Healing Chakras Guided Meditation

Bermuda Yoga Festival 2016 Beginner workshops are sponsored by the Argus Group. The workshops are for first-time beginners, those with limited experience, those who want a more gentle practice, or more seasoned yogis who want a check-in with their body-architecture in basic poses.

Sunrise Meditation

Friday April 29th 8 – 9am Session 5

Session 5. Trish Alexander “Aqua Kriya Yoga” | yoga Aqua Kriya Yoga is a wellness modality that aims to connect the body and breath, helping practitioners bring awareness and intention to their movements. By taking yoga off the mat and into the water, greater ease and stability can be experienced. This inclusive discipline has many benefits, including little to no impact on joints, especially knees, hips and ankles; improving balance issues, confidence, and awareness; weightlessness in the water allowing for joint access, muscle lengthening and organ toning; strengthening the pelvic floor and deep core muscles; and shedding more calories in less time due to the water’s resistance.

Friday April 29th 11am – 1pm Session 6 – 9 Session 6. Sianna Sherman “Ignite Magic – Mythic Yoga Flow® Myth, Mantra, Mudra & Magic” | yoga, chant Ignite Magic in this dynamic flow of backbends where asana, mantra, mudra and heart fire vision unite in a sacred alchemy of yoga. Untie the knots of your heart and learn how to clear your back pain with biomechanics and clear intention. This progressive backbend sequence helps you to open your wings and say the most radical YES to the magic that is YOU! Backbends leading up to Urdhva Dhanurasana and Variations.

Session 7. Elaine White “Yoga and The Body Electric” | yoga In this workshop we will explore how Yoga affects the body’s energy system. Using the earth’s energetic field to supercharge the crystalline matrix which is interwoven throughout our connective tissue. We begin to understand knowledge that yogi’s have handed down for millennia and view this in the light of cutting edge discoveries as scientists substantiate “The Body Electric.”

Session 8. Sukhdev Jackson of Aykanna “Foundations of Power for Women: Part 2” | yoga, chant, meditation Exploring and reconnecting with the innate power that woman is a living prayer. Her word creates worlds. Her prayer is ongoing and manifests itself through her projection. Using the tools of Kundalini Yoga, meditation and chanting, we reconnect to our natural state of Being and tap into our power to heal and manifest. Discover and apply the foundations of power and what it means to be living from your intuition, on purpose, sharing your gift and celebrating your life! Heal your body, emotions and traumas and help others do the same. This two-part workshop will help you to unlock your creative power and deliver you to your potential. Walking as a living prayer, align with your destiny to experience success and power in all areas of your life.

Session 9. Jim Beckwith “Mantra, Magic, Song and Stories: how following your dharma becomes a gift to yourself and others” | talk, music What is your hidden talent? When will you accept it and give your gift to the world? Are you doing that or is fear holding you back? This workshop will lead you on a journey in learning to express your true self, the magic that shows up when you trust in the universe to provide. For Jim Beckwith, growing up in what felt like a barren cultural environment and feeling the need to find something more, he was moved to explore the healing and unifying power of sound and vibration. Following the path of music, he found his dharma, the essential character of his own nature, and his voice.

This mix of journeying and creative process combines for a rich experience in 90 minutes of sharing, including Jim playing and singing original songs, speaking about the lyrics, their meanings and inspiration, including tales of travel to Africa and its imagery; songs of Sufi wisdom, whirling dervishes and community; love and love lost, songs inspired by writings of others including Rumi and Joseph Campbell.

