FREE CONCERT April 22nd at 7pm

Dive into the bliss of kirtan, the yoga of music, with celebrated New Orleans chant group Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band.  Their spicy one-of-a-kind sound offers passionate vocals, funky deep south grooves, and dreamy melodies to get you boogieing and blissed out. Yoga Journal has praised the band: “A joy to listen to whether you’re a yogi, a jazz connoisseur, or anyone who appreciates wildly creative music.”  LISTEN

Sean and the band, named at the top of a select group of rising “Yoga Rock Stars” by Yoga Plus Magazine, have played at venues worldwide including major yoga conferences, retreat centers, yoga festivals, churches, theatres, and studios small and large. The band includes the ecstatic vocals of Sean who also plays the harmonium– the Indian pump driven organ; the spirited percussion and singing of Gwendolyn Colman; and longtime New Orleans groove master Alvin Young on fretless bass and guitar.  Renowned yoga teacher Saul David Raye, founder of Los Angeles’ Sacred Movement studio says, “A musical gumbo to stir your soul. Sean has the voice of a deva, an angel – and the band is full of swing, soul, rock, jazz and healing vibrations.”

In 2008 Terry McBride, music industry innovator and founder of Canada’s largest independent record label Nettwerk Music, signed Sean and The Wild Lotus Band to his Nettwerk/Nutone label. Other artists on Nettwerk’s roster include Sarah McLaughlin, Lisa Gerrard, Be Good Tanyas, Jars Of Clay, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Mediaval Babes. Fellow chant artists on Nutone include Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Bhagavan Das,  Wah!, Wade Morissette, and David Newman.  McBride says: “Nutone’s mission is to seek out what we feel is the best music that fits into the modern day yoga studio, various wellness practices and everyday enjoyment of music. With many descriptions from world music, to chant, to new age, to mantra music Nutone will demystify and clarify for listeners a brand that will be consistent in delivering quality albums. I was drawn into Sean Johnson And The Wild Lotus Band’s music through the magical melodic flows of “Calling The Spirits“. Musically it’s a fascinating journey that led me to invite them to be part of the Nutone family.” Nutone will be releasing Sean and The Wild Lotus Band’s new album in September 2009.

With the stratospheric rise in popularity of yoga in recent years, more and more westerners are opening to the practice of kirtan, chanting mantras as a form of meditation and spiritual practice. Feature articles on the rising interest in kirtan in America have appeared in Time Magazine and The New York Times. The practice of chanting exists in all the world spiritual traditions in different forms. Gregorian Chant, praying the Rosary, and gospel music are more familiar examples of chant and musical prayer from the Christian tradition. Chanting is also a common way to pray or meditate in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and many native traditions.

According to chant expert Robert Gass, author of Chanting: Discovering Spirit in Sound, chanting improves one’s health for many reasons: the repetition of the chant slows down and

deepens the breath; the sound vibrations resonate and massage the body from the inside out; brain wave patterns are measurably altered, creating states of relaxation or heightened creative energy; muscle tension relaxes; skin temperature changes; blood pressure and heart rate go down. The pioneering French doctor Alfred Tomatis, lauded for his breakthroughs in auditory neurophysiology, made significant discoveries about sound and chant, and discovered that chanting charges the brain with electrical potential and concluded that chanting is “nutrition for the brain”

Kirtan is the practice of singing sacred mantras over and over again in a simple melodic and rhythmic format, accessible to anyone. The word mantra comes from Sanskrit root words whose meaning is “to set free the chattering mind”. Each mantra is often associated with a particular spiritual energy that we can awaken from within through heartfelt chanting. The practice of kirtan can be approached simply as a form of meditation, whereby the repetition of the mantra cleanses and clarifies the mind. And, if it’s your intention, kirtan can be a spectacular form of prayer and means to awaken spiritual consciousness.

One of the most popular ways of practicing kirtan is in a call-and-response fashion. The chant leader will sing the mantra and everyone else in the group will respond. As the chant is sung back and forth, accompanied by lively musical instruments and drumming, the energy shared among the group becomes more and more powerful. Kirtan provides an opportunity to set free emotional energy stored in the body, and that release can be quite liberating. Chanter and recording artist Jai Uttal says “Walls constructed long ago come crumbling down. Wounds that we never knew were there begin to heal. Long submerged emotions, both joy and sorrow, come to the surface to be offered up into the chant. And somehow, effortlessly, we move into a meditative state that creates a safe, calm haven for the flower of the heart to unfold.”

With Tarika Diana Damelio and
Rebecca Kronlage

In the yogic model, the human being consists of 5 koshas, or sheaths, which are emanations from the divine self.  Each of these koshas represents a phase in the journey of union with the divine or the transformation and integration of our spirit to our bodies.

