Reserve via Mindbody here


Reserve via Mindbody here

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
~ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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THE PATH OF THE LUMINOUS SHABDA:Introduction to Sanskrit with Manorama Ma Fri: 6/7/2013 From: 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm * Gain direct access to the Sanskrit Alphabet – Language of light * Develop insight into the unique relationship that exists between breath and sound, between energy and consciousness. * Develop proper tongue placement which provides effective access to Sanskrit Pronunciation. * Practice Meditation & Sound Yoga to restore the mind to a natural state of tranquility and joy. * Understand why Sanskrit sounds are energetically healing. * Pronounce select Mantras and Asana poses * Experience the harmonious circularity of sound * Immerse in the Path of Luminous Shabda (sound as light). Enjoy Manorama’s playful & dynamic style of sharing Sanskrit, as Luminous Shabda. During this workshop of personal and spiritual exploration combined with Sanskrit study Manorama will guide the student on the Path of Luminous Shabda, sacred sound as light. Join Manorama for this unique course designed to awaken the mind and heart of the individual in his/her quest for Sanskrit & Yogic knowledge. Tap into the luminous blueprint of energy that exists within you, through awareness of sound. This course offers a new lens through which to view the vast and enlightening subject – Sanskrit, language of Yoga Appropriate for: Beginners Yoga Teachers $125 ($115 if you register prior to 5/31) Course Materials are an additional $26, please pay CASH in-studio.
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Sat: 6/8/2013 From: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Unravel the mystery of Sanskrit. Together we will explore a fun and interactive, Intro to Sanskrit Power Point presentation created by Maria Garre. We will learn the roots of Sanskrit and unlock the door to an understanding of basic Sanskrit words. The workshop will include a review of the roots of many of the asana poses, which will facilitate greater memorization and integration for teaching. Open to teachers and curious students. $30 or $27 for Sonic TT Grads
REGISTER VIA MINDBODY HERE
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Ayurvedic Nutrition: Agni, Digestive Fire with Maria Garre
Fri: 5/31/2013 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
In Ayurveda the concept of Agni, our digestive fire is central and most important for healthy, vital and vibrant living. Agni is responsible for internally cooking and processing of food into nutrient that the body can use to nourish, protect and generate tissues and compounds to maintain health and energy. How we metabolize, assimilate and absorb what we eat and transform food into energy for the body is based upon the strength of Agni. This workshop will cover the various roles of Agni in the body, how to asses the state of your Agni and ways to balance your digestive fire. $40 or $35 for TT or Grad
Ayurvedic Nutrition: Energetics of Food with Maria Garre
Sat 6/1/2013 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
According to Ayurveda all food can be analyzed according to rasa (taste), virya (potency) and vipaka (post-digestive effect). Instead of using the food pyramid, which categorizes foods, Ayurveda analyzes food based upon its energetic effects using the five element model. Learn to understand how food affects not only our physical anatomy, but also our mind and pranic body. Recognize the reasons why certain foods nourish and don’t nourish you based upon your needs and imbalances. $65 or $60 for TT or Grad.
Ayurvedic Nutrition: Digestion and Health with Maria Garre
Sat Date: 6/1/2013 From: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Discover how Ayurveda views our digestive process via the three Doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Ayurveda’s concept of digestion will clarify why digestive issues arise and how certain food combinations don’t work. Understand how health, beauty and vitality are all dependent on proper digestion, absorption and assimilation. Digestive Process Eating a balanced diet and food combining $65 or $60 TT or Grad
Sun: 6/2/2013 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am
AyurYoga, created by Vasant Lad of the Ayurvedic Institute is a unique class blending classical Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Mudra and Meditation practices to harmonize the mind, body and soul following basic Ayurvedic principles. $40 or $35 for TT or Grad
The Yoga of Food: Ayurvedic Nutrition Based on the Doshas with Maria Garre
Sun Date: 6/2/2013 From: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Ayurveda offers us a complete simple and practical way to determine which foods are best not just for each constitution but also for each season. What is nectar in the Spring maybe our poison in the Fall. Based upon our constitution, Prakriti, and what is not in balance, Vikruti, you learn to make wise dietary choices to support and balance where you are and maintain balanced health. Understand and lock the mystery of menu planning, spices and foods that heal, nourish and fortify. $65 or $60 TT or Grad
REGISTER VIA MINDBODY HERE
AHAM PREMA with Lauren Hanna
Wed 5/15/2013 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
with Lauren Hanna
& Thomas Wave on live sitar of Divine Love & the Radiant Heart
Created by Shiva Rea, Radiant Heart is a powerfully
transformational ritual practice of mudra, mantra,
pranayama, kriya and backbending postures.
