These classes begin with grounding ourselves in our bodies, bringing our awareness to our breath, and from this centered state flowing into Sun Salutations, progressive standing postures and balances, and other poses to build strength and vitality.  Then the sequences will slow, moving into deeper stretches in seated and reclined poses, before settling to rest in Savasana.  Lisa leads this practice focused through a lens on the Yamas and Niyamas–the ethical guidelines from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, such as Ahimsa (non-harming), Santosha (contentment), Aparigraha (letting go), Tapas (discipline), and Svadhyaya (self-study). Traditionally yoga students studied the Yamas and Niyamas, the first two limbs of the eightfold path of yoga, before practicing the next two limbs, Asana (postures), and Pranayama (mindful breathing).  Now more commonly students learn the Yamas and Niyamas only after starting with postures and breath, so in this class Lisa aims to introduce the foundational philosophy and inspire students to extend their yoga practice beyond the shala and the mat.  Students are encouraged always to explore variations, rest when needed, and make the practice their own. Please bring a mat and water. Mats are available to rent for ₡1,000 or purchase for ₡10,000, and blocks and props are free to use.

Vanessa will guide a 90-minute asana sequence focused on poses to open the hips and shoulders.  In yoga we recognize that addressing the body at the physical level can impact our emotional and mental states and wellbeing.  Conscious practice to release the hips helps us to surrender, accept the cycles of life, and flow with our emotions in any context or situation.  Targeting tension in the shoulders and inviting it to soften supports heart-healing through empathy, self-love, and compassion.  The practice will be suitable for students with all levels of experience; Vanessa affirms that, “Yoga belongs to all of us. Yoga is the path of reminding us who we really are and why we are here."  We will take about a 20-minute break before reconvening to explore traditional Yoga philosophy around the concepts of Karma and Dharma.  These are themes that we can consider and apply in our lives, having to do with the energy we put into the world and what we receive, and understanding our inner being and sacred mission or purpose.  If you’re curious about Yoga and wellbeing, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with yourself and awaken the beautiful energy that vibrates inside you.  Please dress to move, and bring water, a Yoga mat, towel, pen, notebook, and a snack for the break.

9:30 - 11:00 AM Asana Practice 

11:00 - 11:20 AM Break 

11:20 - 12:30 PM Yoga Philosophy Discussion

Satsang refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle so that we may see each other, and everyone will be encouraged to participate.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy, then she will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’ (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss/union).  Our satsang will convene each month to explore new topics, this year dedicated to considering the Yamas and Niyamas, and how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  In Satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration.

​​Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably.  As we form our circle each person is invited to place flowers and an item on the center altar to imbue the space with our own intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group in our discourse. Remember to bring flowers and/or a small personal item for the altar, as well as water and a pen and journal if you like.

​Satsang refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle so that we may see each other, and everyone will be encouraged to participate.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy, then she will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’ (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss/union).  Our satsang will convene each month to explore new topics, this year dedicated to considering the Yamas and Niyamas, and how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  For April we will discuss Aparigraha (non-attachment), another Yama, related to a quote from Jean Paul Sartre, "Man is condemned to be free."  In Satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration.

​Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably.  As we form our circle each person is invited to place flowers and an item on the center altar to imbue the space with our own intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group in our discourse. Remember to bring flowers and/or a small personal item for the altar, as well as water and a pen and journal if you like.

​Satsang refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle so that we may see each other, and everyone will be encouraged to participate.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy, then she will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’ (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss/union).  Our satsang will convene each month to explore new topics, this year dedicated to considering the Yamas and Niyamas, and how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  For March we will discuss Asteya (non-stealing), another Yama, related to jealousy and the idea that "you can be the moon and still be jealous of the stars."  In Satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration.

​Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably.  As we form our circle each person is invited to place flowers and an item on the center altar to imbue the space with our own intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group in our discourse. Remember to bring flowers and/or a small personal item for the altar, as well as water and a pen and journal if you like.

