Lately, I have been experimenting with a new way of breathing in a vinyasa flow. It goes like this; instead of synchronizing the breath exactly with the movement, wait one or two seconds for the breath to start and THEN initiate the movement. The 'waiting’ becomes a mindful pause, and sharpens my alertness throughout the vinyasa flow making it effortless to stay present. This is especially helpful when you do things so repetitively it becomes hard to make them feel new.

Try it yourself: Use a simple flow like Cat. Get down on all fours in cat pose, pause for a moment and feel the ground under your hands and knees. Inhale, allow a second or two of breath to inflate you, then arch and look up. Exhale; let a second(s) of breath flow out, then round your back to the sky. Stay rounding as you allow for the inhale to start, waiting for a second(s) before you flow back into the arch. Continue like this for 10-20 breaths. Feel what you are doing. Experiment with this technique in the sun solutes or a jump series.  back to top

All workshops at Yoga Zone 138 Fifth Avenue. For more information or to register call 212 647 9642.

Fasting and Detoxification with Manu Dawson: Sunday, May 13. 1:00 - 3:00pm. Manu Dawson, a leading Nutrition Consultant, will address the physiological and psychological benefits of fasting and the best ways to begin, maintain and break the fast. He is the Nutrition Consultant and Manager of the Integral Yoga Vitamin Store and is also trained in homeopathy and herbology.

Special Event: Kirtan with Shree Maa, Thursday, May 24 7:00-9:00pm. Shree Maa teaches the meaning and method of worship. Her basic teaching is that every home is a temple, and all of the occupants within are the priests; and that whenever anyone performs any action with respectful attention, sincerity and devotion, that person is performing worship.

Special Event: Venerable Ajahn Amaro and Jill Satterfield, Tuesday, May 29 - 7:00 - 10pm AJAHN AMARO is an internationally renowned Buddhist meditation teacher known for his humorous and practical approach to this ancient art. He is the author of The Long Road North, which tells of his 830-mile trek from Chithurst to Harnham Vihara called Tudong, which was republished in the expanded book Silent Rain. Jill Satterfield has been a practitioner of Yoga and Buddhist meditation for over 20. This workshop will explore the connection of the mind and body, with stillness and mindful attention. Ajahn will begin with a Dharma talk and guided meditation to be followed by an asana practice with Jill Satterfield. Dharma Talk 7:00-8:30, Yoga 8:45 - 10:00.   back to top