One of my students emailed this to me yesterday after hearing of the assassination:
Benizar Bhutto was "just a real woman" with the heart of a lion. She
loved the principles of democracy and human rights as much as she
loved her people. She studied at Harvard. She knew what these words
mean because she saw us living these principles. It is better to
light a candle than to curse the darkness. The men in her country
who do not value these principles killed her; because they have
power. Is compassion without action simply indulgence? When the men
in this country with power cease fighting to defend democracy and
human rights, then we will suffer Benizar's fate. Except we will
only be "just real women" with the hearts of mice. Are there so many
countries in this world where democracy and human rights prevail that
we can afford to watch one be still-born? The mother was killed;
perhaps the child will survive. Freedom or Freedumb?
Feel free to reprint it and pass it on. I'm going to email it to all
my women friends.
Written 12/29. 2007/ Lynne Haines
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Yule Moon
Sunday's Yule Full Moon Celebration was small but eventful. There were four of us who braved the sloppy weather. As always, moving through these challenging poses was exhilarating and fun. At the end of the Savasana, I offered up a holiday treat by reading the poem, "The Night Before Christmas," by Clement C. Moore.
The next Full Moon class will be on Tuesday, January 22nd from 7:45 until 9 ish after the Gentle Yoga class.
Happy New Year!
Ma'lena
The next Full Moon class will be on Tuesday, January 22nd from 7:45 until 9 ish after the Gentle Yoga class.
Happy New Year!
Ma'lena
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Yule Celebration with a Full Moon
Okay, the Full Moon class on the 23rd is back on the schedule . . . by popular demand!
Come join us at Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center as we honor the Yule Moon. This December's full moon shines near both dates of the Winter Solstice on the 22nd, and Yuletide on the 25th.
The Moon Salutation is a series of linked poses--called vinyasa--that follow the phases of the moon from full to waning gibbous, half moon to a crescent and finally the dark moon. The process reverses itself by moving into a waxing crescent and half moon, then waxing gibbous returning to the full moon.
The class is about an hour and a half. We begin with a guided meditation moving into warming poses and then Chandra Namaskara (Moon Salutation) after which we cool down and end with a Savasana and another guided meditation.
$15 for the class.
Merry Everything,
Ma'lena
Come join us at Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center as we honor the Yule Moon. This December's full moon shines near both dates of the Winter Solstice on the 22nd, and Yuletide on the 25th.
The Moon Salutation is a series of linked poses--called vinyasa--that follow the phases of the moon from full to waning gibbous, half moon to a crescent and finally the dark moon. The process reverses itself by moving into a waxing crescent and half moon, then waxing gibbous returning to the full moon.
The class is about an hour and a half. We begin with a guided meditation moving into warming poses and then Chandra Namaskara (Moon Salutation) after which we cool down and end with a Savasana and another guided meditation.
$15 for the class.
Merry Everything,
Ma'lena
Friday, December 7, 2007
December's Full Moon Salutation Class
Greetings. Those of you who have taken my classes know that I adore teaching Chandra Namaskara. These series of poses are incorporated into most of my classes. From the start of opening the studio, I have offered Full Moon Salutation classes, usually on the evening of the actual Full Moon. Since December's full moon falls on the eve of Christmas Eve, and on a Sunday--to further complicate stuff--I have come to the decision that I must suspend this class. So there will be no class on December 23rd.
I'll revisit whether or not I continue to offer these classes next year.
Until then,
Happy Everything,
Ma'lena
I'll revisit whether or not I continue to offer these classes next year.
Until then,
Happy Everything,
Ma'lena
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Blogolalia
Mostly catching up. On Friday evening, November 9th, I put on my first 3-hour workshop, "Women's Health: Bodywisdom." Three hours is a long time, yet it seemed to go quickly--with a lot of laughing. I covered the benefits of weight bearing exercise--like walking--and stretching the body to keep things supple and lubricated. We spent a lot of time finding and flexing the hammock muscle of our pelvic floor. Imagine the giggles that evoked. There were six of us. We learned about bone health, breathing and breast health. We spent time moving through specific poses as well as time resting in restorative poses . . . I'll revisit this workshop again.
Other exciting news (for me, at least): I worked out a lovely version of the Moon Salutation for the chair. My student, Jennifer, who is seated, as she calls it, helped me refine the poses so that we move fluidly through the linked poses to created a powerful homage to the moon in all her splendor. This sequence is something I will use often. It is as complete a vinyasa as the Sun Salutation for chair. I like both; having someone in a wheelchair, however, poses a problem while doing the Sun Salutation since the legs and feet are required to move. With this version I've created for the Moon Salutation, our legs can remain still, creating an anchor for the upper body.
Upcoming classes: beginning in January we will have a new teacher, Anne Miller (check the teacher page for her biography, etc. to be posted soon) who has already taught a breast cancer support class in Wenatchee. Over the past few months she has been taking teacher training at Mellow Monkey studio in Post Falls, Idaho. She will joining Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center in January with several cancer support classes. Keep checking the schedule page--I will post times and days as soon as possible.
