Summer Newsletter - Unity Woods Yoga

SUMMER 2016
YOGA IN THE IYENGAR TRADITION SINCE 1979
First Class
Free for New
Students
Newcomers to Unity
Woods may take their
first class free anytime
during the session.
Contact us for details.
301-656-8992
www.unitywoods.com
Inside
• JULY 5 – SEPTEMBER 12
Namaste
Is God a drummer?
To get at this question,
first we have to deal
with the “God” thing.
Let’s try to make this
part easier than it might
otherwise be, because,
of course, the minute
you say “God”, most
people’s brains conjure
up their own definition of “God”, and since over the
years, people have gone so far as to slaughter each
other over the subject, the word is pretty loaded.
So let’s start with the observation that clearly everything in the Universe is in motion and for that to be
so, some energetic force
is at play. For the sake
of this discussion, how
about we say that “God”
is whatever or whoever
consciously keeps all
this stuff moving. That’s
it. You can elaborate in
your own mind if you
wish, but simplicity and
vagueness on this subject will, I hope, satisfy most of you and allow us
to go on to the question itself.
Is God, this conscious force propelling the stuff of
the Cosmos hither and thither, a drummer?
See Namaste, page 2
John’s Workshop
Schedule .......................2
Special Events................4–5
Class Schedule..............6–7
Teacher Information.......8–9
Studio News......................9
Course Descriptions........10
Boutique Information.......10
Fees and Policies.............11
Registration Form.............12
©2016 Unity Woods
Yoga Center, LLC.
4853 Cordell Ave, PH9
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 656-8992
Fax: (301) 656-7792
www.unitywoods.com
Unity Woods Yoga Center
...is one of the best known and most widely respected yoga centers in the country. We offer
classes for students at all levels in posture (asana)
and breathing (pranayama), special courses for targeted needs and interests, workshops with some of
the world’s finest teachers, and programs covering
various aspects of the science and art of yoga.
All of our classes are based on the teachings
of B.K.S. Iyengar. Named by Time magazine as
"one of the 100 most influential people in the
world", Mr. Iyengar was widely regarded as
the 20th century's foremost yoga teacher. His
approach develops self-awareness through
precision in movement and attention to the
subtleties of body, breath, mind, and spirit.
At Unity Woods, our purpose is to offer uncompromising, expert yoga instruction to as broad an audience as possible. Our teaching staff is the area’s
most experienced, comprised of highly trained,
certified instructor s who help guide you to improved health, serenity, and expanded awareness.
HEALTH
•
SERENITY
•
AWARENESS
UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
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John’s
Workshops
June 9–12
SYTAR 2016
Reston, VA
John presents workshops on prevention of and therapy for knee
problems at SYTAR, IAYT’s (International Association of Yoga
Therapists) annual conference.
www.iayt.org
June 17
Teacher Training Open ClassesCasey Health Institute
Gaithersburg, MD
John will teach a morning
program including pranayama,
philosophy and asana. Open
to intermediate and advanced
students who are not part of the
full teacher training program.
(301) 355-2030
June 24–26
Milwaukee Yoga Center
Milwaukee, WI
Friday class for all-levels.
Saturday and Sunday classes for
experienced students.
www.mycmke.com
July 15–17
Iyengar Yoga Maine
Brookville, ME
Weekend workshop for
Iyengar yoga students.
www.iyengaryogamaine.com
July 29–31
Teacher Training
SERENDIPITY
Berkeley Springs, WV
Successful Sequencing for
Beginners’ Classes
www.unitywoods.com
August 10–14
Yoga Northwest
Bellingham, WA
Five-day intensive for
experienced students.
www.yoganorthwest.com
See www.unitywoods.com
for details
Namaste (continued)
What the heck kind of question is that anyway?
Well, it didn’t actually spring out of nowhere. For
one thing, I am a drummer. I played music professionally on and off for about fourteen years,
nine of them before I began to practice yoga. I
played in a rockabilly band, a cabaret theater
trio, in the pit orchestra for a stage production
of "The Boyfriend", a British Invasion band, a
psychedelic progressive rock band, and more.
A drummer’s primary job is to set the beat, to
keep time. Sure, s/he adds color, accents, emphasis, dynamics, tone, but first and foremost,
the drummer lays down a steady rhythm. The
rhythm is the foundation upon which the other
musicians, or if there are no other musicians,
the dancer(s), the artist(s), or the drummer him/
herself builds and expands.
