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Yoga Tree Workshops and Retreats

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What is a Healthy Breath?
with Linda Oshins
January 25, 1:00-5:00pm
$75 preregistered/$80 at the door

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This workshop is included in the first module for those enrolled in the 200 hour Hatha Yoga Studies Teacher Training Program.
 
Yoga has a whole limb devoted to breath practices alone—called pranayama. Some pranayama practices are suitable for beginning students, and others require a steady asana practice and a regular beginning pranayama practice. But no pranayama practice should be layered on top of a dysfunctional breathing pattern.
 
Yogic work with the breath assumes a healthy, every-day breath. Well, what is that? In this workshop you will go through a series of exercises that take a healthy breath apart and let you experience it anatomically and energetically. It will give you information about what medical research studies show about healthy breathing patterns and what the yogis through the ages have said. You will notice your own breath patterns and walk away with techniques you can use to either retrain your breathing pattern or reinforce a healthy breath. You will also learn to use the breath to relax deeply or energize.
 
This workshop involves some gentle movement. It is designed for students of all levels of ability and for yoga teachers. For Yoga Alliance registered teachers, it grants 4 hours of continuing education credit.
 
Linda Oshins, ERYT-500 since 2002, dates her every-day practice of yoga back to 1987, and she has been teaching yoga since 1997. She is also a Reiki Master who studied under Katherine Dufrane and other energy healers, and teaches energy practices as a way self-revelation. Linda has made the practice and study of pranayama her particular focus for many years, wrote the manual Pranayama: A Compendium of Practices, and teaches a 6-month web-based course on pranayama using the manual as its foundation. She is currently writing a book on healthy breathing.

iRest® Immersion ​
with Jennifer Cabanero
January 31-February 2, 2020
$295 Early Bird by November 30/$350 after November 30

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At SpiritView Retreat Center
14505 264th St. E, Graham, WA 98338*
*Please note this is a day-use retreat center. If needing accommodations, there are a number of hotels available in nearby Puyallup. 
 
Friday, Jan 31-Sunday, Feb 2
Friday, 11-6 (Registration begins at 10)
Saturday, 9-6
Sunday, 9-5
 
Come join us for this iRest® Yoga Nidra Immersion event where you will learn the principles and practice of iRest Yoga Nidra meditation and experience the variety of ways iRest can be used on and off the mat to foster a greater sense of freedom, synchronicity, authenticity, and creativity in your daily life.

About iRest Yoga Nidra
iRest Yoga Nidra is a research-based meditation, relaxation and healing protocol. The practice of iRest enables you to deeply calm your nervous system, integrate difficult thoughts & emotions, and offers a portal for awakening to your essential nature. iRest meditation is both an excellent personal practice as well as adjunctive practice for healthcare & healing professionals.
Developed over 48 years by Richard Miller, iRest promotes health, healing, and awakening by recovering and nourishing your innate ground of indestructible wholeness and well-being. iRest is endorsed by the US Army Surgeon General and Defense Centers of Excellence as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Through experiential practice and dynamic dialogue you will:

• Learn the 10-Step iRest Protocol to enhance your personal meditation practice
• Explore how to integrate the practices of iRest into daily life
• Foster well-being and resiliency from stress & anxiety
• Experience BodySensing in movement
• Practice BreathSensing for resiliency, increased energy and relaxation
• Learn to skilfully meet difficult emotions and beliefs in daily life
• Access an inner resource of well-being, ease, security and peace
• Awaken to your essential wholeness

This iRest immersion workshop is open to newcomers, experienced meditators, and iRest practitioners who wish to experience the fullness that iRest has to offer for health, healing, resiliency, well-being, awakening, and the wholeness of being.
This iRest Yoga Nidra Immersion fulfills the short retreat requirement of the iRest Certification Program.

