Greenhouse Holistic

Yoga Sutra Workshop coming this May!

2012-02-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

Best Spa's of 2012

2012-02-15T11:56:00.000-08:00

What does

have to say about Greenhouse Holistic's Hot Stone massage?

Book a Hot Stone Massage today:

(347) 987-4526

Hot-stone massage
88 Roebling St at North 7th St, Williamsburg, BK (718-599-3113, greenhouseholistic.com). 60-minute massage regularly $80.

After discussing my various aches, lead massage therapist and founder David Greenhouse rubbed me down from head to toe, using heated massage stones to relax my muscles. Though his firm kneading caused me to grit my teeth at times, I could feel the deep-seated knots in my shoulders and upper back giving way.

Best part: My keyboard-based day job leads to pent-up stress in my shoulders, while my waitressing gig causes tightness in my legs. Greenhouse eased the stiffness in my upper body and still had time to soothe my sore calves.

Why it’s worth it: The therapists do their best to help you decompress even after you leave: Greenhouse showed me stretches I could do at home to relieve my tension.—Marley Lynch

Amanda Zapanta got Sleuthed!

2012-02-13T17:20:00.001-08:00

Enlivening Vinyasa with Amanda Zapanta
Greenhouse Holistic
783 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn

Mon 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Advanced
www.greenhouseholistic.com

Amanda Zapanta asked us to grab a bolster, two blocks and a blanket before we got settled into her Monday morning class. Yoga Sleuth was preparing for a playful, yet rigorous and alignment-focused vinyasa class at Greenhouse Holistic’s Driggs Avenue location in Brooklyn.

We began class lying down in Supta Padangusthasana, holding the big toe or our shins. Amanda had us take our toe down toward the floor, but encouraged us at the same time to take the foot up toward our head. Bringing the foot back to center we switched hands and took the leg across the body into a releasing spinal twist.
Amanda reminded us we could stay here, while offering a deeper version of bending the bottom leg and taking hold of the foot while holding onto the top outstretched leg.

Letting go of the twist, we then rolled onto our bellies and came up into a backbending Salabhasana, which Amanda also jokingly referred to as “Superman.” We then brought our hands to the floor and pushed into a Down Dog Split. The sequence continued with opening up our hips, flipping over into “Rock Star”, lowering into Marichyasana B, then bending our knees and scooping up our shins with our arms and laying down into a supine Pigeon shape before switching sides.
And that was just the warm-up to Amanda’s creative and demanding class.

In the next sequence we moved from a low lunge twist up to balancing in Ardha Chandrasana. Following that we glided from Warrior I to folding forward into Devotional Warrior, then shifting our torsos half way up we turned our torsos into a Revolved Triangle with hands still interlaced. We came back into Warrior II, to Peaceful Warrior and then Amanda gave the option of doing a core-engaging one-legged Vinyasa.

Amanda’s experience as a professional dancer and Thai Bodyworker helped inform her challenging sequencing and attention to body alignment as we flowed through.

Progressively building on her standing sequence, Amanda added Parsvottanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana (with options to twist or take Sirsasana B) into Goddess pose with Gomukhasana arms.

Moving onto balancing poses from Utkatasana we brought our right ankle above our left knee, bending our upper bodies forward and, for those who were capable, scooped up our shins we came into a standing Pigeon shape. From the stretch in our outer hip we had the option to move into Vrksasana or a standing Baddha Ardha Padmasana. For those bound, we let go of the bind and bent our knees into our chest, then extended the leg out for a short, but endurance-building hold before we were allowed to release into Tadasana.

Amanda brought the energy of the class down to a cooling pace with a Pigeon, Crescent Lunge, Trianga Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana (a half Hanumanasana shape) and Janu Sirsasana.

In closing we utilized all of our props for a restorative Supta Sukhasana. Putting two blankets horizontally under the vertical bolster we used the blocks to support our crossed knees in reclined Sukhasana. This was a dreamy end to a stimulating class.

Bringing the bolster out from under us we rested in Savasana. Continuing the restorative theme, Amanda had us reuse our bolsters as we twisted to our right placing the bolster under the left leg and rested for a few moments.
“Imagine a time when you were a lot younger when you felt free to be yourself,” Amanda suggested, which threw me back in time. Returning to the present I was reminded how taking yoga classes such as Amanda’s are the moments during which I’ve felt the most free, the most connected to myself.

$18 per drop-in class, mat rental $1.

—Marie Carter for Yoga Sleuth

Amanda Capobianco Saturday 10:30 AM class got Sleuthed!

2012-02-13T17:05:00.001-08:00

Juicy Vinyasa with Amanda Capobianco
Greenhouse Holistic
88 Roebling St, Brooklyn

Sat 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Intermediate
www.greenhouseholistic.com

Yoga Sleuth heard that Amanda Capobianco knows how to pack in a room of yogis, and was not disappointed the Saturday morning we popped in to check out her class. With 28 students making a mess of the space, our mats set up in disarray, Amanda helped to make room to accommodate everyone who showed up for class.
When we all found some order and Amanda her seat at the front of the room, there was enough space to fit one more, to which she said, “That’s for the spirit.”