When I began practicing yoga, I was playing in
a band, Grow Your Own, that played most of the
clubs in DC, featured on billings that included
The Nighthawks and Emmylou Harris; opened
an all day concert at RFK Stadium with Black
Oak Arkansas, Tracy Nelson, and Buddy Miles;
and provided the music for a holiday gala at the
Kennedy Center.* Often I got home just before
sunrise, but I practiced faithfully each morning.
Part of the reason I began teaching yoga is that
one of the band members introduced me to a
man who was looking for yoga teachers to teach
for various county rec departments with whom
he had contracts.
As yoga and music overlapped in my life, I came
to see that yoga is, in so many ways, much like
music. They both require discipline; to achieve
anything, consistent practice over extensive
time is essential. Both thrive on devotion and
dedication to the art. And both can provide the
practitioner with a vehicle to come in touch with
a spiritual vastness that transcends the narrow
world so many of us occupy so much of the time.
The great Sufi master, Hazrat Inayat Khan, wrote
a marvelous book, The Mysticism of Sound and
Music, in which he says that “…music is called
the divine art, [because] in music alone we see
God free from all forms and thoughts. In every
other art there is idolatry.”
Another similarity that music and yoga share
is a reliance on rhythm. In music, whether it’s
the driving beat of the Allman Brothers or the
mesmerizing lilt of Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata", the rhythm is at the heart of the music. As
Gloria Estefan said, “The rhythm’s gonna getcha.”
It moves us. We feel it. It’s physical.
I don’t know how many yoga practitioners realize it, but rhythm is at the heart of yoga, too. I
don’t mean in the sense of practicing yoga to
music, although that, like the dance of the Sufis,
can be one way.
I mean, rather, that when a practitioner does a
yoga asana, coming into and out of the pose
involves rhythm. The rhythm can be steady or
shaky. Just as a drummer can lose the tempo, so
the yogi can disrupt the rhythm of the pose. In
each case, something happens, but the smoothly
rhythmic performance has grace and delight.
I taught an arm balance class the other day
(Arm balances are poses in which you balance standing on your hands with your legs in
various positions on or between your arms, e.g.,
Lolasana, Bhujapidasana, Bakasana, etc.), and I
made the point that while arm balances clearly
require flexibility, strength, and balance, the
key to getting into them without falling on your
face is really a question of rhythm. Placing your
legs on your arms and lifting your body into the
pose involves a rhythmic interplay between the
weight in your hands, the grips of the legs, and
the shifts of your body forward and backward
over your arms. Just as each piece of music has
its own rhythm, each asana has its own rhythm.
Another way in which yoga involves rhythm is
with the breath. When you do an asana, the
breath accompanies the action of moving into
and out of the pose. The length of the breath, the
intensity of the breath, the location of the breath:
all guide the rhythm of entering and exiting the
pose. And while you’re in the pose, since each
asana has a unique shape, that physical shape
helps shape the rhythm of your breath. It’s a
two-way street.
SUMMER 2016
-3-
Namaste (continued)
Tuning in to the movements of the breath in
your asana practice sets the stage for pranayama
where rhythm obviously plays a role. Conscious
breathing involves adjusting the rhythmic interplay between inhalation and exhalation, sometimes slower, sometimes faster, sometimes at rest.
Just as in playing a piece of music, the spaces
between the in breath and the out breath sculpt
the rhythm of the piece and are a vital part of
the sweetness and power of the performance.
It is no secret that our breath shapes our state
of mind. B.K.S. Iyengar says that “According to
the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, controlling the breath
and its rhythm brings consciousness to stillness.”
The functioning of our brains is greatly affected
by the qualities of our breath. Just as breathing
has its rhythms, so does the mind. We measure
brain waves to observe and understand the various ways in which the mind works. These waves
are vibrations that have their own rhythms, and
in the same way that music can lift us up or bring
us down, so the rhythm of the vibrations in our
citta, our mindstuff, colors our experience of
our world and ourselves.
Considering rhythm on a larger scale, I know
very little about physics, but what little I have
read seems to say that the entire universe is
nothing more or less than particles or waves in
constant motion. Where there is motion there
is rhythm, and everything is in motion. From
the pulsations of single cells to the journey of
the planets around the sun to the dance of the
galaxies across the universe, everything whirls in
its own rhythm, jamming with the other players
in a spectacular symphony of Being.
Is God a drummer? You bet.
