Winter Solstice Celebration

So, what is Winter Solstice? The winter solstice occurs exactly when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun at its maximum and lasts only an instant in time marking the turning point to midwinter or the first day of winter. This time of the year is also marked by high-energy activities around the themes of holiday gift shopping, parties, cooking, and other forms of entertainment.  Although this may be fun for some, it can be very unbalancing for others as anxieties go on the rise.  The Winter Solstice, the darkest longest night of the year, is the planet's own little holiday where it gets to sleep in, even if it is just for a moment.  This is also a reminder for us to slow down, close our eyes, and take our own little holiday to go within and nurture ourselves.  This holiday season is not about spending it outside 24/7 shopping for the latest gadget (you can do that online now), it is more about spending it indoors, hibernating with your loved-ones, slowing time, and staying under cozy covers just a little longer.  As humans and inhabitants of this Earth, our physical bodies are programmed to do this anyway, so why not indulge?  

Our very own Sara Alvarez, who guided us through some amazing and inspiring YIP moments this past summer, is having a Winter Solstice celebration at Sonic Yoga.  Let go of the frantic shopping and stop by for some heart opening asana (yoga postures) and your support of this blossoming Yoga Teacher.  

Winter Solstice Celebration with Sara Alvarez

Holiday music and heart opening Asana.

Sunday December 19th 7-9 pm at Sonic Yoga! 51st and 9th Avenue 

$10 suggested donation or pay what you can

Sonicyoga.com

artisticwellnessny.com (Sara's new website)

YOGA in SOHO

We are still a few months away from free yoga in Fort Tryon Park, but in the mean time checkout the following discount class:

Gravitate Yoga + Diamond in the Rough Beauty Bar

Join Grisel Olivo in transforming this spaciously zen SOHO Beauty Bar into an after hours Yogi Paradise (with Tea and YOGA).  SOHO is just FuN and this space is so neat!

What - Vinyasa Flow - Open

When - Thursday, November 18

Where - 249 Centre Street, New York, NY 10012 (between Grand St, and Broom St.)

Time - 6:30PM

Price - $12.00

Please bring Yoga Mat.

Hope you are all having a lovely November and please don't be shy to reach out to YIP with other fall/winter group event suggestions.

Namaste!

Oh yeah, the picture above is an embodiment of SoHO not the Beauty Bar :-)

Kirtan (Sanskrit: "to repeat") is a call-and-response chanting performed in India's devotional traditions. A Kirtan practice involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments such as the harmonium. The melodical repetition of mantras in a kirtan can carry us effortlessly to a place of quiet and stillness; making this a great method to explore meditation, specially for those of us for whom closing our eyes and being still for long periods of time feels like an impossible task. Meditational practice is very beneficial to training the mind to achieve better concentration and focus and cultivate feelings of peace and contentment; not to mention the countless benefits of communicating with your inner-self.  There are serval yoga centers and studios throughout NYC offering free or donation based Kirtan events which are ideal for whether your interested in exploring Kirtan for musical pleasure or meditation or both.  Check these out and sing to your heart's content.

Sonic Kirtan (next date: Sun 8/22)  Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Sonicyoga.com)
Raise your voice and vibration and illuminate your heart with our monthly Kirtan. Includes call and response chanting, original music and perhaps if inspired some spontaneous dance! Bring shakers, drums and any musical instruments you like as well as your free spirit. By Donation! Every 3rd Sunday of each month.

Dharma Yoga Center (next date: Wednesday 8/4) Time: 8:45 PM - 9:30 PM (Dharmayogacenter.com)
Community Kirtan with Devadas - Join a special night of spiritual singing. Everyone is welcomed, just come! Suggested minimum contribution $5-10.

Kirtan at Jivamukti  (next date: Wednesday 8/11) Time: 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM

841 Broadway, 2nd Fl. btw 13th/14th Sts. at Union Sq.
Read more: http://events.myspace.com/Event/1596167/KAMANIYA--May-ALL-beings-be-happy--free-#ixzz0v5K4VQNQ

Yoga Podcasts

Sebastien Queney, a super YIPper, was going through his usual everything Yoga research and found a free Video Podcast by Yoga Journal (a leading Yoga publication).  The Video Podcasts include 15 to 30 minute sequences on everything from sweating your b*** off to restorative self-spa time. Definitely worth exploring if you are looking to build a regular home yoga practice.  For more information go to YogaJournal.com or type in Yoga Journal or Yoga Practice in iTunes podcast search.

Namaste!