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PAST WORKSHOPS 2006
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Introduction to Meditation and Self Inquiry
with ESALEN teacher OLIVER BAILEY
Thursday, November 23 (National Holiday)
2:30 - 5:00pm
Sun and Moon Yoga, Meguro 4,000
This introduction to meditation and self-inquiry gives you a look at how the stories you tell yourself are not your true idenity. Meditation helps you to quiet the mind while self-inquiry assists in questioning and releasing your false self. When the mind is quiet, the mind slows down–then you can inquire into the truth of the stories you tell yourself. Come and take a look at who you are in this special workshop with Esalen’s Oliver Bailey, who has spent over a quarter of a century teaching meditation.
Workshop Content:
Lecture on Meditation
Meditation (Instruction)
Question and Answer Period/Discussion
About the Instructor:
Oliver Bailey has been teaching Meditation, Self-Inquiry, Massage and Personal Process at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, for the past 25 years. His backround also includes training in Gestalt Practice, neurolinguistic programming, and intuitive work. He has led hundreds of workshops and seminars around the world.
To register, Please email yoga@lezalowitz.com with your full name and phone number. Please put MEDITATION WORKSHOP in the subject line. Payment to be made the day of the workshop.
Class Limit: 18 people.
TIBETAN BELLS MASSAGE
JOIN US FOR THIS UNIQUE HEALING SOUND-MASSAGE
WITH ARUN AND HIS TIBETAN BOWLS & BELLS
AT SUN AND MOON YOGA in MEGURO.
OCTOBER 22, OCTOBER 29, NOVEMBER 5, NOVEMBER 12
SUNDAYS AT 4:30-6:00 PM
USE YOUR CLASS CARD OR PAY 3000 DROP-IN.
COME SIT AND MEDITATE OR DO RESTORATIVE YOGA AS THE SOUND OF THE SINGING BOWLS GUIDES YOU INTO A STATE OF DEEPER RELAXATION & PEACE.
FOR PRIVATE MASSAGE PLEASE CONTACT ARUN
090-9971-5380
Yoga Anatomy Workshop with VIENNA
Sun and Moon Yoga, Meguro
Saturday November 11th, 7:30-9:30 4,000
The Yoga Anatomy Workshop is ideal for anyone with an interest in yoga, and a desire to go deeper into their understanding of human movement. The workshop provides a practical grounding in the essentials of the anatomy and physiology of yoga.
In this workshop, we dive into the subject of human anatomy by experiencing muscle/joint interaction in our own yoga poses! We explore the function and interaction of each part of the musculo-skeletal system. We then relate this understanding of muscle/joint function to the various pose categories: i.e. standing poses, inversions, etc.
Additional topics include:
? The anatomy and physiology of the respiratory mechanism
? Breath, integrating the body
? The material of the body
? Directions, terms and definitions
? The spine, its special abilities and requirements for protection
? Yoga and the joints: flexibility vs. stability
About the Instructor:
VIENNA first explored nature and its rhythms as a child growing up by the Atlantic Ocean. Today she teaches yoga and Pilates classes infused with the inspiration, fun and spiritual wonder she first found playing in the waves. She sees each class and massage therapy session as an opportunity to expand freedom in the body and reinforce the heart’s connection with its highest ideals. Vienna received her yoga teacher training with John
Friend, founder of Anusara yoga and her Pilates teaching certification from Kelly Kane at the Kane School of Core Integration. She graduated from the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy and Allied Health Sciences. Vienna also completed advanced trainings in biomechanics, trigger point therapy, myofacial release and therapeutic applications of yoga. She calls upon the knowledge of each of these disciplines to meet the specific goals of her clients and students and enjoys the opportunity to teach anatomy to yoga
teacher training programs in New York City.
In 1998, Vienna dedicated herself to a daily yoga practice and brings this experience of Anusara, Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga to her teaching. She credits her practice with ushering in her career teaching yoga, Pilates and massage therapy from her previous work on Wall St, where she missed the heart connection. Other jobs she has enjoyed include instructing children in rock climbing and yoga, and teaching adults kayaking. Vienna graduated from the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar and received a Masters in Information Science from the University of Wisconsin. With deep gratitude, Vienna acknowledges her teachers, John Friend, Kelly Kane, Maureen Taylor, John Seelye, Lois Nesbitt, and the Atlantic Ocean.
