What's your motivation for the new year?

In honor of the recent changes, from winter solstice to the holidays to embracing 2011, meditation expert Phillip Moffitt offers some tasty food for thought, asking about our motivations behind our those yearly resolutions. Feel free to check it out and discuss!

The Dharma of Life Changes, Yoga Journal


And with just three days away to another year, we'd love to see you New Year's Day in our benefit class for the House of Hope Initiative! All levels are welcome.

New Year's Day House of Hope Benefit
Saturday, January 1
w/Gina
1-3 PM
Suggested donation: $25

Holidays at Mighty & New Year's Day Donation Yoga

We're gearing up for the holidays! Mighty is offering a reduced holiday schedule from December 23rd through January 6th. Please visit our online schedule for specific class times.

Please note, the studio will be closed the following days:
December 24, Christmas Eve
December 25, Christmas Day
December 31, New Year's Eve

But do feel free to spend New Year's with us in our 2nd annual New Year's Day Benefit Class! Practice yoga and help raise funds for one of our ongoing causes, Uganda's House of Hope. Since our last donation class on the 4th of July, we've raised over $800 to help the Ugandan orphanage! Gina Newlin is teaching a 2-hour vinyasa flow to help detox and rejuvenate you for the new year. Need a fresh start to the new year? This is it!

To learn more about the House of Hope Initiative, check out our last blog entry or visit the House of Hope page on Facebook and the World Action for Humanity website. We look forward to seeing you there!

New Year's Day House of Hope Benefit
January 1, 2011
w/ Gina Newlin
1:00 - 3:00 PM
All Levels Welcome

Flowing, Flying & Jamming this Friday!

Join us for Flow & Fly this Friday night, the last one offered in 2010! This dynamic class blends Yoga, Thai Massage and Acrobatics. You can explore more integrated sequences, inversions and partner acrobatics. It can turn your world upside down as demo'd by Zainab in Star! Joyful, playful, and a great workout! No partner required. All levels welcome.

And stay after class for our first ever Acro Jam! Jams are a great way to work on what you've learned in Flow & Fly or try new things with the support of a room full of playmates and spotters. We'll wrap up the festivities with the deliciousness of Thai bodywork and desserts of the sweets and wine variety. Whether this will be your first class or you've been a frequent flyer, it's sure to be an acrolicious evening! Bring friends!

Please note, the Acro Jam is free if you take Flow & Fly first or $5 at the door if you're only able to show up for the jam. We'd love to see you this Friday!

Flow & Fly

w/Gina Newlin

Friday, December 17, 2010

7:30 - 9:00 PM

Jam begins 9:15 PM

Stealing bad, self-care good!

This month's newsletter asks you to give to yourself during this frenzied time of year, by tuning in with one of the yamas (aka self-restraints), asteya or nonstealing. In a Yoga Journal blog post, an NYC yoga instructor offers a similar take on the concept. Feel free to check it out, then give yourself a treat! Perhaps a yoga class at the studio? =)

Enough is Enough, Yoga Journal

Happy Thanksgiving to the Mighty Family!

A BIG THANKS to all of you for making Mighty such a great hOMe! We are grateful for the new friendships forged this past year and a half, and we look forward to spending the upcoming holiday seasons with you!

You can definitely get your yoga on with us this Thanksgiving holiday! Check our out holiday schedule online and below.

Wednesday, November 24
9:30 am (basics), 6 pm (all levels)

Thursday, November 25
Classes are cancelled. Enjoy some time with family and friends, and how about a home practice? =)

Friday, November 26
9:30 am (all levels)

Join Huck at the Finger Lakes Fall Yoga Retreat this weekend!

The Finger Lakes Fall Yoga Retreat kicks off this weekend in Auburn, Nov. 13-14! The same folks who offered the first annual Finger Lakes Yoga Festival this past August are offering another opportunity to explore the area's yoga in one place. More than 10 instructors from the region, including the retreat's organizer and MY instructor Huck Ingles, will offer 20 workshops and classes in various traditions including Kundalini, Thai Yoga Massage, Acrobatic Yoga and Power Yoga. Sounds like a nice fall treat to make up for chipping at the frost on the car windows this past week, right?

Check out the event's full schedule online. And feel free to join Huck at his classes, The Basics of Power Yoga, Saturday 2-3:30pm, and Dissecting the Dog (Downward Dog, that is!), Sunday 12-1:30pm.

Flow & Fly tonight!

Flow & Fly with Gina starts tonight! For this month and December, Gina is teaching a 90-min class for all levels every other Friday at 7:30pm.

Flow & Fly classes blend the three ancient lineages of Yoga, Thai massage, and acrobatics to form the foundation of a unique partner practice. All levels of yogis are invited to come and find their Yoga practice challenged and expanded. Come support and be supported. No partner required. Joyful, playful and a great workout! We can't wait to see you on the mat!

Visit our schedule online for our newly expanded class offerings!

Gina debuts tonight with the Pranadhanas!

