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The origin of the maypole dance is not known, but it probably has roots in ancient Babylonian fertility rites.  Young women would dance around a pole woven with ribbons in order to ensure fertility.  Around the world today, maypoles signify celebration, community, youthfulness and the arrival of summer. Happy May Day from Yogalife! Be sure to visit our website for information about summer schedule changes and upcoming workshops and retreats. See you soon!

Schedule Revisions

Green Lake:

• Interested in deepening your yoga practice with a fast-paced, heat-building class?  Jodi will be teaching a Level II-III Vinyasa class on Saturday, 4:00-5:15 at Greenlake beginning on May 3rd. 
• Michael will be teaching a Level I Hatha class Thursday, 7:00-8:15pm at Greenlake beginning May 15th.  This class will be perfect for those who have just finished an Intro Series class or are just beginning a yoga practice.

Queen Anne:

• Stefanie Tatalias will take over Michael's 9:30 Tuesday/Thursday classes at Queen Anne starting Thursday, May 1. They will be Level I-II Hatha classes.
• Jodi is now teaching the Level II-III Vinyasa class on Sunday, 5:30-6:45 at Queen Anne.
• Nicole now has a second weekly Healthy Backs class, Monday, 4:15-5:30 at Queen Anne.

Visit the Greenlake and Queen Anne Class Schedules for complete class offerings.

Summer Schedule 

Our Summer Schedule will be in effect June 1st through August 31st.  It will be available at both studios by mid-May--be sure to pick one up, as there will be a number of changes as we head into the new season!

Looking for a great reason to dedicate yourself to your yoga practice? Three-month passes will be on sale for $295 from May 15th through June 15th!

Upcoming Workshops 

Bodyversity: Body, Community and the Great Turning THIS WEEKEND!

Join Michael for this fun and informative weekend workshop in Port Townsend, WA,  Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4.  The workshop will include a presentation on the fundamentals of permaculture design, morning yoga warmups, somatic arts and discussion, as well as optional ecstatic dance, hikes, beachwalks and feasting. All events will take place in spectacular Fort Worden State Park, and are accessible to people of all physical ability levels. Visit www.madronamindbody.com for more information and to register! E-mail Michael as soon as possible if you'd like to attend or are interested in carpooling.

 Yoga Nidra for Fertility on Saturday, May 17th with Laura
Join Laura DeFreitas for a special Yoga Nidra class for women in all stages of the journey into motherhood. During Yoga Nidra we enter progressive states of relaxation, self-inquiry and meditation while remaining alert. This technique provides us with a framework for going beyond self-limiting beliefs in order to experience the joy that is our birthright. Yoga Nidra is especially suited for women experiencing high levels of physical and emotional stress in their journey to conceive.

 Restorative Yoga on Saturday, May 31st with Lisa
One of the most beneficial aspects of a yoga practice is learning how to rest. Restorative Yoga takes us deep inside to connect with our own creativity and helps heal the effects of chronic stress. This workshop will include meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), and restorative yoga postures to harmonize body, breath, mind and spirit. Come celebrate the longer, lighter days of summer with a with a rejuvenating practice that allows for stillness and deep relaxation. All levels. Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot!

Balance and Inversions on Saturday, June 7th with Michael
Most people find inverted balances to be the most challenging of yoga asanas. Join Michael in a light-hearted, step-by-step exploration of gravity, standing balance, and easy techniques for getting and staying inverted. This workshop is appropriate for all levels. Every asana will be prepped sequentially, leading up to the actual balance and inversion asanas, so there will be something for everyone.

Michael's guarantee: If you can hold a headstand, forearm stand or handstand at the wall for ten seconds, you will be able to hold the same pose free-standing for three seconds by the end of this workshop.

Jampamala Workshop on Saturday, June 7th with Laura, Julia and Samantha
A mala is a set of prayer beads used during chanting or meditation in Hindu and Tibetan Buddhism, used to focus one's awareness and concentration while repeating a mantra. In this workshop each participant will create his or her own beautiful and unique mala. Participants will also learn more about Japamala, an ancient chanting technique used to release negative patterns of thought, including how to practice, the significance of each bead, and the meaning of 108.  We will also briefly discuss the first two limbs of the eight-limbed yoga tradition (yamas and niyamas) and the seven main energy centers in the body (chakras) and how they can enhance the Japamala practice.   

108 Sun Salutations on the Summer Solstice, Friday June 20th with Jenniferlyn
The sun is the illuminator of our world and the giver of life.  With 108 sun salutations, a complete mala, we will honor the sun and the summer season that it signifies. It is often said that this classical salutation to the sun, or Surya Namaskar, contains the whole practice within it. Sun salutations develop strength and endurance, and can be a powerful tool for meditation and self transformation. Come cultivate positive energy to bring in the new season.

Upcoming Series 

Intro to Yoga: A Six-Week Series
Know someone who's interested in beginning a yoga practice? Our next intro series sessions begin on Sunday, May 18th (Greenlake and Queen Anne). Jodi will teach the Queen Anne class and Jenniferlyn will teach the Greenlake class.  We will no longer be offering weekday intro series classes.

Yoga Nidra Series
Did you miss Laura's Yoga Nidra Series this spring? We will be offering the series again this fall, beginning on September 26th.

Upcoming Retreats

Orcas Island Family Yoga Retreat will be May 16th-18th with Michael and Heather. There's still time to sign up, so let us know soon if you'd like to join us! There are still double beds available at the retreat house for $45 per night; call us if you're interested in this lodging option.

The 2009 Yoga Bliss Retreat with Laura DeFreitas and Michael Suzerris at Haramara Retreat Center in Sayulita, Mexico will be offered February 14th-21st, 2009.  We are offering the retreat at a discounted rate until June 1, 2008. Register now and save!

Upcoming Teacher Training

Yogalife will be offering a 9-month Teacher Training Program beginning in September 2008. If you're interested in participating, please e-mail Michael. There will be a meeting for all prospective students during the upcoming weeks, so please be in touch soon.