Guiding us through meditation to help quiet our bodies and minds after all the disruption with the Tetris game we started out with, Amanda urged us all to “breath in the positive, exhale anything you don’t need, let go of all the negative.” Then she lulled us into a meditative state by leading us through her Durga Jai chant.
Our opening song still ringing in our ears and vibrating through our bodies, we soon were standing, savoring in the half Sun Salutations we took before taking a variation on Classical Surya Namaskar A, letting the breath guide us to bend and straighten the front leg of our Low Lunge before completing the sequence.

At the top of our mats, we took hold of our right wrist and bent gently to our left, delighting in a juicy side stretch and then taking it to the other side. A couple of Surya Namaskar As followed, as well as some Surya Bs that opened out into Warrior 2; here again we toyed with straightening and bending the front knee, our arms lifting up as we straightened, and then coming into the proper position for Warrior 2.

Playing with similar shapes and movements, more Vinyasas made way for Parsvakonasana and Ardha Chandrasana. Another sequence was all about the Warriors: Warrior 1 pitched us forward into Warrior 3, then we found solid ground again in a Warrior 2 before getting ourselves closer to the earth in Parsvakonasana once again.

Amanda wanted us to make a connection with the earth below us, allowing those with sensitive hip points the chance to set up with some padding. She then slowly had us take Shalabhasana, first lifting our legs, then extending back through the arms and finally lifting our chests off the ground to make sure we got into the pose correctly--and safely. Then it was on to Dhanurasana, having us flex our feet to help propel our chests higher, reaching up toward the sky. Sphinx pose and Bhujangasana soon followed, as did a Child’s Pose that all of us yogis delighted in before coming back up to sit in Virasana, and then turning things upside down with Sirsasana.

Making our way right-side up again, Amanda led us through another Vinyasa that opened into a Crescent Lunge. We then found a twist for another side stretch before bringing our hands together in prayer at the heart’s center and straightening the back leg for Parivrtta Parsvakonasana.
Taking both hands to the floor and squaring our hips, we came into a Low Lunge, stepping forward into a Standing Split to help us get into Parsvottonasana. From there, we took our seats to the floor for Ardha Matsyendrasana for another twist, followed by ankle-to-knee pose and Pigeon for some nice, juicy hip openers.

Finally, Amanda brought us into a forward fold by way of Baddha Konasana before having us recline back onto our mats. We took our knees into our chests, massaging the sacrum into the floor, then took Happy Baby. Releasing all our limbs down, we melted into the earth below us for Savasana. By then there was nothing negative left to exhale.
Drop-in classes are $17.

--Jessica Mahler for Yoga Sleuth

YogaCity NYC | Yoga Sleuth Reviews the Best Yoga Classes in New York City

2012-02-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Devotional Spirit with Alanna Kaivalya
Greenhouse Holistic 88 Roebling & North 7th

Mon 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Intermediate

www.greenhouseholistic.com

"I walked into Greenhouse Holistic just as class began. Alanna Kaivalya sat in the center of the room, poised behind the harmonium. She began by asking us to go around and say our names, responding with “Hi Shira” and “Hi Jason” and “Hi Amanda” as we each take our turn. I felt instantly at home, even in Williamsburg, which is not a neighborhood I frequent, even for yoga. But for Alanna, whose classes I’ve taken at a variety of Manhattan locations, it was worth a venture into Brooklyn.
At the beginning and end of class, we chanted a Sutra. Chanting with Alanna is not just chanting - not just repeating - it is singing, it is using our voices to connect, and to connect deeply. As we sit and sang, she asked us to place our right hands over our hearts and close our eyes.

Alanna is not just a yoga teacher, but also a musical artist with two albums out on iTunes. The second she started out with her gorgeous voice and harmonium, I broke into a subconscious smile. I could not help it. Because I was not just a student, but also a sleuth, and when I opened my eyes to see if the other students are reacting the same way, they were. The devotional energy was palpable.

After chanting, Alanna explained the Sutra, "The only thing we are asked to do is to let go, to surrender. This is great news because it takes all the trying out of things, suggests that there is nothing to do, but to let go."

The asanas were woven around this theme of surrender, turning our palms up in Child’s pose “in a gesture of receptivity.” Alanna also integrated some of the recent hubbub about yoga in popular culture, not shying away from discussing a wide range of topics. As we flowed through an abundance of Sun Salutations and Chaturangas, she reminded us that yoga does not ask us to be a certain kind of person; it just asks us to practice.

Alanna is clearly a master teacher. This is evident in her practical use of anatomical knowledge (through challenging poses she makes me never doubt where my psoas is) and her vast knowledge of the Yoga Sutras and Sanskrit pronunciation. However, she does not conflate mastery with seriousness. She constantly reminds us to lighten up. She references Woody Allen ("90 percent of life is showing up") right after referencing Pattabhi Jois ("Practice and all is coming").

The playlist this evening included mostly devotional Sanskrit songs - I recognized the music of Krishna Das and MC Yogi - and was also peppered by club beats we dynamically flowed to in sequencing, that seemed to never end, but always get us deeper.

Alanna herself worked with each individual to get them deeper into the poses. Her hands-on adjustments were opening as well as demanding and not a single student was left out. She started at the front of the room and made her way back. Alanna even lifted the woman in front of me off the ground in Bow!

