Welcoming Winter with Village Yoga

The days are getting colder and the leaves have almost disappeared from the trees. Nature tells us it is the time to turn inward and rest. Holidays can be joyful yet stressful. Take some time for yourself to rest and recharge. Remember to help those in need.

Village Yoga will once again collect requested items for Preble Street Homeless Shelter in Portland. There is a complete list posted at the studio and there is a collection bin in the waiting room. Here is partial of list of their most needed items:
Gloves (large, heavy duty), underwear (male and female), athletic socks, winter hats (unisex), Hooded sweatshirts (large, xl, +xl), flashlights, AA batteries, winter boots and travel sized personal care items. Elizabeth Spahr will deliver everything collected to Preble Street on Monday December 4.
For those of you who are not able to drop something off at the studio, there is another option. You can donate one punch from your class card and Elizabeth will purchase items from the list with any money donated. 
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Mid-December Mind/Body
Stress Release Workshop

With Elizabeth Clarkson and Elizabeth Spahr

Sunday December 17th, 3:00-4:30pm, $20

Please pre-register

This in-studio workshop will begin with 30 minutes of gentle yoga stretching with Elizabeth Spahr. Once the body is prepared for relaxation, Elizabeth Clarkson will guide you in a short body scan and breath work. From there, she will lead you into a deeper place within your body to connect with your true self through Yoga Nidra. Elizabeth Spahr will end the class with a peaceful chant.

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Susan Mirisola will offer her wonderful Restorative Yoga class on Sunday December 3rd, Sunday January 7th and other dates in 2024, 3:30-5:00pm, $25 or 2 punches on class card. Zoom class is also offered for $15 or 1 punch. Pre-register with Susan at scmirisola@gmail.com. 

In this class, students will be invited to restore, relax, rejuvenate, and heal body/mind/spirit in long-held postures supported by props.  With the use of blocks, bolsters, blankets, sandbags, eye bags, chairs, the wall and the floor, students will be guided to arrange their body into shapes that are often experienced in a regular yoga class. The difference is that in Restorative Class, a practice developed in 1937 by master yogi B.K.S. Iyengar from Pune, India, these poses held for anywhere between 5-15 minutes and which are fully supported, allow the body to go to a state of deep relaxation where the parasympathetic system is activated. This deep resting state invites healing and balance, as well as energizing as the body/mind/spirit releases physical and emotional tension. This is a receptive rather than an active practice, though the benefits are proven to be many and profound. As the body rests deeply, it begins to breathe on a cellular level and as the student focuses on the breath, an exploration of mind/body connection can begin. Prior yoga experience is not necessary, though is helpful.

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Let's hope for snow this year so we can again gather for Yoga and Snowshoeing!Let Elizabeth Spahr know if you would like to be on the Snowshoe list. On good snow days, Elizabeth will send out an invitation to meet somewhere to snowshoe as a group. Always a fun time!

"Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers."
Kahlil Gibran

Thank you for being part of Village Yoga
Namaste

Elizabeth Spahr is going to Scotland May 9-18!

Happy Spring!


Elizabeth Spahr will be going to Scotland May 9-May 18. Her classes on Friday May 12, Sunday May 14 and Tuesday May 16 are canceled. Elizabeth does plan to teach on Friday May 19. There is a new 25 minute gentle yoga video of Elizabeth available on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/822306528- password is Scotland). There are also several free videos and audio classes on the website (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/new-blog). If the class link is not highlighted, you will need to cut and paste the link. Please consider doing one of these classes at your regular class time to keep up with your practice.  

Enjoy the sunshine!

Important studio update!

It's been a challenging week at 153 Port Road!

If you haven't been to a class this week, you might not have heard about the mess. A clean water hose broke and flooded the entire upstairs except for the yoga studio. (It must be all that yogic energy protecting it!) The water then went through to the hardware store causing part of the ceiling to collapse. Needless to say, there is a lot of repair work to be done. The carpet has been pulled up and part of the sheet rock has been removed. The bathroom at the top of the stairs, where the leak started, has been taken apart. The bathroom by the studio does not have a working sink, but does have a working toilet. There is another bathroom at the other end of the building by the pilates studio that is fine and available to use. We have been teaching many of the classes in the studio during this work. I have 2 air purifiers in the studio. We ask that you close the door to the studio immediately after entering.

The landlords do not have a repair schedule yet. At this time, each teacher will decide whether or not to teach depending on what is happening with the construction. Elizabeth Spahr and Elizabeth Clarkson plan to teach in the studio whenever possible. Elizabeth Spahr will always be online for classes, even if she is not able to be in the studio. Susan Mirisola will decide each class day whether she will teach in the studio or not. She asks that you text her if you plan to attend in the studio (207-502-9006). Susan will be teaching on Zoom if not in the studio. The Restorative Yoga Class is canceled for October. The schedule page of the website will be updated whenever we need to cancel a class due to construction. Please check the page before coming to the studio for class, unless you have been in contact with the instructor. (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/schedule)

Thank you all for your patience during this challenging time.