To register please email yoga@lezalowitz.com by November 1st to insure a spot, or register in person at Sun and Moon Yoga.
Send your name and phone number in the email. Payment is made in person on the day of the workshop. WORKSHOP IS IN ENGLISH WITH SOME JAPANESE.
Awakening Voice: The Yoga of Sound with Gina Sala
Saturday, October 21 ~ 7:30-9:30pm
Come experience directly the power of your own vibration and voice to bring harmony, pleasure, courage and a sense of connectedness and well-being into your own life and the world. All are welcome and no experience is necessary in this fun, experiential workshop (“playshop”). With warmth and humor, Global Vocalist Gina Sala will guide us in the use of our voices in Bhakti yoga (opening the heart through chant), Nada yoga (yoga of sound) and Japa yoga (repetition of mantra, divine names). Participants will also leave with helpful practices to be nourished in sound. Giving voice together, we awaken more fully to the beauty and love that is our essence.
This workshop is very appropriate for anyone who is shy about using their voice in public. Workshop is in English with some Japanese interpretation.
ABOUT GINA SALA: Gina Sala is a vocalist, sound and voice workshop facilitator who has been chanting mantra since she began living in a Hindu ashram at the age of 3. With a repertoire spanning 23 languages, she has performed at the United Nations, the U.S. Pentagon and as lead singer for Cirque du Soleil’s “O”. Currently based in Seattle, USA, she leads regular tours to India focusing on sound, wellness, and unity, and teaches internationally. Her passion is singing us awake to Who We Are. For more information about Gina, please see www.ginasala.com
To register for the workshop, please contact: Leza Lowitz at Sun and Moon Yoga. yoga@lezalowitz.com. Send your NAME and PHONE NUMBER in an email.
Workshop Fee: 5,000. Payment is made at the door. PLEASE REGISTER BY OCTOBER 15 TO INSURE A SPOT. For more information please call Sun and Moon at (03) 3280-6383
For information about Gina’s trip to India, and for private sessions from Oct 14-21th
in Japan, please contact gina.sala@gmail.com
Turning Upside-Down: A Fine Balance Workshop - Ken Falzon
FINAL WORKSHOP BEFORE LEAVING JAPAN!!
When: Saturday, October 7th, 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Sun and Moon Yoga in Meguro
Cost: 4,000
KEN’S WORKSHOP IS FULLY BOOKED>
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST!
Work through a series of progressive poses to accomplish what appear to look like the more difficult balance postures & their variations/combinations. Join Ken as he explores in detail; the headstand, scorpion and handstand. We will use a number of props (including each other’s bodies!) to gain a sense of understanding what is required to achieve these postures and gain a deeper knowledge of our bodies. (You don’t need to be able to do these postures freestanding to take the workshop). Come join us for this special evening!
To register, please send FULL NAME and PHONE NUMBER to yoga@lezalowitz.com or register in person at Sun and Moon studio.
About the instructor: Ken Falzon is a long-time Ashtanga practitioner and certified Sivananda Yoga teacher. He has taught regularly at Sun and Moon Yoga as well as in several other yoga centers around Tokyo.
The Yoga of Abundance Workshop Oct. 2006
BHAKTI YOGA/CHANTING WORKSHOP at Sun and Moon in September
with Lisa Booth
and Shinpei Kuno
Workshop I: Introduction to Sivananda Chants with Lisa Booth
9/2 19:30-22:00
Workshop II: Overtone Chanting with Shinpei Kuno
9/9 19:30-22:00
Chanting is an ancient devotional practice used in many cultures all over the world, and is also an integral part of yoga practice. Chanting opens our hearts and creates positive vibrations for all to share. The reciting and singing of a mantra with concentration and attention is one form of Bhakti (devotional) yoga. If you love to chant or want to learn, join Lisa Booth and Shimpei Kuno for two unique opportunities to learn traditional Sanskrit devotional songs, develop your spiritual devotion, work with your voice and tonal vibration, and release the ego. Take one or both workshops! No experience necessary. Come sing your heart out!
