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Summer Teacher Training Discount for Sonic Members!

header-200hrIf you have been practicing steadily with us for more than a year, you are eligible to join our summer teacher training for the early early bird rate! Wahoooooo! We begin Friday June 28th (to skip July 4th) and run for 4 weeks, Monday thru Friday 8-5:30 pm. You’ve been putting this off. Think you are not ready? This is the year for you to step decisively into the current of your own true path and learn to spread the light along the way! Whether you want to teach or not, this training will empower you in ways you’ve never imagined!

To read more about the teacher training program click here.

To chat with a Johanna, please e-mail jo@sonicyoga.com!

 

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Sonic News June 2013: SUMMER LOVING EDITION!

200-hour program

HAPPY SUMMER from the SONIC YOGA FAMILY!

Greetings Dearest Yogis,

SUMMER IS UPON US and we are moving swiftly towards the peak light of Summer Solstice. As I prepare for the wild and free season of summer filled with amazing treats for all of the senses, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the essential power of my Yoga practice.

SunsflowersAs we sat in class today and chanted to Kali and Shiva the potent forces that move us forward on our Yogic paths, clearing space, destroying the ego and releasing attachments,  I was able to reflect on how necessary these practices are to our ultimate freedom and happiness.  The practice of Yoga creates the sturdy foundation, from which we can expand into a space of conscious enjoyment of all of life’s vast pleasures.

Without our Yoga, we get stuck in our habits, in places in our bodies, in thoughts in our head and emotions in our heart.  This creates stagnation, depression, anxiety, and unhealthiness.

If we can open our minds and hearts to embrace the discipline and it’s beauty and commit to this practice, we are able to move forward into life from a state of balance, stability and clarity.  When our minds are clear, our bodies are strong and our hearts are radiant, the summer sky is the limit!

So, I had an Aha moment. This is the way to start your summer celebration!

Not by abandoning your Yoga, and heading to the streets & beaches to eat, drink and be merry, but by deepening your commitment and creating a powerful platform to launch you into your highest truth, your greatest joy, your best most ecstatic selves. 

8 limbs of yogaPractice your Yoga, your Yama & Niyama, (Yogic Principles), Asana (Postures), Pranayama (Breathing Techniques),Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (bliss).

Take the strength you have cultivated in your body, the clarity of your mind and the radiance in your heart and allow it to lift you to the highest heights.   I wish you all a radiant summer and look forward to seeing you soar!

As a kick off to summer, please join us for a very special Kirtan Satsang weekend

Satsang Manorama

Manorama @ Sonic Fri 6/7

celebration with special guests Manorama and Dana Slamp.  Together we will study the powerful Sanskrit mantras, learn the stories of the Gods and Goddesses,  chant, move and meditate in celebration of the great forces of Shiva and Shakti that guide us to the ultimate state of transcendence, freedom and bliss.  Hope to see you there!

Here is a little chanting primer to guide you on your path:

To Clear Obstacles : Jai Ganesha or Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

To Clear Darkness/Shadow: Om Klim Kali Ma Namaha

To Deepen Your Commitment:  Om Dum Durga

To Cultivate Abundance: Om Shrim Maha Lakshmeyei Namaha

To Open to Your Highest Intuition: Om Aim Saraswatayei Namaha

To Move Through Dissolution/Transformation: Om Nama Shivaya

To Be Nurtured and Healed: Om Namo Narayanaya

To Find Your Power: Ram Ram Hari Ram Hari Hari Hari Ram

Also, always remember to greet each new day with warm heart and sunshine smile!

Namaste,

Lauren Hanna

Director, Sonic Yoga NYC 

Lauren Hanna

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN JUNE at SONIC

GET YOUR YOGA ON! June MALA Special at SONIC

We are happy to announce that our JUNE MALA SPECIAL is back. For new monthly members, we’re offering the opportunity to heat up your summer yoga routines! Starting on June 1st, get 108 days of yoga for just $165.

