Welcome Abigail! Our newest member of the Studio Family

Jennie and Ryan announce Abigail's arrival.

Abigail Rose has arrived...
Our beautiful Abigail Rose arrived September 5th, 6:44am 6lbs. 11oz, 19" long and most important in perfect health. She gave her mom a quick labor & delivery, even though it was quick still not easy, but I did it all natural. I feel it is the number one accomplishment in my life that I have ever done!! It is hard to describe in words how it feels to give birth, it is very powerful and amazing! I still can't believe I did it!!So here is my birth story:I went to bed at 9:30pm on Thursday 4th, woke up at 10:30pm with bad hip pain and light crampy back pain. I thought oh great another night of no sleep, but then I realized that I was contracting pretty regular, so I started to time them and they were about 10 minutes apart. Still not convinced I was in labor I called Stacy (my good friend in Austin, who is also my doula) and she said sure does sound like it, I am leaving now. She lives in Austin so she had about a 3 1/2 hour trip to make. Now it is about 11:30pm. Then I had to call Ryan, because he was away at a hotel for work. He didn't first believe me. After convincing him this is the real deal, he called work and they released him to be sent home, but he was still about 3 hours away. The contractions were coming quicker and I was having lots of back pain, at this time it is about 12:30am. I called my friend Tiffany to come over and sit with me until Ryan and Stacy got her, I didn't want to be alone at home. When she got to my house a little while later, my contractions were then about 4-5 minutes apart and very regular and I was feeling the pain. I was so worried that Ryan and Stacy were not going to make it in time before I had to go the hospital, it was getting to the point that I was going to ask Tiffany to take me, but I kept waiting it out, and using yoga breathing and poses to get through the contractions. Finally Ryan arrives about 3:30am, and I said we need to go now, but he was like no I think we should wait and make sure, I was like I am sure! So he went and got his stop watch and my contractions were 3 minutes apart, so he said yes we better go. Stacy was still in route at this time. So we left for the hospital, got checked in at 4:10am, Stacy arrived just as I was getting in the labor room. Nurse Mary (she was the best nurse, well actually all the nurses were very wonderful while we were there) checked me and I was 8cm dilated, I said thank God! So then I knew it shouldn't be too long and thought at this time I think I will be able to do this. I really got in a zone, I just kept a gaze or shutting my eyes and meditating, relax, relax, relax. I had one hand in Ryan's and one in Stacy's hand. Ryan was keeping a cold wet rag on my head and telling me to relax, and Stacy was doing the breathing and it helped me concentrate on my breathing, she also used some oils/herbs for relaxation and energy. I really didn't even notice the nurses or the doctor in the room. About an hour of being there it was time to push and I was so thankful! When I started the pushing process, I was in a zone, didn't even know what was going on around me. I just focused on my breathing and mediating internally. Ryan and Stacy did a wonderful job doing the counting. Too me it was like a game/a goal. So about an hour after pushing, Abigail arrived. I was very lucky and didn't tear or need an episiotomy. I know it was the yoga that got me through the labor and delivery and also my wonderful husband and friend Stacy. I did though break a blood vessel in vagina and am also sore and bruised, but that is to be expected. So like I said even though it was a fast labor & delivery, I wouldn't call it easy. But it is all well worth it to finally have our wonderful perfect daughter in the world. She is the most amazing thing on earth to me. I can't believe the feelings I have for her. I can see in Ryan's eyes too, that he feels the same way for Abigail too.So now we are home, we were released Saturday afternoon. Since we have been home, I have finally been able to get a few hours of sleep, but no complaints at all. Ryan has been super dad and super husband!! He has so far changed all her diapers, burbs her and gets her to me for her feedings. Since right now it is a little hard for me to get around, but I should be back on my feet in know time at all.Our first night home went very well, Molly is like mother hen watching Abigail. She has this look in her face that she wants to help. Junior hasn't adjusted yet, he is distant, but hopefully he will come around. Our first morning home, well up early, but when you have a new baby, you really don't operate on a normal schedule/time. We gave Abigail her first bath, Ryan has done two loads of laundry and already been to the grocery store in back. So now we have the day to enjoy our family time together.Posted are a couple pictures taken right after she was born, we have tons of cute pictures of her, but right now being a new mommy, all my priorities, responsibilities, worries, and concerns have changed and all focus in on Abigail; Ryan and I's number one and most important person. As I have more time, I will get more pictures for you all to see and enjoy.Also I want to say thank you to everyone that has helped us, been here for support, and giving us gifts. You area all very important and very dear to me!!
Posted by A Journey For Life at 6:49 AM 1 comments
Saturday, September 6, 2008

Be sure to look for more information at http://ajourney4life.blogspot.com/

Much Love and Happiness to the Woelpern family.

