yoga

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Yoga on Haloween? You Bet!

jackolantern_omHello Yogis,

Hasn’t October been a wonderful splash of color here in the Pacific Northwest?  I know it happens every year, but honestly, the beauty of Fall never fails to inspire me.  I have managed to tromp through the woods several times in the past two weeks, and have even found a few more mushrooms for supper, yum!

In case you were wondering, I am indeed teaching on Thursday evening, which just happens to be Halloween.  Seems to me, being strong and flexible and open is a good idea on the night when spirits come out to play.  And if you are planning on nibbling on that Halloween candy, then you had better come get your practice on beforehand to help stimulate you digestive system.

Classes are going great, both at River Tree Yoga and at Village Green Yoga.  Each studio is dedicated to the wellness of our bodies and our souls and our communities.  This is a mighty combination, leading to healing and inspiration for all of us.  So whether you want to do your yoga in the city or in the woods, drop in for a class or sign up for a series.  It will change your life for the better.  And be sure to mark your calendar for my next workshop at River Tree Yoga: 

A Practice of Gratitude

November 24, 1:00 – 4:00Pm

featuring live music with

Tova Ramer & Friends

Shalom & Namaste

Diana Bonyhadi

 

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Discovering the Heart of Yoga – October Workshop

Dear Seattle Yogis,

I am pleased to announce that I will be offering the amazing workshop which completely sold  out this summer one more time this year.  Be sure to sign up early , as class sign is limited.

 

Discovering the Heart of Yoga

Dynamic Sequencing for Stability, Strength & Intentional Alignment

Moving from our core not only stabilizes our practice, it also invites us deeper into ourselves.  Core strength refers not only to  the strengthening and toning of the abdominal muscles which hold us stable in standing poses and allow us to float gracefully upward in inversions, it also refers to our ability to connect to the emotional essence of who we are, so that we may stand in our essence and act from our heart.

This workshop will help you discover the strength and stamina you need to live and move from the center of your being.  We will explore a range of asanas, including backbends and inversions, as well as breath work and meditation.

October 27, 2013
1:00 – 4;00PM

River Tree Yoga
6922 Preston-Fall City Road
Issaquah, WA, 98027

$40/student, pre-registration strongly recommended.
Workshop limited to 15 students

Contact Diana Bonyhadi to sign up
425-765-3173
Diana@KharmaBellaYoga.com

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So Many Yoga Books – How to choose?

Happy Friday Yogis.

 

I hope it has been a good week for you.  Mine has had its share of ups and downs, including a most unfortunate auto accident.  Now I get to practice my own best advice.  Breathe, rest, ice, careful alignment and good posture.  I guess the positive is that as a result of the accident, others around me, are being more careful in their own driving practices.  My husband is convinced that as a result of my accident, he was saved from having one himself, as he was now being more present and cautious at the wheel.

Students in my classes at River Tree Yoga and Village Green Yoga continue to inspire me. This week I was honored by a guest at Tree House Point/River Tree Yoga who said her practice with me on Monday was the best addition to an already perfect vacation.  I figure that is a good thing, seeing as the next part of her vacation was going to need some modification – no she can not go to Mount Rainer.

I just came upon this book list from an article published on YogaJournal.Com.  Many of my students ask me for my recommendations on what to read.  I think this article does a remarkable job of listing and describing some of the best resources in the yoga book world.  This is by no means comprehensive and some of my favorites are not listed, but it is a good start.

One more thing.  Here is a beautiful video of Vladimir Horwitz playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto #23.  It is fun, it is inspiring, and heart warming.  I must say that in many ways this man is a true yogi.  He is so present, skillful, learned, humble and joyful.  Enjoy!

 

Happy Weekend Yogis

Namaste

Diana Bonyhadi

 

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Adjusting to Fall Weather & New Opportunities

Good Morning Yogis,

If anyone had any question as to whether or not summer has ended, I think the last two weeks of rain should answer that question. But today, the sun has come out after so much rain.  I think everyone here in the Seattle region will be heading out-of-doors for at least an hour.  I am planning a several hour hike for myself.

There’s lots to do in the next few weeks.

Salmon Days this weekend in Issaquah, Harvest Festivals in Carnation and Duvall, Octoberfests in Fremont, theater, dance, concerts and symphonies.  The hardest part will be deciding how to spend our time and how to ensure we do not overdo.

With the change in Season, it is important to adjust our daily cycles to reflect the changes in weather and hours of daylight.  It’s time to establish new routines that allow you to get more sleep, eat warming foods, adjust your asana practice to create more heat for your body, set aside time for meditation, and take note of how you feel.  If you are tired – try to rest.  It is completely natural to feel a physical response to the changing season, the trick is to pay attention.