JUNE WORKSHOPS to HEAT UP YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

EXCITING NEW TEACHERS and CLASSES

This month, we say goodbye to Sonic teacher Amanda Zapanta as she heads off to travel the world. Thank you for your dedication to the Sonic community and all of our love on the next steps of your path, Amanda!
We are pleased to announce some changes to the Sonic schedule to fire up your summer yoga rountine.
Sammi Friedman will be teaching on Thursdays at 4pm until August 1st
Amanbir Singh will be adding a Kundalini class on Saturdays at 11:30, replacing Jeffrey Duval’s class during that time
Jeffrey Duval will add at Flow 2/3 class on Saturdays at 4:30
Dana Slamp will take over Yin Yasa class on Saturdays at 2pm

Meet New Sonic Teacher Dana Slamp
Satsang dana-slamp-yoga-arm-balance

In addition to her yoga teacher and practice, Dana is also a singer and actress and recorded the gorgeous “Lokah Samastah.” She is using the song to collect proceeds to benefit Doctors Without Borders.You can also find the song and more about Dana at her website HERE.
 Welcome to the studio, Dana!

Sonic Yoga Wants You To Strike A Summer Pose!

IMG_3564

Tell us why you love Sonic Yoga and Instagram, message or tag us with a photo of yourself striking your absolute favorite pose.

Instagram, click HERE Facebook, click HERE

One winner will be selected and will receive a

$50 Retail Gift Certificate!

For further details, check out our blog HERE

Lauren Hanna’s Favorite Summer Tunes and Mantras

Here are my favorite summer tunes:

 
Everybody Loves the Sunshine“ recorded by Roy Ayers from The Best of Roy Ayers

 

“Sun Is Shining” recorded by Bob Marley from Dreadlock Rasta

 

“Summer” recorded by War from Best of War

 

“Summer Breeze” recorded by Seals and Crofts from Rhino Hi-Five: Seals & Crofts

 

“Sunshine of Your Love” recorded by Cream from The Very Best of Cream

 

“Good Vibrations” recorded by The Beach Boys from The Very Best of The Beach Boys

 

“Hot Fun in the Summertime” recorded by Sly & The Family Stone from Sly & The Family Stone: Anthology

 

“Summer” recorded by Moby from Play & Play: B Sides

 

“Summertime” recorded by Janis Joplin from Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits

 

“In the Summertime” recorded by Mungo Jerry from The Very Best of Mungo Jerry

 

“Summertime” recorded by Citizen Cope from One Lovely Day

 

“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” recorded by Stevie Wonder from Stevie Wonder: The Definitive Collection

 

“Sunshine” recorded by G. Love from The Hustle (Bonus Tracks)

 

“She’s Only Happy in the Sun” recorded by Ben Harper from Diamonds On the Inside

 

Pose of the Month: Jo Chooses Parsva Bakasana

“I specifically chose the arm balance pose Parsva Bakasana as we move towards the highest vibration of light at the culmination of June. I chose it for the way it stokes our internal fire (the agni of twisting) and also for the way it challenges us to find balance and strength when we feel asymmetrical/unbalanced/twisted.  Perhaps the most powerful moments of illumination are these moments of presumed darkness when the old order ceases to work anymore and we must morph and revolve/evolve to find the new balance of power. It’s important for us to remember,as we pass through the kiln of transformation, to keep our sense of humor intact so the fire is bright and sails us into the lightness of the internal sun…the unstoppable radiance of the heart!

 

Prep: All twists especially parivrtta utkatasana and parivrtta parsvakonasana and core work that encourages twisting, pelvic floor (mulabandha) and uddiyana bandha

 

Try this pose at a basic krama allowing the hip to rest on one elbow and the thigh above the knee on the other creating a shelf to rest on… or challenge your core stability by floating the hip.

Evolutions: Dwi Pada Koundinyansa (extending both legs out to the side), Eka Pada Koundinyasana 1 (extending the bottom leg out to the side and the top to the back), Eka Pada Parsva Bakasana variation with the bottom leg in lotus and the top leg extended  to the side or move from Eka Pada Koundinyasana 1 to 2.  PLAY!”

Namaste – Jo Aldrich, Co-Director, Senior Teacher

Yoga Online: Parsva Bakasana

Chiaradina Parsva Bakasana Flow

 

 

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6/7-6/9 KIRTAN SATSANG CELEBRATION with LAUREN HANNA, MANORAMA MA & DANA SLAMP

Kirtan

KIRTAN SATSANG CELEBRATION 

with Lauren Hanna

& Special Guests:

Manorama Ma and Dana Slamp

Friday 6/7          5:30-9:30pm

Saturday 6/8     9am-6pm

Sunday 6/9        9am-4pm

Join us for a mystical study of the ancient language of Sanskrit, the stories of the Hindu Gods & Goddesses and an exploration of Mantra and Harmonium. This teacher-training Satsang Manoramamodule is designed to awaken the mind and the heart of the individual in his/her quest for Sanskrit, and the deep wisdom of the subtle practices of Yoga. LLauren Beach

In this weekend of study and celebration, we will explore the language of Yoga through chanting, study and satsang. Together we will enjoy practices and stories of the Hindu Gods & Goddesses and realize the potential of Satsang dana-slamp-yoga-arm-balanceworking with the sacred feminine and masculine deities. We will vibrate with the Maha Mantras and their meanings and learn to play the healing instrument of the harmonium. Open to teachers and curious students. Inspired by the teachings of Sally Kempton.

