We are gearing up for quite a full weekend in the yoga world here in Philadelphia ... and around the globe. This is the weekend of Global Mala, and a bevy of yoga local teachers have come together to create what we intend to be a powerful, challenging and fun fund-raising yoga event (details below). What you need to know is:
* The event is taking place between 12 - 4 pm, on Sunday, September 23, 2007
* We are gathering on North Georges Hill, behind the Mann Music Center, in Fairmount Park.
- Directions: From 76 West Bound, take the West River Drive/Montgomery Drive Exit, and turn LEFT
at the traffic light (away from West River Drive).
At the next traffic light (Belmont Avenue) turn Right.
At the next traffic light (Wynnefield Avenue) turn Left.
Take the next LEFT ( . 2 miles), which is North Georges Hill Drive. Find the group there!
* At 12 Noon, Shelley Hollaran from Habitat for Humanity will speak (they are the recipients of 100% of the profits raised!).
* Sometime around 12:10 or so, we'll begin 108 Sun Salutations, called a Yoga Mala, in sets of 9 taught by different area yoga teachers. We'll all be practicing together ... joining movement with breath, intention with compassion, laughter with sweat, as we weave our individual vibrations with everyone in the park, joining in a global initiative to BE the shift we'd like to see in the world. (Many of your favorite Wake Up Yoga teachers will be there ... come share in the glory!). Our intention is to offer a 5-minute child's pose after each 3rd teacher (27 sun salutations).
* A table will be set up from around 11:30 am, with volunteers ready and willing to register participants. We're asking people to sign a liability waiver, and to indicate if they feel comfortable with the possibility of their image (photo) being used in connection with Global Mala (should we decide to try this again next year!). There is no obligation to consent to a photo release, and we promise never to sell the photos to any service so that your image ends up in an embarrasing advertisement some years down the road. We just wouldn't do that! We hope to have wrist-bands in different colors so that any potential photographer could easily distinguish from those who consent to photos versus those who don't.
* We're asking for a $15 suggested donation to participate in the Yoga Mala (and you are not obligated to do all 108 salutations!). If that's too steep for you, offer what you can sincerely contribute.
* You are able to buy raffle tickets at the event. We have amassed an amazing list of prizes (see below) and, so far, haven't sold a whole lot of tickets. This means the odds are in your favor! Tickets will be $20, and the drawing will be held after the Yoga Mala. You needn't be present to win; if you'd like to buy a raffle ticket in advance, please see any Wake Up Yoga teacher (write your name, phone number and email address on the back, please).
* After the drawing, we will sit together and chant. We'll probably share a continuous OM (or a sea of OMs, as participants come into and out of the OM with their own breath ... maybe for 18 minutes or more!) to send the vibrations of the seed sound out into the park, the city, the country and the world. We may follow that with some recitations of a sacred mantra (to be determined). We're hoping to have musicians accompany the entire event, and we believe the sound will be just beautiful to hear as well as to feel.
* At the end of the event, we'll be cleaning up. If you have the time and inclination and would like to assist us with this job, your efforts will be tremendously appreciated.
In other yoga news, another event is happening on Saturday, September 22, from Love Park all the way down to the front of the Art Museum on the Benjamen Franklin Parkway. This is the Philadelphia Ratha Yatra Festival, otherwise called the "Parade of Chariots Festival of India." It runs from 12 noon - 7:30 pm, and features FREE vegan and vegetarian food, a craft market, exhibits, family fun and ... a Yoga Tent! Free yoga classes/demonstrations will be offered throughout the day, so dress to move. Wake Up Yoga is scheduled to have a presence there from ... I think it's 1:50 -2:30 pm (I better check on that!).
Ok, that's all you need to read about right here, right now. Tidbits of information about upcoming events follow ... some time next week I intend to have the time and presence of mind to add new information. In the meantime, celebrate the Harvest of the Autumn with Celebration, Gratitude and Love!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Monday, August 06, 2007
August 07
Happy August! Hope this note finds you absolutely relishing the spicy, pungent, astringent, salty, bitter and sweet flavors of your beautiful life. When approached as tastes on the palate, perhaps even the most challenging of life's circumstances could be appreciated as necessary for a well-rounded experience!
Things at Wake Up Yoga (both studios) continue to thrive. The Fairmount community is flourishing in a way that almost feels like summer-camp. As people drift in and out of town, each class is a mini-reunion with plenty of giggles, sweat droplets, and shared good vibrations. And the current at West continues to gain momentum as we all work together to get the whirlpool spinning in the same direction. On a daily basis, it seems, students express genuine gratitude for Wake Up Yoga's presence in that neighborhood.