Svadhyaya, the 4th of the yamas reminds us that self-study is indeed an essential aspect of our yoga practice.  Taking time in our lives and in our asana practice to notice how we are feeling and what we are thinking is critical to maintaining our health and our peace of mind.  If you are in the middle of an asana and it hurts like bloody hell – Don’t ignore it.  That pain is a message that you need to adjust your position and/or come out of it completely.  If you are feeling groggy, heavy and spaced-out in your daily life, don’t ignore it. Those feelings are messages from your body that your diet and routine need adjustment.  If you really want to get everything done that is on your to-do list, you may just need to do a bit of tweaking.  The trick is to pay attention.  Taking time on and off your mat for self-study is an important part of living your yoga.

Speaking of yoga…I have a couple of really exciting offerings for you.  You probably noticed that I have expanded my teaching schedule to include two classes on Wednesday nights at River Tree Yoga in Fall City, and alternating Saturdays at River Tree Yoga.  That means that tomorrow morning you can come out to the woods and be inspired by their beauty and strength and a dynamic and powerful flow class. Come get your yoga on!

Sunday I will be offering my regular Sunday Salutation class at Village Green Yoga and a FREE sample class at 1:30pm.  brings your friends and family. Be aware that there will be extra traffic due to Salmon Days.

WORKSHOPS & MEDITATION

Discovering the Heart of Yoga – Dynamic Sequencing for Strength, Stability & Intentional Alignment
October 27th, 2013, 1:00 – 4:00pm
River Tree Yoga – Fall City
Moving from our core not only stabilizes our practice, it also invites us deeper into ourselves.  Core strength refers not only to  the strengthening and toning of the abdominal muscles which hold us stable in standing poses and allow us to float gracefully upward in inversions, it also refers to our ability to connect to the emotional essence of who we are, so that we may stand in our essence and act from our heart.

This workshop will help you discover the strength and stamina you need to live and move from the center of your being.  We will explore a range of asanas, including backbends and inversions, as well as breath work and meditation.
$30 pre-registration, $40/on-site registration

Mediation Retreat – Restoring your Soul
November 8 – 10, 2013
Whidbey Island

Guided and silent meditations, yoga (led by your truly), dharma talks, kabbalah, walking meditations, beautiful space, yummy food, laughter and friendships, reasonably priced – what more could you want?
While this workshop is led by Rabbi Olivier, and presented through Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue, you don’t need to be Jewish to attend.  The teachings of the Kabbalah are available to all of us, and can help guide us to a deeper connection to our souls and our  own personal connection to the Divine. Click here to learn more and register.

There are more workshops in plans, including one with live music and a special Practice of Thanksgiving.  Stay tuned for updates.

 

I look forward to seeing you both on and off the mat.

 

Shalom & Namaste,

Diana Bonyhadi

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Celebrating in Nature

No Classes Tonight @ River Tree Yoga

 

Dear Yogis & Yoginis,

Today is Wednesday.  Wednesday is the day where I normally teach two evening classes at River Tree Yoga.  But here is the thing,  River Tree Yoga is located at a magical setting – Tree House Point.  It is so magical, and so wonderful, that people like to have their weddings and other important celebrations there.  And sometimes those events take place mid-week, like on a Wednesday.  And when that happens, we need to let the celebrants enjoy the all the beauty that is Tree House Point, all alone, by themselves, without us yogis saluting them and the sun and the moon.

So, I will see you all next week.  Enjoy a walk in the woods, by the water, with your family.  Toss in a couple of Sun Salutations for good measure, and don’t forget to breathe.

 

Shalom & Namaste,

Diana Bonyhadi

 

 

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Reclaiming Routine – Monday-Wednesday Morning Classes Return!

Hello Yogis and Yoginis,

For those of you who live in the Seattle area, I hoped you enjoyed the lightning show tonight as much as I did. The power of mother nature never fails to inspire me.

We are half-way through September and I am now stepping back fully into my routine.  My daughter has returned to school and our schedule has once again become full.  There is something nourishing about routine.  In a strange sort of way, I find it allows  me to do more in less time, without confusion and fatigue…  There is freedom in structure?…there is freedom in alignment?…yes, I guess there is yoga in everything.

I am happy to announce that starting tomorrow morning, I will once again be teaching my Monday/Wednesday morning Hatha Integration class at Village Green Yoga.  If you are looking for a careful, thoughtful, intentional, heart-based yoga class that allows you to explore and deepen your understanding and practice of yoga, join me Monday & Wednesday mornings at 9:30.

Beautiful News – Village Green Yoga has a gorgeous new bamboo floor.  Not only is it beautiful, it also is a great floor upon which to practice.  It has a bit of a give, but not too much, it is level and smooth but not slippery. I love it and I bet you will too.

So, here it is.  The New Fall schedule in its entirety.  I look forward to seeing you on the mat.