June 26, 2010

The Koshas: Integrating Spirit & Body    9 am – 12pm  $45

• A didactic presentation of the koshas in relationship to our spiritual growth
• Exploration of the subtle body’s energy anatomy

• Experiences designed to open conscious awareness to the presence and impact of the koshas
• Discussion, yoga asana, pranayama, pratyahara and other introspective practices to assist the yogic practitioner on the spiritual journey.

Kosha Master Class:  2pm – 5pm  $35

The afternoon session will be a master class taking the experience of the koshas on a deeper level and integrating the morning presentation. This class will consist of yoga asana, pranayama and other introspective practices.  It is suggested that you attend both session, though individual sessions may be attended.

Attendance to both $70

Registration Deadline: Monday June 21^st
No Refunds after this date

Shipping Rate: F

Next Beginner Series starts  Aug. 4th and 7th  Bring a friend for 50% OFF ( $45 each)

Ease the Mind and Strengthen the body. Three classes per week, come to one or all three classes each week. This series explores fundamental yoga postures, proper alignment, moving with the breath, meditation and pranayama “Breathing Techniques” that prepares new students for our regular scheduled classes. Also includes a bonus 5th week yoga flow class. The beginners series is recommended for new students of yoga.

Weekly Schedule:
Come to at least one or attend all three of the beginner classes per week.
Wednesday’s 9-10:20 am  &  5:30-6:50 pm
Saturday 10:30-11:50am

$59.00  – Four Week Beginner Series plus a Bonus 5th week
Summer Bring a Friend Special – $45  each ($90 total) Must pay for both at one time

$99.00 Beginners Starter Package:  Great for a gift (a $107 value)
Summer Bring a Friend Special – $85  each ($170 total) Must pay for both at one time
Complete starter yoga kit including the 4 week beginner series + bonus 5th week, (1) Blue Lotus Classic 1/8″ mat, (1) yoga blanket
This offer only available online or at one of the Free introductory class.

SPACE IS LIMITED
Reserve your spot online or in person at the Yoga Center

Shipping Rate: F

Meditation at the Yoga Center is our gift to our community.  It is a time and place for the beginner who has only read or heard about the practice and for one who has practiced meditation before.  Our community offering began in February 2006, serving parish residents, visitors here for business or leisure trips, and national volunteers who assist in hurricane recovery.

What do you do:

• Arrive quietly a few minutes before 6:45 in order to get settled.
• Bring a cushion and a blanket.  Chairs are provided for sitting if you wish.
• Turn off you cell phone.
• Sign in on the counter.
• Remove your shoes.
• Come into the space and quietly place your folded blanket on the floor with the group. Use the cushion to support your hips.  Or set up a chair with the group if you prefer.

What to expect:

• A chime three times begins and ends our session.
• Introduction of meditation and sitting for those new to the practice, reviewing alignment, comfort, breath, and present-centered awareness.
• Exploring other meditation choices like walking, eating, visualizing, using mantra, or being guided during periods of 15 to 20 minutes.
• Concluding with the loving kindness meditation and the chant for the well being of all creatures.

This is a gift from Yoga Center, or you may leave dana (appreciation or donations) in the basket.

Join our tradition every Tuesday @ 6:45 – 7:30pm.

We are beginners each moment of our life journey.
We are what we seek.
Practice stillness on and off the cushion so that stillness can be available to you.

Susan Kelso PhD, RYT 500

Step out of the hustle and bustle of daily life and restore & renew your abilities to serve yourself, others and contribute to the world.  Sadani (Janet Houtz) is offering four unique sessions to deepen your practice

The Royal Practice of Yoga (Yoga Teachers and Experienced Yoga Practitioners )
April 9th – Friday night 6 – 8:30 pm

Come to the intersection where yoga on and off the mat merge through self-inquiry.In this educational workshop, we will explore and identify the level of tension, restriction, strength, and flexibilty in the physical structure of the upper back, neck and shoulders. You will take home a copy of the asana sequence guided in this session as a tool for continued home practice. The emphasis of this sequence is on the upper body, so headstand will be used to teach some very important concepts about practicing asana. Since headstand is most safely and  effectively learned in a private yoga session, you will have the opportunity to observe first-hand what this experience might be like. This class will benefit those who do not practice headstand, those who are interested in learning headstand and those who are currently practicing headstand. From this experience, you will walk away with a sense of reverence for yourself and this royal practice of yoga.

Awakeing Consciousness (For any level yoga practitioner)
April 10th – Saturday morning – 9:00-12:00

Priming Prana, Filling the Vessel. Explore the fundamental tool and deeper science of breath through the combination of asana, breathing techniques and breath ratio. This method of energy management uses rhythm and depth of breath to effect and manage different energy states of health, consciousness and emotion. You will take home with you an improved understanding of the importance of pranayama practice and the sequence used in class for continuing home practice.