Happy Fall!

Moving into Winter with Village Yoga

Prelude is over and the busy holidays are still ahead. After the holidays, it's a slower pace and time to take care of yourself again. Have you been away from yoga? Winter is a great time to join us in yoga. With the Zoom classes, we won't even have to cancel for snowstorms :) In case of a big snowstorm, I will teach from home. In-studio classes are still limited in size and require pre-registration. Also, please let us know if you can't make a class if you are already signed up for in-studio. There are times when other students would like to come in-studio and take your place. Zoom classes are always available (except for Jeannine's class on Sunday). Contact the studio if you would like the link.

Elizabeth Clarkson has headed to Florida for some warmth and sunshine. She will not be holding her classes on Monday Dec. 20 and 27.

Elizabeth Spahr will be holding her regular classes on the Fridays of Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

This year we have two special classes to greet the New Year

On Saturday January 1st, Jeannine Burgess and Nichole Holbrook are offering a class 12:00-2:00pm with 90 minutes of movement followed by a 30 minute Yoga Nidra. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $20. Contact Jeannine for more information or to register - 207-391-2862.

On Sunday January 2nd, Susan Mirisola will be offering her Restorative Yoga class 3:00-5:00pm. Cost in studio is $25 or 2 punches on your class card. You can also attend on Zoom for $15 or one punch on your class card. Pre-registration is required. Contact Susan to pre-register or for more information - scmirisola@gmail.com

Want to join our Yoga and Snowshoe group? Just let me know and I will sign you up. (If you were on the list last year, you are still on the list unless you let me know to remove you.) We don't have a set schedule. When the weather and snow look good, I will send out an email with a place to meet. Join us for a bit of stretching, yoga, snowshoeing and community. I am always looking for a new place to go where there is good parking as well as good snowshoeing. Know a good place? Let me know. We often go to Laudholm Farm in Wells, which is quite beautiful. Let's hope for good snow this year!

As we head into 2022, let us greet the new year with a sense of gratitude. Take some time to pause, breathe deeply and center with this 4 minute video.
https://vimeo.com/399470125

Thank you all for being part of Village Yoga.
Namaste´

Autumn in the studio

What a beautiful autumn this has been in Maine! Now that the hectic pace of  summer is over, it's time to take care of yourself again. Have you been missing your yoga practice? Village Yoga is pleased to be able to offer a variety of yoga classes and workshops, both in studio and on Zoom. 

On a schedule note, Elizabeth Spahr will be away in November for a wedding in Chicago. Therefore, a few of her classes will be cancelled. No classes on Friday November 5th and Sunday November 8th. No need to miss your regular class! Elizabeth has recorded both a moderate class and a gentle class. They are available for free on Vimeo. Settle onto your mat at your regular time or a different time of your choosing and enjoy the class. Each class can be viewed as many times as you would like.

Here is the Moderate yoga link- https://vimeo.com/639143584

And the Gentle yoga link: https://vimeo.com/640744671

Elizabeth Clarkson will be offering a Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation only on Zoom on Thursdays Nov 4 & 18 and Dec 2 & 16, 4:30-5:30pm. Regular class rates apply. No need to register, just log onto the regular studio Zoom link. 
Discover your inner peace with this guided meditation.
Yoga Nidra requires no more of you than to sit or lie down in a comfy position and listen. Take this time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate during this busy holiday season.

Ginger Laurits, DPT will be offering a workshop in the studio on Saturday, November 20, 9-11am. Class size is limited to 6 for this in-studio only class with a minimum of 5 students to run the worksop. Students must pre-register for this wonderful workshop. Cost is $40. 
 

Easing Tension in the Head, Neck, and Arms We are often not aware of the tension we hold in our head, neck, upper back, and arms that can affect our posture, how we breathe, and our sense of well being. In this two-hour workshop, we'll explore ways to release tension in the cranial bones, soft tissues of the neck, chest, and arms. Optional manual assists will be offered by the instructor. There will be homework! Students must be fully vaccinated and are required to wear a mask as will the instructor.

Equipment: yoga mat, face towel that will be folded to place under the head.
Ginger Laurits is a physical therapist with 46 years experience in multiple areas including pediatrics, rehabilitation, and outpatient orthopedics.