Tonight MY's Gina is making her debut as the newest member of the Pranadhanas, Ithaca's yogadance group! Feel free to come show some yoga love and support, and kick off your Halloween weekend sans the sugar low!

The Pranadhanas will be performing several dances at The Foundation of Light, including a new work about the mysteries and transitions of life, death, and the spirit realms accompanied by ethereal new music by Joe Smellow, Sara High Speiser and guest musicians. The evening includes global chanting with One Love Chant, a dance jam with Jalamyst, poetry and performance artistry with crystal spheres. Check out the details and flyer below.

Turning the Wheel: Celebrating Changing Seasons and the Cycle of Life

Friday, October 29th, 7:30pm

The Foundation of Light

391 Turkey Hill Rd., Ithaca, NY

Donations accepted at the door ($5 to $10 suggested)

New fall classes at Mighty Yoga

We're making it easier for you to get your yoga on! Due to high demand, we're adding 3 new All Levels classes to our schedule and switching one of our Basics classes to All Levels, starting October 25th:

--Mondays at 4:30 pm with Molly
--Tuesdays at 7:30 pm with Jamie (Formerly Basics, now All Levels)

--Wednesdays at 4:30 with Zainab
--Saturdays at 4:30 with Huck

And we're adding a brand new type of class to our schedule, Flow and Fly! Starting November 5th, Gina will be teaching a 90-min class every other Friday at 7:30 pm. Flow & Fly classes blend the three ancient lineages of Yoga, Thai massage, and acrobatics to form the foundation of a unique partner practice. All levels of yogis are invited to come and find their Yoga practice challenged and expanded. Come support and be supported. No partner required. Joyful, playful, and a great workout! Mark your calendars for the classes: Nov. 5, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, and Dec. 18.

Remember to check out our full class schedule to find your next yoga class. Please note: our 6 pm classes are filling up so plan on arriving 15 minutes early to better ensure a spot.

A Mighty cute babe!

Sometimes big news comes in a little package! Please join us in welcoming our littlest mighty yogini, Baby Eva! Baby Eva arrived September 23rd weighing 6lbs 12oz. She and Mommy Jen, a mighty yogini and regular student, are doing well. Amazing what that yogic breath connection can help bring into the world!

Thanks goes to Jen for sharing this wonder with us, and we look forward to seeing the happy family in the future!

Flow & Fly is kicking off this Friday!

Join Gina for some fly time this coming Friday, October 15th, 7:30pm! She is teaching an intro to MY's newest class Flow & Fly. If you missed September's AcroYoga workshop (btw, check out MY on Facebook for some rockin' photos, like this one of Zainab, Andrew and other mighty yogis in Diamond Twist), this is your second chance to share in the fun of partner yoga & acrobatics. All levels are welcome!

Check out the class description below. Flow & Fly will be offered Fridays 7:30 - 9pm biweekly starting the first week in November, so mark your calendars for November 5th and 19th for some more yoga play time!

Flow & Fly classes blend the three ancient lineages of Yoga, Thai massage, and acrobatics to form the foundation of a unique partner practice. Grounded in breath and "metta" (loving kindness), participants explore partner flows and sequences, experience a deepening trust in themselves and others, and realize that by working in partnership, we manifest far more than we ever could alone. As we explore more dynamic sequences, students will practice inversions and partner acrobatics with the support of a spotter, and learn techniques to develop strength, flexibility, and body awareness. All levels of yogis are invited to come and find their Yoga practice challenged and expanded. Come support and be supported. No partner required. Joyful, playful, and a great workout!

A Mighty trek for a good cause!

We're thrilled to pass along some news from a fellow mighty yogi, David Westlake. David is treking across Mount Dessert Island in Maine in a few weeks to raise funds for a school in Rwanda! Interested in why or supporting the cause? Please check out the details below!

Hope Trek Supporting the Akilah Institute for Women

A Golden Mountain Education Benefit Project

This October Golden Mountain Education is promoting a two-day benefit hike across Mount Dessert Island of Acadia National Park in Maine. One of the founders, David Westlake, will trek across the island ascending all twenty peaks, October 25-26th. Prior and during this expedition, he will seek financial sponsorship donating all the funds to the ongoing mission of the Akilah Institute for Women.

For a little background, the Golden Mountain Education has placed service at the very core of its programs since its conception. Over the course of the last two years, the organization has given substantial financial donations and volunteer time to organizations such as Epilogos and The Tarayana Foundation of Bhutan. As Golden Mountain Education moves into the future, they hope to continue this work by launching the fist of their annual goodwill benefits that support nonprofits with similar values.

Their first project focuses on the Akilah Institute for Women, a top rated nonprofit school providing quality education for the empowerment of Rwandan women. It was founded in 2008, and opened its doors to students in February 2010. The school currently offers a one year foundation program and a two year diploma in Hospitality Studies. It supports the young women of Rwanda though training in tourism, entrepeneurship, and health. For further information on their exciting and noble work, please feel free to explore Akilah’s webpage, www.akilahinstitute.org.

Golden Mountain Education hopes to raise $1,000 dollars, the cost of one classroom computer for the Akilah Institute. You can financially support their benefit trek in two ways!

