Partners' Introduction

This month we celebrate the timeless attributes of yoga and marvel at how applicable these ancient teachings still are in modern times. Even the name of this tenth month in the Gregorian calendar, October (octo=8), is a relic of another time – its name reminds us that it was originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar. Despite the evolution of the calendar and October's placement within it, its name tells a story of its origin and history. In that same way, we can look closely at the name of many common yoga poses to learn about their origin, what their shape is, and thus what the goal of each of the poses should be.

Take utthita parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose) as an example. It may not be surprising to find that it has a lateral angle shape and that a major goal of the pose is to stretch the side of the body. Dhanurasana (bow pose), another example, is one where the hands are used like a bow-string to pull the head, torso, and legs up off the floor into a posture that resembles a bent bow. This month as you explore a variety of poses in your class and home practices, we invite you to pay special attention to how the practice of yoga holds so much history and how the poses themselves are surviving memorials of the past.

Just as the calendar evolved, so has yoga – including the placement of yoga poses into precisely ordered sequences. One of the most notable set sequences of postures is surya namaskar A (sun salutation A), which is the featured pose of the month. We have a new-found appreciation for this sequence (as you have probably noticed in our classes), as we feel it makes for a perfect warm-up or even a practice in itself. To fully capture this traditional sequence, our pose of the month comes not only with the usual write-up but also a video. We hope you will be inspired by the video and that it will serve as an invaluable resource to you as you study and practice this specific sequence that contains many of the most common yoga postures.

In keeping with celebrating timelessness this month, we selected our student of the month to be our new photographer Siobhán Hanna. You have probably noticed the amazing new photos that are presented on our webpage, displayed in the studio, and shared through our social media. These fabulous shots were taken by Siobhán - a CHY student and Capitol Hill resident. What better way to capture special moments in time for preservation than through photography!

This month we honor the past (especially the tradition of yoga that has been passed on to us through the lineages), we celebrate the moment (applying these teachings to our modern lifestyle), and we look forward to the future (leaving our own imprints into the practice to be shared with those who come after us).

Celebrating this moment in time with you,
Stacey & Betsy

Pose of the Month

Surya Namaskar A

Surya Namaskar A is a multi pose sequence that was traditionally practiced at sun rise in gratitude of the light. A full practice in itself Surya Namaskar A builds strength in your arms and legs, extends your spine, and stretches the back of your legs. Read More

Upcoming Workshops

Yoga to Go - October 6

Feeling great at Work, at Play, and Everywhere in Between.

Pick Your Flavor - Advanced or Restorative?

Adventurous yogis will love our Advanced practice (October 13). Slow down & Turn On, Tune In, Bliss Out: Restorative (October 20).

Ayurveda: Self Care & Daily Practices - October 14

Ayurveda uses food, herbs & daily practices to enhance your well-being. Workshop also includes asana, meditation & a take home guide.

AcroYoga CommUNITY Playshop - October 21

Everyone is welcome in this workhsop that will cultivate adventure using partnering techniques to build strength, stamina & trust.

Couples Yoga Workshop for Labor & Delivery - October 27

Opportunity for pregnant women & partner to practice yoga poses & breathing techniques that many found helpful during labor & delivery.

Staying Present: The Art of Transition - October 28

Slow down to explore common transitions in your practice to build more stability in your yoga poses.

View More WORKSHOPS

Student of the Month

Siobhán Hanna

"I have to admit when I need to take another image and the girls are in a strong pose to say "hold it" makes me smile. I remember so many classes hearing that and it gives me a giggle that I get to tell my teachers to do the same." Read More

General Announcements

FREE Yoga Teacher Training Info Session - October 14

This question and answer session is an opportunity for us to share with you the details of the 2013 program, for you to learn about us as the program trainers, and to be in community with other CHY students who are also considering stepping into this deeper study of yoga.

Community Yoga - Sundays 6-7pm

We've got a great lineup for you this month in our Free Community Yoga Class! 10/7 Denise, 10/14 Betsy, 10/21 Jen, 10/28 Katie