$350  or $315 for TT Graduates ~ Register via Mindbody Here

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RADIANCE TRANCE NYC with Elyce Neuhauser Friday: 6/14

Neuhauser

RADIANCE TRANCE NYC with Elyce Neuhauser
Friday: 6/14  @  8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Sonic Yoga welcomes ELYCE NEUHAUSER known for her Radiance Sutras Trance Dance series inspired by SHIVA REA.

We promise to shake up your shakti with free flow yoga and spontaneous meditative movement inspired by conscious, world beat and sensuous, radiant groove!

 

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AWAKENING TO SHAKTI 6/8 & DANCING WITH SHIVA 6/9 with Lauren hanna

Goddess LightAWAKENING TO SHAKTI

LAUREN HANNA w/Thomas Wave Live Sitar
Sat  6/8/2013  @   9am – 11am

Join Lauren for a practice designed to connect us to the subtle current of inner awakening leading to outer expansion and freedom. Guided by the wisdom of this inner intuitive place, we will awaken the presence of the Goddess. Together we will journey to a deep internal place through the practice of pranayama, mantra, mudra and meditation. Moving into a serene trance like state, we will open to a radiant inner expansion of creative movement and surrender to a peak experience of deep heart class-shaktiopening. Inspired by the teachings of Sally Kempton.  w/Thomas Wave Live Sitar.
$30 Drop In $25 TT or Grad

Sringara RasaDANCING WITH SHIVA

LAUREN HANNA w/Live Drums by Mamadou

Sun  6/9/2013  @ 9am – 11 am

Join Lauren for a practice designed to connect us to the powerful current of dissolution leading to radiant renewal and freedom. Ignited by the magnificent healing force of Shiva we will release the shadow self and open to the inner temple, awakening the treasures within. Together we will travel to a deep internal place through the practice of pranayama, mantra, mudra and meditation. Moving into an ecstatic trance like state we will open to the a brilliant outer expansion of creative movement and feel the alchemical shift into a peak state of twisting and transformation. Inspired by the teachings of Sally Kempton.
w/Live Drums by Mamadou  $25.

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Sonic Strike A Pose Contest

Strike A Pose

 

SONIC YOGA WANTS YOU TO STRIKE A POSE!

Tell us why you love Sonic Yoga and instagram, message or tag us with a photo of you demonstrating your absolute fave Yoga Pose via:
Instagram:  instagram.com/sonicyoga#
Facebook:   facebook.com/sonicyoga

One winner will be selected and will receive a $50 Retail Gift Certificate!

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Skandasana Photo Jam Gallery

We asked you for some Royal Warrior-ness and boy did we get it!  Gorgeously embodied,  fierce yet playful and peaceful enough to make Skanda, the Hindu God of War, shed a proud tear.

Much love and gratitude to all of our Photo Jam Participants! Thank you so much for sharing.  We will be emailing you all passes for complimentary classes and healthy treats for yourself and a guest.

Now without further ado, please enjoy our Sonic Warriors Come Out & Play Skandasana Gallery:

Skandasana Red Skirt

GRACEFUL & VIRTUOUS WARRIOR PRINCESS ~ Lauren Kelston

 

ANAHATA WARRIOR OF LOVE & DEVOTION ~ Ava Alberti

Doug Skandasana

BENEVOLENT PRINCE OF PEACE WARRIOR ~ Doug Reisinger

 

Skandasana

WARRIOR OF ABUNDANT GRATITUDE ~ Frank Von

 

 

 

THE LAST AIRBENDER WARRIOR ~ Lourdes Perez

THE LAST AIRBENDER WARRIOR ~ Lourdes Perez

 

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Pose Of The Month: Parsva Bakasana

I specifically chose the arm balance pose Parsva Bakasana as we move towards the highest vibration of light at the culmination of June. I chose it for the way it stokes our internal fire (the agni of twisting) and also for the way it challenges us to find balance and strength when we feel asymmetrical/unbalanced/twisted.  Perhaps the most powerful moments of illumination are these moments of presumed darkness when the old order ceases to work anymore and we must morph and revolve/evolve to find the new balance of power. It’s important for us to remember,as we pass through the kiln of transformation, to keep our sense of humor intact so the fire is bright and sails us into the lightness of the internal sun…the unstoppable radiance of the heart!