1) Make a one time donation to support the benefit. The suggested donation is between $25 and $100 for this choice.

2) Sponsor David Westlake, providing a dollar amount for each of the twenty peaks climbed. The recommendation is $5 to $10 dollars.

All gifts are tax deductible through The Akilah Institute for Women. Upon receipt of your financial gift, Golden Mountain Education will send you a tax exempt receipt. Please send your welcomed donations to:

Golden Mountain Education
Attn: David Westlake

316 N. Aurora St.

Ithaca, NY 14850

For further questions please visit Golden Mountain Education's webpage, send an email or give them a call.

Website: www.goldenmountaineducation.com

Email: goldenyouth@gmail.com

Phone: (607) 262-0318

Let's welcome Huck!

The Mighty fold is growing. Tonight we welcome Mathew "Huckleberry" Ingles to our teaching crew! Huck, as he's known to most (read about how he got the name below), has been teaching yoga in Ithaca and Cortland for the past couple of years. He coordinated the Finger Lakes' first yoga festival this past August, and if you're a fan of roller derby, you may already know he is the official yoga instructor for the Ithaca SufferJets. Needless to say, we're thrilled to have Huck on the schedule! He'll be teaching Wednesday evenings at 6pm. Please join him at his first MY class tonight!

For now, meet Huck in our conversation with him below.

Mighty Yoga: How did you come to yoga?
Huck Ingles: In 1998 I was in a skiing accident that left me in pain. A friend gave me a book on power yoga and showed me some basics. I used sun salutations to deal with back pain and stiffness. But, it wasn't until about five years later that I started to take it seriously. I reached a point in my life where just easing back pain wasn't enough. I needed to take control of my physical and mental health. I began practicing regularly, and the results were so rewarding I have dedicated myself for life.

MY: What do you like about Power Yoga?
Huck: Power Yoga takes me to a state of humble surrender. For me, I need to the challenge, to find my limits. I live an active and intense life, and, as we know, yoga practice is life practice. We learn from yoga what we need to know for life. If my life is intense, active, and challenging, then my yoga practice should reflect that. Power Yoga does that for me.

MY: What do you like to do off the yoga mat?
Huck: I can't get enough of the outdoors. I love swimming, camping, hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing. When I am at home, I like to garden, read, cook, and play guitar. In the summer, you will find me working at the local festivals and events. I travel when I can. I usually avoid the tourist traps and take local vacations, exploring the nooks and crannies of small towns, museums, and state parks.

MY: We can’t resist asking. Why the name “Huck?”
Huck: In 1995 I attended a festival in the Mark Twain Forest in Missouri. It was a hot summer, and I was wearing a large brimmed hat to keep the sun off. I had run out of clean clothing and borrowed a pair of overalls from a girl I was traveling with. They were a bit short on me and came just below my knees. I guessed I looked the part because people began calling me Huck. When I got back home, I had mail addressed to Huckleberry. The nickname stuck. People call me Mathew too. I'm okay with either.

Mighty AcroYogis a-flying

Some mighty yogis are still flying high after a dynamite workshop weekend at Mighty Yoga! Yogis from Ithaca, Binghamton and even as far as Toronto and Brazil came for a little AcroYoga. Friday featured an overview of the practice. Saturday had a nurturing focus with yummy Thai massage and therapeutic partner poses. Finally Sunday turned everything upside down (in a good way!) with some strength-building inversions and an intro to eye-catching partner acrobatics like Throne and Star (both pictured below).

The weekend sessions began and ended with everyone joining in a circle to share some yogi love and mutual support, a nurturing practice that celebrates the power of community. Because, let's face it, without teamwork, some of these poses wouldn't have been possible. Together, these mighty yogis hung in Folded Leaf. They flew in Bird. They sat in Throne, like the kind Ilana is waving from here (that's Nicole as base!).

And they shined in Star, like Zainab (flyer) and Chris (base) are doing here!

Thank you to all who participated in the fly fest and acrobatics in Mighty's first AcroYoga weekend! And our warm appreciation goes out to Chris Loebsack and assistant Gina Newlin for sharing their passion for flying with this community! For links to more cool pictures, check out the Mighty Yoga page and Ithaca Acro Yogis page on Facebook.

MY AcroYoga weekend is almost here!

Thinking about joining us for our Mighty AcroYoga weekend? Space is filling up fast, so register soon! Remember all levels are welcome; no partner is necessary.

In the meantime, wonder how yoga, acrobatics, and therapeutic Thai massage came together? It turns out amazing things happen when people unite… and share a love for pyramid building with their bodies! Nearly seven years after the founders had their first impromptu contact yoga session, AcroYoga is increasingly distinguished for its celebration of interdependence and play (For a fuller history, check out the official AcroYoga web page).

It is easy to see this practice as child’s play. Remember hanging over someone’s feet, sitting on someone’s shoulders or leaning back to balance a two-person tug-of-war? In AcroYoga, typically a triad of players play—a Spotter assists a Base as he or she supports a Flyer in dynamic variations of yoga poses with names like Folded Leaf, Bat and Bird (like the one pictured here).