Friday April 29th 2:30 – 4:30pm Session 10 – 13 Session 10. Peter Sterios “Gravity & Grace: The Healing Power of Surrender and Intuitive Response | yoga In any stage of life, our physical bodies will have periods of injury or compromised mobility. By design, the practice of Hatha Yoga equips us with tools to overcome limitations resulting from these periods, and build strength to restore agility without pain. In this workshop, guidance will be given, in very clear and concise ways, to sharpen our attention and reacquaint ourselves with subtle body sensations, often experienced around the heart, the belly and the pelvic floor, which assist our healing. Whether you are dealing with a recent acute injury, or a chronic range of motion condition, instruction given will begin a more natural and personal healing process, and help build confidence in your capacity for greater movement. All levels. The class includes a short lecture followed by practice. Session 11. Sianna Sherman “Soma –Nectar Flow Hips, Mantra & Meditation” | yoga, chant, meditation Bathe in the nectar of yoga with deep hips, twists, inversions, mantra and meditation. This session turns inside with a more introspective practice of self-acceptance and reflection. The alchemy of yoga holds the essential understanding that a balanced yoga practice is both Fire & Nectar. The heating aspect of the practice is called tapasya – “that which heats up” or agni – “fire” and the cooling aspect of the practice is called soma – “moonlight” or that which offers the nectar of the practice. Agni & Soma together offer a balanced energy so the yogi both burns away the dross and receives nourishment through the practices. Without fire in the practice, there is no transformation. Without coolness in the practice, then the yogi can burn out. Fire & Nectar are the complementary opposites and the yogi cultivates both in practice and life. Session 12. Trish Alexander “Bermuda Blend” | yoga Experience the elements that make

Saturday April 30th 7:30 – 9:30am Session 14 – 17 Session 14. AYKANNA “Kundalini Yoga & Mantra Class” | yoga, chant Deep Listening – Awakening the voice of your soul. In this Kundalini Yoga and mantra class, you will activate your authentic voice with the power of the ancient sounds & languages of the Earth. Mantra means “the Light of the Mind”. Through Suniai (pronounced sunee-ah) – meaning Deep Listening, we gain access to the subtle energy systems of the body and the Universe. Everything is revealed to know and fulfill our purpose for living.As we chant together, we raise our vibration and get in touch with the power that is at our fingertips. We are living in a time where we are being asked to consciously raise our vibration so we use our creative power to uplift and celebrate the human spirit. Session 15. Peter Sterios “LevityYoga: Practices to Rewire the Subtle Body” | yoga Cultivating our minds for refined levels of attention and focus is a natural by-product of yoga. It startswith the understanding of the many “minds” our bodies possess⎯the mind in our brain, the mind in our spine, the mind in our heart, and the mind in our gut, to name a few. Magically, each yoga pose has been developed to encourage greater awareness in these “seats” of mind, through motion and exercises designed to build flexibility, strength, and stillness. In this unique workshop, the root principles of LEVITYOGA will be explored to strengthen different parts of your mind and build more intelligence into your practice. Each of the principles⎯Back Body Breathing, Spine Mechanics, and Fundamentals of Flow⎯will be briefly discussed, followed by practices to incorporate them into movement. The class will be half lecture, half practice. All levels. Session 16. Alex Hasselkuss “Enhancing Your Stamina “ | yoga Challenge your focus and stamina with this continuous asana practice that asks you to stay in the flow of awareness and alignment. You will be invited to stay present throughout thepractice to fully participate in the “hard work” of the poses. As a metaphor for life, this practice deepens our commitment and inner strength to be present in the face of challenge. Session 17. Peter Rehmer “Essential Meditation” | meditation In this 90-minute Workshop we review a wide range of motivations, 4 classic objects of meditation; 3 principles of practice; 2 essential aims, and the single best fringe benefit of meditation—all derived from the Yogic and Buddhist traditions without highlighting any one particular school. Meditation myths will be dispelled. Questions will be answered. Practical tips will be offered. The ultimate will be pointed at.

Saturday April 30th 8 – 9am Session 18 Session 18. Trish Alexander “Aqua Kriya Yoga” | yoga Aqua Kriya Yoga is a wellness modality that aims to connect the body and breath, helping practitioners bring awareness and intention to their movements. By taking yoga off the mat and into the water, greater ease and stability can be experienced. This inclusive discipline has many benefits, including little to no impact on joints, especially knees, hips and ankles; improving balance issues, confidence, and awareness; weightlessness in the water allowing for joint access, muscle lengthening and organ toning; strengthening the pelvic floor and deep core muscles; and shedding more calories in less time due to the water’s resistance.