Take note: There will be no Full Moon Salutation Class in November since I will be in San Diego over Thanksgiving weekend. Go outside and take a moonbath.
Other exciting news (for me, at least): I worked out a lovely version of the Moon Salutation for the chair. My student, Jennifer, who is seated, as she calls it, helped me refine the poses so that we move fluidly through the linked poses to created a powerful homage to the moon in all her splendor. This sequence is something I will use often. It is as complete a vinyasa as the Sun Salutation for chair. I like both; having someone in a wheelchair, however, poses a problem while doing the Sun Salutation since the legs and feet are required to move. With this version I've created for the Moon Salutation, our legs can remain still, creating an anchor for the upper body.
Upcoming classes: beginning in January we will have a new teacher, Anne Miller (check the teacher page for her biography, etc. to be posted soon) who has already taught a breast cancer support class in Wenatchee. Over the past few months she has been taking teacher training at Mellow Monkey studio in Post Falls, Idaho. She will joining Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center in January with several cancer support classes. Keep checking the schedule page--I will post times and days as soon as possible.
Take note: There will be no Full Moon Salutation Class in November since I will be in San Diego over Thanksgiving weekend. Go outside and take a moonbath.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
More Gratitude
Today's list is endless, but I will include only a sampling:
1) The San Diego Witch fire has been almost completely brought under control. Thank you and a wet smoochie to all the firefighters, reporters, and the people who have supported the crews.
2) My folks are okay; their house is safe and they are in good health . . .
3) My friend Lannie fell but instead of breaking anything--her head, leg or ankle--she just mangled herself. In pain, yes, but whole. Whew!
4) I get to go play with Big Deena whose roots go deep tomorrow. She is the best playmate.
Gracious and spacious,
Ma'lena
1) The San Diego Witch fire has been almost completely brought under control. Thank you and a wet smoochie to all the firefighters, reporters, and the people who have supported the crews.
2) My folks are okay; their house is safe and they are in good health . . .
3) My friend Lannie fell but instead of breaking anything--her head, leg or ankle--she just mangled herself. In pain, yes, but whole. Whew!
4) I get to go play with Big Deena whose roots go deep tomorrow. She is the best playmate.
Gracious and spacious,
Ma'lena
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Moon Watching
Thursday night's full moon, called a Harvest or Hunter's Moon (to assist with the harvest or hunt, depending) was bright and bold, a cliche of moonness--round, full, bright and glorious. The next morning, on my drive in to teach the early class, the moon hung low in the sky, a veil of ivoried lace, so close I wanted to clutch it to my breast. Last night, again, the massive moon, higher now but emanating moonglow like a klieg light, a spotlight of lunar brilliance. As I went outside this morning at half past eight, the sight of the moon slug low in the Western sky surprised me. A pale disk, this moon seemed as pale and transparent as old bone china, yet was as substantive and present as stone--solid and timeless.
Alternate names for October's full moon include Travel Moon, Blood Moon, and my personal favorite, Dying Grass Moon. These names are evocative of seasonal transformations, concentrating elemental forces, slowing down and moving inward.
November's full moon occurs during Thanksgiving week and the studio will be closed. I'll be in San Diego. Also known as a Hunter's Moon, other names are Beaver Moon, Frost Moon and the lovely and descriptive Snow Moon.
Come and join us on the afternoon of Sunday, December 23rd, to celebrate the Yule Moon, from 4 until 5:30 pm.
An article from "The Times of India": LUCKNOW: The full Moon visible on Friday will the largest and the brightest of this year. An annual celestial event, the Moon would be closest to the Earth while moving around it in an elliptical orbit.
In-charge of Indira Gandhi Planetarium Anil Yadav says "Though the Moon was bigger on Thursday as well but it would be the largest on Friday.
It is expected to be about 14 per cent bigger and around one-third time brighter than an average full Moon. Moreover, usually the full moon is southward positioned during this time of the year (October to December). Hence on Thursday and Friday, while observing from the equatorial regions, the Moon will appear to be much brighter. "
Elaborating further, he says the perigee (when Moon is closest of the Earth) is about 363,104 kilometres, while its farthest point (apogee) is about 405,696 kilometres. Its average distance from the Earth on other days is around 384,600 kilometres.
"So, this visually larger full Moon is possible because the one seen on October 25 and 26 is actually about 25,000 miles closer than otherwise."
On how to determine that the Moon is bigger or not, he explains that if a layman wants to see a larger moon then he will have to stretch his hand and point his index finger towards the moon.
"It will usually cover the apparent diameter of the Earth's natural satellite.
But on Friday, the Moon will appear slightly larger than the index finger, this is one way to prove the big full Moon," he adds.
Yadav while talking about viewing the full moon through naked eyes cautioned against viewing the full Moon on the day without appropriate filters on the telescope as it could severely damage the retina of the eyes.