Alanna acknowledges that many of her students are also yoga teachers so she makes the material appropriate for them while also making it appropriate for the fashion designer doing Ashtavakrasana in the front row. She has a connection and rapport with her students no matter where they’re coming from.

At the end of class, Alanna approached the new student – the fashion designer who was changing into glitter slacks after class – and suggested that she start a line of glitter yoga clothes.

Drop-in classes at Greenhouse Holistic are $17 and the New Student Special is 3 for $30.

--Shira Engel for Yoga Sleuth"

YogaCity NYC | Yoga Sleuth Reviews the Best Yoga Classes in New York City

20/30 Yoga Challenge Starts TODAY!

2012-02-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

6 Week Mediation Course

2012-01-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Join Julianna Takacs for a 6 Week Mediation Course at our Roebling Studio!

Classes will be held every Sunday night from March 4th-April 8 at 8:15pm and ending at 9:30pm

Price: $90 pre-registration for entire course

$20 drop-in per class

Patanjali's Code of Conduct

2012-01-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

According to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, Yoga is governed by a series of ethical principles known as "Yamas" and "Niyamas". These principles are the first two limbs of the eight limbs (ashtanga: ash = eight, anga = limbs) of yoga.

Here we have a break down of of the yamas and niyamas:

Yamas - Universal Morality

Ahimsa ~ (non-violence) "Do not harm"

Satya ~ (truthfulness)"Do not lie"

Asteya ~ (non-stealing) "Do not Steal"

Brahmacharya ~ (Non-excess) "Be Modest"

Aparigraha ~ (Non-possessiveness) "Do not be greedy"

Niyamas- Personal Observances

Saucha ~ (Purity) "Be clean in thought, word and deed"

Santosha ~ (Contentment) "Be content"

Tapas ~ (Austerity) "Work hard, be disciplined"

Svadhyaya ~ (Self and scriptural study) "Study"

Ishvara Pranidhana ~ (Surrender to the divine) "Dedicate your efforts to the Divine"

The other 6 limbs of yoga are Asana, Pranayama, Pratyhara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.

Join Greenhouse Holistic as we try our very best to adhere to this Code of Conduct.

If this interests you, please pick up a copy of Patanjali's Yoga-Sutra and deepen your study! Here is just one translation. There are many to choose from.

Love and light,

Nicole, Greenhouse Holistic

P.S. Greenhouse Holistic's Yoga Teacher Training begins on February 24th. Have you submitted your application?

The Spring 2012 Yoga Teacher Training starts February 24th! Enroll Today!

2012-01-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

ATTN YTT GRADS: Feel free to add your comments regarding your YTT experiences!

To register download an application online or come into any of our three studio locations.

Namaste,

Greenhouse Holistic

Past Trainee Testimonials:

"I can only say that if you're thinking of doing this training, go ahead and do it. It not only changed and deepened my practice, but prepared me to be both a teacher and a better person. I feel more prepared to meet the world with openness and vibrancy because of this training- it was truly beautiful." -Ashely Arostugui

"I loved the camaraderie that was established. Such a small group really allowed us to get to know each other and feel connected to one another. I feel like I made life-long friends."-Amy Faust

"I can hardly explain how empowering this training is. After the final teaching test, I felt I truly may be able to fly! I felt for the first time in years a clarity, lightness and beauty that could only come with the awareness this experience brought to my life."-Emily Hyberger

"I feel so fortunate to have been part of a small group. I felt we all received a lot of personal attention that helped aid in confidence and learning."-Dain Alexandra Rubin

"Doing this training was probably the best idea of my life. This retreat is the apex pose of the training." -Laura Stryjewski

"Best choice I've made in my practice so far. Every person has taught me so many things. It's one of those memories that will be very special for the rest of my life." -Ann Lam

"If this is not it, and there's something more, I can't even wait to experience that." -Lauren Shusterman

"This is the building of a spiritual community." -Stevie Weinstein-Foner

"It's created the space to be able to be myself. Because I can appreciate the gifts that other people have, and it makes me richer." -Meghan Pierce

"So true and so beautiful. Wonder and amazement at what already exists that I didn't know was there." -Katie Hickman

“I feel so lucky. Thank you.” -Cindy Helton

“I didn’t know this community could happen.” -Monika Heideman

“I’ve been lowered down into a heart opening by 60 hands.” -Michael Lanzano

“I wasn’t listening to what people were saying. I don’t want to live that way anymore. You gave me the gift to pay attention.” -Rebecca Eisner

“It’s spectacular to be a part of it. The community I feel now.” –Jennifer Mielke

What the What? Yoga Retreat on a Fjord in Norway?

2011-11-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's True!!!!!

Norway Yoga Retreat
with Leigh Evans

July 14-21, 2012

Enlighten your yoga practice this Summer in the land of the Midnight Sun. Join us for 7 mystical day/nights on the Tomre Fjord in Norway. Located 25 minutes from Moldeon the magical Western Fjords, Tomrefjord Sea Cabins' stunning beauty will heighten our yoga and meditation practices toawaken insight and clarity.