Free Yoga Classes, Sept. 1st (Labor Day)

In honor of Yoga Month http://www.yogamonth.org/The Corpus Christi Yoga Studio http://yogastudioofcc.blogspot.com/will be offering FREE yoga classes on Monday, September 1st. Gentle Yoga will be offered at 12:00pm with Michelle and Hatha Yoga with Renee will be offered at 6:30pm. So please spread the news and come support Yoga Month.

If you should have any questions, please free to contact Michelle Acebo at Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi 513 Clifford StreetCorpus Christi, TX 78404Phone: 361-883-1052 or email us at:
yogastudioofcc@yahoo.com

Jivamukti Yoga ~ Focus of The Month~ September '08

Nadi Shodhana

Nadi shodhana pranayama is a hatha yoga practice that purifies the nadis (energy channels in the subtle body) through alternate-nostril breathing. Shodhana means "to purify." The practice balances the flow of vital energy, or prana, through the ida (the left, or moon) and pingala (the right, or sun) nadis, as well as the flow of breath through the right and left nostrils.

This pranayama practice begins and ends by breathing through the left nostril. Some pranayama practices can create heat in the body, but concluding the practice by exhaling through the left nostril neutralizes any excess heat that may have accumulated. We can also investigate this practice on another level by taking a deeper look at why one should begin and end nadi shodhana with the left nostril. In pranayama practices, the left nostril provides access to the ida nadi, the right to the pingala. One purpose of nadi shodhana is to restore balance to the flow of prana through these nadis. Once balance is restored, the practitioner may have the means to practice hatha yoga, which focuses on resolving one's past karmas with others as well as one's own perception of his or her ego-bound self.

The aim of all yoga practice is enlightenment. What is realized in the enlightened state is the Oneness of being. The biggest obstacle to that realization lies in misperception of oneself and others. So the practices must address this misperception of self and others if they are to aid in giving rise to enlightenment.

One of the primary aims of hatha yoga practices is to facilitate the movement of prana into the sushumna nadi (the central energy channel in the subtle body), which would cause consciousness, or kundalini, to rise, ascend, expand or evolve toward the realization of the Oneness of being. In order to do this, balance must first be brought to the ida and pingala nadis.
Everything we do creates karmas. The body we have now is made up of all of our past unresolved karmas. The Sanskrit word karma is derived from the root kr, which means "to act." Karma means "action." An action can be a thought, a word or a physical function (like breathing).
Through avidya, "mis-knowing," we mistakenly view others not as who they really are, and we also mistakenly perceive ourselves as separate and disconnected from others. Avidya is really a case of mistaken identity. We can be unkind to someone only when we are deluded through avidya and perceive him or her as not part of ourselves. When we are unkind to others, energy that could be moving into the sushumna nadi, and bringing about enlightenment, is instead drawn into the pingala nadi, or sun (surya) channel. When we are unkind to ourselves, energy is drawn away from the sushumna, away from enlightenment, and into the ida, or moon (chandra) channel. Nadi shodhana resolves this energy imbalance. How we treat others determines how others treat us; how others treat us determines how we see ourselves; how we see ourselves determines who we are.

Nadi shodhana, a practice of balancing the sun and moon, is a metaphoric way of describing the transformation of our perception of self and other. Through yoga practices, we discover who we are. So we begin our pranayama practice with who we think we are, by inhaling through the left nostril, and we conclude by exhaling through the left, where we began, but hopefully with the perception of ourselves somewhat transformed. Through abhyasa and vairagya (consistent and detached practice), we begin to melt away the avidya that keeps us separate from others, from nature, from God, separate from the realization of the Oneness of being, and the truth about ourselves and the reality in which we live, and share, with others.

For best results, nadi shodhana should be done before asana practice, or after shavasana, and before meditation, but never in the middle of a sequenced practice of asana. Use Vishnu mudra to facilitate the passage of air through the nostrils: Bend the first two fingers of the right hand into the palm, using the thumb to control the passage of breath through the right nostril and the ring (or third) finger to control the passage of breath through the left nostril. At the beginning, it is important to equalize your ability to inhale and exhale, using a ratio of 1:1, without retention. Exhale through both nostrils. Block the right nostril and inhale slowly through the left. Block the left nostril and exhale slowly through the right. Slowly inhale through the right, block the right nostril and exhale slowly through the left. That is one round. Practice five to ten rounds every day for at least one month. This is a safe practice level for beginners if all other prerequisites have been met, including the adherence to a vegetarian diet and mastery of asana (the ability to sit comfortably).