Alternate names for October's full moon include Travel Moon, Blood Moon, and my personal favorite, Dying Grass Moon. These names are evocative of seasonal transformations, concentrating elemental forces, slowing down and moving inward.
November's full moon occurs during Thanksgiving week and the studio will be closed. I'll be in San Diego. Also known as a Hunter's Moon, other names are Beaver Moon, Frost Moon and the lovely and descriptive Snow Moon.
Come and join us on the afternoon of Sunday, December 23rd, to celebrate the Yule Moon, from 4 until 5:30 pm.
An article from "The Times of India": LUCKNOW: The full Moon visible on Friday will the largest and the brightest of this year. An annual celestial event, the Moon would be closest to the Earth while moving around it in an elliptical orbit.
In-charge of Indira Gandhi Planetarium Anil Yadav says "Though the Moon was bigger on Thursday as well but it would be the largest on Friday.
It is expected to be about 14 per cent bigger and around one-third time brighter than an average full Moon. Moreover, usually the full moon is southward positioned during this time of the year (October to December). Hence on Thursday and Friday, while observing from the equatorial regions, the Moon will appear to be much brighter. "
Elaborating further, he says the perigee (when Moon is closest of the Earth) is about 363,104 kilometres, while its farthest point (apogee) is about 405,696 kilometres. Its average distance from the Earth on other days is around 384,600 kilometres.
"So, this visually larger full Moon is possible because the one seen on October 25 and 26 is actually about 25,000 miles closer than otherwise."
On how to determine that the Moon is bigger or not, he explains that if a layman wants to see a larger moon then he will have to stretch his hand and point his index finger towards the moon.
"It will usually cover the apparent diameter of the Earth's natural satellite.
But on Friday, the Moon will appear slightly larger than the index finger, this is one way to prove the big full Moon," he adds.
Yadav while talking about viewing the full moon through naked eyes cautioned against viewing the full Moon on the day without appropriate filters on the telescope as it could severely damage the retina of the eyes.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Gratitude List
Okay, so I'm not really a frequent blogger. I'll try and remedy that but I still have no idea if anyone has read any of my previous posts . . .
Here goes:
1) I am grateful that I have a yoga studio that is so warm and safe.
2) I am grateful that my classes are small so that I can get to know each student--not just names and faces, but quirks, laughs and emotional status.
3) I am so grateful today that my parents have not had to evacuate their home in San Diego, and that the weather seems to be calming down thereby easing up the fires.
4) I am also grateful that I am blessed with so much bounty in my life that I am overfed . . .
That's about all for now. My goal is to attempt to write in this a few times a week.
a perfect ginko leaf,
ma'lena
Here goes:
1) I am grateful that I have a yoga studio that is so warm and safe.
2) I am grateful that my classes are small so that I can get to know each student--not just names and faces, but quirks, laughs and emotional status.
3) I am so grateful today that my parents have not had to evacuate their home in San Diego, and that the weather seems to be calming down thereby easing up the fires.
4) I am also grateful that I am blessed with so much bounty in my life that I am overfed . . .
That's about all for now. My goal is to attempt to write in this a few times a week.
a perfect ginko leaf,
ma'lena
Saturday, June 9, 2007
June Schedule Update
We changed the Level 2 Monday night Vinyasa class to a Level 1 so more people would have an opportunity to take it. There were only three of us last Monday, but I am hoping more students will show up to experience this challenging and calming style of flowing meditation.
My own experience was startling because I realized I hadn't taken a traditional yoga class in months--too busy concentrating on getting my teaching practice up and running to bother. And how sad is that? Daniella put us through our paces. I was the only one to have had any experience with vinyasa so she broke down the poses. After warming us up she moved into showing us the basic sequence of Sun Salutation, made up of 12 linked poses. It felt great but I confess that down dog is a challenge for me (between being fat and having iffy shoulders I struggle to stay in down dog. Not only do I have a lot of weight to hold up but neck surgery a few years ago trashed my neck and shoulder on the left. Should I even mention that I have rotator cuff issues?) By the time we reached the end of our final salutation, I was happy. One might say the endorphins had kicked in right about then. From the Sun Salutation we moved into a lovely vinyasa: Warrior 2, Side-Angle to Triangle and back to Warrior 2. I've always loved this flow because it makes me feel balanced and strong, two traits I desperately crave.
I walked out of class feeling happy and sore, challenged yet invigorated. I slept well that night . . . so thank you, Daniella.
My own experience was startling because I realized I hadn't taken a traditional yoga class in months--too busy concentrating on getting my teaching practice up and running to bother. And how sad is that? Daniella put us through our paces. I was the only one to have had any experience with vinyasa so she broke down the poses. After warming us up she moved into showing us the basic sequence of Sun Salutation, made up of 12 linked poses. It felt great but I confess that down dog is a challenge for me (between being fat and having iffy shoulders I struggle to stay in down dog. Not only do I have a lot of weight to hold up but neck surgery a few years ago trashed my neck and shoulder on the left. Should I even mention that I have rotator cuff issues?) By the time we reached the end of our final salutation, I was happy. One might say the endorphins had kicked in right about then. From the Sun Salutation we moved into a lovely vinyasa: Warrior 2, Side-Angle to Triangle and back to Warrior 2. I've always loved this flow because it makes me feel balanced and strong, two traits I desperately crave.