Tomrefjord Sea Cabins <http://www.norwayseacabins.blogspot.com/>

Prices:
          Buddy Special: $1,495/person
          Sign up with a friend by 4/15, paid in full
          Early Bird Special: $1,650/person by 5/15,paid in full
          $1,750 after 5/15, paid in full

          $500 non-refundable deposit to hold your space. Balance Due 6/15

          Price includes 7 nights of shared accommodations, meals and 2 yoga classes/day.

          Price excludes airfare & land transfers.

            For information & registration contact
dainalexandra@yahoo.com

http://www.leighevansyoga.com

Yelapa, Mexico Retreat!

2011-11-09T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

If you have not already signed on, don't forget to book your Yelapa Yoga Retreat with Leigh Evans. I've only heard great things. Read below for my own testimony!

Yoga Retreat in Mexico!

2011-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hello readers, last July I participated in a retreat hosted by Leigh Evans and Summer Quashi; it was awesome. Seriously, I do not use that word lightly to describe events. Defined, the word:

awe·some/ˈôsəm/

1. Extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring great admiration, apprehension, or fear.

2. Extremely good; excellent

I would love to attend the retreat in Mexico. If Leigh is hosting, it will be prepared with the minutest attention to details to physical and spiritual aspirations and will be lead by caring minds and hands who will inspire everyone else to be the same.

Yoga Retreat in Mexico
8th Annual Retreat in Yelapa
with Leigh Evans
Jan. 28-Feb 4, 2012

Written in the respected Yoga Journal website:

"Start each day with pranayama and meditation on the beach, followed by a vigorous asana practice in the yoga studio.

Bliss out in the afternoon with restorative yoga, thai massage and chanting!

Nestled a few miles south of Puerto Vallarta, on the West Coast, between densley jungled mountains and the sea, the 1,500 person village of Yelapa is accessible only by panga, the local water taxi! Life here moves to a slower, earthier rhythm, not to the turbo- charged hum of the 21st century."

Hotel Lagunita
www.hotellagunita.com

Palapas (with private bath)
Double Occupancy
Buddy special-$1,100/person
Sign up with a friend by 11/15

$1,200/person by 12/1
$1,295/person after

Single Occupancy
$1,375 by 12/1
$1,475 after

Price includes accomodations,
meals, and 2 yoga classes/day

For information contact
dainalexandra@yahoo.com

Greenhouse Holistic: Graduating The School of Pain

2011-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse Holistic: Graduating The School of Pain: "The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. Yo...

Graduating The School of Pain

2011-09-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

"The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift...It is painfully won, and it has been worth more to me than any qualifications I ever earned."

-- J.K. Rowling's 2008 Harvard commencement address --

Greenhouse Holistic: Honoring September Eleven

2011-09-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse Holistic: Honoring September Eleven: I was with the Yoga Teacher Training classmates on September 11; a room full of people who are committed to a better way of ...

Honoring September Eleven

2011-09-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

I was with my Yoga Teacher Training classmates on September 11. Summer Quashie, our guru, reminded us to honor that horrific day for all the sufferings and also the possibilities of positive changes that followed. Imagine that all people around the world had an “experience” watching the towers collapsed (even more if they had no reaction at all). The impact one felt in Germany could be greater than one felt several blocks away and many were inspired to make a difference. The experience made me think of the present, where I was, how I felt being there and if I wanted to be there in the future.

When the second plane crashed into the towers I had not slept but a few hours in the last 48. My first thoughts were hoping that all the fashion shows and party that we had to produce that day would all be cancelled. All I wanted to do was sleep. I am not proud of that reaction, even if it lasted only seconds, but it was a catalyst that will affect a lifetime. Many of us ran home to be with families the rest of us sat in front of the TV, bleary eyed, opened mouth and speechless. We watched and watched and watched.

After that day, a few of my friends stopped working or changed their jobs and even career. They knew what I discovered recently. "They were not happy with who they had become." For me, it took many more crisis before I had the courage to confront my doppelganger. The first of many battles that I had to fight included leaving everything I had in New York. After selling all my belongings (it was very difficult to part with Manolo and Gucci, even if they were just shoes). I flew to Paris with two suitcases. Thank God, my best friend met me at Charles De Gaulle Airport. Except for Hong Kong and Indonesia, France was the only country I "knew." New York was and is my home and I was very sad to leave but I did. I told myself that I would come back when the old, real me returned.

I returned to New York in 2005, after only 13 months in Paris. I threw myself back at work and at the same tried to hold on to the person I had recovered after many months alone, searching and writing. It was difficult working in an industry where my integrity was constantly tested. I started to see the contradictions in my work and personal beliefs. More than a few times, I compromised my values to accomplish a project. The means justified the end was my mantra! I was collapsing, loosing my grounding and the fall was harder and higher than I had ever experienced.

Greenhouse Holistic: The First Ingredient of Love

2011-09-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse Holistic: The First Ingredient of Love: Friday, September 9 -- Arriving at the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) workshop I suddenly felt older. I felt the instinct to project a younger ...