We’ve already mentioned how the principle of bone-stacking makes seemingly challenging poses increasingly effortless and allows people of varying sizes to fly or base with greater ease. One more thing to note is that the spotter’s involvement is vital. Think of the spotter as the safety net; with his or her watchful eye, the base and flyer can more fully, and freely, explore those eye-catching acrobatics.

When MY’s Gina was introduced to the practice, she remembers that though the visual appeal of the partner poses hooked her, the underlying elements of trust-building brought her back to fly. “This amazing practice was another place to explore relationship, explore the intricacies of community,” Gina says. “It was another way to have a conversation in a safe, nurturing, playful, fun environment.”

This weekend leading AcroYoga instructor Chris Loebsack, one of the first certified AcroYoga instructors (pictured below), will be assisted by MY's Gina in sharing the playful freedom and benefits of therapeutic flying, Thai massage, inversion training and an intro to partner acrobatics. We hope you can make it for part or all of the sessions!

BUT if you absolutely can’t make it this weekend, Gina also coordinates casual, weekly Ithaca AcroYogi practice sessions at various parks, weather permitting. You can feel free to check the Ithaca Acro Yogis Facebook page for the next play session, too. Let’s fly!

So much yoga, so much time!

September is National Yoga Month! This can be another opportunity to explore and celebrate the many styles of yoga. In our September newsletter, we featured the Finger Lakes's first yoga festival at Greek Peak Resort last month, which offered sessions in several kinds of yoga and holistic services. In one weekend, people could experience the therapeutic benefits of Thai yoga and massage, the sensuality of belly dancing, the warming fires of Kundalini yoga or the exhilaration of flying in partner acrobatics yoga. That was a taste of what the entire scope of yoga offers any practitioner, at any level, and it was a wonderful reminder that while it's great when you find your fit in yoga, it can also be fun and illuminating to check out other styles and traditions, too.

For a quick lesson in the many faces of yoga, feel free to check out the Yoga Journal article below. There is no such thing as one kind of yoga. It is all encompassing! Happy Yoga Month!

Not All Yoga Is Created Equal, Yoga Journal

Welcome to Mighty, Molly!

Please join us in welcoming our newest addition to the schedule, Molly Kornblum! A former New Yorker who trained at Laughing Lotus in Union Square, Molly is a wonderful addition to our Mighty family. Interested in getting to know her? Well, as all the magazines say, we sat down with Molly to learn a little more about why she loves yoga and her life off the mat. Check it out below!

Mighty Yoga: How did you come to yoga?
Molly Kornblum: I used to do yoga with my mom when I was little. She taught me fun poses with names I could relate to like tree, and lion, and downward dog. We laughed a lot when we practiced. It wasn't until I took classes in college, however, that I really got hooked.

MY: Why did you decide to teach?
Molly: I wanted to teach yoga for many years before I actually got certified. I was working for “Corporate America” in New York City when my company relocated. Instead of moving with them, I took the awesome severance package and used the time and money to attend yoga school. It was the best decision I ever made!

MY: Since you're teaching a Basics class here, any tips for someone new to yoga?
Molly: I know it's hard, but try not to judge yourself when your practice doesn't look just like the girl's next to you. Try to accept yourself where you are. As long as you keep practicing, you'll get exactly where you need to go.

MY: What do you like to do off the yoga mat?

Molly: I'm in nursing school; nursing is a passion of mine. I play old-time music. I swing dance with my sweetie!

Meet Molly tonight for her first class, Basics 7:30pm -8:30pm!

An awesome start to a 2nd year!

What an amazing week! MY had nearly 500 people visit and practice with us for our anniversary celebration week. Amazing how many people you can fit in a studio! Thank you to all the yogis who made this possible, and thank you to our newest yogi friends. We look forward to flowing with you all in the coming year!

Some happily sore yogis even made it out to last night's grand finale after our last class. And congrats to our raffle winners. They got some snazzy new MY duds!

Plus, we had a guest appearance of one of our tiniest Mighty Yogis, the little Norris (below). He's giving Mighty's official Golden Retriever, Cody, a run for his money on cuteness factor. Not to worry, though, there is more than enough room for these cute friends in the MY kula!

How about a few more classes for celebration week?

We've had so much interest in classes this week, that we're adding some more! Check out our schedule for the rest of this week. Be sure to arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to get a spot! All classes through Sunday, August 29th, are only $1, with all proceeds to benefit the Ithaca Health Alliance.

Plus 5-Class passes are $5 off and 10-Class and Unlimited passes are $10 off though Sunday. You can purchase them in the studio, or online.

And don't forget to join us for a reception next Sunday evening, 6-7:30pm, to meet the teachers and enter a raffle for yoga accessories and class passes!

Happy Birthday, Mighty Yoga! 3 more days and counting!