I walked out of class feeling happy and sore, challenged yet invigorated. I slept well that night . . . so thank you, Daniella.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Moon Is Blue
Report on Thursday, May 31st's Blue Moon Salutation
From the website www.infoplease.com I found a few factoids about blue moons. "There are in fact two definitions for a blue moon . . . a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month." That one is obvious. Here's another, "the blue moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons." Okay, that one is more problematic because it has something to do with early Christians and how they mapped out their holy days. Appropriately, blue moons come around once in a blue moon: "Over the next twenty years there will be a total of 17 blue moons . . . " and the last time we had a blue moon was on July 31, 2004. Another interesting thing is, "the rare phenomenon of two blue moons . . . occurring in the same year happens approximately once every 19 years. 1999 was the last time . . . in January and March."
For our class--the first Chandra Namaskara (Moon Salutation)--11 people showed up to celebrate. I was nervous but I managed to calm down once we started. I warmed us up and then moved into the vinyasa, trying my best to offer options for the beginner as well as the more seasoned yoginis. We had two women, both long time practitioners in the Iyengar style, who stationed themselves up front and I found it reassuring and grounding to have them on either side of me, embracing me like parentheses. We moved into namaste hands and up into our crescent moon then half moon and out into a loud goddess pose and 5-pointed star. From there we moved into triangle, pyramid and lunge before coming into a wide legged forward bend and a squat (representing the new moon). We then reversed our poses, following the path of the moon and back into namaste hands. We raised big energy and laughed a lot before cooling down and falling into savasana and the bliss of stillness.
From my perspective, it was an empowering class and I look forward to creating a community of "moon sallies" each month on the full moon.
See you on June 30th @ 3:30 for the next class!
From the website www.infoplease.com I found a few factoids about blue moons. "There are in fact two definitions for a blue moon . . . a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month." That one is obvious. Here's another, "the blue moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons." Okay, that one is more problematic because it has something to do with early Christians and how they mapped out their holy days. Appropriately, blue moons come around once in a blue moon: "Over the next twenty years there will be a total of 17 blue moons . . . " and the last time we had a blue moon was on July 31, 2004. Another interesting thing is, "the rare phenomenon of two blue moons . . . occurring in the same year happens approximately once every 19 years. 1999 was the last time . . . in January and March."
For our class--the first Chandra Namaskara (Moon Salutation)--11 people showed up to celebrate. I was nervous but I managed to calm down once we started. I warmed us up and then moved into the vinyasa, trying my best to offer options for the beginner as well as the more seasoned yoginis. We had two women, both long time practitioners in the Iyengar style, who stationed themselves up front and I found it reassuring and grounding to have them on either side of me, embracing me like parentheses. We moved into namaste hands and up into our crescent moon then half moon and out into a loud goddess pose and 5-pointed star. From there we moved into triangle, pyramid and lunge before coming into a wide legged forward bend and a squat (representing the new moon). We then reversed our poses, following the path of the moon and back into namaste hands. We raised big energy and laughed a lot before cooling down and falling into savasana and the bliss of stillness.
From my perspective, it was an empowering class and I look forward to creating a community of "moon sallies" each month on the full moon.