Susan Mirisola's Restorative Yoga class will be offered Sunday Nov 14 and Dec 5, 3-5pm, $25 or 2 class card punches for in-studio class and $15 for Zoom. Contact Susan directly to register or to receive her personal Zoom class link. scmirisola@gmail.com

All of us at Village Yoga are very grateful for the continuing support of our wonderful students. It is because of all of you that we are able to continue to provide classes in our beautiful studio. We look forward to many more years of yoga!

Looking ahead to summer with Village Yoga

We are happy to be moving towards fully re-opening Village Yoga. It has certainly been a long year of adapting to a new normal. For now, we will continue to restrict the student number in each class. As we move beyond COVID, we look forward to returning to classes with no sign up needed, hopefully in the near future. Masks are optional.

Elizabeth Clarkson and Susan Mirisola are returning to the studio to teach. They will both also continue teaching on Zoom. Elizabeth Clarkson is limiting her class number to 5 students who are fully vaccinated. She has recently completed her cancer treatment and wants to continue to be very careful with her health. To sign up for her classes you can text the studio (207-423-0663) or text her directly (207-641-7827). Susan Mirisola will return to teach her Wednesday 4pm class on June 23rd and her Sunday 8am class on June 28th. Susan will allow 6 students into the studio for her classes. You can text her directly to sign up for her class (207-502-9006) or text the studio. Susan will not offer a restorative class in June. Her next restorative class will be July 11th due to the 4th of July holiday. Generally, her restorative class is the first Sunday of the month 3-5pm. Sign up is required.

Elizabeth Spahr will continue to offer her Sunday 8am class even when Susan returns to the studio. Elizabeth will be teaching the class in Jeannine Burgess art studio right next to the Village Yoga studio (there is a pass through door between studios). Any questions, just ask Elizabeth.

A new class is starting next Saturday on June 5th at 8am - Stretch and Strengthen with Caroline Martin (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/align-and-breathe). This first class will be free and offered both in the studio and on Zoom. Contact studio to sign up or to get the Zoom link.

Elizabeth Spahr and Jeannine Burgess will open their classes to 6 students in studio with pre-registration. Text Elizabeth (207-423-0663) or Jeannine (207-391-2862) to sign up.

Please sign up for classes at least one day in advance so we can keep tabs on who will be coming into the studio. We are hoping as the summer progresses to be able to open up to more students in studio. Private and semi-private yoga classes are available upon request.

And now for the important info - here are two songs to dance to! Move those hips and shoulders making big sweeping movements. It feels fabulous!

https://youtu.be/njVuKBrvz80

https://youtu.be/x8IN6XOWa4k

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer!

Spring in the studio

Happy Spring!

It is always so inspiring to hear the birds sing and see the flowers and trees come back to life. Spring is truly a beautiful season!

It is wonderful to be able to slowly move forward from the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. CDC just announced that masks are no longer required indoors when all people present are vaccinated. This is great news for the studio. We will slowly begin to allow more people into the studio for classes. Elizabeth Spahr is now allowing 6 people into the studio for a class with prior permission. Please text the studio (207-423-0663) or email the studio at least one day before the class to allow us to keep the number to 6 students. We hope to be able to increase the number of students in the studio as the spring/summer progresses and no longer require you to sign up. Zoom will still be available for all classes. Contact studio if you need the class link. The same link is valid for all the classes in the studio except for Susan Mirisola's classes. Susan hopes to be back to teaching in the next several weeks. She is healing and recovering well from her surgery.

Elizabeth Clarkson continues to offer her class on Zoom only. She is hoping to return to the studio at the end of May/early June. Students will slowly be able to return to her class in person once she returns.

We will be offering a new class - Stretch and Strengthen with Carolyn Martin starting on June 5th. Carolyn is a long time student of Village Yoga and we are excited to welcome her to the studio as an instructor. Her bio and class description are on our website. She has lots of experience teaching fitness. This should be a great class!

There will be a sign for Port Yoga going up at our building. Leslie Fiore will be renting the yoga studio by the hour to teach her own classes. Village Yoga and Port Yoga are not combining, just sharing space. Class cards from Village Yoga will not be honored by Port Yoga and vice versa. Leslie needed a place to teach and Village Yoga had time available in the studio. It is a win/win for both of us. We welcome Leslie to our beautiful studio.

Once again, I would like to thank all of our loyal students who have enabled Village Yoga to continue to provide yoga with a sense of community. I have heard from many people how important the yoga classes have been during this challenging time. I agree! I have truly enjoyed teaching and seeing you all on Zoom. Even though we look forward to having more students back in the studio for classes soon, Zoom classes will continue for those of you who have enjoyed staying home.

Namasté

It's Village Yoga's 13th Anniversary!


I am so thankful to our wonderful students for supporting the studio for 13 years! 2020 was a challenging year and I am so grateful for the healing power of yoga. It has been wonderful to have the connection with students through Zoom. Your support has kept the studio alive and vibrant.

