'warming' sensation. Bring another small blanket to cover you during Shavasana or at least a warm sweater and socks so you don't get too chilly during relaxation.
If it's a sunny day, remember to apply sunscreen to those exposed areas before you come. If you feel like wearing a bathing suit because you're concerned with 'tan lines' or perhaps you'll feel like jumping in the water after class ... go for it!
If you are not registered and want to try the class (even if you're reading this at the last minute) call Gail and she'll give you details. Don't let lack of preparation be an excuse ... join us!
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"Golden Yoga"
(Yoga for Seniors - 65 plus)
We invite you to learn techniques specifically designed for those who are entering into or already into their Golden Years. Any age can do Yoga. In this class, individuality is maintained, and the teachings will soothe your muscles and joints, give you a greater range of motion, improve your balance, increase your circulation, and strengthen you ... in many ways.
The demographics of all Yoga classes here in the 'West' are changing. In the East, it has been long-recognized that Yoga was for all age groups whereas here it has been seen as something for the young and fit and flexible. We are finally recognizing what Eastern Cultures have known for generations: that Yoga helps everyone. In 'Golden Yoga' classes, postures are modified & 'Chair Yoga' may be incorporated as many Seniors have difficulty sitting on the floor ... all taught as an alternative to the traditional 'on the mat' type of Yoga. Gail has been certified through 'Gentle Path Yoga Studio' (www.jeanshortyoga.ca) to instruct Classes specifically designed for those in their Senior Years. This summer course will run for 6 weeks and be ongoing pending demand. The fee is $60 for the 6 weeks (one class/week, see schedule below).
No experience necessary.
Some feedback from Seniors after experiencing Yoga
(taken from Jean Short's 'Yoga for Seniors' Manual):
-better reach
-increased joint mobility
-drive more comfortably and safely
-no more severe anxiety attacks
-happier
-rapid recovery from major surgery
-taken off list for carpel tunnel surgery (credits medication & yoga)
-more content
-less unnecessary visits to Doctor
-aids the grieving process
-fewer asthma attacks
-measured breath in peak flow meter increased dramatically
-finds it easier to cope with parents who have dementia & Alzheimer's Disease
-eases symptoms of depression
-more assertive
-love the laughter
-an increase in spine bone mass
-no more orthotics after 21 years
-no usage of prednisone & asthma inhalers for 4 years
-legs now the same length
-better posture
Please contact The Spoonstudio to see about Gail
coming to your Senior's group location.
Fee: $60/hour for group of 15 or less
$70/hour for group of 16-20
$80/hour for group over 21 Students
(if your Group is located more than 30 minutes away from
Eastern Passage there may be a mileage fee)
Read the September'09 issue of Seniors Advocate
(www.seniorsadvocate.com)
for an Editorial by Gail on 'Golden Yoga'!
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Beginner Yoga by the Sea
"Low Tide Yoga"
If you are not even quite sure what Yoga is and would like to see if it's suitable for you ... this would be a good place to start. Learn the basic postures, terminology and breathing techniques in the Kripalu Yoga Tradition. We slowly make our way through a gentle version of Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) and Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar). Helping you to find your comfort zone in each pose.
No experience is necessary. You do not need to be 'really flexible' ... that's what we work on. If you think, "I can't do Yoga ... I can't even touch my toes!", then this is class for you. By the end of your 8 weeks, you may see that it is indeed something everyone can do. And most Students ... become hooked! You will also be able to discuss with your Teacher the different types of Yoga and see which would be best suited for you by the end of the course. If it is deemed that you would benefit from a modality that is not available at The Spoonstudio ... you will be encouraged to follow your heart and go in that direction. What is best for you as a Student is the first priority. Put 'Yoga' on your bucket list and give it a try!
