March 2025 Newsletter
Join us as we explore different elements of the practice with the following workshops:
Backbends & Beyond, April 6th, 12:00-2:00 pm
Journey to Leg Behind the Head, May 4th, 12:00-2:00 pm
Introduction to Inversions, June 1st, 12:00-2:00 pm
Spots are limited for these workshops, as they are being offered as part of our YTT, so act fast!
Start Your Practice Spring Edition!
Join Yoga Shala owners Brendan and Christiane on March 30th , at 10:00 am, for a 3-hour workshop incorporating the fundamental postures of the Ashtanga Primary series - a challenging, but accessible approach to classical yoga. Students will be guided through the foundational and standing postures from this approach as a way of establishing a base for their yoga journey, and entering into a daily practice routine.
In addition to the kickoff workshop, you’ll have four weeks of unlimited membership, to join both our Mysore and Led classes.
Investment: $100-150 sliding scale*.
Already a practitioner? Share it with your friends and family who are curious about why you have now become an early bird!
The Eight Limbs: Niyamas
The second anga (limb) of Ashtanga Yoga, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, is the Niyamas, which are "personal observances" aimed at cultivating purity in our lives.
There are 5 Niyamas, according to Patanjali's scriptures:
Saucha: "cleanliness" of both body and mind—the latter includes purification from the "six poisons:" desire, anger, delusion, greed, pride, and envy.
Santosha, "contentment," a disposition towards happiness that is not dependent on external situations.
Tapas "discipline," having a practice that challenges us to create resilience and growth in our spiritual life.
Svadhyaya, "self-study", includes the study of sacred texts and self-inquiry.
Ishvara Pranidhana "surrender or devotion to God or a higher source"
Here are some journaling prompts that can help you to reflect on how to incorporate Niyamas into your practice, and/or your daily life:
- What are some things I can do to keep my mind clean and less convoluted?
- How can I invite contentment into my Asana practice?
- Name one area in which your daily practice has helped you to grow? (Bonus: think beyond your physical body!)
Community Recap:
Celebrating our 2-Year Anniversary with an amazing organization, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
It was a true joy to celebrate our two-year anniversary by practicing yoga beyond the mat.
We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to this celebration of the practice as "skill in action," as a vehicle for self-exploration and social change.
A very special shout-out to the amazing staff at Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, a non-profit focusing on building immigrant and refugee power in Washington State, who joined us for the event, sharing their in-depth knowledge and passion for their work. (If you want to learn more, visit WAISN here: https://waisn.org/ )
Stay tuned for ways to stay involved and continue supporting immigrant rights!