And the beat goes on.
*To hear a free sample of Grow Your Own,
go to SchumacherYoga.com and download
“Welcome the Night”.
"Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the
body, the melody of the mind, and the
harmony of the soul, create the symphony
of life. "
B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar, His Life and Work
John Schumacher is the founder
and director of
Unity Woods.
He has practiced yoga for
over 40 years
and has taught
in the Washington area since 1973. John studied
in India with B.K.S. Iyengar for 33
years and is a Certified Advanced
Iyengar Yoga Teacher. He also spent
many years studying with internationally acclaimed teacher Dona
Holleman.
John’s clear, precise style and his
engaging sense of humor have
made him one of the country’s
leading yoga teachers. Yoga
Journal cited him as one of "25
Americans who are shaping
yoga today." He has written for
a variety of publications and has
appeared in numerous local and
national media, including U.S.
News and World Report, Yoga
Journal, Washingtonian Magazine, the Washington Times, the
Washington Post, PBS and others.
John speaks about the practice
and benefits of yoga on radio and
television and at conferences and
organizations around the country.
Over the years John has taught
thousands of students and trained
hundreds of teachers. He continues to travel across the U.S. and
throughout the world, including
Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle
East and the Caribbean, where he
conducts workshops for students
and teachers of all levels.
Read John’s essays from earlier
newsletters on our website:
www.unitywoods.com/tag/letter
And look for digital downloads of
John's classes and discussions at
www.schumacheryoga.com
UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
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Regional
Yoga Events
Workshops, Short Courses
See unitywoods.com for detailed descriptions.
Bethesda Workshops
Bethesda Short Courses
Saturday, June 25
Tuesdays, July 5–26
•
1:00–3:00pm
Unburden Your Shoulders
With Amy Van Mui
Feeling stressed, tight or even some pain in and
around the shoulder girdle? In this workshop we
will focus on the bio-mechanics of the shoulder
joint. Feel how moving with correct bio-mechanics
can transform your shoulder area and your practice.
No Prerequisite: Open to all
Saturday, July 30
Hip Hip Hooray!
Virginia
Yoga Week
June 12–19
www.virginiayogaweek.org
~~~
International
Day of Yoga
$38
•
1:00–3:00pm
With Amy Van Mui
Tight hamstrings? Tight back? Want to feel more
ease in your body and experience more freedom of
movement? Learn how to open your hips effectively
for an improved sense of lightness and wellness.
No Prerequisite: Open to all
Wednesday, September 7 •
$38
9:00–10:00am
Pranayama Brush-up for
Experienced Students
•
Balance and Stability:
Grow Strong
With Amy Van Mui
It is never too early to work on fall prevention. Learn
to improve your balance by strengthening and opening strategic areas. In this short course we will also
focus on developing strength to enhance our balance. Join us and have fun while doing something
really important for your own well-being.
No Prerequisite: Open to all
Tuesdays, July 12–26
•
$72/course
11:45am–1:15pm
Yoga Kurunta: Yoga at the Ropes
With Doerthe Braun
Yoga Kurunta means puppets on strings. Explore
yoga with wall ropes in a playful way and at the
same time deepen your understanding of correct
actions in asanas.
Prerequisite: Level II and up
Wednesdays, July 13–27
$80/course
•
Path of Breath: Further
Exploration
With Doerthe Braun
Pranayama from reclined to seated.
Prerequisite: Compl of Pranayama II
$22
June 21
http://idayofyoga.org/
12:15–1:45pm
9:00–10:00am
With Anne Wutchiett
Regular pranayama practice brings health and
steadiness. It cultivates awareness and is the great
connector. Build upon your established practice or
have some support getting back to it. Come experience and explore.
Prerequisite: Compl of Pranayama II
Thursdays, Aug 18–Sept 8
•
$60/crse
6:30–8:00pm
Mixed Levels Asana Series
Saturday, September 10
•
Balance and Stability
1:00–3:00pm
With Amy Van Mui
It is never too early to work on fall prevention.
Learn to improve your balance by strengthening
and opening strategic areas. This workshop's focus
is to learn an effective sequence and to then implement it into your regular practice. Join us and have
fun while doing something really important for your
own well-being.
No Prerequisite: Open to all
$38
With Doerthe Braun and Megan Bowles
With everyone’s variable schedules for summer, this
series offers an extra short course option for all levels
of students. Sign up for all four or drop in on single
classes. Doerthe will teach the August classes; Megan
will teach in September.