I am looking ahead to re-opening the studio slowly. I have received my first COVID vaccine with the second shot on April. In May, we should be able to invite more students back into the studio for classes. Students will continue to sign up to attend in person in order to control the numbers until we can fully re-open. I've heard from a few people that they would like to continue attending through Zoom classes even when we do open. We will continue to offer that option until it is no longer necessary or wanted. Class cards have not expired one year after purchase as of January 2020 as originally planned. We will be happy to honor your cards when you are ready to come back to yoga. Perhaps once things return to normal, a one year expiration date will again be the norm. For now, we will be happy to see all of you again. We have missed the students who haven't been able to join us through Zoom!

As many of you already know, Susan Mirisola will be having hip replacement surgery on March 23rd. All her classes will be canceled until she is ready to return to teaching. We ask that you keep Susan in your heart on that day and "wrap her in a green blanket of love and support". This is something from the book "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster". I myself have asked people to do that for me when I was having a big surgery. I swear I could feel the love and I believe it helped with my healing. I'm sure Susan would love to hear from any of you who would like to send her some support by email or card. Ask me for her contact info if you would like to connect with her.

A few people have suggested we continue with the Yoga and Snowshoe group and make it a Yoga and Walking group. If you were in the snowshoe group, I can keep you on the list unless you would rather not be included. For those of you who were not in the snowshoe group, but would like to join the walking group, please let me know. It will be a very informal thing with occasional get togethers when the weather is good and the trails are not muddy. There are several Kennebunkport Conservation Trust trails, as well as many others, that would be fun to walk and do some yoga stretches.

Looking forward to spring and the gardening season. Make sure to prepare your body with yoga before getting out there and using those muscles you haven't used all winter. I have added a free Gentle Chair Yoga class to the other free offerings on our website. Enjoy!
(https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/new-blog)


Namasté


Free classes and a few schedule changes

Looking ahead with Village Yoga

It's almost December! As we head into the winter months, be sure to make your health and well-being a priority. Village Yoga has several ways to help. We have classes on Zoom (with a limited number of students in the studio with prior permission). No time for a full class or just want to stretch out with a Warrior flow? Elizabeth Spahr has made an 8 minute standing yoga practice video - free to all (https://vimeo.com/483759534). To help keep you calm and centered, Elizabeth has made a 15 minute guided meditation video to help you through these stressful times (https://vimeo.com/484905500).
There are also two new videos on Vimeo - 30 minute Floor Yoga Practice and a 40 minute Yoga for Strength by Elizabeth. Both are available for one punch on your class card or a drop in fee and can be viewed as many times as you would like. In addition, Elizabeth has several other videos on Vimeo - 4 different Kripalu Gentle classes, Kripalu Moderate, Chair Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Jeannine Burgess has a Mindful Vinyasa and a Vigorous Vinyasa class available for purchase. If you know someone who would benefit from yoga, gift certificates are available.

And since a few people have asked, class cards will not be expiring at the end of the year.

Crystal Daige will be offering an Acupressure Yoga class for FREE Saturday Dec 5, 12 & 19, 9-10am. For more information, the class description is on our website (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/other). Here is the Zoom link to join the class. No need to sign up, just log in and enjoy. (Crystal will no longer be offering Yoga with Tai Chi.)

Topic: Acupressure Yoga with Crystal
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83558723573?pwd=MVM2R1BTVGJrOUJGd2VoaHlBL2hMQT09

Meeting ID: 835 5872 3573
Passcode: 807179

Village Yoga is happy to join with Spurling Fitness for the 3rd Annual Collection for Preble Street. Preble Street has asked me to collect underwear and gloves rather than socks this year. Thanks to the generosity of our students so far, I was able to purchase 400 pairs of new underwear for Preble Street Homeless Shelter! I will continue to take donations until December 19th. I am now asking for warm gloves and travel size toiletries since I was able to purchase so many pairs of underwear with early donations. You can drop off any donations or make a cash/check donation sent to Elizabeth Spahr at Village Yoga, 153 Port Rd. Kennebunk, ME. 04043. I will purchase items requested and deliver them to Preble Street. This year more people than ever are in need of their services.

Elizabeth Clarkson has received a diagnosis of breast cancer. She is fortunate to have noticed the lump very early and is being proactive with her health care. Elizabeth is blessed to be in such wonderful shape in both body and mind. She will be altering her teaching schedule as she needs to. Check the website for any class cancellations before logging in to take her Monday class. The alternating Thursday classes are cancelled, except for the Chair Yoga on the first Thursday of the month. Please keep Elizabeth C. in your thoughts with loving peace and healing energy.