See you on June 30th @ 3:30 for the next class!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Schedule for June 4th - July 1st
Mondays
Vinyasa Level 1 w/Daniella 8:45 am – 10 am $10/$13
Vinyasa Level 2 w/Daniella 5:45 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Tuesdays
Vinyasa Level 2 w/Daniella 8:45 am – 10 am $10/$13
Yoga for Lunch w/Michelle 11:45 am - 12:30 pm $10/$13
Vinyasa Level 1 w/Daniella 3:45 pm – 5 pm $10/$13
Vinyasa Level 2 w/Daniella 5:45 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Wednesdays
Stretch & Restore w/Ma’lena 4 pm – 5: 15 pm $10/$13
Gentle & Mixed Yoga w/Ma’lena 5:45 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Thursdays
Chair Yoga w/Ma’lena 8:30 am – 9:45 am $10/$13
Yoga for Lunch w/Michelle 11:45 am – 12:30 pm $10/$13
Restorative Yoga w/Ma’lena 4 pm – 5:15 pm $10/$13
Gentle Yoga w/Ma’lena 5:30 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Fridays
Gentle & Mixed w/Ma’lena 7:30 am – 9 am $10/$13
Gentle Plus w/Ma’lena 9:30 am – 11 am $10/$13
Sunday
Restorative Yoga 8:30 am – 10 am $10/$13
Gentle & Mixed Yoga 10:30 am – noon $10/$13
Once a Month Classes
Saturday
June 30th Full Moon Salutation
W/Ma’lena 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm $13
Vinyasa Level 1 w/Daniella 8:45 am – 10 am $10/$13
Vinyasa Level 2 w/Daniella 5:45 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Tuesdays
Vinyasa Level 2 w/Daniella 8:45 am – 10 am $10/$13
Yoga for Lunch w/Michelle 11:45 am - 12:30 pm $10/$13
Vinyasa Level 1 w/Daniella 3:45 pm – 5 pm $10/$13
Vinyasa Level 2 w/Daniella 5:45 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Wednesdays
Stretch & Restore w/Ma’lena 4 pm – 5: 15 pm $10/$13
Gentle & Mixed Yoga w/Ma’lena 5:45 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Thursdays
Chair Yoga w/Ma’lena 8:30 am – 9:45 am $10/$13
Yoga for Lunch w/Michelle 11:45 am – 12:30 pm $10/$13
Restorative Yoga w/Ma’lena 4 pm – 5:15 pm $10/$13
Gentle Yoga w/Ma’lena 5:30 pm – 7 pm $10/$13
Fridays
Gentle & Mixed w/Ma’lena 7:30 am – 9 am $10/$13
Gentle Plus w/Ma’lena 9:30 am – 11 am $10/$13
Sunday
Restorative Yoga 8:30 am – 10 am $10/$13
Gentle & Mixed Yoga 10:30 am – noon $10/$13
Once a Month Classes
Saturday
June 30th Full Moon Salutation
W/Ma’lena 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm $13
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
more schedule revisions
moon tree gentle yoga no longer offers pre and postnatal classes. the woman who was teaching these classes decided that the space is too small and pulled out of her commitment. therefore, we will not longer offer pre and postnatal classes until we find another teacher who wants to pursue this area of yoga.
we've decided to put the fitball classes on hold until next session. likewise one of the stretch and restore classes, one gentle yoga plus classes,and probably the bodywisdom: yoga for menopause class.
as soon as i have a newly revised flyer i will post it.
that's all for now.
clean feet, open heart,
ma'lena
we've decided to put the fitball classes on hold until next session. likewise one of the stretch and restore classes, one gentle yoga plus classes,and probably the bodywisdom: yoga for menopause class.
as soon as i have a newly revised flyer i will post it.
that's all for now.
clean feet, open heart,
ma'lena
personal china syndrome meltdown
this is the second official week of moon tree gentle yoga and wellness center's opening. it has been fraught with drama and a lot of empty classes. i know it takes time to build a practice so i'm dedicating this session to learning how to run a studio and have successful classes.
we have a small studio, a boutique yoga center. that means we cannot pack in large groups. having to keep small, we get to focus more on each student.
because we are new and the adjacent doctor's office is new (we share a waiting room area) we have all the accompanying fumes from new construction: offgassing, glue, carpet funk, wall emissions, etc. i have air running, and i put out bowls of white vinegar over the weekend. plus i sprayed ozium. these noxious fumes will take time to dissapate; they will.
i have learned that i am inexperienced and naive. again, that will pass and i will learn.
clean socks,
ma'lena
we have a small studio, a boutique yoga center. that means we cannot pack in large groups. having to keep small, we get to focus more on each student.
because we are new and the adjacent doctor's office is new (we share a waiting room area) we have all the accompanying fumes from new construction: offgassing, glue, carpet funk, wall emissions, etc. i have air running, and i put out bowls of white vinegar over the weekend. plus i sprayed ozium. these noxious fumes will take time to dissapate; they will.
i have learned that i am inexperienced and naive. again, that will pass and i will learn.
clean socks,
ma'lena
Friday, April 6, 2007
mission statement, class descriptions, bio
Class Descriptions/Mission Statement/Biographies
Mission Statement of Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center
The Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center invites you to a yoga class that will change your life! We go beyond the physical. In using the complete science of yoga—from postures and breath awareness, to self-study and meditation—you can regain balance and inner peace. If you can transform yourself, you can help transform the world. Immerse yourself in a community devoted to health and personal growth, spirituality and laughter. We move joyfully.
Gentle Plus
Ma’lena Walley
This class is designed to build strength as well as stretch the spine. We start slowly with modifications and gradually increase our challenges using our own bodies as our guide. Traditional Hatha poses—standing, seated and lying down--moving meditation style—primarily on the floor—a twist of Iyengar and Sivinanda, along with pranayama and guided meditations creates a synergy that both invigorates and relaxes.
Gentle
Ma’lena Walley
A slow and gentle practice that is good for beginners, or anyone who wants to stretch and breathe in a calm environment. We mix up styles and move from floor to standing using props, blankets and chairs to assist us into and out of the poses. All shapes and sizes, all levels of fitness are welcome in this class. Be sure to bring your laughing cap.
