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:
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