As this season unfolds, remember to pause, take a breath and allow your heart to fill with gratitude.

Namasté

Winter is coming - Join us in Yoga

As the winter approaches, our health and well-being become even more important. Village Yoga has many options to make this winter a healthy and pleasant experience. Haven't tried a Zoom yoga class yet? Here are a few testimonials from some of our regular Zoom students to inspire you:

As much as I absolutely love being in the Village Yoga’s studio, Zoom yoga two mornings a week with Elizabeth Spahr has been a great way to continue my practice and stay healthy and calm during the pandemic. Once I installed the Zoom app, all I have to do each week is click on the link she sends by email. I have enjoyed yoga at home, inside and outside! And the short commute to my mat is the best part. Lynn J

The Village Yoga Zoom classes have been a godsend during this challenging time! While it’s not the same as going into the studio it is an excellent alternative. Initially I was concerned about where I’d find space in my small home to do yoga, but I quickly figured out that if I moved my coffee table to the side of the room that I had plenty of space to lay out my yoga mat. The other concern I had was losing the social connection with my classmates, something that I looked forward to each class. But, I was pleasantly surprised that there was time before and after class to chat with my yoga classmates which makes the Zoom classes feel “almost” the same as in person! Susan S

Village Yoga's Zoom classes are a great way to keep centered and active both mentally and physically during these stressful Covid times. I love taking these zoom classes!!! Sharon B

Home yoga can be as relaxing and beneficial as the studio experience - no wardrobe or performance anxiety. Just focus on your own practice! Betsy S

Zoom yoga has really lifted my spirits. I am able to practice safely in my own home and can even block the camera on days I just “don’t want to be seen”. Unlike what I expected, it is a very intimate experience with the added benefit of my body getting the care and attention it deserves. (And the chatting before and after is heartwarming too!). Otie Ann F

Not sure how to begin with Zoom? Here are two different YouTube videos to help you get started:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isp3qPeQ0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbbYqiurgeo

Still unsure? I would be happy to meet you in the studio inside or outside (socially distanced of course!). Bring your laptop or tablet and I can help you download the Zoom app to get you started. I can then set up a private Zoom meeting with you to answer any questions and you can try it out before attending a class. We can do this in person or you can do it from your own home.

A new class series begins next week:
Elizabeth Spahr and Elizabeth Clarkson will be starting a new class every Thursday 10-11am beginning Nov. 5. Each Thursday of the month will be different.
Elizabeth Spahr will offer a Chair Yoga class the first Thursday of the month.
Elizabeth Clarkson will offer a class on the Breath the second Thursday.
Elizabeth Spahr will offer a Strengthening Class on the third Thursday.
Elizabeth Clarkson will offer a Stretch and Relax class on the fourth Thursday.
More info on our website: (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/hatha)
The same Zoom link will work for all four classes.

Village Yoga is excited to be reintroducing the Yoga and Snowshoe club! Let me know if you are interested. I will add you to the snowshoe email list. When we have a nice day with snow, I will send out an email about a time and place to meet. Laudholm Farm is a great place to go. Or anyone in the group can send out an invite to meet. We will do a few yoga stretches, snowshoe and just spend some time together outdoors. I have an extra pair of snowshoes for anyone to borrow if you don't have your own. There is no charge - it's a social gathering!

Crystal Daige is offering her Yoga with Tai Chi class Saturdays 9-10am. Here is a video to show what the class will be like. https://vimeo.com/462204294
Your first class with Crystal is free so give it a try!

If you need the Zoom link for any classes, just contact the studio and I will email it to you. A limited number of students are allowed in the studio with prior permission. Please text or email at least one day ahead to confirm there is room in the studio for you to join us.

And in case you were ever in doubt about how wonderful yoga is for you, here is an article explaining it:
https://www.healthdigest.com/268934/how-your-body-changes-when-you-start-doing-yoga/?zsource=smartnews

Preble Street Shelter has asked me to change from our Annual Sock Drive to a "Sturdy Large Glove and Adult Underwear Drive". (They apparently have plenty of socks right now and are in great need of these other items.) Since so few of you are coming into the studio, it makes the collection more challenging. If you wish to purchase items, they can be dropped off at the studio or I can pick them up at your house. Or you can make a monetary donation by check or Venmo (@Elizabeth-Spahr-4) with the notation it is for Preble Street. I will use the money to purchase the items needed by the shelter.

Village Yoga is very grateful for the continuing support of our wonderful students! We look forward to seeing you in class soon.

Namasté

Join us in October - new classes, workshop and new teacher!