The next step would be to add retention using the ratio of 1:1:1:1. Exhale through both nostrils, block the right nostril and inhale through the left, block the left nostril, retain, exhale through the right, block the right nostril, retain, inhale through the right, block the right nostril, retain, exhale through the left, block the left nostril, retain. This is one round of samavritti (equal breathing) nadi shodhana pranayama.

--Sharon Gannon, September 2008 NOTE: For further reference, see the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter 2, Verses 1 to 20, by Swami Muktibodhananda of the Bihar School

November 21st -23rd~ Doug Swenson Workshop

About Doug Swenson

Doug Swenson began his study of yoga in 1969. He has had the fortune of studying with many great teachers including Dr. Ernest Wood, K. Pattabhi Jois, David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, Ramanand Patel, Ann Barros and others. Doug is a master yoga practitioner, philosopher, poet and dedicated health advocate. He has incorporated influences from several different yoga systems along with his passion for nutrition and the environment to develop his unique approach. Over the years he has authored several books; "Yoga Helps", "The Soothing Touch of Yoga", "The Diet That Loves You Most" and "Power Yoga for Dummies". Doug travels extensively offering workshops, retreats and teacher training courses around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to study with one of the worlds top instructors. Doug's classes are always invigorating and inspirational and his supportive style of teaching and keen sense of humor send his students home with a smile on their face and a softness within their heart.

http://www.dougswenson.net/

Friday, November 21st 6:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. :
Sadhana Yoga Chi ( First portion of class andYoga Sequencing /Building a Personal Practice

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 morning 9-12
Vinyasa Yoga Cross Training

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 2-5:
Yin Yoga Class with discussion on Eight Limbs of Yoga

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 9-12
Ashtanga with Extra Spice

Doug Swenson Workshop at The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi

Coming November 21, 22, and 23rd, 2008 to The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi........Doug Swenson!!

About Doug Swenson
Doug Swenson began his study of yoga in 1969. He has had the fortune of studying with many great teachers including Dr. Ernest Wood, K. Pattabhi Jois, David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, Ramanand Patel, Ann Barros and others. Doug is a master yoga practitioner, philosopher, poet and dedicated health advocate. He has incorporated influences from several different yoga systems along with his passion for nutrition and the environment to develop his unique approach. Over the years he has authored several books; "Yoga Helps", "The Soothing Touch of Yoga", "The Diet That Loves You Most" and "Power Yoga for Dummies". Doug travels extensively offering workshops, retreats and teacher training courses around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to study with one of the worlds top instructors. Doug's classes are always invigorating and inspirational and his supportive style of teaching and keen sense of humor send his students home with a smile on their face and a softness within their heart.

http://www.dougswenson.net/

Friday, November 21st 6:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. :

Sadhana Yoga Chi ( First portion of class and
Yoga Sequencing /Building a Personal Practice

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 morning 9-12

Vinyasa Yoga Cross Training

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 2-5:

Yin Yoga Class with discussion on Eight Limbs of Yoga

Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 9-12

Ashtanga with Extra Spice

Jivamukti Yoga Comes to Corpus Christi

What is Jivamukti Yoga?
Jivamukti means “liberation while living.” This modern style of yoga emerged in 1984 from one of New York City’s best-known yoga studios. Founders David Life and Sharon Gannon incorporated their study of ashtanga yoga with Shri K. Pattabhi Jois with spiritual teachings, placing special emphasis on how to apply yogic philosophy to daily life.

Michelle has just returned from a month long training program in Rhinebeck, New York. She trained directly with Sharon Gannon and David Life to obtain a 300 hour teaching certificate from the Jivamukti method. Michelle received mantra initiation from Tripura Sundari (Sharon Gannon) and Deva Das (David Life) in May of 2008. As Jivamukti Yoga makes it's way into South Texas you can be looking for workshops from other Certified Jivamukti Teachers soon. Be sure to attend The Southwest Yoga Conference October 24th-26th, 2008. Sri Sharon Gannon and Sri David Life will be in Austin as presenters for this conference. This will be the first trip back to Texas since 2005. What a wonderful way to start your Jivamukti experience! http://www.southwestyoga.com/ for more details.