The First Ingredient of Love

2011-09-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 9 -- Arriving at the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) workshop I suddenly felt older. I felt the instinct to project a younger self. I scrutinized the other students; their shapes, heights, colors, even the clothes they wore. They were younger than me, some probably 2 decades younger! Would I be able to keep up physically with them? The teachings had not begun and luckily this student was aware how much she needed to learn! In those few minutes, barely inside the studio, I had broken so many principles of Yoga: to clearly see others and yourself; non biased or nonjudgemental mind; purity; generosity; compassion, love...

Anthony de Mello wrote "The first act of love is to see this person or this object, this reality, as it truly is. And it involves the enormous discipline of dropping your desires, your prejudices, your memories, your projections, your selective way of looking." The first ingredient of Love, Mello explains, "Is to really see the other." And in my case to also really see who I am.

With this reminder I set out to really get to know my classmates and to be me. I was learning and understanding the First limb of The Eight limbs of Yoga, the Yamas (to restrain). And at the top of the list of Yamas are Ahimsa, non violence and Satya, truthfullness. Violence could also mean anger or judging others and oneself.

Being Grateful

2011-09-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Following is a post written by Cecilia, my 10 year old niece.

School, family, house, friends, these are only a few things I am grateful for. Sometimes I say "Your so lucky" to one of my friends than I realize I'm already lucky. Some people don't have all the wonderful things I have so I should be grateful. I hope you are as lucky as me.
Best wishes,

Greenhouse Holistic: Finding "Spiritual Me"

2011-09-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse Holistic: Finding "Spiritual Me": My first kiss; my first engagement; my first heart break; first break down; the first runway show I produced; first bankruptcy; etc. The f...

Finding "Spiritual Me"

2011-09-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

My first kiss; my first engagement; my first heart break; first break down; the first runway show I produced; first bankruptcy; etc. The firsts of many milestones are wonderful, devastating, exciting, scary and always a surprise or a shock. September 9th, 2011 (the first day of the Yoga Teacher Training) will be another memorable moment and I hope it will be my first successful career transformation from Fashion Producer to a Yoga Teacher. Perhaps I can continue to produce runway shows and advertising and hopefully with a lighter heart and greater wisdom learnt from Yoga. Is it possible? I am not quite sure. This week will be a test. Surrounded by the frenzy of New York Fashion Week a weekend immersed in advanced yoga could be the key to grounding my feet. Friday, Saturday and Sunday I will need to find a "Spiritual Me" that will allow me to be a yoga student who will be sweaty, clumsy, struggling and will need a lot of patience and even more humility. Come Monday will I be able to hold on to these humble values when I need to create the opposite environment of glamour, opulence and decadence? The question is can I be both? And I am doing the right thing; walking on the right path? I've got until December 18 to find out. Who, why, how, what, when and where this path will lead? I would like to share this journey with you in this Blog.

A Yogi is Born!

2011-09-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

In two days I will be participating in the YTT (Yoga Teacher Training) program hosted by the Greenhouse Holistic. For many of us yoga changed our lives, made us feel better and look better. Feeling good on the outside made me feel good inside. Sounds obvious! But, gradually I realized these spiritual transformations were less mundane than I thought. Yesterday, I was reminded how the small intentions we make everyday in yoga can change the whole world. Not just metaphorically but litterally. A friend of mine, who had never taken Yoga, is going trhough a very difficult time in her life. Encouraging her to come to Yoga was a big deal for her and she resisted because like many of her troubles in NY, rejections and judgements come in large dozes. It was easy to explain that while yoga is taught in a class, each person's practise is a personal journey. To conquer the physical challenges I have to conquer the mental challenges too. Any negative thoughts, like anger, judgement or dissapointment that I direct to my own energy or to another person always affects my concentration on the simplest of poses.

I assured my friend that not only will she be welcomed in yoga class she will also feel the positive intentions of her fellow yogis. My friend did come and after an emotional greeting from me, her class mates to her right, left and back (I was in the front) gave her so much encouragement that the whole class was affected. We were all so joyful, laughing at our teacher's not so funny jokes, gigling at our own blunders and exclaiming the wonders of a painful, really painful hamstring stretch. The whole class, not just the few surrounding my friend was affected. If one person can affect twenty, and 20 others affect 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 x 20 and they affect, well infinitely more people of this world!

Change is good!

2011-08-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

The Greenhouse Holistic spirit is ever changing and so too are the writers of our blog. From time to time we have teachers, students, friends and families write their thoughts on these pages. I, Sandra Shafer, am a yoga student/karma member/intern and soon to be a participant of the Yoga Teacher Training Program in September. Here is a picture of me in front of my bedroom window, writing to you. I love technology! Especially when it brings people closer together. OMG, at the moment of this writing, a new member of the Global village has been delivered to my family. Baby Lucy! My little brother is now a Dad! I hope Lucy will grow up in a wiser, safer world, where people are more compassionate about the world they live in and for all sentient beings. Bye for now! I am going to celebrate Lucy!

Sierra Hotsprings Yoga Retreat with Leigh Evans!

2011-07-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

August 5-7, 2011

From Leigh:

Join me and the fabulous chef, Nishanga Bliss for another amazing Yoga Retreat in California this summer. Soak in the Sacred Healing waters of the Hotsprings while enjoying the gorgeous views of the Sierras. Bordering Tahoe National Forest, the Sierra Hotsprings is a stunningly beautiful and very peaceful place to rejuvenate and deepen your yoga practice. For centuries, Native Americans have regarded this land as a sacred healing place.