No Prerequisite: Open to All
$76/course
SUMMER 2016
-5-
and Special Events
No refunds or credits/credits/changes from 14 days prior.
Arlington Short Courses
Off-Site Workshop
Wednesdays, July 6–August 3 • 5:00–6:00pm
Wednesdays, Aug 17–Sept 7 • 5:00–6:00pm
Fri–Sun, July 29–31
With Juliana Fair
You have heard of Mad Max 2; Star Wars 2,3,4 etc.;
this is similar. The theme is much the same as in
the spring course—foundational work, progressing
through to full inverted asanas with modifications.
However there is so much content to be explored
with the myriad aspects and variations that requests
for more abounded. So two continuing courses became an obvious follow up. Best results will be with
consistency but all classes can be done as drop-ins.
(Course 1 from the spring is NOT a prerequisite for
the summer courses. Join at any time.)
With John Schumacher
In many studios, the least experienced teachers often teach the least experienced students. While this
makes sense on one level—it takes experience to
teach more advanced practices, after all—teaching
beginning classes actually requires tremendous skill.
The students are usually not committed to practicing and studying yoga, so the teacher has not only
to know what and how to teach, but must provide
the enthusiasm and presence necessary to inspire
new students to develop real interest in the subject.
How you organize the classes is a key element in
gaining the confidence and interest of the student
and helping them to progress. The content and sequencing must introduce the material to the students
in a way that is accessible physically and mentally.
Each step you take affects the next step the student
takes and determines how successful they will be.
In the morning classes, we will explore ways to sequence the basic asanas and the essential actions of
the poses. General sequencing concepts will also be
examined. As always, we will practice teach in the
afternoon classes to refine your skills as a teacher.
Optional early morning open practice is open to all.
Inversions: Preparation and
Progression (continued)
Prerequisite: Level I twice, w/inversion preps
7/6–8/3 (five weeks)
$85/course
8/17–9/7 (four weeks)
$68/course
•
Weekend Retreat
Teacher Training:
Successful Sequencing for
Beginners’ Classes
Prerequisite: Two years of continuous practice
plus some teaching experience
$385
Held at Serendipity, Berkeley Springs WV
Special Guest
Workshop:
Graham Schweig
Tuesday, September 13 and
Wednesday, September 14
In Bethesda
A sought-after scholar, author and
teacher of yoga philosphy and meditation, Graham Schweig, PhD returns to
Unity Woods to share insight from his
deep study of sacred yoga texts and
the philosophical foundations of yoga.
Workshop Schedule:
Tuesday, September 13
10:00am-12:00pm
Philosophical Foundations of Yoga:
Essential Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
Develop an appreciation of the layered
realms of reality and its corresponding
inner dimensions of the self.
Wednesday, September 14
6:00-8:00pm
Yoga of the Heart:
Secret Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
Saturdays, July 16–Aug 6
•
Pranayama III:
Rhythm of the Breath
12:30–1:30pm
With Lori L. Ritland
This four-week course will help you continue to
refine and build upon your Pranayama II practice.
Refresh your practice, if you have been practicing
on your own.
Prerequisite: Compl of Pranayama II
$80/crse
Learn how realms of reality embrace
souls, and how yoga is the return embrace of a loving universe.
Each class Includes chanting, study and
guided meditation. Beginning and seasoned practitioners welcome.