What to Expect from a Jivamukti Class
Jivamukti is a vinyasa style practice and classes can be quite physically intense. Each class has a theme, which is explored through yoga scripture, chanting, meditation, asana, pranayama, and music.

KRISTV.COM~ Another way to save at The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi

http://freemoney.kristv.com/
Click on the above link to purchase gift cards to The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi! It's a great way to save money and they make excellent gifts. Enjoy!

Christina Sell returns to Corpus~ Mark your calendars!

Christina Sell was back for a workshop June 13-15th. Of Course everyone loved it! Here are some pictures. We can't wait until January when Christina returns! Hope to see YOU at the Teacher Training.

Mat Pilates added to schedule!

Mat Pilates has been added to the schedule!

You can now take a Mat Pilates class with Patricia Bates on Wednesdays @ 1:30-2:30. The benefits of Pilates are:

A refreshing mind-body workout
Pilates gets your mind in tune with your body. By emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and complete concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely aware of how your body feels, where it is in space, and how to control its movement. The quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

Build strength without "bulking up" - gain long, lean muscles and flexibility
Conventional workouts tend to build short, bulky muscles - the type most prone to injury. Pilates elongates and strengthens, improving muscle elasticity and joint mobility. A body with balanced strength and flexibility is less likely to be injured.

Develop a strong core - flat abdominals and a strong back
Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises develop a strong "core," or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.

Create an evenly conditioned body and prevent sports injuries
In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance - a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body, even the ankles and feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned, helping you enjoy daily activities and sports with greater ease and less chance of injury.

Learn efficient patterns of motion
Pilates exercises train several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. By developing proper technique, you can actually re-train your body to move in safer, more efficient patterns of motion - invaluable for injury recovery, sports performance, good posture and optimal health.

Be confident and safe
This exercise system is so gentle to your body while giving it a challenging workout. Many of the exercises are performed in reclining or sitting positions, and most are low impact and partially weight bearing. Pilates is so safe, it is used in physical therapy facilities to rehabilitate injuries.

And be challenged
Pilates is also an extremely flexible exercise system. Modifications to the exercises allow for a range of difficulty ranging from beginning to advanced. Get the workout that best suits you now, and increase the intensity as your body conditioning improves.

Teacher Training coming to Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi

This 200-hour Training meets all of the requirements outlined by Yoga Alliance for becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 200 hour level, (R.Y.T. 200). Additionally, this program fulfills the Immersion completion requirement and the Level 1 and Level 2 Teacher Training requirements for Anusara Yoga and Anusara Yoga Teacher certification requirements, please visit www.anusara.com .

Technique of Anusara Yoga
PHASE ONE of this unique program is a 108 hour Anusara Yoga Immersion. The Anusara Yoga Immersion program is for dedicated students who wish to begin a structured exploration of Anusara Yoga to enhance their own practice and experience, as well as students and teachers who may wish to enter the Anusara Yoga Certification Process. The Immersion is a comprehensive study designed by John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga. The curriculum looks at the essence of Anusara philosophy, alignment principles and practice. The in-depth program invites you to expand your mind and heart, while providing a rich and transformative experience. The focus of Phase One is highly experiential and focuses on self-development, practice and personal inquiry as the foundation of good teaching.
PHILOSOPHY: (30 HOURS): History of yoga, The Bhavagad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Introduction Tantric Philosophy, Tattvas, and Anusara Yoga Philosophy and vision.
UNIVERSAL PRINCIPLES OF ALIGNMENT (48 HOURS): Opening to Grace, Muscular Energy, Expanding Spiral Contracting Spiral, the Seven Energy Loops and General principles of the Major categories of postures.
PRANAYANA: (10 HOURS): Ujayi Pranayama, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, Viloma Pranayama
MEDITATION/CONTEMPALATION AND JOURNALING (10 HOURS): Open, closed and focus techniques.
ANATOMY (10 HOURS): Anatomy of respiration, Introduction to the skeletal system, general overview of the structure and function of the spine, pelvis and hips, esoteric anatomy.
THE ART AND SKILL OF TEACHING ANUSARA YOGAPHASE TWO of this program is a Teacher Development Program. These 92-hours will be aimed at developing the teaching skills required to effectively and safely introduce people to the practices and principles of Anusara Yoga. For both new and seasoned teachers, this program is highly experiential and will focus on hand-on teaching practice with feedback and peer support.
ANATOMY- (10 Hours): Anatomy of the lower and Upper Extremities, continued work on the spine, pelvis and hips.
TEACHING METHODOLOGIES- (25 HOURS): Sequencing, developing heart-based themes, modifications, observation, adjustments, language skills, demonstration skills, use of props, class composition, special populations, progressive teaching methodology.
PRACTICUM (20 HOURS): ***THESE HOURS MUST BE COMPLETED OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.***
YOGA THERAPY (25 HOURS): Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy including mantra, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana. Therapeutic applications of Universal Principles of Alignment.
BUSINESS AND ETHICS- (12 HOURS):