Friday Night Gong Restorative
with Amanda Mitchell
February 21, 6:30-8:30pm
$25

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Now Friday Night Gong Restorative, once a month!
Feb 21, March 20, April 17, May 22
 
Gong Restorative is a deeply relaxing and nourishing class, combining the release available through a Restorative practice with the soothing vibrations of the gong. We'll start with a brief introduction to the history of the gong, the transformative properties of sound healing, and experience vibration in the form of chanting. From there, we'll transition to a light warmup, and relax into poses held for several minutes. Amanda will play the gong while you are supported on your mat, allowing you to fully experience the powerful effect of vibration.

Not only will your body and nervous system relax and replenish, but by adding the gong to this practice, your energy field and cells will also be affected. This is an excellent and welcoming introduction to the benefits of sound, with time for asking questions and sharing your experience (if you wish).


If you're worried about volume, bring earplugs along - it is the resonance, not the sound, which matters. Come bliss out, let go, and vibrate with the gong.

Tides and Cycles
Yoga for Hormonal Balance​
with Deborah King
February 22, 1:00-3:30 pm
$40 preregister/$45 at the door

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​In this workshop, we will focus on learning to use yoga to bring balance to the hormonal system. Adjusting the practices to address challenges from PMS to hot Flashes to joint stiffness that can arise from hormonal changes within a single estrogen-based cycle or through a lifetime’s journey will be addressed, with an emphasis on turning inward to hear the body’s wisdom.
 
There will be an overview of active practice, but we will emphasize the use of restorative poses, breath work, and supported inversions to balance the hormonal and nervous systems and uncover the benefits of deep relaxation.
 
Using different modalities in different parts of our cycles and using the practice as a way to attune into rather than ignore the rich communication of the changes in the estrogen-based body’s internal initiations month to month as well as through the major phases of hormonal life can dramatically ease discomfort with transitional symptoms, as well as overall hormonal health including energy regulation, metabolism, and the process of discovering a healthy relationship with body weight.
 
Students will leave with a deeper connection with the inner workings of their body, and an understanding of how to use both gentle and active practice to bring balance into hormonal transitions.
 
All people experiencing hormonal cycles are welcome! All levels, all bodies are invited, no experience necessary.

The Map of Meditation​
with Jennifer Cabanero
March 14-15, 1:00-4:00 pm both days
​$120

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Did you know that there is a map that describes what can arise when we embark upon a meditation practice? There is! It is an ancient map that incorporates the secular teachings of many spiritual traditions. 

Regardless of what type of meditation that we practice, very similar experiences can arise. This map, like a periodic table of meditation elements, can be used as a navigation tool to orient ourselves and to support the growth of an unshakable inner groundedness that we will need as we move into the more spacious and timeless aspects of meditation. When the mind is oriented, we have a better chance of settling into our meditation.

In this weekend workshop there will be some lecture to help build an understanding of the map of meditation. The bulk of the weekend will be in experiencing and embodying the map through meditative practices. 

While we will be exploring this map through the lense of iRest (needs the trademark here) Yoga Nidra Meditation, you won’t need any previous experience with iRest. 
There will be handouts and a free recording of our final practice to help support you in your personal practice.

This weekend is open to anyone of any meditation background and experience.

Regrowing Our Wings:
Yoga for Healing Trauma
with Deborah King and Jennifer Kollasch
March 22, 1:00-3:30pm
$50 preregistered/$55 at the door

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Trauma is an injury, in relation to an event or life situation, that overwhelms the nervous system, altering the way we relate to ourselves, and the world. It is not a story that simply happened in the past; it creates an imprint of fear held in the body, creating a chronic and ongoing set of adaptive responses that continue to tax our entire systems. This imprint can show up in many ways, and may appear to be only in the mind. However, research shows us that trauma is a physical experience and is held in the body, directly affecting a person’s thinking and how they show up in the world. For healing to occur, reconnecting to our bodies, their instincts, and their resources of feeling and wisdom can be crucial.

