I took a short break from teaching this month, and spent lots of time in yoga teacher training workshops! I am really looking forward to this new class I’m starting, as I’ve been recently inspired by the benefits of a more subtle, quiet yoga practice. This is the perfect complement to more active yoga styles, cardio/strength workouts or just a busy life. We’ll slow things wayyyyy down, using lots of props to support our bodies in gentle, restful positions and holding poses much longer than we do in vinyasa classes. Each class will end with a longer guided meditation. And of course, I’m picking out some really mellow, relaxing music for this practice. No experience, energy or anything required – come ready to mellow out and please spread the word – as always, first class is free! This will be at the Amesbury Cultural Center, where my friend and yoga teacher Whitney offers classes – but if people like this style, I’ll definitely expand it to more locations.
Official class description:
Gentle Restorative Yoga
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:45*
Amesbury Cultural Center**
Join me to slow down, relax and renew the body with this gentle therapeutic yoga practice, using techniques from restorative, yin and hatha yoga traditions. This practice incorporates methods to support the body in restful positions held long enough to allow the body and mind to fully relax. Optional, gentle movements are also offered, which can help improve range of motion, increase flexibility and reduce discomfort from back or body pain. Each session ends with a guided meditation or yoga nidra, with soothing lavender eye pillows provided for a complete relaxation experience… We welcome all levels and abilities, including beginners or those with injuries or physical challenges. Each class is 75 minutes, no pre-registration required. Please wear comfortable clothes (nothing fancy required!) and bring a yoga mat.
*Feedback on the time welcome – does this time work? Tough for you ? Let me know and check back to the website often in case we change the time!
**Wondering where the Cultural Center is? In laymen’s terms, it’s the building to the left of the one Flatbread Pizza is in (up the hill.) Technically, it’s right here (Google Map). Park in the municipal lot by the Barking Dog. Go over the footbridge and bear slightly left. Look for the “Cultural Center” in white above the door.
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Picture bonus 
On the way back from a Yoga Warriors Training (learning more about teaching yoga for veterans and people with PTSD) in September, I found some inspiration for slowing down at Walden Pond:
I’m holding a special, summer themed yoga class next Monday, June 20 at 7, details below. It’s just for fun - no rituals or serious thinking or anything. I’m putting together a great playlist of sunny tunes – some popular, some surprising — all great for an upbeat, active practice. All levels welcome – modifications for all abilities offered. (Brand new beginners might be more comfortable at the 5:30p, though!)
I’m also kicking off a new referral program. Bring a friend to this and you’ll get a free class!
Here is the official announcement:
Sun Salute to Summer Yoga Flow!
Monday, June 20, 7:00p – 8:30p, $10
Bring or refer a friend and get your next class with Hannah for free!
Celebrate summer with a Vinyasa flow series set to upbeat, sunshine-inspired music and ending with a relaxing, guided meditation. Set the day before the summer solstice, this flowing sequence channels the ‘agni’ (fire) energy of the sun, exploring strengthening and flexibility building poses designed to prepare you for all of your summer activities. We’ll work up some heat, then wind it down with mellow restorative poses followed by a blissful guided meditation. It’s a great way to start your week and your summer! Pre-registration is not required, drop-ins welcome. Feel free to email Hannah with any questions about the class or referral bonus at hsmalltree@gmail.com — hope to see you there!
Introducing AmesburyYoga.com!
April 4, 2011
After trying to run down the various yoga options around town, explain/spell the various site names and spread the word — we took matters into our own hands and launched AmesburyYoga.com. The site is designed to be a resource for the local community, offering people an easy-to-use site to navigate yoga options in the local area. Enjoy!
Yoga field trips: Las Vegas and Washington DC
March 28, 2011
My “real job” has been busy – taking me to Las Vegas, then Washington, DC in back to back travel weeks for work. The good news? I found yoga.
Blue Sky Yoga in Las Vegas – This studio was about a $18-20 cab ride from Caesar’s Palace toward “downtown” (when we passed a lot of bail bond places on the way…I knew I was getting close to the low-rent (aka artist) district and finally off the Strip. Thank goodness.) Took a Jivamukti class in an art filled studio with Cheryl, the owner (she had pants on, the homepage had me a bit nervous…) Very cool thing they have going there at the Art Factory. Check into First Fridays if you visit – sounds intriguing. Great practice.