IMMERSION DATES TEACHER TRAINING
JANUARY 2-4, 2009 SEPTEMBER 18-20
FEBRUARY 20-22, 2009 OCTOBER 16-18
MARCH 20-22, 2009 NOVEMBER 13-15
APRIL 10-12, 2009 DECEMBER 11-13
MAY 15-17, 2009
AUGUST 21-23, 2009

*Dates may change slightly prior to program commencement due to workshop date set by John Friend for Austin, Texas in 2009.

Fees:
Immersion Only: $1650/ ($1550 if pd in full by September 2008).
Anusara TT Only: $1650/ ($1550 if pd in full by September 2008).
For Yoga Alliance R.Y.T. 200 YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE BOTH SECTIONS. $3000. OR $2,800. if paid in full by September 2008.

Contact Christina Sell by visiting:
http://christinasell.com/
Or Michelle @ Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi by visiting:
http://yogastudioofcc.blogspot.com/
or yogastudioofcc@yahoo.com

Deep Tissue Massages offered at The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi!

People have been asking and we are listening! Now offering Deep Tissue Massages on Tuesday afternoons with Olivier Jalvais, R.M.T. Just give us a call at (361)883-1052 to schedule your massage. $30/30 minutes. The Benefits of a

Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage consists of techniques that focus on the massaging the deep layers of muscle tissue. This process releases the continually patterns of tension in the body. This type of massage requires the use of slow strokes and deep pressure from the fingers on specific areas of the body. A deep tissue massage not only reduces tension in the muscles, it can eliminate scar tissue.

Getting a deep tissue massage feels great and it does wonders for your health. This is because oxygen and nutrients become blocked due to stress, resulting in inflammation and a build up of toxins in the muscle tissue. This type of massage will loosen the muscle tissues, release the toxins, and improve the circulation of blood throughout your body.

A deep tissue massage will help the body relax as tension and toxins leave the body. As a result, the muscles will be soothed as they relax. What feels good for one person may be too rough for someone else.

Pressure that is applied too hard and too fast can lead the muscles to tighten up in an effort to protect the area. This can be painful as well as result in a serious injury. This type of massage is often used to assist in sports related injures. The depth of the massage can be a great way to relieve pain and strain in the deep areas of muscle tissue.

A deep tissue massage is also beneficial for the treatment of injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Crippling diseases can benefit from this type of massage as well. Skeletal fractures deep in the body generally can’t be reached with most massage techniques. However, this one does the trick very effectively. It is known to break down the scar tissue and crystallization. The result is muscles that are restored with the proper balance and bone structure.

Children's Yoga and Yoga for Teens Classes at The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi

The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi will begin a Children's Yoga class on Thursdays. Classes will be every Thursday 4:00-4:30 for kids ages 5-12. Classes are only $5 per student/class. Megan Grime, R.Y.T. 200 will be the instructor and we are very excited to offer this class!

Yoga For Teens. This is a class filled with energy. Sun Salutations will be done to warm the body up. The class will explore many balancing asanas such as crow, side crow, firefly, etc. We will have a great time challenging the body but still keeping things safe by learning the basics of asanas including alignment and breath. This would be a great class to develop focus and to expend excess energy. The class is not limited to teens only. Notes: Any age may attend as long as they are able to follow directions and do not cause disruption to the class. Parents are welcome to attend. Michelle Acebo, Registered Jivamukti Teacher 300 hr. and R.Y.T. 200 will be the instructor for this class.

call the studio (361)883-1052 or e-mail us at yogastudioofcc@yahoo.com. We are so pleased to bring these classes to you.

Workshop Time @ The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi!

 
 
 

Christina Sell's workshop Feb. 1st-3rd @ The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi

 
 
 
 

More Pictures from Christina Sell's Workshop @ The Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi!