Southeast Regional Iyengar Yoga Assocation Conference

Alex Cleveland, the conference chair, has extended a special invitation to the Yoga East community -

This is a special offer for all present and past students and friends of Yoga East. Join Iyengar Yoga teachers at Maitri Southeast, the first regional yoga conference in the southeast.



http://www.iyengarconferencedc.com/www/index.php


Join us in Washington DC, May 3-6 for the most exciting yoga opportunity of the year.
In the spirit of Maitri (friendliness) we are offering you a discount price of $395. Email us at registerformaitri@gmail.com to receive a code for this special discount on registration. The code is valid through April 10.


Our days will be full of practice and learning. Senior teachers from around the country and region will guide our practice in pranayama, asana and philosophy. There will be panel discussions on yoga philosophy, yoga therapeutics and teacher assessment/certification.


Our evenings are free to enjoy a stroll on the mall, a visit with old and new friends or a delicious meal at one of the fine restaurants in DC.


This special conference highlights our region, the Iyengar system, our teachers and our practice, and open to practitioners of all traditions and experience levels. Don’t be left out!!


We will be welcoming yogis from around the country to DC. Volunteers embody the spirit of Maitri and hospitality. There are many ways to help make this conference a success. If you are willing to serve in some way, Chuck Parvis will be delighted to find a volunteer position for you. Email him at cparvis@hcpss.org for information on how you can be a vital part of Maitri Southeast.

I strongly urge yoga students and teachers to take advantage of this opportunity to get involved with a great community of dedicated teachers and practitioners from our region.

Practice for the Week of March 26 - Breathe Easy

Take a few moments for this practice and your whole day will feel more relaxed.


Sit in a comfortable posture. If sitting on the floor use a folded blanket or meditation cushion to raise your seat slightly. This will relax the legs, lengthen the spine and open the chest for better breathing. You can also sit in a chair with your feet on the floor and hands in your lap. You can also lie down, with your upper body elevated using a pillow, folded blankets or a bolster. Make sure your spine, neck and head are aligned and that your position is comfortable. Relax your shoulders and consciously soften the face so that there's no tension in the muscles of the neck and face.

Ujjayi is a form of breathing that makes a slight breathy sound in the throat. It's a gentle, velvety breath that sounds like gentle ocean waves splashing onto the shore and then ebbing away.

Using Ujjayi breath, hold your hands at the your side ribs and inhale so that your expanding ribs push the hands apart. Slowly exhale the breath. Repeat a few time and notice how the breath begins to deepen and elongate. Keep the inhalation and exhalation smooth, deep and even. Listen to the soothing sound of the breath as if you are listening to ocean waves, or the sound of the wind brushing through tall grass or pine trees. Let the sound of your own breath be soothing and relaxing.

Enjoy your day!