Satsang refers to a gathering of like-minded seekers engaging in discourse to deepen spiritual understanding and awaken to our true being.  We will sit in a circle so that we may see everyone, and everyone will be encouraged to participate.  Vanessa will open introducing the theme and speaking to how the concepts are described and approached in yogic philosophy, then she will guide the discussion, at times posing questions to the group, and also responding to the thoughts and uncertainties that arise, from her perspective rooted in the wisdom of Ashtanga Yoga.  For those unfamiliar with yoga, these themes are universal spiritual teachings and can be applied with any faith or non-secular life.  In the Yoga Sutras written in the third century BC, Patanjali explains the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga—in Sanskrit ‘astan’ (eight) and ‘anga’ (limb)—as a practical and holistic guide to spiritual growth.  The eight limbs are: Yama (ethics), Niyama (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (bliss/union).  Our satsang will convene each month to explore new topics, this year dedicated to considering the Yamas and Niyamas, and how these principles guide our everyday life in a broad and comprehensive way such that our practice is present in every experience.  For February we will discuss Satya (truthfulness), another Yama, related to the idea of following your heart.  In Satsang we aim to clarify our own comprehension, and also to create a field of awareness in our group, which will ripple out into the community generating waves of rising vibration.

Some mats, cushions, and chairs are available in the space; please bring what you need to sit comfortably.  As we form our circle each person is invited to place flowers and an item on the center altar to imbue the space with our own intentions and energies, and also so that the item may be charged with the field of consciousness we create as a group in our discourse. Remember to bring flowers and/or a small personal item for the altar, as well as water and a pen and journal if you like.

​In the first half of this workshop 9:00 - 10:30, Vanessa will lead Asana practice guiding us through hip-opening and arm-balancing sequences building up to inversions as peak poses.  She will emphasize where to bring our awareness as we advance, illuminating the subtleties of inversions.  Our hips help us to feel our center of gravity when our bodies are in the air, which is essential to find balance.  While opening the hips happens with consistent practice over time, we should feel grateful for wherever we are in the process and continue to practice with dedication free from attachment to an outcome.  Working with arm-balances builds our strength and develops our focus creating the steadiness required to find bliss in inversions. Vanessa will offer cues to engage our entire body strength rather than trying to carry these balances with only the shoulders and wrists.  She offers a safe and accessible approach for practitioners of all levels and will teach modifications to accommodate any injuries or body cycles.  

After a time for break, we will reconvene from 11:00 to 12:30 to explore Yoga Philosophy starting with the Yamas and Niyamas.  Traditionally students began to practice Yoga with the Yamas and Niyamas, the ethical guidelines for daily practice, and were required to develop a good foundation applying these principles before they would receive instruction with Asana.  This has changed in modern times with the commercialization of Yoga, the emphasis shifting to physical practice and only students with dedication later finding their way to philosophy.  This discussion will explain the significance of these ten precepts and offer insights on how we may apply them in our daily lives.  We’ll talk as well about Karma Yoga with the Bavaghad Gita, a beautiful book from the Mahabharata, a sacred Sanskrit scripture which elucidates the tenants of Yogic philosophy.  Set on the battlefield between the Pandava and Kauranva, two groups from the same family lineage, the story centers a dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna, who feels doubt and confusion overwhelmed by his duty to flight in the war, and Lord Krishna, who guides Arjuna to realize his duty, or Dharma, and stop suffering.

​Modern Buddhism classes apply timeless Buddhist teachings in the framework of today’s world. The philosophy is presented in a clear and systematic way that preserves the meaning and intent of Buddha's original teachings while allowing them to be studied and practiced to build inner peace amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Buddhist meditation techniques have been practiced for thousands of years. You don't have to be a Buddhist to participate; everyone can benefit from these practical instructions for living a more peaceful and joyful life. The classes are open to everyone, and they are equally suitable for those who simply want to calm their minds, to those who seek to embark on the complete path of inner transformation that Buddha taught.

​Delusions are our only enemies.  While generally  we believe that our problems result from people and events that take place outside ourselves, our only true “enemies” are the mind-based delusions that we allow to rob us of peace and happiness. This month we will begin our explanation of these destructive states of mind and what we can do to counter them. 

February 6: Anger 

February 13: No Class 

February 20: Uncontrolled Desire 

February 27: Deluded Pride

​Come join your fellow Sangha members for an exploration of these important topics.

Modern Buddhism classes apply timeless Buddhist teachings in the framework of today’s world. The philosophy is presented in a clear and systematic way that preserves the meaning and intent of Buddha's original teachings while allowing them to be studied and practiced to build inner peace amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Buddhist meditation techniques have been practiced for thousands of years. You don't have to be a Buddhist to participate; everyone can benefit from these practical instructions for living a more peaceful and joyful life. The classes are open to everyone, and they are equally suitable for those who simply want to calm their minds, to those who seek to embark on the complete path of inner transformation that Buddha taught.