$45/each class
UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
-6-
Community Classes
Every Friday, 6:00–7:00pm
In Bethesda
June 10
June 17
June 24
July 1
July 8
July 15
July 22
July 29
August 5
August 12
August 19
August 26
September 2
September 9
Suzanne
Doerthe
Megan
NO CLASS
Maggie
Linda McR
Maggie
Maggie
Suzanne
Rocky
Rocky
Rocky
Doerthe
Doerthe
$8 drop-in fee, cash only
Class Schedule
Bethesda, MD
4853 Cordell Ave, Penthouse 7
Thursdays Mondays
10:00–11:45am
10:15–11:45am
12:00–1:30pm
12:15–1:15pm
5:45–7:15pm
6:15–7:45pm
7:30–9:00pm
Level II/III 3Jill/Rocky
Level I/II
Suzanne
Level II
Anne
Level I
Suzanne
Level I/II
Anne
Level II/III 3
Doerthe
Level II
Anne
9:00–10:15am
SeniorsSuzanne
9:00–10:15am
Level I/II
Doerthe
10:30am–12:00pm Level II
Doerthe
12:15–1:15pm
Level I/II
Suzanne
5:45–6:45pm
Pranayama IV
John
6:30–8:00pm
All Levels Doerthe/Megan
(Short Course: August 18–September 8)
7:00–9:00pm
Level II/III 3John
Tuesdays
10:00–11:30am
11:45am–1:15pm
12:15–1:45pm
4:15–5:45pm
5:00–6:30pm
6:00–7:30pm
6:45–8:45pm
Level I Doerthe
Yoga on Ropes Doerthe
(Short Course: July 12–26)
Balance/Stability Amy
(Short Course: July 5–26)
Level I/II
Rocky
Level II
John
Level II
Linda SG
Level III 4John
Wednesdays
9:00–10:00am
10:15–11:45am
12:00–1:30pm
12:00–1:15pm
5:00–6:15pm
6:00–7:30pm
6:45–8:15pm
7:45–9:15pm
Path of Breath: Cont.Anne
(Short Course: July 13–27)
Level II/III 3Anne
Gentle Suzanne
Level I/II
Anne
Back Care
Rocky
Level I
John
Level II
Linda McR
Level I/II
John
Prerequisites:
1
completion of one year of asana
2
Level I/II and up
3
5 minute freestanding Sirsasana
4
10 minute freestanding Sirsasana
Fridays 10:00–11:30am
6:00–7:00pm
Level II Laurel
Community Class
varies
(NO CLASS on July 1)
Saturdays 7:30–9:00am
7:30–9:00am
9:15–10:45am
9:30–11:00am
11:00am–12:30pm
Level II Steve
Level III Mary
Level II/III 3 Steve
Level II Linda SG
Level I/II Steve
Sundays 8:00–9:15am
9:00–10:30am
9:30–11:00am
10:45am–12:15pm
11:15am–12:30pm
Level I/II Steve
Level II/III 3 Anne
Level II Steve
Level II
Anne
Level I Steve
SUMMER 2016
-7-
Class Schedule
IMPORTANT DATES
Arlington, VA
Washington, DC
4001 N 9th St, Suite 105
at Dupont Circle Yoga: 2032 P Street, NW
Mondays Saturdays
5:45–7:15pm
7:30–9:00pm
Level II
Level I
Lori
Lori
Tuesdays
12:15–1:15pm
6:00–7:00pm
7:15–8:45pm
Level I
Level I/II
Level II
Carol
Giulia
Giulia
Wednesdays
5:00–6:00pm
Inversions Courses Juliana
(July 6–August 3 and August 17–September 7)
6:15–7:15pm
Yoga for 50+ Fritz
7:30–9:00pm
Level II
Fritz
Thursdays
6:00–7:30pm
7:45–9:15pm
Level I/II
Joe
Level II/III 3Joe
Fridays
10:30–11:45am
12:00–1:15pm
Level I
Level I/II
Lori
Lori
Saturdays 9:00–10:30am
Level II/III 3 Lori
10:45am–12:15pm Level II
Lori
12:30–1:30pm
Pranayama III course Lori
(Short Course: July 16–August 6)
Sundays 9:00–10:30am
10:45am–12:15pm
Level II
Level I
Maggie
Maggie
8:30–10:00am
12:00–1:30pm
1:45–2:45pm
Registration is now open:
www.unitywoods.com
Summer Session:
Tuesday, July 5–Monday, Sept 12
Level II/III 3Joe
Level II
Joe
Level I/II
Joe
Please Note:
Classes WILL meet on
Monday, September 5 (Labor Day)
Fall Session Begins:
Thursday, September 15
Fall registration opens August 15
THINGS TO KNOW
ABOUT TAKING CLASS
Attire
There are changing rooms at each
studio. Wear clothing you can
move in (no baggy clothes—they
obscure alignment). Bare feet are
essential. No perfume, please.
Props
are provided, but you are
encouraged to bring your own mat.
Food
Come with an empty stomach.
Special Physical Needs
Let your teacher know about any
injuries, physical problems or
medical conditions.
Please be on time
Teachers begin each class with
preparatory practices. You may be
turned away if you arrive after the
start of class.
Do not come to class
if you have any contagious
condition. You share the floor,
props, and air with many other
students!
Children
Minimum age for class
participation is 16 (except for
Family Yoga Workshops). Unity
Woods cannot provide childcare
for younger children.