Together we will dive into the healing power of the
heart field, release stress patterns and enter into
a state of flow with the rhythms of the heart. This
process allows for an incredibly deep heart opening
experience that will deliver you into a state of
bliss and divine love.
Regular class drop In $19, class card or membership
REGISTER VIA MINDBODY HERE
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” Hope is the dream of a soul awake” ~ French proverb |
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Namaste Friends,
Hope is a word that comes to mind when you see the blossoming of the world in May, especially this year after the grey threads of winter held fast so long. I am personally celebrating the pure potentiality opening in rich color and brilliant light. I’m sure you are too.
Hope is something we need right now …
And yet, sometimes the word hope can invoke (in it’s lesser form), a sort of somnolent wishful thinking. I propose that we all think of it in it’s audacious form as a heartfelt, sunny openness to possibility coupled with forward momentum, action and a dogged determination to believe that things will and must change,the wheel will turn if one keeps walking in a space of faith and heart. A blossoming beyond the old, outworn does occur even though the first steps may be buffeted by squalls of change and variable weather. So I give you audacious hope hope that is not naive, but open, Hope that ” perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops – at all” ~Emily Dickinson~
Love to you all!
Johanna Aldrich Co-Director Sonic Yoga |
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Hi Friends!
Sonic Yoga is having a Pose of the Month Photo Jam. Last month Tania Kazi showed us her inner warrior in SKANDASANA and we want to see yours!
It’s simple: submit your picture and tag us on our new Instagram at #sonicyoga or post it on our Facebook.
Include a brief caption on why this pose empowers, grounds you or fires you up. Tag us on our new Instagram at #sonicyoga or post it on our Facebook.
The TOP 3 (pictures with the most “likes”) will win an UNLIMITED MONTH of classes & cool MERCHANDISE from our Yoga Boutique. All photos are due by May 25th. The results will be announced later in our June Newsletter.
Never tried the pose? Here are a few simple tips on embodying this unique Asana from Tania Kazi herself! http://sonicyoga.com/news/april-pose-skandasana-with-tania-kazi/
Look forward to seeing all of your beautiful photos!
Namaste,
Lauren & Jo
As we busy New Yorkers plow through our daily lives, we often move so quickly – and with such focus – that we fail to notice the transformation that is taking place all around. At least that’s been the case with me, as I recently found myself wondering just how and when we had left winter and arrived in a full-blown spring!
Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, growth and vitality. And just like the buds and shoots that have emerged on the trees around us, slowly but surely our own bodies have begun to re-awaken to our innate vibrancy, the remnants of winter melting away.
With it’s emphasis on heart-opening and the way in which it mirrors the blooming flowers of spring, Urdhva Dhanurasana seemed an appropriate choice for the month of May! Backbends open up the heart chakra, stimulate the nervous system, and often leave us feeling energized and radiant.
As you play with the pose over the course of the month, allow nature’s process to be your guide. Like the earth, the body must be adequately warmed and prepared for growth to begin. Take a moment to pause before you enter the pose to harness your seed-like potential. Feel your connection to the earth through your arms and your legs. Root down through both hands and feet and let that grounding allow your heart to slowly unfurl, blossoming open toward the warmth of the sun.
AT PLAY WITH THE RADIANCE SUTRAS with Lorin Roche And Camille Maurine
Sat 4/27 @ 11:30 am – 6:30 pm
Immerse yourself in love-drenched meditation and movement. During this weekend, we explore the luminous teachings of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, an ancient text that describes 112 awareness practices for touching the sacred in the midst of daily life. THE RADIANCE SUTRAS is a musical, sensuous translation of this tantra by Lorin Roche, who has lived and breathed these yogas for forty years. The Sutras evoke a world of wonder, awe, and delight. The focus of this workshop is on full-body spirituality ~ accepting every breath, sensual experience, and emotion as a doorway into deep and intimate contact with the energies of life. The practices include mudra (energy gestures), pranayama (breath), mantra (sound), and dhyana (meditation). Anyone can practice these methods. The emphasis is on naturalness, spontaneity, and being at home in the universe. You meet yourself wherever you are, whether you are restless, lonely, loving, tired, excited, nostalgic, or quiet. This workshop is an opportunity to dive into the Sutras that are calling you and receive coaching from Lorin and Camille to make them your own, so that you can embody, move and breathe this luscious reality. 6hrs. $120
INNER ASANA ~ AN OPEN MEDITATION CLASS with Lorin Roche And Camille Maurine
Sun 4/28 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Meditation is the instinct to savor life’s beauty and wonder. The basic motion of attention is as natural as listening to music you love, gazing out over the horizon, or taking a deep breath as you smell something delicious.Come learn the secrets of how to allow meditation to feel as natural as breathing, a joyous relief. Hundreds of major scientific studies have documented the benefits of meditation for physical, emotional and mental health.