Workshop I: Introduction to Sivananda Chants with Lisa Booth
Come for a relaxed evening of Kirtan (mantra chanting) and good company. Practice the traditional call-and-response Sivananda daily chants; learn the meaning and pronunciation of the opening/closing chants practiced in Sivananda. It’s easy, and uplifting; a wonderful complement to ANY hatha yoga practice.
Workshop I–Date: Saturday, 2 September 2006 (in English with some Japanese interpretation). Time: 19:30-22:00 Price: 4,000yen
About the Instructor: While living in Paris, Lisa Booth took chanting and kirtan workshops through Sivananda and regularly attended Satsang at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. She is also a certified Level I Sivananda teacher. Lisa loves chanting because it makes her heart sing!
Workshop II: Overtone Chanting with Shinpei Kuno
We can hear overtone music in crystal bowls, Tibetan bells, Tibetan bowls, pipe organs, Buddhist temple bells, Khoomii (Mongolian chanting), Gregorian chanting, and Shomyou (traditional Japanese Buddhist chanting). Overtone music is made when a tone spreads like a wave, echoing in layer after layer in the air. This exquisite vibration promotes the activation of the chakras, the centers of our spiritual energy, invites the purification of body and soul, and supports deep meditation. Through this workshop, Shinpei Kuno will guide and support you in finding your own unique overtone chanting.
Workshop II Date: Saturday, 9 September 2006. This workshop is in Japanese with some English interpretation. Time: 19:30-22:00 Price: 4,000yen
About the Instructor: Shinpei Kuno danced with the London City Ballet and the Royal Belgium Wallonie Ballet, and is currently an actor in movies and theaters. He produced the opening ceremony of the 2001 Shorinji Kenpo World Tournament in Paris, and directed the Russian trumpeter Sergei Nakariakov in the film “Tiga no Itteki” (one drop of a big river). In 2002, Kuno founded the artists’ group and gallery “Tsuki to Taiyo“ (Moon and Sun). Inspired by overtone music, he has recently created and presented installation dance pieces, and in 2006, he is producing body-expression installation artwork, creating a new art form that challenges existing categories.
Register in person at Sun and Moon Yoga, or by email: yoga@lezalowitz.com or call 3280-6383. When registering, please leave your full name and phone number. Register soon to save a space!
LUCY ROBERTS “SHAKTI FLOW” WORKSHOP
Saturdays/Sundays 7/29-8/6
Come experience “SHAKTI FLOW” a 4- workshop series cultivating both stillness and vibrant energy with Lucy Roberts.
Session 1: Arm balances 7/29 7:30-9:30pm
Session 2: Backbends 7/30 6:30-8:30pm
Session 3: Inversions 8/5 7:30-9:30pm
Session 4: Moving Meditation: Creative Vinyasa Flow Yoga & Dance 8/6 6:30-8:30pm
* All workshops will include meditation instruction and practice.
Please register by July 15th to insure a spot.
Register in-person or by email to Leza at yoga@lezalowitz.com
Cost: 16,000 for four sessions. No refunds or cancellations.
Limit: 14 people.
WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH with SOME JAPANESE.
Read more about Lucy in our past workshops and teachers page.
Harnessing the Power of Ki: Self-Defense & Energy Skills Workshop with Shogo Oketani, Karate Buff and Gentleman
Using The Power of Ki
Ki is the life-force energy of the cosmos that also exists within each of us. We have a power source or life center in the body called the “dantien” (Japanese: tanden) located at the hara, three finger-widths beneath the belly button. In Japan there is an expression, “Put your power in the Sokka Tanden (under the belly button).” This means to gain equanimity and composure by focusing your energy on this point. When we integrate the energy of the dantien using special breathing, we can manifest our potential power. This power is called ki. The power of ki is the cornerstone of martial arts, and will be the focus of this course on energy awareness, energy building, energy use, and self-defense.
The Advantage of Using Ki
Many people are interested in self-defense and have considered learning Karate or Judo, but hesitate to do so because of the “hardness” or “Yang” qualities of those disciplines. The truth is, when we use the power of ki, we can master the skills of self-defense without stress to the body or joints. When we focus on ki, movement becomes flexible and fluid without utilizing or encouraging excess energy, lessening stress to the body. Also, with special breathing methods, we can balance the body and enhance concentration through exercise. Each week will begin with simple stretches to warm up the body and energy body, and end with relaxation. Also discussion and Q/A. In this workshop, we will learn:
Week 1: What is ki? How to work with and harness the power of ki. Breathing techniques to strengthen focus and concentration. Basic self-defense techniques. Using “everyday tools” as weapons.