Class Cancelations
for weather or other emergencies
are posted on our website and our
voicemail 90 minutes before class
time: www.unitywoods.com or
301-656-8992.
UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
-8-
STAFF
Unity Woods Office
(301) 656-8992
[email protected]
John Schumacher
Founder/Director
ext. 102
Esther Geiger
Administrator
Outreach Coordinator
ext. 101
Suzanne Y. Sigüenza
Assistant Administrator
Website Manager
Boutique Manager
ext. 300
Debra Monaco
Financial Administrator
ext. 104
Annick Milde
Registrar
ext. 105
Steve Mitchell
Arlington Studio Coordinator
ext. 201
Lori L. Ritland
Special Projects
ext. 500
Cathleen Scott
Tracy Koretsky
Anjali Sarkar
Brandi Erickson
Receptionists
ext. 500
The Teachers at Unity Woods
Joe Adlesic, Certified Intermediate Junior I Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, mentored by John
Schumacher since 1982, has
taught at Unity Woods since
1990. Joe studied in India with
the Iyengars several times and has trained extensively with Senior Iyengar teachers, particularly
Patricia Walden.
Carol Cavanaugh has taught
Iyengar yoga since 1977. She
made five trips to study with
B.K.S. and Geeta Iyengar between 1980 and 1995. She
directed the Iyengar Yoga
Institute of San Francisco
from 1977–1988. She has practiced Vipassana
meditation since 1999.
Winnie Au, Certified Intermediate Junior I Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, first traveled to Pune
in 2003 and continues to study
regularly with the Iyengars,
with John Schumacher (her first
teacher) and with Manouso Manos. Winnie is
committed to serving students by teaching the
Iyengar method.
Rocky Delaplaine is interested in exploring how the
practice of yoga promotes
peace, fosters creativity and
cultivates reverence for the
natural world. She is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, and certified by Elise
Browning Miller to teach Yoga for Scoliosis. She
has taught at Unity Woods since 1991 and is on
the yoga faculty of the Casey Health Institute.
rockydelaplaine.com
Megan Bowles, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, trained with
senior teachers John Schumacher and Patricia Walden.
Her style is warm, humorous, and precise. She enjoys
helping new and experienced practitioners
access the benefits of yoga. She also teaches
Bone Builders, for those with osteopenia and
osteoporosis.
Doerthe Braun, Certified Intermediate Junior II Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, began practicing in
1999, apprenticed with John
Schumacher and has studied
with the Iyengars in India. With
a degree in acting and movement, she enjoys
sharing yoga’s gifts with all ages, inspired by her
own four children.
Jill Pollet Cahn, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, has studied
at Unity Woods since 1980
and taught since 1987. Jill has
a B.S. from U.C. Berkeley and
an M.A. in Special Education.
She teaches special workshops on Yoga and the
Energy Field.
Juliana Fair, Certified Intermediate Senior I Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, began her yoga journey
in 1974 in her native Australia,
and has taught Iyengar yoga
since 1981. She travels to Pune to study with
the Iyengar family bi-annually. Her straightforward, humorous teaching encourages students
to understand their own bodies.
Laurel Goeke is a Certified
Iyengar Yoga Teacher and
continues to study regularly
with John Schumacher, her
primary teacher. In addition
to her classes at Unity Woods,
she enjoys teaching teens throughout Bethesda.
Giulia Mainieri began studying
yoga with BKS Iyengar directly.
She has studied with senior
Iyengar teacher Kofi Busia for
over 30 years and completed
his teacher training program.
She is an experienced teacher who finds each
class different and fun.
SUMMER 2016
-9-
STUDIO NEWS
Linda McReynolds, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, began practicing at Unity Woods in 2003
and apprenticed with John
Schumacher. She believes that
dedicated yoga practice provides energy and equipoise to enjoy a full life.
Steve Mitchell, a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, has been
with Unity Woods for over 20
years, and has studied with
many senior teachers. He has
maintained a devoted, steady
Yoga practice for 23 years, teaching since 1995.
Mary Pappas-Sandonas, B.S.
Psychology/Neurobiology, M.S.
Exercise Physiology, Certified
Intermediate Junior I Iyengar
Teacher and Mom, applies joy,
intuition and compassionate
precision to help students explore living from
the true nature of the heart.
Fritz Partlow, Certified Iyengar
Yoga Teacher, began teaching in
2007. She is enthusiastic about
helping students create balance
in the body which Iyengar said
“is the foundation for balance in
life.” When not “on the mat” Fritz runs her own
graphic design business.