Chair Yoga
Ma’lena Walley
This class explores the same ground as that in Gentle except that we do all the poses seated in a chair. Great for people who have not exercised in a while, those who have health issues, people in wheelchairs with upper body mobility, seniors, and anyone recovering from foot or knee injuries
Yoga for Arthritis
Ma’lena Walley
The composition of this class will shift depending on the students. We will work on lubricating the joints and stretching the muscles as well as loosening up the fascia of the body, helping it transform into supple and pliant tissue. All poses will be gentle and slow. We will stand, sit, lie on our backs; we will massage and roll; we will respect our joints.
Bodywisdom: Yoga for Menopause
Ma’lena Walley
This class offers a comprehensive approach to perimenopause and menopause. There will be an open circle at the start of each class to share and learn. There will be micro lectures with handouts and suggested readings. We will dive into poses that relieve symptoms of this roller coaster time in a woman’s life: insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, restless legs, mood swings, depression, skin care, nutrition and vitamins. We will address the pelvic floor and how to strengthen and prevent stress incontinence.
Restorative w/Yoga Nidra
Ma’lena Walley
I like to say that Restorative Yoga is like structured nap time for adults without the milk and cookies. We use bolsters, blankets and blocks to provide assistance and support; our bodies melt into the floor using gravity and our own breath to deepen the stretches. We stay in the poses longer while attending to our breath. At the close of the class, I lead everyone through a specific type of meditation called Yoga Nidra (yoga sleep) where you are in a state similar to the twilight when you just begin to fall asleep: consciously aware yet completely relaxed.
Stretch & Restore
Ma’lena Walley
This class is a blend of traditional asanas and warm ups that move the body, raising heat before cooling down and moving into slow, deep restorative poses—stretching the spine, opening the hips and expanding the heart center. Guided meditation and pranayama encourage the body to release tension and move into an open stillness where meditation and healing occurs. This class is slightly more demanding than traditional Restorative Yoga.
Moon Salutation
Ma’lena Walley
Once a month on the full moon we will gather to honor the moon by performing the Moon Salutation. There are many different variations and it will be exciting and fulfilling to try them all. Caution: some howling may occur.
Biography of Ma’lena Walley, RYT
Ma’lena, 53, is a plus sized woman who has been practicing Iyengar yoga for eight years. She has an Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from EWU. She completed Judith Hanson Lasater’s Relax and Renew® Teacher Training. In May 2006, she graduated with a Registered Yoga Teacher certificate from her 200-hour Teacher Training program at A Gentle Way Yoga Studio in San Diego, specializing in the needs of those who are plus size as well as those with health challenges. She believes laughter is an essential element of any yoga practice. Her studio, Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center™ opened in April 2007. Every body deserves a good stretch.™
Mixed Levels
Cara Wright
Students of all levels who are ready to deepen their practice are welcome to attend this challenging class. Ideal for beginners up to advanced yogis. Basic poses are refined and more advanced postures are explored. The fundamentals of technique, flow, breath and relaxation will be taught to help you create a well-rounded practice of yoga.
Women’s Focus
Cara Wright
Improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and experience relaxation through the practice of Hatha Yoga. We will focus on specific women’s health issues, pelvic floor weakness, menstrual problems, fertility, menopause and much much more. We will also explore through yoga why it is that so many women are susceptible to diseases such as heart, lung and breast. This class is appropriate for the beginner or advanced practitioner and women from teen to post menopausal. Join us and other women in this safe environment as you develop insight and awareness into your true self as a woman.
Prenatal Yoga
Cara Wright
Discover your inner wisdom as a woman preparing for birth and motherhood. In this class Cara weaves the traditional science of yoga, breath awareness, meditation and relaxation with childbirth education to help you prepare for the challenges of pregnancy and birth. This prenatal program will help you learn about the normal process of labor and how to make conscious decisions in your pregnancy and birth. You’ll go beyond the technique of yoga postures while deepening your understanding of pregnancy, labor and birth. You are guided by weaving factual information from the current medical evidence data of our modern birthing practices into the instruction of each prenatal class. Many students have said that this is the best thing they have done for themselves and the baby during their pregnancy!
You will:
•feel more prepared for the challenges of labor and birth
•experience clarity of mind and self-confidence
•decrease back pain, sciatica, swelling of the ankles and feet, constipation, varicose veins and nausea
•strengthen the uterus and pelvic floor muscles
•improve circulation and aid digestion
•strengthen your body and increase endurance and flexibility
Postnatal Yoga with infant
Cara Wright
Gentle yoga postures are taught to help you strengthen, energize, and tone your whole body deepening your sense of well being. Class focuses on specific areas such as neck and shoulders, abdominals, lower back, and pelvis.
Mission Statement of Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center
The Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center invites you to a yoga class that will change your life! We go beyond the physical. In using the complete science of yoga—from postures and breath awareness, to self-study and meditation—you can regain balance and inner peace. If you can transform yourself, you can help transform the world. Immerse yourself in a community devoted to health and personal growth, spirituality and laughter. We move joyfully.