Biking and hiking trails are plentiful both in the 700 acres of of Sierra Hotsprings and the neighboring national forest. "Sierraville boasts over 130 lakes in a 25-mile radius. The Gold Lake region is one of the most beautiful sights in Northern California, offering many shimmering alpine lakes lying just below the stunning Sierra Buttes. Majestic views and world class hiking trails at the Yuba Pass or Gold Lake region are unforgettable and lie about 20 minutes from town." We'll be staying and practicing at the Globe Hotel in Sierraville, 1 mile from the springs.

Sierra Hotsprings

Prices:shared rooms
$315 early-bird discount due in full 6/30 $345 after 6/30

camping
$285

Delicious vegetarian meals by Nishanga!, 4 yoga classes, and accommodations.

website-http://leighevansyoga.com/retreats/sierra2011.shtml

For information & registration contact

leitzu@earthlink.net

To register for this retreat

click here.

Labor Day Yoga Hoedown (Insanely Amazing Music & Yoga Festival)

2011-06-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

from Julianna Takacs:

Get ready for the first ever YOGA HOEDOWN y'all

Early Bird Registration until June 30th only $250!

Labor Day Weekend - September 2nd-5th, 2011

3 days in the Berkshire Mountains, live music of all kinds, yoga, some home cookin', a magical swimming pond, campfires, about a million stars......

If you've never been on a "yoga retreat" or already have and just love it so, this is the place to be Labor Day Weekend. It's half yoga retreat, half live music festival, all heart and joy. The idea is to bring together a wider community of folks (including your friends that don't "do" yoga) for a weekend of good old-fashioned end of summer fun. Many of the faces you already know and love will be there sharing their talents...and there will be plenty more to meet!

It's all taking place on the top of a mountain at the beautiful Abode Mountain Camp. There's a huge outdoor circus tent for the yoga classes and all-day/night concerts. Tons of space to wander, hike and move. Plenty of time to play, rest and rejoice. The main accommodations are your tent and a limited number of private and shared cabins. Outdoor showers and actual bathrooms! And if you're not the "roughin" it type, there are also lovely B&B style accommodations just down the mountain. All your meals will be provided (vegetarian style) either way.

Are you getting excited yet? Well, check this out....

There will be multiple yoga classes of all levels every day, and here's the list of teachers!

Lady Ruth Lauer-Manenti

Leigh Evans

Adi Carter

Gab Epstein-Casper

Amanda Capobianco

Dana Perry

Luke Simon

Stephanie Sandleben*

Summer Quashie*

and me :)

*awaiting confirmation

The list of bands is coming soon (check here for updates) but so far we've got a lil' bit of country, blues, funk, pop, folk, etc. in the mix....so basically it's gonna be a mini, cheaper, home grown wanderlust.

Early Early Bird Registration until June 30th.......only $250!!!

That includes your camping spot, all meals, all yoga classes, and music from Friday night till Monday afternoon.

That's REALLY CHEAP!!!!

Only a limited amount of these spots are available so jump on it soon. Otherwise, here's the breakdown:

$300 all weekend (includes all classes, music, three meals a day and tenting) until July 31st, $350 after.

$100 per day (three meals a day plus classes, music, and tenting)

$60 per day rate (three meals a day plus classes and music, no lodging)

$40 per half day rate (classes, music and dinner only)

Kids under 10 are free.

Shared Cabin (2-4 people): add $60 ($20 per night)

Semi Private Cabin (two single beds): add $90 ($30 per night)

Private Cabin (one single bed): add $120 ($40 per night)

B&B shared room: add $180 ($60 per night)

B&B private room: add $225 ($75 per night)

Cabins are modest and simple, just a bed (no electricity). Bring your own linens and pillow or buy a packet when you get there for $20.

B&B rooms are located down the mountain on the main Abode campus and are very nice and cozy :) Linens/towels are included.

The Abode Mountain Camp is located only a 2.5 hour drive from NYC in the Berkshire Mountains in New Lebanon, NY. Or take the Amtrak train to Albany (45 min taxi to the Abode) or Metro North to Wassaic (an hour and 15 min taxi to the Abode). There will be a message board to help those looking to coordinate carpooling and taxi-pooling with others.

For more info on the Abode and the accommodations (with pictures) visit

http://www.abode-of-the-me

ssage.org/calendar/content

/conference-center

What else can I say?!

Ah yes. To register, send me an email (yogahoedown@gmail.com).

For early early bird $250 special, full (non-refundable) payment is needed. Otherwise 50% (non-refundable) deposit to hold your spot.

I've been dreamin about it and talkin about it for a while......and now I just want you there......

xo, julianna

Yoga Teacher Training Info Session (no cost) - Sunday 4-6 PM

2011-06-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Join Leigh Evans and discuss what you might expect while participating in the

Greenhouse Holistic 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training this fall.

Perhaps you are just interested in deepening your physical or spiritual practice, or you actually would like to become an informed, intuitive and inspiring yoga teacher. Whatever your reason, come talk to Leigh and former trainees and hear firsthand about the program.