I hope you all are enjoying this beautiful fall weather. Personally, I am thrilled it finally rained! Fall is always my favorite time of year. It is also the time to think about how we will spend the additional time indoors. What strategies do we need to embrace to move comfortably through the seasons. We at Village Yoga are here to assist you with yoga classes and workshops. We are planning to offer a few different workshops over the fall and winter. Be sure to contact me if you have any suggestions of what you would like to see added.

I am happy to announce we have a new teacher starting this October at Village Yoga. Her name is Crystal Daige. She describes herself this way -
"I am a seeker of knowledge, experienced and certified in yoga, tai chi, Reiki, Shambala, Tong Ren and Marconic energy.  I fell in love with the practices and realized the impact it can have on improving my physical and mental well-being.  Tai Chi and Yoga have improved all aspects of my life for the better and I enjoy sharing this practice with you so you can experience the same benefits."
Chrystal will be offering a new class - Gentle Yoga with Tai Chi on Saturdays 9-10am. On October 10th, she is offering a free class so you can try it. Let me know if you would like the Zoom link.  The ongoing class will begin October 24th. Regular class rates apply.I filmed Crystal doing a 1 1/2 minute demo so you can see her and what the class will be like. Watch it here https://vimeo.com/462204294

Crystal will also be offering a workshop - Aromatherapy Yoga withAcupressure for Relaxation on Sunday October 11, 4-5:15pm, $25. This workshop includes a dram of the essential oil Adaptiv. (The oil can be mailed to you or you can pick it up at the studio before the workshop. You are also welcome to use whatever essential oil you already have and enjoy.) 
Crystal describes the workshop this way "If you feel edgy, have anxiety or low energy, this class will help soothe anxious feelings. This class is appropriate for anyone. During our relaxing yoga poses we will use Adaptiv essential oil on acupressure points to help calm, soothe and support your nervous system. This class will help teach how to use aromatherapy and how this ADAPTIV essential oil can help your body “adapt” to stress better.  Learning some Chinese acupuncture points on the body to promote relaxation.  Class includes a dram bottle of “ADAPTIV Essential OIL” to take home and keep using on your own." This workshop will be offered on Zoom. Three people can also attend the workshop in the studio. Contact the studio to sign up.  

 Jeannine Burgess is going online! Jeannine will begin offering her Moderate Mindful Vinyasa class on Zoom as well as in the studio beginning in October. She is also adding an additional class on Thursdays 4:30-5:45pm as well as her regular Sundays 10-11:15am. Contact studio for the Zoom links. 

Susan Mirisola is offering her Restorative Yoga class on Zoom October 4th, 4-5:30pm. $15 for drop in or 1 class card punch. Contact Susan for Zoom link - scmirisola@gmail.com

Village Yoga has other workshops in the planning stages. More info to follow. 

As we head into the colder months, it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves - both body and mind. Remember to pause each day to breathe, lengthen your spine and allow yourself to feel gratitude. Getting outside into nature is a wonderful way to reconnect with your spirit. Breathe the fresh air, admire the colors and sounds and be inspired by the beauty of nature. 

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” ― Rachel Carson

As always, Village Yoga is very grateful to all our students who make our studio so special. 

Namasté

Where did the summer go?


This has certainly been an unusual summer in many respects. One thing that didn't change is how quickly summer went by. Hard to believe it will be September in a few days!  I hope everyone was able to get outside and enjoy all the beauty that Maine has to offer. September is my favorite month and I am looking forward to those cooler temperatures and beautiful colors that fall brings.

Have you been away from yoga? Take a moment to check in with yourself and see how you are feeling. I am finding my yoga practice and the sense of community it offers has really helped me deal with all that is going on in the world right now. Many of my students have told me the same thing. Even though we can't all be together in the studio, which we miss very much, the classes on Zoom are still a way to practice together. In addition to online, a few students are allowed in the studio with prior permission for each class. Contact the studio to see if there is space for you to come in for a class. Otherwise, please join us on Zoom. Our current schedule is:

Elizabeth Spahr - Moderate Kripalu Yoga - Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30am-8:30am
Gentle Kripalu Yoga - Tuesdays and Fridays 9-10am and Sundays 8-9am
Elizabeth Clarkson - Gentle Yoga Stretch - Mondays 9-10am
Susan Mirisola - Align and Breath - Wednesdays 4-5pm and Sundays 8-9am
Jeannine Burgess - IN STUDIO ONLY -Moderate Mindful Vinyasa - Sundays 10-11:15am (no classes 8/30 and 9/6)

Another option is to schedule a private or semi-private yoga class in the studio. Both myself (Elizabeth Spahr) and Elizabeth Clarkson are offering classes at the reduced rate of $35 per class for a private or semi-private class. This is a great way to get some special attention for anything specific you would like to address. Or if you just want to come in for a break from taking classes online. Contact the studio to schedule.