Gentle Plus
Ma’lena Walley
This class is designed to build strength as well as stretch the spine. We start slowly with modifications and gradually increase our challenges using our own bodies as our guide. Traditional Hatha poses—standing, seated and lying down--moving meditation style—primarily on the floor—a twist of Iyengar and Sivinanda, along with pranayama and guided meditations creates a synergy that both invigorates and relaxes.
Gentle
Ma’lena Walley
A slow and gentle practice that is good for beginners, or anyone who wants to stretch and breathe in a calm environment. We mix up styles and move from floor to standing using props, blankets and chairs to assist us into and out of the poses. All shapes and sizes, all levels of fitness are welcome in this class. Be sure to bring your laughing cap.
Chair Yoga
Ma’lena Walley
This class explores the same ground as that in Gentle except that we do all the poses seated in a chair. Great for people who have not exercised in a while, those who have health issues, people in wheelchairs with upper body mobility, seniors, and anyone recovering from foot or knee injuries
Yoga for Arthritis
Ma’lena Walley
The composition of this class will shift depending on the students. We will work on lubricating the joints and stretching the muscles as well as loosening up the fascia of the body, helping it transform into supple and pliant tissue. All poses will be gentle and slow. We will stand, sit, lie on our backs; we will massage and roll; we will respect our joints.
Bodywisdom: Yoga for Menopause
Ma’lena Walley
This class offers a comprehensive approach to perimenopause and menopause. There will be an open circle at the start of each class to share and learn. There will be micro lectures with handouts and suggested readings. We will dive into poses that relieve symptoms of this roller coaster time in a woman’s life: insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, restless legs, mood swings, depression, skin care, nutrition and vitamins. We will address the pelvic floor and how to strengthen and prevent stress incontinence.
Restorative w/Yoga Nidra
Ma’lena Walley
I like to say that Restorative Yoga is like structured nap time for adults without the milk and cookies. We use bolsters, blankets and blocks to provide assistance and support; our bodies melt into the floor using gravity and our own breath to deepen the stretches. We stay in the poses longer while attending to our breath. At the close of the class, I lead everyone through a specific type of meditation called Yoga Nidra (yoga sleep) where you are in a state similar to the twilight when you just begin to fall asleep: consciously aware yet completely relaxed.
Stretch & Restore
Ma’lena Walley
This class is a blend of traditional asanas and warm ups that move the body, raising heat before cooling down and moving into slow, deep restorative poses—stretching the spine, opening the hips and expanding the heart center. Guided meditation and pranayama encourage the body to release tension and move into an open stillness where meditation and healing occurs. This class is slightly more demanding than traditional Restorative Yoga.
Moon Salutation
Ma’lena Walley
Once a month on the full moon we will gather to honor the moon by performing the Moon Salutation. There are many different variations and it will be exciting and fulfilling to try them all. Caution: some howling may occur.
Biography of Ma’lena Walley, RYT
Ma’lena, 53, is a plus sized woman who has been practicing Iyengar yoga for eight years. She has an Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from EWU. She completed Judith Hanson Lasater’s Relax and Renew® Teacher Training. In May 2006, she graduated with a Registered Yoga Teacher certificate from her 200-hour Teacher Training program at A Gentle Way Yoga Studio in San Diego, specializing in the needs of those who are plus size as well as those with health challenges. She believes laughter is an essential element of any yoga practice. Her studio, Moon Tree Gentle Yoga and Wellness Center™ opened in April 2007. Every body deserves a good stretch.™
Mixed Levels
Cara Wright
Students of all levels who are ready to deepen their practice are welcome to attend this challenging class. Ideal for beginners up to advanced yogis. Basic poses are refined and more advanced postures are explored. The fundamentals of technique, flow, breath and relaxation will be taught to help you create a well-rounded practice of yoga.
Women’s Focus
Cara Wright
Improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and experience relaxation through the practice of Hatha Yoga. We will focus on specific women’s health issues, pelvic floor weakness, menstrual problems, fertility, menopause and much much more. We will also explore through yoga why it is that so many women are susceptible to diseases such as heart, lung and breast. This class is appropriate for the beginner or advanced practitioner and women from teen to post menopausal. Join us and other women in this safe environment as you develop insight and awareness into your true self as a woman.
Prenatal Yoga
Cara Wright
Discover your inner wisdom as a woman preparing for birth and motherhood. In this class Cara weaves the traditional science of yoga, breath awareness, meditation and relaxation with childbirth education to help you prepare for the challenges of pregnancy and birth. This prenatal program will help you learn about the normal process of labor and how to make conscious decisions in your pregnancy and birth. You’ll go beyond the technique of yoga postures while deepening your understanding of pregnancy, labor and birth. You are guided by weaving factual information from the current medical evidence data of our modern birthing practices into the instruction of each prenatal class. Many students have said that this is the best thing they have done for themselves and the baby during their pregnancy!