Maggie Rhoades, a certified
Yoga teacher, has studied with
the Iyengars, and has taught
classes for cardiac and cancer
patients in area hospitals. She is
a certified Pilates instructor and
has developed yoga and Pilates DVDs.
Lori L. Ritland, Certified Intermediate Junior III Iyengar Yoga
Teacher, has studied with John
Schumacher since 1998 and
with the Iyengars in the U.S and
India. She dedicates her teaching of asana and pranayama to those seeking
greater balance in their busy lives.
Alyson Ross, PhD, RN, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, has
taught since 1996. A researcher
at the NIH Clinical Center, she
has published extensively on
the health benefits of yoga.
John was the guest teacher at the
B.K.S. Iyengar Association of the
Netherlands Second Annual Convention in May, held in Ede, a small
town about an hour outside of Amsterdam.
Linda San Gabriel has practiced
since 1989 and taught since
1996. She apprenticed with
John Schumacher, studied with
the Iyengars, and travels to study
with Iyengar teachers worldwide. She holds an M.Ed. in Applied Linguistics.
John's recollections and a tribute
are featured on the back cover of
Dona Holleman's newest book,
Dancing the Flame of Life: The Vital
Principles of Yoga, just published
this February. Dona was a prime
influence during John's early years
of deepening his practice of Iyengar Yoga.
Suzanne Y. Sigüenza offers the
practice of yoga as a steady
foundation to develop compassion, benevolence, awareness,
and the fortitude to “run with
perseverance the race set out
before us” (Heb. 12:1). She is an artist.
Ann Thomas, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, apprenticed with John Schumacher
and began teaching at Unity
Woods in 1996. An M.A. in
health education with a graduate certificate in theology, she teaches yoga
at a holistic medical practice in Leesburg, VA
Amy Van Mui has taught since 2000 and studied
with John Schumacher since
2007. Her teaching style focuses on functional movement,
guiding students to more ease,
fuller awareness and a vibrant
sense of wellbeing. Amy is certified in both Iyengar Yoga and
Pilates. See WellWithin.com.
Anne Wutchiett, a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, has taught
for over 25 years and has studied in India with the Iyengars.
Her teaching is precise, caring,
and inspired, acknowledging
the vitality, strength and harmony yoga brings.
Rocky will return to Washington
Island July 25–29 to teach a series of master classes culminating
in a workshop on Saturday, July
30. See rockydelaplaine.com or
hotelwashingtonandstudio.com/
the-studio/ for more information.
UNITY WOODS YOGA CENTER
- 10 -
Beyondananda
Boutique
Information
At our Bethesda studio, we offer
a convenient source for supplies
to enhance your yoga practice.
We sell yoga DVDs, CDs, books
and props, along with John’s audio CDs, plus our unique Unity
Woods and Dog Pose t-shirts, and
beautiful batik clothing designs
created exclusively for us.
Gift certificates are available for
Beyondananda Boutique items or
for classes. Call to inquire or
e-mail [email protected].
Course Descriptions
ASANA (POSTURE)
SPECIAL CLASSES
Gentle classes are for students who are less
flexible, not so strong, have a particular limitation, or would prefer a more slowly paced, less
rigorous class.
Yoga for 50+ classes (Arlington) are appropriate
for students new to yoga and those with some
physical limitations. The practice is designed to
improve balance, build strength and stamina,
and improve flexibility.
Level I classes introduce beginning students and
students new to Unity Woods' approach to the
fundamentals of posture and breath.
Level I/II classes are for students who have
completed Level I and prefer a gradual transition to Level II. This level is also ideal for those
with previous yoga experience who are new to
Unity Woods or Iyengar Yoga.
Mixed Levels is for students in Level I/II and up.
Modifications will be made according to level
and/or need.
Bethesda Boutique Hours
Mon–Thurs: 10:00am–9:00pm
Friday: 10:00am–6:00pm
Sat–Sun: 8:30am–1:00pm
Level II classes are for students who have completed the introductory (Level I) course. The
basic poses are refined with an emphasis on all
the standing poses. Inverted poses (headstand,
plow and shoulder­stand) are introduced.
For Boutique information call us
at (301) 656-8992 or visit
www.unitywoods.com.
Level II/III classes are for students firmly established in their practice and ready to move
beyond the basics. Must be able to do a five
minute freestanding Sirsasana.