So, we can't stop talking about it. MY is turning 1! And in 3 days, one day after the Finger Lakes Yoga Festival, we're celebrating in style! All classes will be $1, with proceeds benefiting the Ithaca Health Alliance! New classes will be added to the class schedule. Class passes will be on sale ALL WEEK. Plus we're throwing a PARTY (of course!) that includes a raffle for yoga booty and class passes and the last chance to get in on the pass sale prices. Ya gotta be here this week!!!

One important disclaimer: ARRIVE EARLY to classes as space is limited. We'd hate to have to turn you away! And when classes are $1, it doesn't hurt to cover your bases, right?

And THANK YOU, awesome yogis and yoginis, who made this possible! We can't wait to kick off year #2 with you!

FYI, Class Pass Sale:

$5 off a 5-class pass

$10 off a 10-class and unlimited passes

PARTY TIME!

Sunday, August 29

6-7:30pm

@ Mighty Yoga

Gina's at the Finger Lakes Yoga Festival this weekend!

After much anticipation the time has come! The very first Finger Lakes Yoga Festival starts this weekend, Friday, August 20 through Sunday, August 22, at Greek Peak. There will be music, there will be dancing (perhaps with fire!), there will be massage, and there will be yoga and meditation with some of the Finger Lakes' favorite yogis and yoginis! All of this takes place less than 20 miles away from Ithaca, among beautiful surroundings ideal for swimming, hiking, canoeing or biking. If this doesn't sound like the makings of an awesome weekend, we don't know what is! So roll up the yoga mat, pack some granola bars and your water bottle, put some extra food in the cat's dish, and get over there! (Okay, you just might need to make some other preparations for the cat if you plan to stay the whole weekend, but you get the gist....).

Plus MY's own Gina Newlin is among the talented festival presenters! She will be teaching Flying Partner Yoga all three days! All levels are welcome and no partner necessary. So swing on by and play!

Gina's schedule at Greek Peak's Hope Lake Lodge:
Friday, August 20, 6 PM
Saturday, August 21, 4:30 PM
Sunday, August 22, 4 PM

What's the hurry? It's summer!

We often hear the phrase “be present” in yoga classes. Sometimes this can be easier said than done whether we're referring to a yoga pose or to life off the mat. As we round out August (a.k.a. MY’s one-year anniversary month!), it can be a challenge not to turn our focus to the approaching fall. We’re already being poked, or pummeled, by seasonal marketing, from “Back-to-School” commercials to autumn displays in retail stores (eek, it cannot be Halloween already?!?). So you might be feeling a wee bit pressured to put an end to vacation mode, store the flip flops and floaties and prep for September’s work mode. If you’re nodding your head as you read this, take a deep breath and exhale. It is still early August. There is still time to enjoy this lovely summer!

You can encourage that “be present” attitude through daily self-care practices. When life becomes hectic, MY's Zainab Zakari enjoys silent walking meditations to help ease rising tension. “As a freelance writer and instructor, my brain can sometimes feel like it’s on a 24/7 work schedule,” she says. “I’ve learned that when I take breaks and walk outside, I’m much calmer. The time I spend away from my computer and my phone, pulls me out of a place filled with deadlines and never-ending to-do lists, and reminds me to simply appreciate the world around me.”

Walking meditations can be a practice in syncing the breath with each footstep or bringing awareness to each mindfully placed step. The aim is to ease the mind into a more peaceful state. If you’re new to this kind of meditation, Zainab recommends trying to remain silent for 15 to 20 minutes to start or longer if you’re so inclined. Observe the life around you, from the trees and the animals to the breeze and your breath. Without the distraction of speech, you can observe and enjoy moments that might have been ignored otherwise. Such as this picture of a sunset and birdhouse, which Zainab shot on a walk along Seneca Lake. Happy summer!

A Mighty Start to August!

So much has already happened, and we're still in the first week! After a 750 meter swim, a 14-mile bike ride and a 5K run, MY Instructor Sarah Newman won in her age group at the Ithaca Triathlon Club's Cayuga Lake Triathlon on Sunday, August 1st! What an awesome achievement and inspiration! Congratulations!

Which makes this next piece of news somewhat bittersweet. On the heels of her win, the lovely Sarah will be leaving Mighty for her next great adventure as a student in Chicago's Northwestern Law School. We will miss her something fierce, but we wish her the absolute best! We know she will go far! For a last chance to enjoy her and her kick butt yoga, please sign up for her last class tomorrow morning, Thursday, at 6:45 AM. You'll love it!

And a note for all the Thursday 6:45am regulars, starting next week, Gina Newlin will be teaching early morning yoga classes on Tuesdays, so you can still get some yoga in before starting your day! Next class is Tuesday, August 10th, 6:45am. Remember to sign up online in advance (before 5pm the day before) to let us know you'll be there the next morning. Early bird gets the yoga!

Lastly, this is MY's one-year anniversary month! And we're in the mood to celebrate! Feel free to check out this month's newsletter for what's in store this month.

Eat, Pray, Love and BE Yoga this weekend!

The memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love, is about one woman's journey to link mind, body and spirit to find herself (which also happens to include some time on the yoga mat). She also wrote a thoughtful article, Let's Get Physical, for Yoga Journal about her first experience with yoga which touches on this journey into self-discovery and empowerment. About yoga, she writes, "There always comes that one holy moment, usually somewhere in the middle of the class, when I suddenly find that I have shed my pain and failings, that I have shed my heavy human mind, and that I have metamorphosed for just an instant into something else: an eagle, a cat, a crane, a dolphin, a child."

Who doesn't need a little empowerment now and again? Join Jamie this Saturday for a class that emphasizes self-care and developing a positive self-image. Jamie is teaching her monthly donation-based Body Empowerment yoga workshop. Donations are appreciated and are given to The Nutrition Clinic/ SolStone, a local eating disorder treatment center. Yummy yoga for a great cause! We hope to see you there!

Body Empowerment

w/ Jamie Silverstein

Saturday, July 31, 2010

2-3 PM

All levels welcome

Do you have little time to Om?

Wondering what that sound we make at the end of class is? For a quick recap, check out the MY Inquiry section in our January newsletter. Some have said it's the first sound emitted when the universe was created. Even if you're not familiar with its historical roots, chanting "Om" can have telltale physical effects on us. This short article, link below, further shows the power of the easy, foundational chant.

So if you can't make it to class (hey, it happens to the best of us!), perhaps a little "Om" can help you get that yoga buzz for the day!

The Sound of Om, Yoga Journal

Peaceful Intentions, Nelson Mandela International Day

Today marks the 92nd birthday of former South African president Nelson Mandela and the first official "Nelson Mandela International Day." Last year, the United Nations declared July 18th to be a day to honor the inspiring leader and his work to bring peace through promoting healthy race relations, human rights and reconciliation. Additionally, people are encouraged to dedicate at least 67 minutes to an act of kindness, in reflection of the 67 years Mandela spent fighting social injustice.

How awesomely yoga! One of the things our practice of yoga can teach us is to be kind and generous to ourselves as well as our neighbors. So we invite you to take your yoga off the mat and think about what kind act you might like to offer. Maybe you could call a friend in need of your support now, volunteer at an animal shelter, or reach out to a perfect stranger who needs help carrying groceries. These thoughtful acts, big or small, are valuable to making this a beautiful world to live in.

So what can you do today? And no need to stress out about the 67-minute bonus round. Hopefully this is something that is not limited by time, but rather a practice you can bring to your life every day. Let every day be a Mandela Day!

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."--Nelson Mandela

Yoga on the 4th of July

Thanks to all the freedom yogis and yoginis who joined Gina and us for the 4th of July donation class for the House of Hope Initiative. It was a juicy class that ended with some yummy therapeutic partner yoga. Plus your efforts contributed over $200 to fund a Ugandan orphanage, which brings our fundraising to over $800! We are grateful for your generosity and support!

If you weren't able to make the class and might be interested in contributing to the House of Hope Initiative, please feel free to visit their website at World Action for Humanity or their Facebook page for upcoming events.

Triathlon Training with Yoga

Our latest newsletter features a section on how athletes can cross train with yoga. This spring and summer, MY instructor, Sarah Newman, has been preparing for the Cayuga Lake Triathlon in August (Rock on!), and she uses yoga to support her rigorous training for the race that consists of a 1500-meter swim, 24.3-mile bike ride, and 10K run. When she’s not running, in the pool or on the bike, she enjoys using a yoga strap in reclined hamstring and IT band stretches like Reclining Big Toe Pose, aka Supta Padangusthasana. To make the pose even more restorative and healing, you can use a block (or a pile of books) to prop your foot on, as Sarah demonstrates here.

She also recommends variations in the restorative pose Legs Up the Wall, Viparita Karani, for athletes who primarily rely on their legs, like runners, bikers and hikers. Happy and safe training!

Honoring all the cool dads today

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.--Bill Cosby

Happy Father's Day to all the Mighty Dads out there!

Okay, let's get real for a second. How many of you might have been contemplating surprising an awesome dad with a yoga class pass today, only to hesitate because of a looming uncertainty: Will he think yoga is a "chick thing?" When nary a male head is seen in many yoga classes, whether in Ithaca or elsewhere, you might think men avoid yoga mats. Heck, one of our cheeky mottos is "Not your Mom's yoga" (No offense to the Mighty Moms as they are kick-butt yoginis!). We can't blame you for making that assumption. But we'd like to put your fear at ease, so listen up. [Drumroll] Yoga is definitely NOT a chick thing! It's a practice for everyone, from the mellow, non-competitive types to the more macho, type-A folks.

And we're not the only ones who know this. Check out these two articles on men doing yoga in spite of being outnumbered by flexy women. Plus, the last piece is by the author of the 2003 book, Real Men Do Yoga, which features some well known male athletes who have been "OMing" for years. After reading these, you might reconsider the gift of yoga for Pop. We hope you do!

Where Are All the Men?, Yoga Journal

Reaching Your Peak: Real Men Do Yoga, Newsweek

Got 4th of July Plans? How about some Downward Dogs with those hot dogs?