Johanna Aldrich demonstrating Parsva Bakasana or Side Crow

Johanna Aldrich demonstrating Parsva Bakasana or Side Crow

Prep: All twists especially parivrtta utkatasana and parivrtta parsvakonasana and core work that encourages twisting, pelvic floor (mulabandha) and uddiyana bandha

Try this pose at a basic krama allowing the hip to rest on one elbow and the thigh above the knee on the other creating a shelf to rest on… or challenge your core stability by floating the hip.

Evolutions: Dwi Pada Koundinyansa (extending both legs out to the side), Eka Pada Koundinyasana 1 (extending the bottom leg out to the side and the top to the back), Eka Pada Parsva Bakasana variation with the bottom leg in lotus and the top leg extended  to the side or move from Eka Pada Koundinyasana 1 to 2.  PLAY!

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MERCEDES BERMEJO of Inspiral Yoga is back this Friday 5/25 at Sonic for a special KIRTAN TRANCE!

Reserve via Mindbody here

Kirtan Trance

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MARIA GARRE talks about Staying Cool & Balanced with AYURVEDA for the coming Summer Season

According to Ayurvedic seasonal cycles, summer is considered to be Pitta season, where the energetic principles of fire and water are strongest. It is during summer that Pitta dosha, inherently driven by solar force, is most predominant, as it is comprised of the fire and water elements.

Pitta dosha is the expression of radiant energy, both within our bodies and in the universe.  As we move in and out of the Summer Solstice it is a time where the Earth is receiving the most sun, heat and radiant energy thus bringing the qualities that are sharp, hot, bright, and penetrating.  We mostly feel the drying effects of this time of year via the hot sun and for some areas dry winds as well.  Ayurveda considers this a time of dehydration that occurs both inside and outside the body. Following the principle of like increases like we follow a summer guide based on Pitta pacification measure to balance what is predominant in our environment.

During the summer there is enhancement of katu (pungent) taste, the roughness and weakness in the body is severe” Charka Samhita Sutrashtana VI:6

The key qualities or gunas of Pitta are hot, sharp, light, liquid, spreading, slightly oily and fleshy smelling.  When these attributes build up within the body due to wrong diet and lifestyle, Pitta accumulates and begins to manifest various imbalances.  This imbalances can more easily arise in the summer whether you are of Pitta prakriti or not.  However, for those with Pitta in their constitution this season is an especially sensitive time of the year for you because during the summer season, due to the hot quality, Pitta people become more susceptible to heat related ailments.

JOIN MARIA AT SONIC MAY 31ST-JUNE 2ND WITH HER AYURVEDA & AYURYOGA WORKSHOPS

Signs of Inceased Pitta in the Body Include:

~ Excessive Body Heat

~Heartburn

~ Hyperacidity

~ Peptic Ulcers

~ Acne

~ Irritation, impatience, anger, frustration,

~ Skin Rashes

~ Diarrhea

~Early graying of the hair of falling hair

The Pitta person is prone to a low tolerance for heat, sunshine, or hard physical work.  When out of balance emotionally, the sharp quality of Pitta arouses aggression, irritability, anger, hatred, judgment, criticism, and jealousy.  Special care must be taken in order for them to remain cool, calm and peaceful.  In general, to balance Pitta, we learn to apply its opposite qualities to any given imbalance.  For example, if a person has eaten chili peppers, making their mind sharp and agitated we counterbalance with cooling foods, remedies and practices.

During the summer, the sun evaporates the moisture of the earth by its rays.  In that season, the intake of sweet, cold, liquid, unctuous diets and drinks are prescribed.

One should further avoid taking diets that are salty, sour, pungent, or hot.  Physical exercise is a lot to be given up during this season.”

Charka Samhita Sutrashtana VI: 27-32.

Diet

Due to the strong properties of the sun and the body’s need to stay cool and release internal heat Ayurveda correlates this in terms of internal Agni in the body.  Meaning that Agni is pulled to the extremities to keep the body cool and therefore digestive Agni is compromised weakening our digestive capacity.  That is why in the summer we are often less hungry and want to eat less. So it is good to eat lighter and smaller meals during this time of year.