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Ardha Chandrasana & Ustrasana
Deepening your Yoga Experience
"High Tide Yoga"
This Class is good for Students with previous Yoga experience. You know the basics and are ready to maintain what you have learned as well as try some new techniques, asanas, pranayamas. Classes touch on the study of Chakras, OM, specific postures for Students with concerns. Flows are a little more challenging and more focus is paid to defining each pose with the highest respect for your individual body type. We all do not look the same, are not built the same and we are not striving to look like a model in a magazine. The practice becomes more of a union of mind and body. Anyone with a base knowledge of any Hatha Yoga (postures & breath techniques) is welcome. In these classes, we go deeper into the true meaning of Yoga ... we explore our true nature, individually and privately. We focus on awakening our inner, deep prana ... to awaken that which is already inborn! We like to keep moving in this class and bring a little core work into the game as well. We also learn to surrender more into Shavasana and what it truly means to find peace/spirituality of our own choosing.
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SALT WATER SOOTHE & STRETCH
Join us as we close our eyes and listen to the needs of our body, mind and soul. Let the cares and worries of your day melt away as you focus on 'letting go'. We bring a 'Yin' focus to this class by sinking deeper into asanas, letting go of the tension and tuning in to the fascia, joints, ligaments, tendons. We will stretch more than strengthen (but we never omit strengthening altogether). Pamper yourself as you locate the subtle differences that can increase your flexibility and release that tightness: in the muscles and in the mind. Be present ... relax ... and find strength all at the same time. Learn to love exactly who you are.
Students of all Levels are welcome.
"To be healthy human beings and to function at the peak of our potential, we need to achieve a balance of mind and body. If we serve our outer needs without allowing ourselves time for the person within, and especially if we ignore the inner voice that tells us to slow down or take a break, then at some point our health will begin to suffer. At the very least, our ability to withstand stress or pressure will be weakened. Meditation is an effective way to ensure that we are not neglecting an important aspect of our well-being ... the state of our mind, and its' optimum relation with our body. To achieve this goal, there is no need to spend hours in strict contemplation. A few minutes each day can be enough. Gradually, we will begin to understand the mind-body relationship and in the process discover a new dimension in our lives. By learning to meditate we can even, in due course, tap into a source of healing and rejuvenation deep within ourselves. It is not the amount of time we spend in meditation that counts, but the development of our understanding during that time." Bill Anderton
PRICING
Regular Yoga Class Fees (all classes are 1.5 hrs in duration):
$80 for a package of 8 classes
$60 for a package of 6 Classes
$50 for a package of 4 classes
$15 drop in fee per class
$50/hour for a Private Yoga Session with Gail (1hr)
(See individual descriptions for Workshop Fees)
MISSED CLASSES MAY BE MADE UP AT ANY OTHER CLASSES DURING THE SESSION YOU PAID FOR. 'MAKEUPS' ARE NOT TRANSFERRABLE TO THE NEXT SESSION. MISSED CLASSES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
Gift Certificates are available for all Services.
Please be on time and preferrably a little early for class. It is very disruptive to our 'centering' at the beginning of each class. When Students arrive late, it breaks the meditation.
Summer 2010 Schedule Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays Fridays w/Gail at Deepening Soothe & Stretch Directions to outdoor Yoga locations: Cow Bay Moose: In Eastern Passage starting from Quigley's corner at the lights, do not turn right to head along Shore Rd (Fisherman's Cove, Spoonstudio) but head straight through towards the Tim's (on left) and continue up the hill. You will pass an Irving (on left) and St. Peter's Church (brick on left) before hitting 2nd set of lights. Continue straight (towards Rainbow Haven Beach), and you will pass the Buffalo Club (right) and soon after a sharp turn (veering to right), continue. You will approach a small bridge that takes you over the Cow Bay River ... welcome to Cow Bay! Immediately after you will turn right to continue on Cow Bay Road (going straight turns into Dyke Rd. - wrong way). Head down Cow Bay Rd for about 1 km and you can't miss the oversized cement Moose on your right. This location boasts a marvelous view, fresh salty air, flat surface, parking!