Susan Mirisola is excited to begin offering Restorative Yoga on Zoom! The classes will be offered on the first Sunday of the month 4:00-5:30pm. (Sept 6, Oct 4, Nov 1 and Dec 6) Drop-ins are $15 or one class card punch. Contact Susan for more information and to register - scmirisola@gmail.com

All of us at Village Yoga would love to see you in class. Even if you won't be attending class, I would love to hear from you. There are so many of our students we haven't seen or heard from since the Covid 19 restrictions began. It would be lovely if you would just drop an email or text and let us know how you are. We miss you!

Om Shanti Shanti Peace

Be Well

Namasté

New Zoom class links through December

A few studio updates:

It's hard to believe it's already August! Summer is flying by as usual. Make sure to take the time to get outside and enjoy it.

I have scheduled Zoom classes through the end of the year since we don't know when we can fully re-open the studio. I have emailed the links to many of you. If you did not receive the links and would like them sent to you, just let me know. Village Yoga is allowing a limited number of students into the studio during class with prior permission. Please contact your instructor or the studio by phone or text at least the day before if you would like to come into the studio. We need to limit the amount of students in the class based on the comfort level of each teacher.  Our current schedule with class limits, etc. can be found on our website: https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/schedule


Susan Mirisola will begin offering a Zoom Restorative Yoga class beginning the first Sunday in September. Contact Susan for more information scmirisola@gmail.com

Village Yoga is sad to announce that Jessica Laurin will be leaving the studio. She will continue to teach Zoom only on Thursdays @ 4:00pm through the end of August (with the exception of August 6th). Jessica is busy with her Ayurveda and massage therapy practice. We will miss her.

On a happy note, Jeannine Burgess will now be renting the room next to the studio where Michelle previously had her office. Jeannine will be using the space as an art studio and gallery. She also plans to offer a variety of holistic offerings in the future. Once groups can gather again, Jeannine plans to hold mandala workshops and paint night events. Stay tuned for more info.  Jeannine also has a new vinyasa Vimeo video available. Contact studio if you would like the link. Regular class rates apply and you can watch it as many times as you would like.

As always, I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you who have supported the studio during this challenging time. Taking the time to pause, breathe and practice yoga is certainly one of the best things you can do to help your body and mind. Yoga can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance flexibility, strength and balance which are all things we can use right now. 

Looking forward to seeing you online or in the studio soon.

Namasté

Village Yoga is reopening - sort of....

Village Yoga is reopening a bit at a time


Village Yoga is now allowed to be open to students. We will begin welcoming students back into the studio on June 30th. With the required 6 foot distance separating students, the studio will hold 5 students plus the instructor. In order to keep to that number, we will need students to sign up for class before attending. Make sure you have heard back from your instructor that there is room for you to attend before coming to class. Zoom classes will continue to be offered. In some cases the Zoom class will be taught at the same time as the students are in the studio. There is also a list of things that we need to do in order to be open. I will include the list at the end of this email. It will also be on the website on its own page under Covid-19 Protocol. 

Each instructor has a different comfort level as to the number of students who will be attending their class in the studio. Susan Mirisola will continue to offer Zoom only classes, no in-studio students.  Elizabeth Clarkson is starting with one student in the studio during her Zoom class. Elizabeth Spahr is happy to welcome 3 people in the studio for class during her Zoom classes. Jessica Laurin is comfortable with 5 people in the studio during her Zoom class. Jeannine Burgess looks forward to getting back into the studio with 5 students and no Zoom class. Jeannine will begin teaching July 12th. Contact her directly (jeannineanneburgess@gmail.com) and she will get back to you and let you know if there is room for you to join the class that day. To sign up for class with Elizabeth Spahr, Elizabeth Clarkson and Jessica Laurin contact the studio (villageyogakennebunk@gmail.com or 207-423-0663). Do not come to class until you hear back from the instructor. Plan to contact studio the day before class if not earlier just to be sure we get the message. If there are many students who would like to attend a certain class, we may need to ask students to take turns or perhaps add another class to the schedule. Another option is a private or semi-private class for the reduced rate of $35. Contact studio if you would like to arrange something. 

This is certainly a challenging time. We miss having you all in the studio, but are happy to follow safety guidelines. If you haven't tried a Zoom class, please do. You might really enjoy it! Many of our students are planning to just continue doing Zoom classes so they can stay home and don't need to rush out the door to get to class. Some students are now taking their class outside on their porch or gazing out their window at their garden or other lovely view. If you are a returning summer resident, we would love to have you join us too. It is so nice to see all your faces and have a chance to chat before and after the Zoom class. Check out the schedule page of our website (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/schedule) for our current schedule information. Contact the studio for the links to Zoom classes. Regular class rates apply. You can pay by check, Venmo (Elizabeth-Spahr-4) or PayPal. 