The Voice of Hatha Yoga (For any level yoga practitioner)
April 10th – Saturday afternoon – 1:30 – 4:30

“The science of reality is to find the sound and to resound in that sound.” (Yogi Bhujan) 
Through presentation, group interaction, and applied practice with mantra, you will learn why chanting works and how to make mantra most effective. You will be inspired to add this transformative tool of mantra into your yoga toolbox. You will explore the “voice of hatha yoga” in movement and in an established seat. Meditation will complete the practice. You will take your experience and a copy of the sequence home with you for continuing home practice.

Recycling Energy: Mudras and Meditation Don’t waste your energy! (For any level yoga practitioner)
April 11th – Sunday 9-12

You have strengthened the physical body, you have learned to generate prana. Now, learn techniques of mudra and meditation to sustain optimal function of the subtle energy body. You will take home with you a better understanding of how to conserve your energy in you daily life. Handouts will be provided.

Bio info: Sadani’s training:

Certifications:  Yoga Therapy, Kripalu Yoga, Viniyoga, and Kundalini Yoga

Former Esalen Massage Therapist and Energy bodyworker

Sadani’s most recent experiences includes professional yoga teacher training program development and teaching aspiring yoga teachers at Yoga Yoga in Austin, Texas.

She teaches integrated yoga classes to the general public at Yoga Yoga and also maintains a yoga therapy practice working privately with individual yoga students and yoga teachers concentrating attention on deepening the practitioner’s understanding of their current condition, providing self-evaluative guidance, and co-creation of personal practices for balance and integration to improve the quality of life physically, energetically, mentally and spiritually.

Sadani experiences and teaches that yoga is a state of being that manifests as kindness, compassion and peace toward self and others.

Deadline for Registration: April 5th
(Workshop non-refundable after above date)

Workshop Price: $35 per session or $130 for entire weekend
SPACE IS LIMITED

Reserve your spot online though PayPal.com
$1.00 paypal.com processing fee added per session.

Shipping Rate: F

Join us for a weekend of gentle, easy hands-on healing; exercise; guided meditation; lecture & group sharing as a part of Maruti Seidman’s 120-hr Certification Program

Your Instructor -Maruti Seidman
Maruti is the Director of the Polarity Balancing Center in Boulder, Colorado and teaches throughout the United States. He is the author of A Guide to Polarity Therapy, Balancing the Chakras and Jewels of Spirit. His newest book, The Whispers of Your Heart, is now available.

Location:
The Yoga Center of Lake Charles
321 Broad St, Lake Charles, La 70601
337-497-0017

Cost:

Credit Cards accepted via phone
Payment plans are available

Times:

To Register Please Contact:
Maruti Seidman 303-746-3882

Louisiana State & NCBTMB approved 12 hour CEU
Louisiana Provider #0031 • NCBTMB Provider #410265

Two New Ashtanga style classes – Mondays 3:45-5pm and Thursdays (heated room) 12:15-1:30. Ashtanga is a system of yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

September 19, 2009 at the Yoga Center of Lake Charles

9:00am-12:00pm  & 2:00pm-5:00pm

Step out of the hustle and bustle of daily life and restore and renew your abilities to serve yourself, others and contribute to the world.

Awaken the Guardians of Health   (morning session)

Explore the “guardians of health,” the glands of the endocrine system through Kundalini yogic tools of mantra, mudra and meditation techniques which invigorate, balance and improve overall health of the physical body. Optimal functioning of these organs gives us access to the subtleties of life which awaken particular spinal energies and balance chakras of the body with specific techniques.

Yoga practitioners of all levels of experience are welcome.

The Heart Mind Journey   (afternoon session)

Take the path to the true heart of yoga and your own heart’s inspiration through intertwined Kripalu/Viniyoga practices.
The doorway to happiness and peace swings open with intentional re-direction of attention from gross through more subtle layers of awareness.

The experienced yoga practitioner is welcome.

Bio info: Sadani’s training:

Certifications:  Yoga Therapy, Kripalu Yoga, Viniyoga, and Kundalini Yoga

Former Esalen Massage Therapist and Energy bodyworker

Sadani’s most recent experiences includes professional yoga teacher training program development and teaching aspiring yoga teachers at Yoga Yoga in Austin, Texas.

She teaches integrated yoga classes to the general public at Yoga Yoga and also maintains a yoga therapy practice working privately with individual yoga students and yoga teachers concentrating attention on deepening the practitioner’s understanding of their current condition, providing self-evaluative guidance, and co-creation of personal practices for balance and integration to improve the quality of life physically, energetically, mentally and spiritually.

Sadani experiences and teaches that yoga is a state of being that manifests as kindness, compassion and peace toward self and others.

Deadline for Registration: Sept. 11, 2009
(Workshop non-refundable after above date)

Workshop Price: $35 per session or $65 for both sessions
SPACE IS LIMITED

Reserve your spot online though PayPal.com
$1.00 paypal.com processing fee added per session.

SESSION 1 SOLD OUT

Shipping Rate: F