Increase sweet, bitter, and astringent tasting foods that are light in nature.  Eat plenty of bitter salad greens such as lettuce, arugula, radicchio, basil, and endive are particularly Pitta balancing. Include cool drinks and raw foods in the diet, including cucumber, mango and coconut water. Natural fruit juices without added sugar, mint teas, and raw berries are good choices.

Reduce sour, salty, and pungent tastes

Favor:  coconut water, watermelon, cilantro, leafy greens, okra, zucchini, asparagus, olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, ghee, cucumber, soaked/peeled almonds, kale, broccoli, pomegranate, apples, cranberry, mint.  Dill, fennel,  cardamom, coriander, saffron.

Avoid: tomatoes, eggplant, chili peppers, garlic, dry ginger, black pepper, fermented foods, spicy foods, sour fruits, heavy protein, mustard oil, molasses, coffee.

As for alcohol beer is better then wine and hard alcohol and drink plenty of water to off –set the drying and heating nature of alcohol.  Also best to avoid daytime drinking and wait until the sun goes down.

Exercise Lightly

To prevent excess Pitta from accumulating in the physiology, we should enjoy light exercise during the summer. We must not overdo any form of vigorous aerobic exercise, since that would overheat us and aggravate Pitta. Therefore avoid long-distance running, spinning, and other forms of exercise that heat the body.

Recommended exercises include those that are more cooling:  Lunar Yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming, bicycling, restorative Yoga, etc.  Avoid exercising during the hottest time of the day between 11 am and 3 pm and favor early morning or sunset exercise.

Favor yoga asanas that remove excess heat from the body instead of building heat.  Forward bends, twists and mild backbends are the best peak asanas for this time of year.  Use caution with inversions, arm balances and standing asanas that build too much heat as it is important to counter-pose any heat building during this time of year.

Pitta Aromas, Herbs, and Daily Routine

In Ayurveda, aromas of essential oils and resins derived from plants are used to pacify aggravated doshas (bioenergies).

The following essential oils are recommended for Pitta season: sandalwood, rose, lavender, jasmine, lotus, gardenia, khus, and vertivert.  Having a rose water mister is a wonderful refresher for the face and body

It is often wise to supplement our diets with one or more gentle and cooling herbs during Pitta season to maintain proper digestion, elimination, and to prevent excessive accumulation of hot, light, and mobile energies. In addition, Pitta season can create conditions for inflammation and over-activity of certain metabolic processes and secretions.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Since the stomach, liver and skin are the principle seats of Pitta dosha, simple cleansing techniques aimed at these regions are commonly employed in the summer months.

~ Upon awakening, do some yoga asanas, including Chandra Namaskar.  The emphasis throughout your practice can be on surrendering, forgiving, softening and being gentle with yourself – a cooling, grounding sadhana.

~ Spend time outside before 10 am and after 5 pm.  Avoid being outdoors during the hottest times of the day.

~ Practice cooling pranayama after your asanas.  Either Shitali pranayama or left-nostril breathing will cool and calm the hot quality of pitta dosha.  Be sure to release any remaining internal heat from within the body before meditation.

~ Give yourself a slow and loving full body massage before taking a shower.  Use Pitta massage oil, Coconut oil or Sunflower Oil.

~ Essential oils of rose, sandalwood, jasmine or lavender are cooling

~ Drink a tea of cumin, coriander, fennel and rose to pacify the hot quality, improve digestion and calm the mind. Mint tea.

~ Wear clothing of light texture and color.  Excellent choices would be cotton, linen and silk of white, blue and green.  Red and yellow shades tend to increase the fire that is already present.

Maria Garre is dedicated to a life-long study, practice and teaching of both Yoga and Ayurveda.  Celebrating over 20 years of study in Medical and Biological Sciences, Philosophy, Ayurveda and Yoga, Maria’s teachings offer a grounded yet transformative approach to living, being, and embodying Yoga. Blending the knowledge she has gathered from her studies with her yearly trips to India, she leads dynamic, liberating classes and trainings that embody the alchemy of all these disciplines and teachings.  She is currently on faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute teaching under Dr. Vasant Lad. She continues to work alongside Shiva Rea’s Samudra School for Living Yoga where she serves as the Director of the Living Ayurveda Consultation Program in addition to serving as the Yoga Director for numerous Prana Flow Teacher Training programs in the USA, Canada and Japan.

JOIN MARIA AT SONIC MAY 31ST-JUNE 2ND WITH HER AYURVEDA & AYURYOGA WORKSHOPS

 

 

 

 

 

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