Week 2: Breathing techniques to replenish and store ki inwardly. Work with the dantien to encourage core power, grounding and self-confidence. Using ki for self-healing. Self-defense techniques and partner work.
Week 3: Breathing techniques to utilize/expel ki outwardly. Self-defense techniques including punching and kicking. Partner work.
Week 4: Harnessing and directing your ki. Secret Shaolin, Karate and Jujutsu Submission Techniques. Partner work.
See map and location.
Class taught in English and Japanese.
Men and women both welcome! No martial arts experience necessary.
About the Instructor:
Shogo Oketani was born in Tokyo and graduated from Keio University with a degree in Philosophy and Literature. He studied Judo and Kendo from childhood, and began studying Karate as a teenager. Later, he received his black belt from the Gensei School of Karate in Tokyo, where he also taught Karate. (He is a Third Degree Black Belt). He also studied North Shaolinquan Martial Arts from the Japanese master Ryu Meiko who was born and grew up in Taiwan. In 1995, Oketani moved to Northern California with his wife, Leza Lowitz. In 2003, he moved back to Tokyo where he works as a freelance translator, writer and Self-Defense instructor.
DATE: Saturdays May 20 ~ June 10
TIME: 7:30pm~9:30pm
COST: 16,000 for 4 sessions.
LIMIT: 15 people
Advanced registration suggested by 5/15. Register at: yoga@lezalowitz.com or call 3280-6383.
Vinyasa Movement Workshop with Ken Falzon With a Special Focus on Jumping!
DATE: SATURDAY May 13th - FULLY BOOKED
DATE: SATURDAY June 17th - FULLY BOOKED
DATE: SATURDAY July 1 -SPACE AVAILABLE
TIME: 7:30-9:30pm
COST: 4,000
LIMIT: 14 people
Sign Up by May 6th to insure a space! Register in person at Sun and Moon Yoga or by email: yoga@lezalowitz.com
VINYASA - A sequence of asanas linked by breath.
We can use vinyasa to link one asana to another in more flowing kinds of yoga such as Ashtanga, Power Yoga, and, of course Vinyasa Yoga. Join Ken Falzon in this workshop as he explores in detail the following transitional movements of a vinyasa:
1. Jumping: back, forward, to and from STANDING
2. Jumping: back, forward, to and from SITTING
3. Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga dandasana)
4. Upward-Facing Dog (Urdva mukha svanasana)
5. Downward Facing Dog (Adho mukha svanasana)
In a step-by-step process, we will begin with very basic movements and work up through to seemingly “impossible” advanced movements. Students will work with appropriate props and also do pair-work, making this also a great opportunity to learn some hands-on vinyasa adjustments.
About the instructor: Ken Falzon is a long-time Ashtanga yoga practitioner and recently certified Sivananda Yoga teacher. He teaches regularly at Sun and Moon Yoga as well as in several other centers around Tokyo.
For more information, email Leza or contact Sun and Moon Yoga
Laugh For the Health of It! With certified Laughter Yoga Leader Lisa Booth
Laughter, it’s said, is the best medicine. Laughter has been proven to reduce stress, pain, and depression while improving creativity, physical vitality and a sense of well being.
Laughter (Hasya) Yoga uses breathing techniques and movement to teach the body how to laugh without depending on jokes or humor.
What to expect from this workshop:
? Understand the benefits of laughter & learn about the Laughter Yoga Worldwide peace movement.
? Learn how to “laugh for no reason” and add more laughter to your life.
? Practice gentle yoga postures, simple breathing exercises and laughter meditation.
? Your energy, mood and ability to find humor in almost anything will be enhanced!
Come and experience the benefits of this powerful, yet simple technique.
Sense of humor not required!
Due to popular demand we have added another workshop on the 29th of April - same time, same place! Register soon to insure a spot!