Yoga can be a wonderful tool in the healing process. The practice of yoga can allow us to create a safe space within ourselves to reconnect the parts of us that may feel severed or lost. As this reconnection occurs, yoga can teach us to calm our nervous systems with breath, physical poses, and meditation; and to gradually undo the chronic tension, pain, and emotional and physical responses resulting from the trauma’s imprint. Yoga also teaches us that we are already whole, and that our identity is not the experiences we go through, but the self that can touch on peace, self-understanding, and joy regardless of our circumstances.

In this workshop, Deborah King (E-RYT 200, RYT 500: Yoga Alliance; Advanced Teacher of Yoga Therapy: Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy) will lead a gentle practice created around tools for addressing triggers and symptoms of trauma and PTSD, while integrating information about the way the body and the nervous system hold and process trauma. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome.

About Jennifer Kollasch: Professionally, I graduated from Antioch University Seattle, a CACREP accredited university with my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State and a Developmental Disabilities Mental Health Specialist (DDMHS). I am trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotion Freedom Technique (EFT or tapping) and Reiki levels I and II. Aside from my private practice I co-lead a quarterly workshop, Re-Growing Our Wings: Yoga for Healing Trauma, with Deborah King, veteran yoga instructor and healer.

Intro to Shoulderstands and Headstands
with Kate Collins
April 19, 1:00-3:30 pm
$40 preregister/$45 at the door

More information coming soon!

The Alchemy of Emotions:
The Yogic Practice of Rasa
with Anne Douglas
May 15-17, 2020
$225 Early Bird by April 15/$250 after April 15

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The Alchemy of Emotions 
​The Yogic Practice of “Rasa”
Friday, 6:30-8:30
Saturday, 1:00-4:00
Sunday, 1:00-4:00
 
Whole weekend - $225 Early Bird by April 15/$250 after April 15
Friday Night only - $65

Emotions are your SUPERPOWER!  Learn how to harness the alchemical power of your emotions by mastering the subtle yet powerful energetics of the emotional body.  The ancient teachings of Yoga inform us of the 9 rasas, or essential emotional energies, that also correlate with the 5 elements and the 3 gunas that are the fundamental building blocks to creation.  

Modern neuroscience informs us that emotions are like "rocket fuel" for building new neural pathways in our brain for healthy behaviour.  Emotional energies can be positively influenced to establish radiant health and well being, in body, mind and spirit.  

During this workshop you will learn and experience:

• How to practice Yoga Asana with positive, health inducing emotions
• Pranayama designed to quickly release negative emotions
• iRest® Yoga Nidra for building new neural pathways in your brain that create the life of your dreams
• A profound yogic model for integrating emotions daily
• The bliss inducing yoga practice of Tandava

Anne Douglas is a master teacher, with 30 years of teaching yoga and meditation behind her.  She has been teaching yogic philosophy, teacher trainings, workshops and retreats since 1989, and is a certified IAYT yoga therapist.  She is the creator of the “iRest Daily” meditation program, has over 3 million listens to her meditations on the “Simple Habit” app and is the past Director of Trainers for the iRest Institute.  Anne’s boundless enthusiasm, depth of wisdom and gentle humour create fertile ground for inspired learning.

Yoga at the Wall​
with Jenny Rhodes
May 23, 1:00-3:00 pm
$30 preregister/$35 at the door

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Refine your alignment while discovering your strengths & weaknesses in familiar poses as we use the wall to guide & support us in this informative 2-hour workshop.
 
With each pose at the wall, you’ll enhance body awareness tuning into the muscles we over and underuse in familiar poses. In balancing postures the wall can help us truly “know where you are in space.” We’ll play with balance, inversions, opening, lengthening and strength-building with plenty of encouragement and feedback.
 
Plan to work, and love what you learn about your body and your yoga practice. After hard work comes rest and restoration. Enjoy a blissful savasana and leave the studio feeling refreshed, stronger, wiser and fully alive!
 
Not suitable for beginners. Space is limited!

108 Sun Salutations
with Jessica Jobaris
June 20, 1:00-3:30 pm
$40 preregister/$45 at the door

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$40 pre-register/$45 at the door
 
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with us during this special edition of 108 Sun Salutations! 
 