Join Gina and us this 4th of July for a benefit yoga class to help support a Ugandan orphanage, the House of Hope. Gina will teach a specialty class pairing vigorous vinyasa flow with supportive partner yoga. Be ready to experience the freedom and fun of partner inversions, and discover that through interdependence, our independent practice can grow by leaps and bounds!

The down low on the cause: Gina has been working with local Zoe Wakoff to raise funds for the House of Hope Initiative. When Zoe spent one spring teaching at the House of Hope orphanage in the Kyazanga village in Uganda, she witnessed the extraordinary struggle to provide room and food—one meal per day—for its children in a region mostly characterized by extreme poverty. The House of Hope orphanage was founded nearly five years ago in response to the rising number of children orphaned after losing their parents to AIDS, a country-wide phenomenon that has affected some 1.2 million children.*

In spite of these enormous challenges, the orphanage has cared for 100 children and acts as an elementary school for more than 200 Ugandans. However, the lack of sustained financial support compounded by a recent raid on the orphanage, including the destruction of classrooms and a nearly finished dormitory, threaten to undermine the House of Hope’s mission. Since her return, Zoe partnered with humanitarian organization, World Action for Humanity, to raise $15,000 for the orphanage to start a farm in the hopes that it will offer a sustained way of living for the children and the surrounding community.

“The money that would be saved each year in food costs is monumental,” she writes in her donation request. The orphanage could afford more medical care for the children, some of whom are HIV positive, with the money saved. Zoe estimates, with a farm, it would cost under $20 to feed one child for an entire year, an incredible savings.

We’d like to send a big THANK YOU to the mighty yogis who contributed over $600 in the first two benefit classes Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. We look forward to seeing you this 4th of July!

House of Hope Benefit Class
Sunday, July 4, 2010
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
w/ Gina Newlin
All Levels Welcome
Suggested Donation, $20

*According to 2007 figures by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organization

Dancing Warriors at the Ithaca Festival

In their third Ithaca Festival appearance, The Pranadhanas drew quite a crowd Saturday night! And we were happy to see some mighty yogis among the many happy faces checking out some inspirational yogadance and soulful music!

Going to the Ithaca Festival? Check out the yoga!

Tonight marks the kickoff of the Ithaca Festival 2010. We're sure you're looking forward to enjoying the music, performances, food and great company all weekend long. We are, too! And because we can't help but be drawn to anything yoga, we're especially looking forward to checking out Ithaca's Vinyasa Yogadance group, The Pranadhanas, on Saturday evening.

If you haven't seen these yogis before, this is definitely a performance to check out. The Pranadhanas incorporate yoga, rhythmic movements, choreography and dance to some rockin' music. Their creative flows are a great reminder that there is an artistic side to yoga as well. So if you're free, stroll on down to the Ampitheater in the Commons around 7:30 pm. We'll see you there!

Plus, feel free to check out the other great acts at the Ithaca Festival, www.ithacafestival.org.

Another plug for yoga outside

This Memorial Day holiday was a lovely prelude to summer with sunny, clear skies. Whether you're celebrating these warm, longer days with an outdoor picnic, a bike ride along rows of vineyards or a hike through beautiful parks and waterfalls, perhaps you might be inspired to take your yoga practice outside as well. Yoga Journal asked instructors to share some of their experiences practicing yoga outdoors in Call of the Wild and notes when we move from the climate-controlled studio to an outdoor classroom, the experience can be "exhilarating," in spite of uneven surfaces or the occasional insect yogi. They also offer some popular poses that we can adapt to the natural props around us. Consider these the next time you head outdoors, and you won't always need your mat!

Call of the Wild, Yoga Journal

A mighty thanks for helping the community's uninsured!

In all of the fun college graduation festivities, we didn't want to forget to thank the rockin' yogis who came out earlier this month to practice in support of the Ithaca Health Alliance's efforts to build a new clinic facility and continue their great work for the community. Mighty Yoga hosted a donation yoga class Saturday, May 8th, and we not only welcomed some new faces, but raised more than $100 in donations for IHA! That's mighty helpful! Thank you!

Summer Specials, Memorial Day Yoga & Schedule Change

Planning to spend the summer playing at Mighty? Take advantage of our special: Purchase 2 months of unlimited classes for $220 ($190 for students) before June 15th.

For those math-minded yogis, check out the savings if you attend:
3 classes/week = $9.17/class ($7.92 for students)
5 classes/week = $5.50/class ($4.75 for students)
7 classes/week = $3.93/class ($3.39 for students)

Memorial Day Yoga
Yes, you can still squeeze in a bit of yoga between those Memorial Day barbecues and picnics! The studio will be open for our regularly scheduled classes.

Summer Schedule Change
After May 31st, our Tuesday 7:30 PM Basics and Wednesday 4:30 PM All Levels classes will be cancelled for the summer. The Thursday 6:45 AM All Levels will continue as long as we have willing morning yogis, so remember to register online!

Taking yoga to the kitchen, grocery stores, restaurants. . .

