The Deep Dive into Yoga

I have been practicing yoga for about 18 years. Initially, I'd call myself a dabbler. My good friend invited me to go to Kripalu with her for one of their R&R Retreat weekends, what seems like a lifetime ago. She was a committed practitioner and introduced me to yoga. I have to admit guiltily that on my maiden visit to Kripalu, I enjoyed the massage, the incredible vegetarian meals, and the Berkshire Mountains much more than the yoga itself. Over time, we would frequent Kripalu together 2 to 3 times a year. The yoga became more satisfying over time, but when our weekends were over, I did not see another Downward-Facing Dog until our next foray to the Berkshires.

When I moved to Ohio, I realized that I missed the grounding and embodiment that yoga provided for me. So I searched the internet for a local yoga studio and began a regular practice with Erin Tilling Buckley at Practice the Flow Yoga Studio (which later became GraceTree with Pam Painter and Renee Groenemann-but that's another story!). GraceTree became my community [or sangha], yoga became my philosophy, my spirituality, and my lifestyle. Over time, I made the decision to become a yoga teacher and attended World Peace Yoga & Motion Studio. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The deep dive into yoga was a slow process for me. It seemed to happen in increments in the same way I enter a body of water--to the ankles, to the knees, to the waist, and then to stop the agony, I immerse myself fully. Some like to stand on the water's edge and get their feet wet while others do a cannonball off the dock right in--all in. And still others, are more like me--in bits.

At GraceTree, we have many ways for you to approach your practice. You choose the frequency of your practice and the depth to which you want to take it. If you have interest in knowing more about the esoteric and ancient philosophy, or if you would like to more deeply understand the physical aspects of yoga, or if you think you'd like to teach yoga, I'd like to invite you to consider Nest Yoga School's 100 Hour Foundational Immersion and/or 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training [Foundational Immersion + 100 Hour Yoga Teacher Training] Programs. To learn more and to meet the teachers, come to the Nest Open House at GraceTree on Friday, May 29th from 6-8 pm.

An environment of immersion offers the opportunity for focused learning of the practical and esoteric wisdoms of Yoga in a communty of like-minded seekers. As one’s practice grows, awareness of all aspects of life grows, facilitating a natural aptitude for living compassionately and in harmony with self and one another. The Nest 100 Hour Foundational Immersion will provide the groundwork both in knowledge and experience/embodiment of many aspects of Yoga for continued studies and personal development. You can expect transformation and a shift into a deeper sense of Self!

In addition, Nest Yoga School employs a holistic and synergistic method of training students in finding their authentic voice as knowledgeable teachers. Each program topic in the Yoga Teacher Training is approached through hands-on guidance and lecture in the classroom combined with individual studies and self-development. We foster this learning in a non-competitive, non-comparative, heart-centered environment. Each aspirant on this journey is offered support and multiple avenues for guidance throughout the training including group dialog settings, access to a network of current instructors as well as the program teachers upon request.

For Program Overviews, Schedules, and Investment, please go to: http://www.gracetreestudio.com/#!nest-yoga-school/c1k2k

Spring Fever Sale - Rededicate Yourself to Your Practice

Until the end of April, take advantage of our deeply discounted 6-month membership. Here's how it works: Each month, $68 will be automatically deducted from your credit card account. This contract is not automatically renewed at the end of the term. If you attend two classes per week, the cost per class is $8.50. Our regular drop in fee is $12.00. What's not to like about that? You can either purchase a membership online under "Contracts," or come into the studio and we will be glad to assist you. Re-dedicate yourself to your practice. It's the best self-care!!

NEW Gentle Dawn Express Yoga with Beverly Gorman

Thank you so much for your overwhelming response to our inquiry about early morning yoga! We heard you and are listening to your requests to start an early morning express yoga class.

Beginning May 5th, GraceTree will launch our new Tuesday morning Gentle Dawn Express yoga class from 6 to 7 am with Beverly Gorman. Start your day with a gentle early morning wake up. This express class will invigorate your body, clarify your mind, and strengthen your resolve as you prepare for your day. What better way to start off the day!

Om, Shanti