It feels like spring only just arrived and now we’re already planning for summer! Lots of yoga classes and specials around the city so no excuse not to get on your mat. In fact, why not embrace the warmth of the sun by practicing in YOUR backyard? Roll out your mat and salute the morning sun on your deck; sit on a patio cushion facing your garden for a meditative exchange with nature; spread out a blanket in the grass and enjoy savasana with the blue sky above you; put on your rubber boots and raincoat and BREATHE as the rain falls around you…
While I will be spending a lot of time doing yoga in my backyard this summer, I will also be teaching morning classes Tuesdays (Hatha) and Thursdays (Yin) as usual at Maitreya (check the website for details: http://www.maitreyayoga.com). And the studio will be offering specialty classes every Monday night at 6:30 pm; catch me on the following dates for Meditation – Jun. 2, Jul. 21, Aug. 25.
I tend to cut back a bit on teaching over the summer in order to explore my own practice in more depth. I’m looking forward to attending some retreats and taking time for professional and personal rejuvenation. As one of my teachers reminds me, this is not just for my own benefit but for the benefit of everyone else in my life. The ripple effect begins in our own backyards, right?
Yoga In My Backyard 
Michelle said,
May 15, 2014 at 4:53 am
Can you recommend some good Yoga videos for a beginner?
ANNE STUBBS said,
May 15, 2014 at 8:55 pm
I’m not a big yoga video user but of the ones I have used, I would recommend Rodney Yee’s beginner DVD’s. You can find them at http://www.gaiam.com/yoga-videos/?intcmp=CLYG.yoga-videos.20140119. There are also many apps out there for the iPad and several how-to videos on YouTube, none of which I’ve ever used but there are certainly tons to choose from. The Yoga Journal website (http://www.yogajournal.com/) is also an excellent resource for all levels of practice. If you get a chance, come and check out a Hatha Basics class at the studio on a Monday evening this summer; see the Maitreya website for dates. Good luck!