Shalom & Namaste,

Diana Bonyhadi

Village Green Yoga

Sundays             9:45 – 11:00am

Mondays             9:30 – 10:45am

Tuesdays              Noon – 1:00 & 5:30 – 6:45pm

Wednesdays        9:30 – 11:00am

Thursdays         Noon – 1:00 & 5:30 – 6:45

River Tree Yoga

Wednesdays   5:00 – 7:00pm

Wednesdays    7:30 – 9:00pm

Alternating Saturdays    9:30 – 11:00am

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New Fall Schedule

Dear Yogis & Yoginis,
I hope you have had a marvelous summer. Truly, summer in the Northwest is a wonderful thing.  And now with the rain pouring and the skies filled with thunder and lightning, it officially feels like Fall.
I have spent the summer meditating, yoga-ing, gardening, going to concerts, berry picking, making jam and pickles, reading, and enjoying my family. I  also traveled to Cannon Beach to host a workshop on core movement. It was a sold-out success, so there is a very good chance I will offer it again here in the Fall.
I am returning to my regular teaching schedule in September, along with a couple of new additions. While I enjoyed my “mini-sabatical,” I have missed being with my students on a more daily basis.  However with the Jewish High Holy Days beginning this week, it will be a couple of more weeks before I resume my morning classes.  A big thank you to the most wonderful Bonnie Dike for nourishing my classes while I was on leave.  Isn’t she amazing?
I am very excited to announce that I will be teaching alongside my dear friend Inga Rouches at our new endeavor River Tree Yoga at Tree House Point in Fall City. Come out to the woods and experience the beauty and magic that is River Tree Yoga, a studio dedicated to inspiration, connection and growth. River Tree Yoga is conveniently located on the Preston Fall City Road, minutes away from Sammamish, Issaquah, Fall City, Snoqualamie & Carnation. Click here to see our beautiful new website, get our class get schedule, or find directions.
River Tree Yoga, Fall City, WA
Wednesdays
5:30 – 7:00pm     Hatha Integration

7:30 – 9:00pm    Yoga Bliss

 
Village Green Yoga, Issaquah WA
Tuesdays & Thursdays

Noon – 1:00pm    Midday Bliss

5:30 – 6:45pm     Hatha Flow

Sundays:

9:45 – 11:15am Hatha Flow

 

 

KharmaBellaYoga, Sammamish, WA

Private, small-group, corporate, and offsite yoga services designed specifically to meet your yoga needs.

Call to schedule – 425-765-3173

I Look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Shalom & Namaste

Diana Bonyhadi

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Core Strength & Core Values

Moving from the core means more than just using your abdominals to instigate movement, it also means moving from the essence of your being.

When you hear there is a workshop focused on the core, does it make you cringe and say to yourself, “no way am I going to take a 3 hour workshop on abdominals, that’s crazy”…Guess what? I hear you, crunches suck and in all honestly I wouldn’t want to spend 3 hours doing that either.

But when you hear that there is workshop focused on connecting to the essence of your being – how you do you feel?  Hopefully, intrigued.

Because next weekend I am hosting a workshop in Cannon Beach designed to help you connect to the core of your being.

Imagine being able to:
move from a place of connectedness, a place of wholeness, a place of inner strength; imagine the infinite possibilities of movement.  Truly, when we move the core of our being all things become possible.

Join me Saturday August 17th, 1:00 – 4:00pm at the beautiful Cannon Beach Yoga Arts studio to find out how to tap into and move from the core of your being.

This three-hour workshop will include  asana, pranayama, meditation and lecture.  We will examine all classes of asana including, standing poses, inversions and backbends.

Hope you are having a great summer.

See you August 17th at the Beach.

Namaste,

Diana Bonyhadi

 

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Summer Workshop in Cannon Beach

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Discovering the Heart of Yoga

Dynamic Sequencing for Stability, Strength & Intentional Alignment

Moving from our core not only stabilizes our practice, it also invites us deeper into our selves.  Core strength refers not only to the strengthening and toning of the abdominal muscles which hold us in standing poses and allow us to float gracefully upward in inversions, it also refers to our ability to connect to the emotional essence of who we are, so that we may stand in our essence and act from our heart.

This workshop will help you discover the strength and stamina you need to live and move from the center of your being.  We will explore a  range of asanas, including backbends and inversions, as well as breath work (pranayama) and meditation.

Saturday, August 17th, 1:00 – 4:00pm

Cannon Beach Yoga Arts

$40, pre-registration strongly recommended

Workshop limited to 15 students

Register online at:

Cannonbeachyogaarts.com

(503) 440 – 1649

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Summer Sabbatical

 

Summer is here and for me that means change.  I will be spending a lot of time this summer taking care of my family, both local and extended.  I also will be spending time taking care of myself and studying – yoga, of course.

Starting July 1st, I  will be taking a sabbatical from teaching my morning and evening weekday classes.  I will continue to teach my Midday Bliss classes at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as my Sunday Salutations class at 9:45.  Both classes will be offered in the Blue Room at Village Green Yoga.  As always, you can sign up ahead online by clicking here, or you can just drop in.

I look forward to seeing everyone on the mat.  And yes, you might even see me in the back of the studio, practicing right along with you.

Enjoy your summer.  Take time to play and time to rest.  There is so much to do here in the Pacific Northwest, I know you will have no problem finding things to do.

Be Well, Have Fun, Play Safe, Practice Gratitude.

Shalom & Namaste,

Diana Bonyhadi