Saturday April 30th 11am – 1pm Session 19 – 22

Session 19. Saul David Raye “Soul and Soma: Awakening the Power of Inner Flow & Rejuvenation in Yoga” | yoga, tantra, ayurveda Join us as we explore the powerful teachings of Atma (Soul) and Soma (Water essence / Rejuvenation) within yoga and how we can bring more fluidity (juiciness), restoring and rejuvenating power to our yoga practice and life. We will explore somatic principles of movement, adjustments, tantric and ayurvedic teachings, partner work and self practice as we move deeper into the river of life within. Aum Somaye Namah. Session 20. Sianna Sherman “Agni – Fire Flow Backbends, Pranayama & Vision” | yoga, breath Awaken your Hero’s Journey in a dynamic asana practice brought to life with the stories of yoga. Learn the legends of warriors, deities, sages, animals and heroes of the yoga tradition. Mythic Yoga Flow® is a spirited asana practice enlivened with myth, mantra, mudra and music. And there’s always Savasana Story Time with Sianna. Session 21. AYKANNA “ConsciousRelationships & Mantra” | relationship, chant, meditation Learn how to communicate with authenticity, vulnerability and courage. Create deep and intimate connections. Discover mantra meditations and breakthrough relationship tools that will help you to shift out of negative emotional patterns and create all relationships from a conscious loving place. Session 22. Shanell Vaughn (Shantidevi) “Inner Light Yoga” | yoga Nourish your body and soul in this open-level hatha yoga class that weaves soulful music with your practice of asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and sacred mantra to take you on a yogic journey. This class brings together elements of classical Sivananda yoga with the wisdom of shamanic traditions to offer you a practice that connects you to the natural world, brings forth your inner light, and unveils the abiding peace that lives in your heart.

Saturday April 30th 1pm – 3pm Session 23 Session 23. Jaya Butler “Free Community Class” | yoga The free Community Class, inspired and sponsored by the Argus Group, is designed for first-time beginners or those who have limited experience. It offers an opportunity for the broader community to join in the festival and experience what yoga is all about. With her warmth and humor, Jaya will introduce students to warm-ups, basic yoga poses, yoga breathing techniques and a deep relaxation practice.

Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat or towel, wear loose fitting clothes to allow for easy movement and not to eat 2 hours before class; yoga mats will be available on loan. Sign-in is required at the main registration desk 30 minutes before the class starts.

Saturday April 30th 2:30 – 4:30pm Session 24 – 27 Session 24. Sianna Sherman “Phoenix Power Arm Balances, Chanting & Heart Tribe Connection” | yoga Play your edge in this lively practice of arm balances and learn fun ways to approach your practice when it seems challenging. The mythic Phoenix holds the medicine of creativity, triumph, magic and resurrection. Phoenix Power is the remembrance that from ashes to wings, we rise again. This practice strengthens the core, offers new patterns of movement, enhances coordination skills and teaches progressive sequencing for the most effective openings. Learn to think out of the box when confronted with challenges and discover new doorways into your practice and life. Integrated practices of Tantra alchemize your practice with asana, bandha, mudra, mantra and pranayama. This class is up-tempo, fun, sweaty, and open to spontaneous flows of creativity. Session 25. Saul David Raye “Untying the Knots of the Heart: Healing Yoga & Meditation” | yoga,

Akahdahmah and Sukhdev along with 20+ top artists and musical activists are raising consciousness through music by speaking out on issues of equal rights and justice to singing songs of love and freedom.

Sunday May 1st 6 – 7am

Sunrise Meditation

Sunday May 1st 7:30 – 9:30am Session 28 – 31 Session 28. Peter Sterios “Longevity & Fitness: Practices for Mind and Body Vitality” | yoga Yoga is a discipline created by ancient Indian sages for increasing life force and providing the means for a long and healthy life. What they clearly understood was how simple practices, started at any age in life, help build and sustain the vitality which is key to a fruitful existence. Whether you are in your 20’s or your 80’s, this workshop will show you ways to support longevity and help maintain optimum fitness, movement and awareness throughout your life. Come learn how the two subtle forces of “Gravity & Grace” can be used to create the well-being yoga was designed for, restoring your innate ability for a grace-full life, with a renewed awareness of gravity – nature’s gift to keep us grounded physically and psychologically. Beginners and teachers of beginners. The class includes a short lecture followed by practice. Session 29. Kirsten AgarWard “Work In not Work Out! Finding your inner peace in backward extensions” | yoga There are many misconceptions about backward extensions that they are agitating, stimulating and direct you outwardly. Properly practiced, however, backward extensions are a wonderful means to help us develop quiet presence of mind and courage. They help us penetrate layers of our embodiment to connect with our inner mental and emotional strength and find our composure and equanimity. Minimum yoga experience 1 year.

Session 30. Peter Rehmer “Essentially Easy Ashtanga” | yoga In this relatively easy class, we will playfully explore selected forms of the Ashtanga primary series, reviewing first principles and pressing into all the inherent oppositions. By engaging the breath and gaze we will stoke a healthy belly fire, so honing the inward focus that helps deepen our experience of the individual postures. No experience of Ashtanga is required to attend this class but it is recommended that students have practiced yoga asanas for some months. Session 31. Gillian Motyer “Restorative Yoga” | yoga Restorative Yoga deeply nourishes and rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit. Gentle movement and supported postures, mindfulness awareness of body, emotions and thoughts encourage and support a deeper connection to self. In a Restorative Yoga class you have permission to stop, to let go of doing and to simply be. 90 minutes of stopping can often be enough to allow for more clarity around the busyness of ourlives and for a more balanced and healthy relationship with our bodies. By aligning the mind with the breath and the body we can experience a relaxed alertness, and once again, room to breathe and be. Restorative Yoga is suitable for all bodies, regardless of yoga experience, flexibility or age.

Sunday May 1st 11am – 1pm Session 32 – 35 Session 32. Saul David Raye “Earth Prayer” | yoga, breath, chant Ancient yogis and shamans had a profound connection and reverence for Mother Earth, Bhumi Devi. We are all deeply connected to Earth, physically, energetically and spiritually. We are her children; our future is entwined with Her. This class will focus on the importance of connecting with the energy field of Mother Earth and how to access this field for grounding, healing and intuition in the process of yoga. The class will include some tantric / shamanic earth-based teachings, dynamic yoga, breath work, meditation, live music and chanting. Session 33. Elaine White “Gentle Yoga” | yoga This class is for beginners or those who would enjoy a more restful yoga experience. Slow, easy warm ups, simple standing and balancing poses followed by some calming stretches on the mat. Guided relaxation and breathing practice will be included to enhance the healing benefits of this soothingsession. Session 34. Todd Crews “Smoothing, Soothing, Settling” | yoga Explore your inner self as you turn inside with a more thoughtful practice of hip openers, twists and forward folds. Inner consciousness opens the pathway to reveal one’s true Nature and Dharma through grounding oneself. This settling practice purifies one from the inside out so the practitioners are cognizant of the their external surroundings so they may recognize the reflection of their own true Self. This journey will finish in the practice of meditation to lead to the smoothing, soothing and settling Self. All Levels/Intermediate Session 35. Peter Sterios “A Lifetime of Learning: Yoga as Service and a Profession” | talk Peter as he shares stories of his unexpected journey on a yogic path to become a teacher and creator of LEVITYOGA; the founder of karmaNICA, a charitable organization for school children in Nicaragua; and the CEO/Founder of Manduka, a leading eco-yoga company that has donated yoga mats tostudents around the world for 20 years. There will be a Q&A session for those interested after the talk. This 1 ½ hr. talk is open to the general public.