You will:
•feel more prepared for the challenges of labor and birth
•experience clarity of mind and self-confidence
•decrease back pain, sciatica, swelling of the ankles and feet, constipation, varicose veins and nausea
•strengthen the uterus and pelvic floor muscles
•improve circulation and aid digestion
•strengthen your body and increase endurance and flexibility
Postnatal Yoga with infant
Cara Wright
Gentle yoga postures are taught to help you strengthen, energize, and tone your whole body deepening your sense of well being. Class focuses on specific areas such as neck and shoulders, abdominals, lower back, and pelvis.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
schedule update
oops! tuesday's stretch and restore class is being moved from 1 pm to 12:30 pm. class will be from 12:30 pm until 2 pm.
i'm sorry, but this means that the lovely woman i spoke with today who has a crazy schedule will not be able to come to class after all. my apologies. we will see what we can work out, okay?
this schedule is a work in progress, and all comments and suggestions are welcome.
cheerios,
ma'lena
i'm sorry, but this means that the lovely woman i spoke with today who has a crazy schedule will not be able to come to class after all. my apologies. we will see what we can work out, okay?
this schedule is a work in progress, and all comments and suggestions are welcome.
cheerios,
ma'lena
Thursday, March 22, 2007
working schedule of classes
here is a working schedule of classes for moon tree gentle yoga and wellness center:
8-Week Session, April 9th – June 3rd
$80 per session, $12 drop-in
M Postnatal w/Cara 5:30-6:30 pm $80
Prenatal w/Cara Coming Soon*
T Fitball w/Janel 11:30 am-12:15 pm $60**
Stretch & Restore w/Ma’lena 1-2:30 pm $80
Gentle Plus w/Ma’lena 3-4:30 pm $80
General Asana w/Cara 5:30-7 pm $80
W Women’s Focus w/Cara 8-9:30 am $80
Prenatal w/Cara Coming Soon*
TH Chair Yoga w/Ma’lena 8-9 am $80
Yoga for Arthritis w/Ma’lena 9:15-10:15 am $80
Fitball w/Janel 11:30 am-12:15 pm $70**
Bodywisdom: Yoga for
Menopause w/Ma’lena 3:30-5 pm $80
Gentle Yoga w/Ma’lena 5:30-7 pm $80
F Chair Yoga w/Ma’lena 8-9 am $80
Gentle Plus w/Ma’lena 9:30-11 am $80
Restorative Yoga & Yoga
Nidra w/Ma’lena 3:30-5 pm $80
Once a Month Classes
T Full Moon Salutation 5/2 7:30-9 pm $12
w/Ma’lena
Sun Restorative w/Ma’lena 5/6 10 am-noon $12
Restorative w/Ma’lena 6/3 10 am-noon $12
* Times and dates for other classes To Be Announced soon.
** No class on Tuesday May 1 & 29th or Thursday, May 31st.
8-Week Session, April 9th – June 3rd
$80 per session, $12 drop-in
M Postnatal w/Cara 5:30-6:30 pm $80
Prenatal w/Cara Coming Soon*
T Fitball w/Janel 11:30 am-12:15 pm $60**
Stretch & Restore w/Ma’lena 1-2:30 pm $80
Gentle Plus w/Ma’lena 3-4:30 pm $80
General Asana w/Cara 5:30-7 pm $80
W Women’s Focus w/Cara 8-9:30 am $80
Prenatal w/Cara Coming Soon*
TH Chair Yoga w/Ma’lena 8-9 am $80
Yoga for Arthritis w/Ma’lena 9:15-10:15 am $80
Fitball w/Janel 11:30 am-12:15 pm $70**
Bodywisdom: Yoga for
Menopause w/Ma’lena 3:30-5 pm $80
Gentle Yoga w/Ma’lena 5:30-7 pm $80
F Chair Yoga w/Ma’lena 8-9 am $80
Gentle Plus w/Ma’lena 9:30-11 am $80
Restorative Yoga & Yoga
Nidra w/Ma’lena 3:30-5 pm $80
Once a Month Classes
T Full Moon Salutation 5/2 7:30-9 pm $12
w/Ma’lena
Sun Restorative w/Ma’lena 5/6 10 am-noon $12
Restorative w/Ma’lena 6/3 10 am-noon $12
* Times and dates for other classes To Be Announced soon.
** No class on Tuesday May 1 & 29th or Thursday, May 31st.
one meaning of yoga
from the excellent book, "yoga of the heart: ten ethical principles for gaining limitless growth, confidence, and achievement," by alice christensen, here is her explanation on the difference between yoga and religion: yoga is not a religion. it is a series of techniques that, when practiced daily, can be used as tools to add meaning and depth to your life, no matter what your religion or background.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
. . . right here, right now . . .
okay, here we are. first posting for moon tree gentle yoga and wellness center. the website is being built, the studio is being built, and i am buying lots of great props, stereo systems, computers and other amazing things to use.
start date is april 9th, 2007, monday . . . classes, times and descriptions to be announced soon.
until then . . . breathe,
ma'lena
start date is april 9th, 2007, monday . . . classes, times and descriptions to be announced soon.
until then . . . breathe,
ma'lena
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