For me, personally, although running the studios can be stressful and challenging at times, it is an honor and a privilege. Many of you who practice here work in the 'real world' where honesty, compassion and tenderness are not always the most prized qualities, and where you are directly confronted with human suffering in its multitude of forms. That Wake Up Yoga allows you to decompress, stretch out, refresh your mind, challenge your perceptions, and connect with your spirit so that you can continue to do good work in the world (and enjoy yourself while you're at it!) ... well, this inspires all of the teachers here to invest even more heart in what we do. I'm reminded that, although many people appear to be motivated by what they can get from life, most of us find we are the happiest when we feel we have something to give. A hearty 'thank you!' to all who give us the opportunity to share our passion and love of yoga with you.
Following is news of Special Events happening at both studios, including our highly regarded Teacher Training Certification Program which begins in October of this year (!!!). Scroll through the offerings, let your heart guide you toward that which is for your own highest good, and stay engaged. Know that every effort you make moving toward the Source inspires the Source to move toward you!
Sending Love and Laughter,
Corina Benner
Things at Wake Up Yoga (both studios) continue to thrive. The Fairmount community is flourishing in a way that almost feels like summer-camp. As people drift in and out of town, each class is a mini-reunion with plenty of giggles, sweat droplets, and shared good vibrations. And the current at West continues to gain momentum as we all work together to get the whirlpool spinning in the same direction. On a daily basis, it seems, students express genuine gratitude for Wake Up Yoga's presence in that neighborhood.
For me, personally, although running the studios can be stressful and challenging at times, it is an honor and a privilege. Many of you who practice here work in the 'real world' where honesty, compassion and tenderness are not always the most prized qualities, and where you are directly confronted with human suffering in its multitude of forms. That Wake Up Yoga allows you to decompress, stretch out, refresh your mind, challenge your perceptions, and connect with your spirit so that you can continue to do good work in the world (and enjoy yourself while you're at it!) ... well, this inspires all of the teachers here to invest even more heart in what we do. I'm reminded that, although many people appear to be motivated by what they can get from life, most of us find we are the happiest when we feel we have something to give. A hearty 'thank you!' to all who give us the opportunity to share our passion and love of yoga with you.
Following is news of Special Events happening at both studios, including our highly regarded Teacher Training Certification Program which begins in October of this year (!!!). Scroll through the offerings, let your heart guide you toward that which is for your own highest good, and stay engaged. Know that every effort you make moving toward the Source inspires the Source to move toward you!
Sending Love and Laughter,
Corina Benner
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Summertime Class Changes
Just a quick note (which I've been forgetting to relay) to let you know that we are taking two classes off of the schedule at Wake Up Yoga West: the 4 pm class on both Tuesday and Thursday will no longer be offered; 4 pm on Friday remains! This is not likely to be upsetting for many, as the reason for their disappearance is sparse attendance. If a demand builds for a class at this time (please let us know if you have such a request!) we will gladly make one available. Yoga is what we do, what we love, and we are so excited to share. We are so grateful to you for giving us this opportunity.
There have been some requests for a post-partum/Mommy & Me class at West, and we are ON IT! A couple of teachers are mulling the possibility around, and I have full faith and confidence that this is something we will be able to offer in that space very soon. As for a kids yoga class at either studio ... this remains a possibility as well. It's something we'd LOVE to offer, and, again, simply need the perfect teacher as well as a core group of committed students. If this is what you've been hoping to see, please email us this request, as well ... send to Kelly@WakeUpYoga.com.
Restorative Yoga on Sunday nights at Wake Up Yoga West is also being cancelled for the summer. Beatriz is spending much of her summer on the West Coast, absorbing rejuvenating ions from the surf and plants, and learning about the ancient healing art of Ayurveda. While she is gone, and throughout the expansiveness of the summer, we decided to remove the class for now, with the intention of reconvening this fall. We sincerely hope this news is just fine with you, but welcome your feedback if it's not (email to: Corina@WakeUpYoga.com).
There have been some requests for a post-partum/Mommy & Me class at West, and we are ON IT! A couple of teachers are mulling the possibility around, and I have full faith and confidence that this is something we will be able to offer in that space very soon. As for a kids yoga class at either studio ... this remains a possibility as well. It's something we'd LOVE to offer, and, again, simply need the perfect teacher as well as a core group of committed students. If this is what you've been hoping to see, please email us this request, as well ... send to Kelly@WakeUpYoga.com.