DATE: Saturday, 22nd April FULLY BOOKED
DATE: Saturday, 29th April - SPACE AVAILABLE
TIME: 19:30-21:30
COST: 3,500
LIMIT: 14 people
Please register by Tuesday April 18th to insure a spot. Register in-person or by email to Leza at yoga@lezalowitz.com
BACKBENDING WITH KEN!
DATE: Sat. March 11
TIME: 7:30-9:30pm
COST: 4,000
Sign Up by March 1st to insure a space! Register in person at Sun and Moon Yoga or by email: yoga@lezalowitz.com
Having difficulty with backbends? A solid backbend starts with a good foundation and a strong front body, and the ability to work your entire back springs from that foundation.
Join Ken Falzon as he takes you through a series of different sequences and postures to help you open your back and build your foundation. Students will work with a variety of techniques and props, and be given adjustments to help open up the back and shoulder muscles. Bilingual.
About the instructor: Ken Falzon is a long-time Ashtanga yoga and recently certified Sivananda teacher. He teaches regularly at Sun and Moon Yoga as well as at several other centers around Tokyo.
DONALD RICHIE READING from A View from the Chuo Line
Doors open at 7:15.
Reservations requested.
Please email: yoga@lezalowitz.com or reserve in person.
DATE: Saturday, February 18th
TIME: 7:30-9:00pm
COST: 1,500 (which includes a signed copy).
Literary legend, film critic and man about town Donald Richie comes back to Sun and Moon to read from his new collection of short stories set in Tokyo, “A View from the Chuo Line,” published by Tokyo’s own Printed Matter Press. This will be an inspiring, intimate event where Donald will talk about the art of writing the short story and will read from his newest book. Though Donald is 82, he doesn’t show any sign of slowing down soon. He’s an inspiration to all of us who write, want to write, dream about writing, or just love to read and be told stories to. Don’t miss this rare chance to learn from a master.
DEEPENING YOUR PRACTICE with Lucy Roberts - A Four-Week Intensive
When: January 21st - February 11th (Saturdays - 7:30-10:00pm)
Where: Sun and Moon in Meguro
WEEK 1 - Module 1 EARTH. Saturday, January 21, 7:30-10:00pm
THE STANDING POSTURES: Opening the feet and legs as the roots of the asana tree; understanding the balance of opposites and the spontaneous awakening of moola bandha to discover the true power and beauty of the standing postures. Pranayama/ Meditation
WEEK 2 - Module 2 FIRE. Saturday, January 28, 7:30-10:00pm
CORE STRENGTH & AWARENESS: Awakening and enlivening manipura chakra - our physical center of balance and radiant inner Sun. Explore the principle of navel radiation, bringing awareness to the standing, balancing and inverted postures, in particular handstand. Pranayama/ Meditation
WEEK 3 - Module 3 AIR & SPACE. Saturday, February 4, 7:30-10:00pm
BACKBENDS, INVERSIONS & ARM BALANCES: Learn how to create more length and space inside the spine by balancing the action of the hands, arms and shoulders. Introducing jalandhara bandha and building on uddiyana as key tools in mastering free and open backbends, light and steady inversions. Pranayama/Meditation
WEEK 4 - Module 4 WATER. Saturday, February 11 7:30-10:00pm
FINDING YOUR NATURAL FLOW: This will be a creative and exploratory session using both asana and free-form dance to find beauty, grace and fluidity in our practice. We will explore the water element of the body, the intuitive faculty of mind, and the art of surrender as we ride the wave of breath into stillness. Pranayama.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Lucy Roberts has been practicing yoga for 10 years, her most influential and long-term teachers being nature and silence. She teaches Yoga Arts international teacher trainings as well as holds workshops, retreats and general classes in Japan.
For the past 4 years Lucy was co-directing Funkey Forest retreat centre in Byron Bay, Australia, facilitating monthly 3-day silent Retreats combining organic juice fasting with yoga and meditation.
She is currently studying craniosacral bodywork and through it discovering a new level of sensitivity in both her practice and teaching. Lucy’s teaching style is dynamic, fluid, feminine and creative.
She empowers students to discover beauty and joy in their practice through the balance of strength and grace, flexibility and stability, spontaneity and discipline.
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PAST WORKSHOPS
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2005 and Prior