Category Archives: Yoga Teacher

Why I Love Ashtanga Yoga

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Ive been practicing yoga in NYC for 13 years.  My first class was at Crunch gym on Lafayette street just a few blocks away from my NYU dorm room.  Over the years I have experimented with many different styles and studios but as I look back I always gravitated towards the classes that offered the simple but straightforward sequencing of what I came to learn was Ashtanga Yoga.

I had a moment yesterday as I was heading to Balthazar with a friend to enjoy some post-practice ginger citrus tea when I began reflecting on why I love this style so much.  I often get asked this question by the students who practice Ashtanga with me at the studio. They are curious as to what makes this type of yoga different than others.

I suppose there is no right answer and the reasons vary with each practitioner.  Simply stated, Ashtanga Yoga is a set series of poses in which to practice a breathing system which cleanses and purifies the body and mind.  Like any long term monogomous love, its important to keep the spark alive, and for me my love affair stays fresh with each day that I come back to the mat.  Inherently, the practice encourages me to hold my own space, take responsibility for my own choices and reactions, and learn about myself through myself at my own pace.  The beauty of having a structure that remains the same is in the freedom to experience it differently everytime.

In the beginning, there may be attachment to the posture or the physical benefits and satisfaction of engaging in such an intense form of activity but the repetition naturally softens the the mind around what the body is doing.  There is no choice as some days are weaker than others. Some days the practice reveals something painful and a part of me wants to avoid and escape the feeling.  These days can be challenging and brings up emotions my regular day to day activities don’t allow me access to. I am the most grateful for these times…. If the structure were to change day to day, I would miss these opportunities to refine, realign and remain present for the subtle physical, mental and emotional shifts and transformations a disciplined consistent practice offers.

I love Ashtanga why?

For all these reasons…

and for giving me a voice in which to share yoga with you

<3,

Alana

By Appointment Nutrition Consultations

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Starting November 7th, Alana Kessler, MS, RD, CDN, CYT and certified Ayurvedic consultant will offer nutrition consultations by appointment at a sliding scale!

To book your consultation, email at least 24 hours in advance: alana@sanghayoganyc.com or call (718) 384-2097


About Alana:

Alana Kessler  MS, RD, CDN, CYT and certified Ayurvedic consultant  provides individuals with the practical tools they need to live more balanced and meaningful lives.  She couples her clinical experience treating multiple disease states with her extensive and intuitive understanding of the human body and mind, providing her clients with a uniquely progressive, integrated, and proactive approach to health.

{Upcoming Workshop} Yoga for Vocalists with Aude Cardona

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This workshop is dedicated to singers and people who want to improve their  voice through Yoga. 

Students will work with Asanas (postures) aimed at improving posture, breath control, and cultivating an awareness as to what the vocal apparatus requires to function naturally and without obstacles. Attention will be given individually as every person is different and presents different patterns.

A major emphasis will be given to breath and to practicing Asanas that free the throat and breathing channels. Pranayama, the regulation of the breath,will be introduced as a way to relax, open and warm up the voice. We will conclude with a routine of asana and pranayama the performer can employ as a means to prepare the body and mind before performing.

“The singer must have some knowledge of his or her anatomical structure, particularly the structure of the throat, mouth and face, with its resonant cavities, which are so necessary for the right production of the voice. Besides that, the lungs and diaphragm and the whole breathing apparatus must be understood, because the foundation of singing is breathing and breath control.” Luisa Tetrazzini, Soprano.

Click here to reserve your spot!

About the Instructor: Aude started practicing Iyengar Yoga in Rishikesh, India, in 2001. Since then she has continued to deepen her practice in France with S.F Biria, and in the US with Kevin Gardiner, Genny Kapuler, Carrie Owerko and Joan White – eventually choosing to complete a 3 year training where she obtained her Iyengar Yoga teacher certification. Audeʼs interest for Iyengar Yoga was instantaneous. Her mind was able to focus and her physical awareness increased, helping her tremendously with her opera singing. She later graduated from Manhattan School of Music where she studied voice. Aude practices both Yoga and singing and enjoys exploring the link between them when teaching Yoga as they are both vibrational arts, echoing one another. Aude’s classes refelct a focused, calm yet energetic environment. Aude is grateful to share Yoga, a vehicle that keeps her going more gracefully through life, an endless path of wonderful discoveries. “Yoga releases the creative potential in life.” BKS Iyengar.

Back to Basics

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As a teacher, the hardest classes to teach are the foundational ones… the classes that encourage investigation of seemingly simple postures, shapes and breath.  At Sangha, we believe a safe, lifelong practice begins with a constant commitment to learn and consistently refine the fundamentals.

Our basics classes are inspired by the Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions and will offer comprehensive and easy to understand introductions to both systems individually, with the intention to support an informed and evolving practice.

Both Alana and Aude are disciplined practioners and devoted teachers in their respective lineages for years. Aude Cardona, is a certified Iyengar Yoga instructor and Alana Kessler is dedicated to a daily Ashtanga Yoga practice at Ashtanga Yoga New York with Eddie Stern.

Our basics classes introduce and guide the student through the breath system of Ashtanga as well as the precision of alignment found in Iyengar to inspire and support each and every practitioner.

Sign up for classes here

Organic & Raw Buddha Chocolates now offered at Sangha!

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The Chocolate of Awakening.

Buddha Chocolate is an artisan un-heated Raw chocolate made from the finest quality Peruvian cacao beans and sweetened with raw, humane honey from Vermont. Honey delivers the body essential enzymes for healing & restoring the body, and essential taste for rejuvenating the soul!

Buddha Chocolate was founded in Brooklyn NY by yoga teachers Laura O’Hara & Cayce Pia  who share a long-time passion for creating delicious, savory raw treats. And their passions go far beyond the taste buds. They have experienced first-hand the amazing benefits of healthy, balanced living and are committed to sharing this bliss with the world.

Classic, Crystal Salt and Super Food for sale at Sangha! 

We’ve sampled… it is amazing! <3 Sangha

more info here: www.buddhachocolate.com

The Meaning of Yoga

Quote

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Yoga never demands the sacrifice of our reason. It only bids us: use it a thousand times more. Yoga does not require us to give up our active lives. It says simply: act, but know how to act. Yoga does not by any means wish us to push our understanding aside. It only tells us: discriminate correctly and act fearlessly. Yoga does not expect us to flee from the world and to retire into the Himalayas. It assures us: the refuge you seek, you will never find in the outside world. It is within you. Leave the stormy world of the senses behind you, raise your consciousness to the central point of your being and realize that here alone is the force, here alone is the peace and here alone the refuge you are seeking. Yoga teaches us: do not condemn the world. Deify the world with your deeds, purify the world with your utterances and ennoble the world by your presence.  -Selvarajan Yesudian

What’s your meaning? 

Hanniel Levenson

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Born in Haifa and raised in New York City,  

Hanniel studied Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University and received a masters of science  in environmental policy at Bard College.  Hanniel sees a strong connection between the environment and faith based study and is pursuing this relationship in his Rabbinical studies at the Academy for Jewish Religion where he will be ordained in May 2013.

He is a Research Associate at Beth Israel’s Continuum Center for Health and Healing and passionately promotes green healthcare environments and patient-centered care, believing these to be crucial components of holistic care. Incorporating yoga and meditation, Hanniel teaches philosophy, prayer, and religion throughout the city creating a uniquely inclusive and non-judgemental spiritual space, where individuals of all backgrounds can join together.

Hanniel was a competitive gymnast who has competed on the national level and strongly believes in the healing and restorative elements of exercise, particularly yoga, and is a registered Vinyasa yoga teacher and a Certified Personal Trainer.

He is thrilled to have found a shared vision with Alana and the Sangha Yoga Shala family in invigorating the spirit of tradition with divine warriors, building the community of the world.

View Hanniel’s Schedule

Malka Friedman-Rosner

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Malka began practicing yoga several years ago and hasn’t looked back. From the moment she stepped on the mat, she knew it was just the beginning of a lifetime journey – full of mindfulness, openness, devotion, and so much more. After years of developing a deeper, regular practice, she wanted to share her love of yoga with others and decided to become a teacher. She received her 200-hour training at O2 Yoga in Boston, MA. She is forever grateful to Mimi Loureiro, founder, and all of her teachers at O2 Yoga who have continued to inspire her.

Malka has recently moved to New York and is excited to be a part of this diverse and energetic city! She is incredibly thankful to have found the community at Sangha Yoga Shala. Her vinyasa classes are inspired by Ashtanga yoga, with clear cueing for postures, stages for various depths, and thematic sequencing. She also places a strong emphasis on alignment and anatomy.

View Malka’s Schedule

Lauren Egavian

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I was introduced to the yoga practice during the winter of 2005. After my first class, I felt the effects immediately. I love how the physical practice makes my body feel and also the mental clarity experienced. The practice allows me to make more mindful choices and decisions off the mat, which permits me to move freely with awareness through life without getting stuck. Possessing an exuberant teaching style, classes are Vinyasa inspired, connecting breath with movement, focusing on alignment, anatomy, assists and well thought out sequences set to a groovy playlist. There is an interplay of strength and stretch movement sprinkled throughout class in an effort to balance the entire body. I allow my students to learn, live, play and grow in an open and nonjudgmental space. I have taught at yoga studios, gyms, elementary schools, high schools, pharmaceutical companies and backyards. I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training course with David Vendetti at Back Bay Yoga in Boston, June 2008.

Hannah Gruber

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Hannah Gruber is a spirited individual, whose enthusiasm and dedication shine out in both her teaching and personal practice. She believes that all individuals, regardless of age, physicality, or background, possess the freedom and potential to explore and create. Yoga should be accessible and fun for everyone, and she encourages her students to approach their practice with both curiosity and playfulness. Her teaching is infused with her own energy, wisdom, and love of adventure. Due to her knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics, sharp eye for detail and elegant instruction, Hannah enjoys teaching all levels, the beginning student, the student with therapeutic needs, and the advancing student.

A student of yoga since 2002 and devoted to Anusara since 2008, Hannah expresses gratitude to all of her teachers, especially Zhenja La Rosa and Sharon Kenney, and all others who have shared their guidance and wisdom along this path.

View Hannah’s Schedule