In this open class, we explore the four “meditative” angas or limbs of Yoga – pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. This is a fun, flowing, breezy 90 minute session anyone can do. Every 5 minutes or so we flow from one posture, and one form of meditation to the other.
Beginners are welcome as are Yoga teachers interested in teaching meditation. $25 drop in $20 TT or Sonic Grad
THE ART OF TEACHING MEDITATION with Lorin Roche And Camille Maurine
Sun 4/28 @ 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
This is a workshop devoted to the skills of meditation and teaching meditation.Meditation and yoga go together and flow together. Asana and pranayama prepare the body for meditation. We can think of meditation as internal yoga, an inner asana flow. Because meditation is internal, there is no one to watch or imitate, so we need to be gentle and follow our instincts.
All human beings have the ability to meditate. Meditation is a name we give to a universe of techniques for accessing our own innate ability to heal, rejuvenate, and be in love with life. Meditation is intimacy with life. Practicing can feel as natural as breathing. The techniques are ways of perceiving and delighting in the life essence at play in us as prana. When we find the internal styles and practices that match our inner nature, our prakriti, then meditation feels natural and we relish our experience. Meditation becomes an internal vacation and healing Temple that helps us balance our energies and prepare for loving action.
The English word “meditation” encompasses four limbs of Yoga – pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. These are all natural motions of attention. A meditation teacher needs to be perceptive and supple to cooperate with life’s impulse toward enlightenment.
In this workshop you have the opportunity to explore a variety of different approaches and find what works for you, and also learn from other people what works for them. You get to practice creating meditations for yourself and for others, and guiding them in the process. 5hrs. $100 drop in
REGISTER VIA MINDBODY HERE
Namaste Yogis,
Spring ha
s finally arrived and even though the air is still slightly cool, the days are longand we can all feel the presence of spirit as the brilliant warmth of the spring sun shines down upon us. Just as the buds are budding we are all awakening to the expansion of spirit in all forms.
I’ve just returned from a family trip to Vail, Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are awe inspiring in their majestic presence. The cool clear air, big sky, green trees and abundant sunshine are the reasons why this part of the USA is often referred to as God’s country.My daily meditation was floating down the mountain being embraced by the glory of the powerful snow capped peaks, while contemplating the spirit of nature. Then basking in the brilliant sun, breathing in the fresh air, and merging with the vast blue sky as I rode back to the top. I was in awe of the vast magnitude of nature in all of her forms and how deeply it stirred and expanded my spirit and awakened every cell of my being.It was hard to leave a place that felt so alive and was vibrating so powerfully with the presence of the celestial. But gracefully, my return home is coinciding with another powerful exploration of the divine in the form of Ma Shakti.
Spring Navaratri. The celebration of the Goddess begins on April 11 and continues for nine nights. During this period we go into a powerful celebration of Ma Durga, goddess of transformation, Ma Saraswati, goddess of the sublime flow of wisdom and creativity and Ma Lakshmi, goddess of love, beauty and abundance. This sadhana period is a radiant celebration of Ma Shakti. It is a time of renewal and rebirth, awakening and expansion.The perfect time to cleanse or nourish your body with simple foods, to clean and purify your home with love and attention and to invoke ritual and practice to honor the Goddess in all of her inner and outer forms.
I invite you to join me next Tuesday & Wednesday for 2 special Pre-Navaratri celebrations with Thomas Wave on live sitar. Tuesday evening we will work with meditation and mantra to awaken the inner Shakti, and discuss preparations for the nine night festival.
In my Wednesday class, we will dedicate our practice to the Goddess and flow in a ritual way to invoke and awaken the inner Shakti.
Jai Ma
And Love!

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