108 has long been considered a sacred number in yoga meaning “Great Joy”. Traditionally, garlands of prayer beads, come as a string of 108 beads, mantras are repeated 108 times, and the average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters. Let's add to the world-wide ritual of adventuring into the Sun Salutation.... 108 times of course!
 The Sun Salutation is a series of 12 yoga postures energizing the solar plexus region, an important center in the body, connected to many energy channels including digestion, circulation and respiration. This solar plexus chakra, Manipura, is the seat of our will power, our practical intelligence, our individuality, and self-control. This is a practice that connects us to our center, building focus, discipline and determination. Not to mention physical strength, mental strength and flexibility!


What will happen in the body/mind during this rigorous ritual of 108 Surya Namaskar? Repetition can create a relaxed, trance-like state, which leaves us more open to deeper insight.


Don't fret! This isn't “extreme yoga,” and there will be breaks and modifications, of course. Please be familiar with basic sun salutations.

iRest® Yoga Nidra Silent Retreat
at Aldermarsh on Whidbey Island
with Jennifer Cabanero
June 26-28, 2020
$600 Early Bird by June 5/$625 after June 5

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Aldermarsh Retreat Center on Whidbey Island
6436 Maxwelton Rd.
Clinton, WA 98236
 
*Price includes shared lodging and delicious, vegetarian meals. No refunds after June 12. Refunds prior to June 12 are subject to a $50 administrative fee.
  
Silent retreat is a chance to connect with ourselves at a deeper level. With fewer distractions we become tuned in to our inner life, our hopes, and our dreams. We also become aware of the beliefs that we have about ourselves and the world around us.
With time, as the stream of thoughts begin to slow down, we experience mini-moments of true calm and peace. In this way, silent retreat can yield fresh perspective, and bring clarity to our state of mind. Coming out of silence, there is often a renewed sense of gratitude for ourselves and for life just as it is.


The ancient non-dual teachings behind iRest Yoga Nidra help us to reconnect with our essential nature; the part of ourselves that is grounded, whole and unchanging no matter what occurs in our lives. Retreat is a precious time that we can set aside to dedicate our selves to nourishing our inherent wholeness.


This retreat offers the perfect combination of guided iRest meditation, body-sensing movement, breath-sensing, sitting, walking, and co-meditation. It is through practicing meditation in movement, stillness, and with others that we experience first hand how these teachings come alive for us as a practice of life.


This retreat is open to students of all levels who wish to sample the fullness iRest offers for health, healing, and wholeness of being. Come prepared to explore stillness, movement, laughter, and delight.
 

Samskara: Yoga and Ayurveda Immersion Course
with Angela Glaz
June 26-28, 2020
$225 by June 19/$250 after June 19
This workshop is included in the YTT 200hr Training Program

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Friday, 6:30-8:30
Saturday, 1:00-7:00
Sunday, 1:00-5:00
 
Ayurveda, described as the science of life, is a five thousand year old healing tradition originating in India. It is the sister science to yoga and emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining positive health.
 
In this 12-hour immersion course, participants will have the opportunity to learn the basic principles of Ayurveda and how to incorporate those principles into their lives and Yoga practice so that they can connect to their inherent health and happiness within.
*Yoga Alliance accredited for 12 hours of continuing education*

Who’s this course for:
Yoga students and teachers wanting to dive deeper into the sister sciences of Yoga & Ayurveda.


Topics Covered:
The building blocks of Ayurveda: The Pancha Mahabutas.
Your Ayurvedic Body/Mind type: Prakruti and Vrikruti .
Bringing Ayurveda to your mat: Meditation, pranayama, and asana.
Bringing Ayurveda into your every day life: Lifestyle, diet, and routine.


What’s Included:
Detailed manual
5 hours of lecture, 3.5 hours of group work, 3.5 hours active participation

VIEW FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIALTY CLASSES