“Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peace starts within, and in community. Join Yoga District for a day-long yoga retreat to explore holistic paths of non-violent living in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read on to learn more about nonviolent communication and how our MLK Jr. Day retreat uses ahimas, meditations, as well as mindful practice as forms of nonviolent existence.

Self-care can include other-care. It requires understanding your needs as well those of others.  Communication is an excellent way to comprehend everyone’s needs.

NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Nonviolent communication (NVC), sometimes referred to as Compassionate Communication, honors the nonviolent practices of individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others that inspired the way in which we exist in the world.

NVC confronts not only explicit violence, but the undercurrent of subtle violence that permeates most cultures. It offers a method of empathy through deep listening to ourselves and others.  Through NVC’s tools and practices a person can attempt to recognize the depth of their compassion.  This understanding allows deeper connection and love for ourselves and others.  

People who have practiced NVC describe it as accessible but transformative.

“All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.” — Marshall B. Rosenberg, Phd

Check out the Center for Nonviolent Communication to learn more about NVC  

Practices of Ahimsa (Non-Violence): MLK Day Yoga Retreat

We will explore how principles of nonviolence can be applied to our daily lives through:

• Communication (NVC)
• Ahimsa
• Self-care
• Meditation and Relaxation techniques
• Intention Setting
• Ashana
• Mindfulness Practices
• Focused Chanting
• Nutrition (retreat includes a delicious vegetarian meal and chai)

Click here for the MLK Day retreats schedule

AHIMSA

Ahimsa includes practicing non-violence in mind, body, and spirit.

Yoga Master Sri Dharma Mittra explains, “Without Ahimsa there is no yoga.” During the retreat learn about MLK’s six principles of nonviolence, as well as the basics of ahimsa according to classic yoga philosophy.

Find more information about:

• MLK’s six principles of nonviolence here
• Ahimsa here

SELF CARE, MEDITATION & INTENTION SETTING

One of Yoga District’s beloved teachers Aparna will be leading meditation, NVC talks,  meditative core & restorative asana practice.  Below she outlines some of what she will cover at the retreat:

During meditation, we’ll explore the art of relaxation to connect within. Through modified yoga nidra, participants will enter a state of relaxed awareness.

During this experience of inner stillness, the participants will write down their intentions in their present moment. The participants would observe what fundamental needs aren’t being met.

In a non-judgemental space using the tools of NVC, we’ll discuss strategies to empathize with the people concerned. How to adopt positive action language to fulfill these needs and feel abundant in our everyday lives.

ASANA

We’ll discuss the possibilities of self-exploration that mindful practice of asanas (physical postures) can offer. Then we’ll practice a a meditative flow with a core-focused sequence using mula bandha, as well as hip-openers to release and relax. The practice will end with 2, 15 min restorative poses.

Find more information about:

• Yoga Nidra here
• How to use Mula Bandha in your yoga practice here

MLK Day Yoga Retreat:Practices of Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

• 1/15/2018
• 9:00am – 5:00pm
• 14th street studio

You can register for the Retreat here

We hope you carry love & compassion on & off the mat!

The post MLK Jr: Living a Nonviolent Existence appeared first on Yoga District.

Welcome 2018 with one of Yoga District’s 5 workshops & local MLK Day retreat!

Read on for each workshop’s description, date, studio location, and registration link.

Please feel free to comment below and provide any suggestions for future YD workshops. Thanks!

JANUARY WORKSHOPS & RETREATS:

ACTIVE

The ABC’s of Sun Salutations: Surya Namaskar Alignment

1/7/2018        2:30pm – 4:30pm        Bloomingdale        Sign up here

Sun Salutations are greetings of the Sun and a great way to welcome the New Year! The 2 hours all-level workshop breaks down three versions of Sun Salutations using various props to establish individual Sun Salute practice.

You will learn Surya Namaskar A, B, and C in a manner than it is safe and sustainable for your body gradually building muscular strength, breath awareness, and meditative practice.

Yoga for Runners Workshop

1/20/2018        4:00pm – 6:00pm        Bloomingdale        Sign up here

Running has a lot of health benefits but it can lead to tight muscles and sore joints. Learn to prevent injury by strengthening the core, balancing your stride, and employing effective warm-up and cool-down techniques.

This all-level workshop is a slow-paced vinyasa flow practice designed specifically for runners.

Quarterly Handstand Workshop

1/21/2018        2:30pm – 4:30pm        14th Street         Sign up here

This quarterly given workshop will use drills and exercises on and off the wall to explore and develop the different muscle groups that support the inversion.

Students will also practice falling so that they can face fears and potentially work towards a handstand away from the wall. All levels are welcome.

Detox A New You

1/28/2018        2:30pm – 4:30pm        14th Street         Sign up here

Purify your body, mind, and spirit with Detox Flow. Feel the cleansing effects of your internal heat with a specific sequence of twisting, core awakening, and hip opening. This practice will elevated energy, increased circulation, and greater mental clarity while releasing tension and stress.

Be prepared to sweat. We recommend some yoga experience before attending this workshop.

SPIRITUAL & MINDFUL

ASANA + SONIC SAVASANA: A Meditative Sound Bath Experience

1/27/2018       2:15pm – 4:15pm        14th Street         Sign up here

Begin with a 60-minute asana class to prepare the body for  60 minutes of sound meditation (Quartz crystal singing bowls) that guide participants on a soothing sonic journey,

This deep meditation method is extremely powerful and effective — even for the absolute beginner.

LOCAL DAY RETREAT

 Practices of Ahimsa (Non-Violence): MLK Day Yoga Retreat

1/15/2018       9:00am – 5:00pm       14th Street Sign up & retreat schedule here

“Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join a day-long yoga retreat to explore holistic paths of non-violent living in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Ahimsa is the practice of non-violence in mind, body, and spirit. We will dedicate our MLK holiday to explore how and where the vast principles of nonviolence can be applied to our daily lives through communication, nutrition, mindfulness practices, asana, focused chanting, intention setting, self-care, and relaxation techniques.

The post January Workshops appeared first on Yoga District.