Course explores correct asana alignment, Yogic philosophy (Yoga Sutra study and the history of Yoga), the art of asana adjustment, meditation, Ayurveda, Sanskrit chanting, the business of Yoga, one-on-one mentorship with the core teachers, and more.

It all culminates in a wonderful retreat weekend.

Come to the information session and bring your questions!

Sunday (tomorrow) June 19th 4-6 PM

445 Grand Street x Keap

http://www.greenhouseholistic.com/yoga-teacher-training.html

There are only 2 weeks left to save $600 off the full cost of the training...

photo by Leigh Evans

Take care of yourself! June Massage Special.

2011-06-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you treated yourself to a massage?

As a thank you for being part of our community, we are offering

1-hour Deep Tissue massages for $50

if you book Monday-Friday 9AM-9PM.

1-hour massages are usually $80,

so take advantage and take care of yourself this summer!

Be sure to mention this promotion when booking.

Hey Members: Get a month refunded for signing up a friend

2011-06-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

If you have a 3 or 12 month membership with us, and you get a friend to sign up for a 3 or 12 month membership, you get one month of your membership refunded. Not too shabby. So talk to your friends, get them practicing yoga, and go out to dinner after class to celebrate. Valid through August 15th.

Kirtan with Dharma Megha this coming MONDAY NIGHT!

2011-06-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

New Class! Martial Arts for Yogis with Attiss Ngoval

2011-05-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

This new class combines movement and conditioning exercises from a myriad of disciplines. Learn techniques for bio-mechanical efficiency, explosive movement, increased strength and core stability. This challenging class will provide you with a great workout and help take your Yoga practice to the next level. From Shaolin Kung Fu to Taos Nabard to Circus Arts, these techniques will make your movements stronger and softer, help you to develop durable joints and deepen your practice. All levels welcome!

Tuesdays 8:15-9:45 PM and Wednesdays 3-4:30 PM

Memorial Day Weekend Class Cancellations

2011-05-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 29th:

ROEBLING

2:30 PM Belly Dance

4:30 PM Vinyasa Restorative

Monday, May 30th:

ROEBLING

8:30 AM Vinyasa (Open)

6:30 PM Vinyasa (Int/Adv)

8:15 PM Iyengar (I/II)

DRIGGS

7:30 AM Vinyasa Express

GRAND

6:30 PM Vinyasa (Int/Adv)

HAVE AN AMAZING, RESTORATIVE WEEKEND.

Healing Retreat with Gabrielle Epstein-Casper

2011-05-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

June 24-26, 2011 (not that far away...)

From Gab: Join me for a 3-day yoga retreat in the Catskills! Here are words that describe what we will experience together: Intimate, therapeutic, relaxed, nature, mother earth, holistic, silence, swimming, surrender, soften.

Fee includes:

4 yoga classes & meditation
2-night stay
Friday dinner
Pre-class yogi breakfast (chai, toast & fruit)

Saturday lunch & dinner and Sunday brunch will be a communal effort - to be decided upon and cooked by the participants.

Fee: $275 for shared bedroom spaces, $350 for a private room

Space is limited to 8, so be sure to secure your place with a $100 deposit. For details on the retreat location, go to www.sweetskyretreat.com. For more information, and to register, contact me at gabonline1@verizon.net.

Deadline Approaching for October India Retreat with Julianna

2011-05-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

A fourteen-day retreat in India

embracing the ancient traditions of yoga at its source.

October 8-22, 2011

Join Julianna Takacs and Josh Schrei for an unforgettable journey that will take experienced yogis and beginners alike through Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and the sacred spaces of the upper Ganges for an immersion in yoga, shaivite philosophy, meditation, and local culture. Morning yoga and meditation sessions followed by afternoon exploration makes this not just a yoga retreat, but a true immersion into the way of life and traditions of this magical land.

All accommodations, meals and travel within India, yoga and meditation classes, local guides and tours, are included. Registration Deadline: July 15th

Space for this retreat is limited to only 12 people, making this a uniquely intimate opportunity.

For more information send an email to: juliannayoga@gmail.com or click here.

An alternative to boozing and hamburgers this 4th of July...

2011-05-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

KAIVALYA

4th of July Liberation Retreat

with Summer Quashie & Leigh Evans

July 1-4

This fourth of July we will be holding a retreat at Seven Arrows, which is a beautiful retreat home on the Navesink River, 2.5 miles from Sandy Hook Beach and across the street from Hartshorne Woods. Only a 45 minute ferry ride from Manhattan, Seven Arrows is a very convenient and gorgeous setting to rejuvenate and celebrate! This is going to be an unforgettable time of celebration and remembrance of our own essential nature. The last verse of the yoga sutras describes our inner journey as culminating in Kaivalya, freedom or independence, from all that holds us back from our true essence. Enjoy Fireworks in celebration of you from the privacy of the front lawn, porch, dock.

info & registration

contact-summermorgand@gmail.com

Kirtan with Dharma Megha - every First Monday of the Month!

2011-05-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

People. We held a kirtan last month to raise money for Japan. You sung your heart out and piled $450 in the donation box. As if that was not awesome enough, you returned a month later and donated $200 toward a harmonium for the studio. We are well on our way to having musical accompaniment while chanting in class. Thank you!