Restorative Yoga on Sunday nights at Wake Up Yoga West is also being cancelled for the summer. Beatriz is spending much of her summer on the West Coast, absorbing rejuvenating ions from the surf and plants, and learning about the ancient healing art of Ayurveda. While she is gone, and throughout the expansiveness of the summer, we decided to remove the class for now, with the intention of reconvening this fall. We sincerely hope this news is just fine with you, but welcome your feedback if it's not (email to: Corina@WakeUpYoga.com).
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, ceremoniously kicking off the summer, we thought you might like to know about some things happening at Wake Up Yoga this summer and into the fall. Circle these dates on your calendar, enroll early in the events that speak the loudest to your own heart, and plan to stay connected to your breath, your Self, and your source throughout the expansive days of summer. According to the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the obstacles that arise and prevent us from practicing yoga (both on and off the mat) include: disease, dullness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, sensuality, false perception, failure to reach firm ground and slipping from the ground gained (Y.S.1.30). In the summertime, I could certainly fall prey to carelessness, laziness and sensuality ... and, at the end of summer, feel deeply distressed by an awareness of how much I've slipped from ground previously gained. It's imperative to continue to watch how your mind operates and, with discipline and faith, work steadfastly toward your goal. And if your goal is lazy afternoons sipping on margaritas at an outdoor cafe ... well, we'll be here with open arms ready and willing to embrace you whenever you wander back in. You are always welcOMe here!
In Love and Light,
Corina
In Love and Light,
Corina
Thursday, May 03, 2007
What a Glorious Day!
I'm reminded of a college semester spent in Manchester, England. During that short time, for me and my classmates, every weekend demanded a day trip, or an overnight stay; every art museum and monument had to be visited, and I remember many conversations centered around where to view the sunset any night of the week. This time felt so precious to all of us, that our choices on how to spend time were made very carefully, as we knew this experience would not and could not last. How easy it seems to be to slip into a daily routine that takes so much of our world for granted! On a day such as today, as I plug away on this computer and plan events, contacting who needs to be contacted, and responding to emails, phone calls and requests of all kind, I'm reminded that days like this do not happen every day, and tomorrow is not a guarantee. I'm planning to get out there soon (if this attempt doesn't get swallowed up into cyber space!) to take a walk, breathing deeply, savoring this miraculous existence. Here's hoping you can claim some time for yourself, too, and enjoy your beautiful life!
Just a reminder that we are celebrating Wake Up Yoga's 5th Year in Existence (Jai!) this Friday, May 4, from 6-9:30 pm. This means the 5:45 pm class will not be happening (which I'm sad not to be teaching), but please do plan to join us here. We'll have a Vegetarian Potluck Extravaganza (bring anything you'd like to share), have Thomas Flanagan on the Sitar and his friend Jeremy on the Table. We may even break into some spontaneous dancing, or weave our individual voices into a tapestry of sacred sound giving breath to delightful mantras. In any event, if you practice here regularly, used to come around before your daily life routed you to a different routine, trained to be a teacher here, or simply enjoy receiving these emails and feeling connected to a loving and nurturing community: your presence is sincerely requested. Perhaps you'll meet up with old friends, or actually get the chance to talk to that person whose mat is often near yours in the silence of yoga practice. Wake Up Yoga parties are always fun, and I do hope you will come.
In Love and Light,
Corina
Just a reminder that we are celebrating Wake Up Yoga's 5th Year in Existence (Jai!) this Friday, May 4, from 6-9:30 pm. This means the 5:45 pm class will not be happening (which I'm sad not to be teaching), but please do plan to join us here. We'll have a Vegetarian Potluck Extravaganza (bring anything you'd like to share), have Thomas Flanagan on the Sitar and his friend Jeremy on the Table. We may even break into some spontaneous dancing, or weave our individual voices into a tapestry of sacred sound giving breath to delightful mantras. In any event, if you practice here regularly, used to come around before your daily life routed you to a different routine, trained to be a teacher here, or simply enjoy receiving these emails and feeling connected to a loving and nurturing community: your presence is sincerely requested. Perhaps you'll meet up with old friends, or actually get the chance to talk to that person whose mat is often near yours in the silence of yoga practice. Wake Up Yoga parties are always fun, and I do hope you will come.
In Love and Light,
Corina
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