Need another reason why yoga is good for you? Feel free to check out another plug for mindful nourishment here, where a Yahoo! Health expert notes recent studies that connect yoga with weight loss. And it's not just about a butt-kicking asana practice. As we've touched on in past posts and newsletters, yoga has a way of influencing the decisions we make about food, too. Yum, yum yoga!

Yoga and Weight Loss, Yahoo! Health

A second Golden Rule?

In this month's newsletter we discussed the Sanskrit term, ahimsa, which means nonviolence/nonharming. In this fast-paced world, full of distractions, sometimes we may forget to apply this peaceful, compassionate attitude toward ourselves. The Golden Rule advocates treating others as you would like to be treated. Well, if that means we treat others with kindness, generosity and fairness, then what if we expanded on that rule: Treat yourself as you would treat others? Hmm, perhaps that inner monologue might not sound so harsh.

So feel free to take a moment and be kind to yourself, whether it means giving yourself kudos for doing a good job or giving yourself a break when things might not turn out as well as you'd hoped. And, if you like, check out this thoughtful article on how to apply ahimsa in your life.

Beginning the Journey, Yoga Journal

Practice yoga anywhere, even in a bank vault.

Yoga is so fun, even Family Guy’s Stewie does it. Feel free to check out the clip from a recent episode below. Even being trapped in a bank vault with Brian doesn't stop Stewie from doing a little, er, stretching. Happy practicing this week!

Late to the yoga party?

Brian and Stewie (air date: May 2, 2010)

Courtesy of Hulu.com

Find a tree, embody a tree!

Now that spring is giving us a sneak peak at some gorgeous days, we can enjoy some time outdoors. And it's wonderful to see people pair their fresh air time with exercise. Remember, the same can go for your yoga practice, too. Consider taking your mat outside one of these nice days, perhaps to a quiet spot at the park, your backyard or near a park bench (as Zainab was so inspired here), and enjoy Tree Pose among the the ones that do it best!

Plus, check out the article below, which talks about the mood effects of exercising with nothing between you and the sky. In short, it's awesome!

How to improve mood? Study touts green exercise, USA Today

Help Ithaca's uninsured with yoga this Saturday!

Mighty Yoga is hosting a benefit class this Saturday to raise money for a new facility for the Ithaca Health Alliance’s Free Clinic. Bring friends and join us for a fun class for a great cause!

Since 1997, the Ithaca Health Alliance has aimed to facilitate access to health care for all with a focus on the needs of the uninsured. The IHA’s Free Clinic in downtown Ithaca offers 100% free conventional and holistic healthcare services for anyone without health insurance or under-insured. However, the IHA is housed in a space too small to accommodate the many uninsured members of our community. Join us on the mat to help!

Ithaca Health Alliance Benefit Class
Saturday, May 8, 2010
2– 3:15 PM
All Levels Welcome
Suggested Donation: $15

Know a Mighty Mom?

Enter her in Downtown Ithaca's Mother's Day Giveaway. Just submit her name at the studio for a chance to win great prizes from participating businesses, including an introductory pass to Mighty Yoga. What have you got to lose? And you get to show Mom how much you care. We love you, Moms of the World!

Submission for the giveaway, run by Downtown Ithaca Alliance, lasts from April 26 to May 9th.

MY Inquiry: Why practice?

Ah, April showers! On rainy days like these, consider rolling out the yoga mat to enjoy some warming asanas with the sound of the falling rain as your music. These moments may invite an opportunity for contemplation as well. Perhaps we might wonder, "What brings us to our mat today?" The author of this article alludes to some of these meditations. Check it out!

Why Do We Practice?, Yoga Journal

BE Yoga this Saturday!

Jamie is teaching this month's Body Empowerment workshop Saturday. The yoga features a slow, delicious flow open to all levels, and it's free! Any donations go to The Nutrition Clinic / SolStone, an eating disorder treatment center in Ithaca.

Saturday, April 24
2 - 3 PM

Sign up online from our website, or just show up!

A mighty cheer for Earth Day 2010!

Today is Earth Day, and people across the world are joining together to spread awareness and support for our environment. We can make every day seem like Earth Day, by maintaining conscious acts like recycling, composting and purchasing eco-friendly products, for example. One act--from riding a bike instead of driving to buying a reusable water bottle--can have an amazing ripple effect that affects meaningful change.

As yogis, we are in the unique position to use what we learn on our mats to influence mindful acts in support of Mother Earth (and some cute turtles), too. Do you have any green yogi moments or tips you'd like to share? Please feel free to comment!

And if you're looking for a few more tips to save our planet, check out the link below for ways to go greener. One step, one breath at a time can transform!

Go Green, Yoga Journal

Community Wellness Day Ithaca Recap

Mighty Yoga joined more than 50 local health and wellness organizations for Community Wellness Day last Saturday (that's a pic of our booth!). In just three hours, more than 400 people stopped by Boynton Middle School and walked away with some valuable information about maintaining our wellbeing and that of our families through healthy practices. Visitors enjoyed tasty nourishment by local restaurants and vendors, and, of course, we couldn't resist adding some mighty flavor to the day with Power Yoga demos. What a great afternoon! Thanks to all who attended!