If you must be late ... how about we see you next time!
Contact us: spoonstudio@eastlink.ca or (902) 403-9642 (YOGA)
Watch for Summer Evenings of Musical Meditation by candlelight/campfire coming soon.
Karma Class
Thank you to all who participated in our July 9th karma class at Fisherman's Cove Boardwalk. Together we raised $97 for the Salvation Army! During 'low tides' our occasional 'Fisherman Cove' classes are located at the far end of the boardwalk, kitty-corner to this resting area you see in the photo. There is a sand bar that extends out at 'the narrows' (facing Lawlor's Island) ... that's where you'll find us!
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NOTE: Please try not to eat a meal at least 90 minutes prior to class. Also, inform your Instructor of any conditions that you believe may be risky during posture practice. Please receive approval from your Doctor first if you are unsure of risks because of your state of health. If you are Pregnant, please inform your Instructor as well.
June 21-July30 (6 weeks)
For the summer months we will outside at various locations (see below) pending weather/tides. Please contact The Spoonstudio to see where class will be (either The Spoonstudio on Shore Rd., Fisherman's Cove on Shore Rd., The Cow Bay Moose in Cow Bay, or Rainbow Haven Beach in Cow Bay)
9:30-10:45am 9-10:30am 6:45-8am 8:30-10am
Relax&Renew Beginner Ocean Sunrise Ocean Sunrise
Breathing
Space
Dartmouth
*6:30-8pm *6:30-8pm
High Tide Saltwater
(Please contact to register early for all programs. Classes fill up quickly!)
Summer Vacation for Gail will be from July 31 - August 15. Please contact The Spoonstudio to see the exact date when classes resume.
Rainbow Haven Beach: In Eastern Passage starting from Quigley's corner at the lights, do not turn right to head along Shore Rd (Fisherman's Cove, Spoonstudio) but head straight through towards the Tim's (on left) and continue up the hill. You will pass an Irving (on left) and St. Peter's Church (brick on left) before hitting 2nd set of lights. Continue straight (towards Rainbow Haven Beach), and you will pass the Buffalo Club (right) and soon after a sharp turn (veering to right), continue. You will approach a small bridge that takes you over the Cow Bay River ... welcome to Cow Bay! Continue straight even though this road turns into Dyke Rd. Drive to the very end and you will see the ocean in front of you and a playground to your right. Turn left to Rainbow Haven. Less than 1 km you will see Bissett Rd. on your left. Keep straight and immediately after you will see the entrance to the Beach on your right. Drive to the Beach House where you can park. Hop on the boardwalk that takes you left, towards the 'less travelled' part of the beach and towards the opposite shoreline of
Lawrencetown (the narrows). When you come off the boardwalk, turn left again onto the sandy beach and keep walking until you see us. This part of the beach is typically not too busy. (below photo taken at Rainbow Haven)
Fisherman's Cove shoreline Yoga: In Eastern Passage starting from Quigley's corner at the lights, turn right to head along Shore Rd (Fisherman's Cove, Spoonstudio). You will see the entrance to Fisherman's Cove and just past it a large parking lot across from the Catholic Church. Park there. Hop on the boardwalk until you are approximately kitty corner from where you started ... at the narrows. We will be on the sandy beach, facing Lawlor's Island.
Private Sessions
If you are interested in having some 'one on one' instruction contact us to set up an appointment. Whether you aren't comfortable with the Group Environment or simply would like poses specifically designed for your body/mind ... we will spend the 1st class mostly in discussion and then design a format specifically to suit your needs. At least once/week is recommended. Rates are $50/hr.
Once/twice/three times week?
Like anything, the more you practice an experience the more comfortable you become with it. If time only allows you to attend class once/week then try to practice some of the teachings at home or at work. Registering for more than once a week will of course enhance your experience. A daily Yoga practice can change your life, improving the quality of each day. It is highly recommended!