All of us at Village Yoga are deeply grateful for our dedicated students and their support of our studio. It is a privilege and an honor to practice yoga with you.

Namasté

Village Yoga Covid-19 Protocol

Village Yoga will continue to offer Zoom classes, as well as small in-studio classes, often taking place at the same time as the Zoom class. There is room for 5 students plus instructor with the recommended 6 foot distance between students. Proper mat placement is marked on the studio floor.

No drop-ins allowed without permission. Each student will need to contact the studio or instructor for permission to come to class. This is so we can keep the number of students in the studio at 5. Please do not come to class unless you hear from the instructor that there is room for you to attend. If there are many who wish to attend, we may add more classes or ask students to take turns coming into the studio. 

Each student needs to bring their own mat and any props they plan to use as the studio items will not be available for use. Water will not be available, so also bring your own water. The windows and doors will remain open to increase airflow in the studio. We are allowed to use fans and air conditioning if doors and windows are open.

Each student will be asked to sign a new waiver when they come to the studio. Wipe the pen off with alcohol after signing waiver.

No cash will be taken in the studio. Please prepay on Venmo (Elizabeth-Spahr-4), by check or on PayPal. The instructor will sign in for each student. 

Please use the hand sanitizer or wipes at the top of the stairs when you enter the building. Maintain a 6 foot distance from other students as you enter and leave the building. Please wear a mask. Once you are on your mat, you may remove your mask for the yoga class. 

We ask that Village Yoga students only use the small bathroom closest to the studio whenever possible. We will be cleaning the bathroom before and after each class. We also ask that you use the Lysol wipes on surfaces you have touched after using the bathroom.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, have a family member you live with who has been exposed; or you are not feeling well (fever, cough, shortness of breath) then do not come to yoga.  Our teachers will do the same.

Free Zoom class with Jessica Laurin on Thursday June 18th, 4-5:15pm

Jessica Laurin's yoga class is now on Zoom!

Join Jessica for her Yoga for Strength and Flexibility class on Thursdays 4-5:15pm. Her first class on June 18th will be free. If you've never taken a class with Jessica, now is a great time to try. Jessica is a very knowledgable and wonderful yoga instructor as well as a massage therapist and Ayurvedic Practitioner. Contact the studio for the link to her classes.

We still do not have an opening date for the studio from the State of Maine. We are allowed to have one person in the studio with the instructor. Village Yoga is offering private yoga classes at a reduced rate of $35 for those of you who would like to have some personal instructor instruction. Elizabeth Spahr is also offering any student to come into the studio during her regularly scheduled Zoom class. A few students have already come in and it has been fun, for the other students on Zoom as well as Elizabeth. Contact studio if you would like to come to class in the studio. Only one person is allowed, so do not come unless you get permission from Elizabeth. If there are several people, we will need to take turns so everyone gets a turn. Once we do reopen, class size will be limited to 5 in the studio. Again, make sure you have permission before coming to the studio. We don't want people to just drop in and be turned away. Zoom classes will continued to be offered even when we do reopen.

Current Zoom schedule is listed below. Regular class rates apply. Contact studio for class links (except for Susan's class)

Elizabeth Spahr -
Kripalu Gentle Yoga - Tuesdays and Fridays 9-10am and Sundays 8-9am
Kripalu Moderate Yoga - Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30-8:30am

Elizabeth Clarkson -
Gentle Yoga Stretch - Mondays 9-10am

Jessica Laurin -
Yoga for Strength and Flexibility, all levels - Thursdays 4-5:15pm

Susan Mirisola -
Align and Breath yoga - Wednesdays Gentle 4-5:15pm and Sundays All levels 8:30-9:30am. Contact Susan for class links - scmirisola@gmail.com

Several classes are also available on video. Contact studio for more information. 

Village Yoga is deeply grateful to all our loyal and wonderful students who have been attending the Zoom classes. It has been an honor to work with all of you! If you haven't tried a Zoom class yet, please give it a try. Several of our students have said how much it means to them to be able to keep up with their yoga practice. Yoga helps in so many ways - calming the mind, stretching and strengthening the body, increasing flexibility and improving sleep. During this challenging time, it is lovely to be able to come together in yoga.

Wishing you all health and peace.

Namasté

Online yoga class waiver - 
ONLINE CLASS WAIVER: By joining any online Yoga class with Village Yoga instructors,  including live classes and pre-recorded sessions, you understand and agree that you are doing so at your own risk.  There will be no in-person supervision during these classes and Village Yoga, LLC shall not be liable, under any circumstances or in any way, including but not limited to, limitations of video instruction, the failure of the student to use proper technique or to provide a safe space for yoga practice.