Flow Yoga, Washington DC – Flow is around the corner from Hotel Helix – what a coincidence! (Not really. I planned it this way.) Went and got the new student special 2 x $20, took another Jivamukti class – which was genuinely coincidental. I only have encountered it traveling. Good practice, nice place, pretty busy. They recommended Cafe Green. OMG heck yes more more more. And super nice and friendly people working, too.
Tranquil Space, Washington DC – About 4 or 5 blocks away from Hotel Helix (shout out for the free yoga mat with my stay – no kidding!!), I found another spot. Nice boutique ($$) out front, great practice, super power yoga, I got sweaty! (It wasn’t technically “hot”, but pretty warm, and well attended with spicy sequences.) Swung home past Cafe Green!
Night number 3, I went back to Flow for another Jivamukti class that was lots of fun – highly recommended. And then in honor of my dad, I ate African food at Lalibela.
I’m back at home now – going strong on Monday nights at the People’s Yoga Coop. More workshops and classes coming soon – requests always welcome.
Join Whitney Willman and I for a mellow, restorative practice this Monday at the People’s Yoga Coop! This class is for everyone, single or coupled, to enjoy some super relaxing, gentle poses on a day that can carry mixed emotions. I found this great quote online which neatly sums up my thoughts on this:
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” — Lucille Ball
We’re working up a great soundtrack for this practice with some of my favorite mellow tunes, as well as a delicious restorative pose sequence using gentle poses and props for ultimate supported stretching and relaxation.
Gentle Restorative Yoga
Special Classes ♥ Monday, February 14 at the People’s Yoga Coop, 14 Cedar St., Amesbury
5:30 – 6:45p OR 7:00 – 8:15p
(both sessions similar – come to either!)
- Gentle yoga stretches to relax, restore & renew you.
- Beginners and all levels welcome.
- $10/session. Drop in – no registration required.
- Wear comfy clothes. Bring a yoga mat or rent for $1.
- Mellow environment, from mood to music.
Right click and save to download the flyer here — and please spread the word! Please email me at hsmalltree@gmail.com with any questions. I hope to see you there!
PWC class change – what do you think?
December 15, 2010
The People’s Yoga Coop is open for business! I’ve had two weeks there and I’ve gotten some feedback that the order of my Monday classes should be reversed. Ask and you shall receive!
The new schedule is:
5:30 – Gentle Basics (great for beginners)
7:00 – Vinyasa (open to all – more active)
Come on down and practice! Remember, your first class is free.
People’s Yoga opens this week
November 29, 2010
This is the big week – the new studio opens on Wednesday! I’m also psyched to announce that Whitney Willman and I will be joining forces on class cards — you can use the cards at either of our yoga sessions. Check out my new Amesbury Yoga Schedule page, where we’ll keep our complete schedule updated! And remember, we’re always interested in your suggestions on class times and styles. On the agenda for me this week: Making more new playlists for my classes! And maybe starting to Tweet again from @YogiHannah. We’ll see about that. Check out our first flyer — and let us know if you want a stack to help spread the word!
Our first flyer for People's Yoga Co-op. Is there an award winning series in our future?
Yoga for the People!
November 21, 2010
I am pleased to be part of the People’s Yoga Co-op in Amesbury! I will be leading two classes on Monday evenings: A more active vinyasa flow at 5:30, followed by a mellow, gentle basics at 7:00. Please email me or otherwise let me know if you have other time or class suggestions – I’m excited to see how this new studio evolves in the community!
Yoga pics from my archives
November 21, 2010
When my friend and fabulous yoga teacher Whitney Willman and I were planning our new flyers for classes at the People’s Yoga Co-op in Amesbury, I went through a bunch of pictures of me doing yoga this year. Ultimately, I went with something else for the brochure, but these bring back lovely memories!
Yoga on top of Mount Monadnock, near where I grew up in New Hampshire
Practicing yoga on Misery Island off the coast of Beverly MA, after kayking there from Independence Park
Practicing yoga at Zion National Park in Utah
Welcome to my new site!
November 21, 2010
I’ve had several websites over the years, and starting a new one to collect information and links on my many ventures in one place! Find my current contact information and more information on my skills and projects on this site.