Level III classes are for students with previous
Iyengar training who are strong in all the basic
poses, can do a ten minute freestanding Sirsasana, and can do Sarvangasana and Halasana
with confidence.
Advanced Asana classes are offered periodically
and are limited to students who meet the listed
prerequisites for each topic.
Discounted
drop-ins
For those enrolled for
the full session:
extra classes for $12 each
(except two-hour classes:
drop-ins $15).
Seniors’ Yoga (Bethesda), a gently paced class
designed specifically for seniors, approaches
asanas in ways that enhance strength, suppleness and balance.
Back Care (Bethesda), for those with back injuries/conditions, focuses on strengthening weak
muscles, stretching tight muscles and creating
traction in the spine. We correct postural imbalances and use breath awareness to reduce stress
and pain. Physician approval recommended.
PRANAYAMA (BREATHING)
Level I affords those interested in working with
the breath an opportunity to move beyond the
elementary levels incorporated into regular
asana classes. Prerequisite: one year of study
and practice of asana in the Iyengar method.
Level II, III and IV classes are for students who
have completed the preceding levels.
Level V classes are strictly for students who have
completed Level IV or have received extensive
Iyengar training in pranayama elsewhere.
Level VI classes are for students who have extensive Iyengar training and have been practicing
digital pranayama for two years or more.
Fees and Policies
Registration form on reverse -- or register online at www.unitywoods.com.
SUMMER SESSION DATES:
July 5–September 12 (Ten weeks)
SESSION TUITION
ASANA (POSTURE) CLASSES
10-week session
Full-session tuition
includes a $40
non-refundable,
non-transferable
registration fee
per class.
DROP-IN FEE
If fully enrolled
in another class If not
enrolled
1 1/4 – 1 3/4 HR CLASS
$190
$12
$22
1 HOUR CLASS $170
$12
$20
2 HOUR CLASS
$240
$15
$25
COMMUNITY CLASSES N/A
$8
SHORT COURSES (see pages 4–5)
prices vary
N/A
$8
$20–22
PRANAYAMA (BREATHING) CLASSES $190
$12$20
SENIOR DISCOUNT: 10% for age 65 and over, on full-session enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).
STUDENT DISCOUNT: 10% with current student ID, on full–session enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or Short Courses).
MILITARY DISCOUNT: 10% for personnel/families with valid ID, on full–session enrollments only (no discount on drop-ins or
Short Courses).
MAKE-UP POLICY: Make up missed classes any time during the current session, at any of our locations, in a class of the same
level or lower than your own.
DROP-IN POLICY: Drop-ins permitted any time during the session, at the discretion of the teacher.
REFUND POLICY: For full session classes: If we receive notice of your withdrawal before July 5 you will receive a full refund.
If we receive notice between July 6 and July 25 we’ll refund tuition minus the $40 registration fee. No refunds after July 25.
For workshops: no refunds or credits from 14 days prior to the event.
SHORT COURSE POLICIES: Students are encouraged to enroll for the series, but drop-ins are accepted. No make-ups. No
discounts. No refunds. Short Courses may not be used as make-ups for regular classes.
SCHOLARSHIPS/WORK EXCHANGE: We have a limited scholarship fund and an active work-exchange program. Please call
for information.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS for weather or other emergency circumstances are posted on the voice mail (301) 656-8992 and
at unitywoods.com.
o n l i n e r e g i s t r at i o n
• www.unitywoods.com
Registration Form for Classes
OFFICE USE ONLY
(Or register online at www.unitywoods.com.)
DATE RECEIVED
NOTES:
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Unity Woods Yoga Center, LLC
4853 Cordell Avenue
Suite PH9
Bethesda, MD 20814-3036
BILLING ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE
 Please check here to agree to liability waiver below.
I understand that yoga includes physical movements as well as an opportunity for relaxation, stress reeducation and relief of muscular tension. As is the case with any physical activity, the risk of injury, even
serious or disabling, is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. If I experience any pain or
discomfort, I will listen to my body, adjust the posture and ask for support from the teacher. I will continue
to breathe smoothly. Yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis or treatment.
Certain yoga practices are not recommended and are not safe under certain medical conditions. I affirm
that I alone am responsible for deciding whether to practice yoga. I hereby agree to irrevocably release
and waive any claims that I have now or hereafter may have against Unity Woods Yoga Center.
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www.unitywoods.com
•
(301) 656-8992