Let's keep the momentum going. The kirtans are amazing because you are there and participating. And simultaneously, we are giving back to the studio who gives so much to us.

Our goal is $600 for a harmonium. If you cannot attend future kirtans but you would like to donate to Greenhouse's Harmonium Fund, please contact the office: 347-987-4526.

If you can attend, we hope to see you at the next kirtan on MONDAY, JUNE 6TH 8:15-9:15 PM at the Grand Street studio (after Summer's class-might as well get your asana on and open your lungs).

Here are the links to the first and second kirtans of this year held by the group, Dharma Megha, a band involuntarily formed during the first Greenhouse Yoga Teacher Training retreat, and since rounded out with a few other yogis and friends.

If you are one of the lucky to have attended the last two kirtan events, please feel free to write about your experience and send it to rebecca@greenhouseholistic.com for publication on the blog.

Thank you to Sonia Chandra for recording both nights!

April 4th kirtan link: http://nadavak.bandcamp.com/album/kirtan-for-japan
May 2nd kirtan link: http://nadavak.bandcamp.com/album/kirtan-harmonium

Round-up: John Campbell Ashtanga Workshop

2011-05-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the three-day workshop a few weeks ago. John is a true scholar and student of yoga, philosophy and Sanskrit, having studied with Sri Pattabhi Jois and received his PhD in Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Tantra from Columbia. Above all, he stressed breath as the focus of the practice - mainly, letting the ujjayi breath flowing continuously without stopping or holding, keeping the mouth closed, and letting there be a moment of pause at the top of the inhale and bottom of the exhale, in which the posture is static. Personally, he awakened my need to practice in the Mysore style. If you were at the workshop and learned anything you'd like to share, please email rebecca@greenhouseholistic.com to submit. Thank you to Hilary Benas for the photos!

Slackline Series with Adi Carter. Find your balance...

2011-05-04T07:36:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend at Heartland with Summer Quashie

2011-04-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Message from Summer Quashie:

Heartland is transitioning to a livable farm and retreats there are becoming more rare. I just returned from upstate, where spring is about two weeks behind the city, so Memorial Day at this beautiful farm house, with music by Seth Lieberman, delicious vegetarian meals and time in nature with yoga and kind hearts, is not an opportunity to miss. Registration happens online at www.iheartheartland.com. Only a few spaces left in the house. Hope you can make it. Love, Summer

Memorial Day Weekend Retreat
May 27-30
Deep Seeing and Deep Listening

An explosion of love with friends and family (whether you’ve met them yet or not).

The practice of seeing is the opening to love. Through sitting with nature, investigating our asana, drawing what is in front of us, this retreat will create space for honesty and perspective.

Seth Lieberman will lead daily kirtan and offer live music during asana classes.

Pranayama and Meditation

2 hours asana classes

Brunch

Philosophy discussions

Drawing inner and outer experiences (materials provided)

Dinner

Flying Carpet Sunset Chanting

3 days (Fri-Mon)

$425 stay in the house

$300 camping

www.iheartheartland.com

Attention: Beginner Yogis (or those who want to get back to basics)

2011-04-25T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sicily Yoga Retreat with Leigh Evans!

2011-04-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Slow down and open your spirit to the stunning beauty and abundant joys of Italy. Join us as we unwind at Farm Holiday Guarnera, a restored nineteenth-century rural home immersed in a luxurious citrus orchard. Enjoy daily classes blending vigorous and restorative practices with thai massage to rejuvenate your body and mind. In between, relax by the pool and enjoy the lemon and orange trees that scent the air with their continuous blossoming, or stroll through gardens of olive, banana and almond trees and enjoy the view of the Sea at Cefalu just ten minutes away. Our chef will prepare delectable local cuisine directly from the farm's fresh citrus fruits, oil, and vegetables. Join us in our excursions to the beaches of Cefalu, Erice, Palermo, the Teatro Greco in Toarmina and other gems of Sicily!

Early Bird Special-$1,550/person by April 22nd!

$1,650/person after 4/22

$500 non-refundable deposit to

reserve your space. Balance due May 8.

Price includes 7 nights of shared

accommodations, 3 delicious Italian meals/day, and daily yoga classes. Price excludes airfare &

land transfers.

Registration & Payment

To register contact

dainalexandra@yahoo.com

www.leighevansyoga.com

www.gargidicenere.it

Welcome to YOUR BLOG

2011-04-06T20:16:00.001-07:00

Dearest Greenhouse Community,

This is your blog. This is a place to hear news about what's happening at your friendly neighborhood studio, Greenhouse Holistic, and a place to share information about yoga, healing and life. It is only going to be as dynamic and rich as the quality of your participation.

Here you'll find out more about your teachers and healing staff, get the scoop on workshops, teacher trainings and retreats, and you'll get to connect with other members of the community who will be sharing their inspirations and findings on the subject of "here and now." This is a place to submit articles, essays, workshop pictures and reviews, questions to teachers, personal artistic offerings, and even an ad for a new like-minded roommate.

Please send submissions and ideas to blog curator/substitute teacher/fellow community member Rebecca Eisner at rebecca@greenhouseholistic.com. Thank you in advance for your participation!