Giving Thanks!

There will be a free yoga class Thanksgiving Day from 8 to 9 a.m. —

a quiet, gentle, and meditative pace to enhance

an inward journey of gratitude.

For that is what we feel — gratitude —

for all whom we serve, in the name of good yoga.

Blessings to all from your friends at Harmony.

celebrating 4 years of Harmony

13 FREE yoga classes/events

April 5-10

celebrating

our 4th anniversary

No registration needed. Mats available.

Details at ssyoga.org

Harmony Healing Arts Center

207 E. New St., Shepherdstown

Home of Shanti Saagar Yoga and so much more!

Rumi: a Message of Love

FREE event at Harmony

Friday • February 26 • 6:30-8 p.m.

Rumi scholar Parvin Rahnavard of Tehran, Iran, will guide participants on a 90-minute journey that includes chanting, extended meditation with brahmari (humming breath), a poetry reading in Farsi and English, and a sharing of divine connectedness.

We welcome Ms. Rahnavard, a long-time practicing yogi and former assistant professor at Shepherd University, to Harmony for this unique inneractive workshop — for anyone who has been touched by the words of the Sufi poet or seeks to learn more about him.

Please be on time for this special event.

All yoga classes ON!

Our regular schedule of yoga classes has resumed. (note: Thursday's Healing Yoga resumes March 4.)

Please be aware that, as of Thursday morning, the street in front of Harmony had not been plowed, and there are limited parking spaces behind the building for early morning and evening use. Best bet at those times is to park at Jefferson Security Bank.

For regular day-time classes, parking remains a challenge.

ALL classes that were cancelled due to snow will be rescheduled at the end of the regular winter session.

We're pleased to announce an added event to our schedule of FREE workshops and hope you can join us:

Rumi: a Message of Love

with Parvin Rahnavard

Friday • February 26 • 6:30-8 p.m.

Rumi scholar Parvin Rahnavard of Tehran, Iran, will guide participants on a 90-minute journey that includes chanting, extended meditation with brahmari (humming breath), a poetry reading in Farsi and English, and a sharing of divine connectedness.

We welcome Ms. Rahnavard, a long-time practicing yogi and former assistant professor at Shepherd University, to Harmony for this unique inneractive workshop — for anyone who has been touched by the words of the Sufi poet or seeks to learn more about him.

Tuesday/ Wednesday classes ON! (Feb. 17-18)

Tuesday evening yoga (5:30 pm) and ALL Wednesday classes are ON as scheduled.

Since all of these are evening or early-morning classes, the best bet for parking is in the lots at Jefferson Security Bank.

Tread carefully as you approach the studio; there are many icy patches and mountains of plowed snow along the way.

Namaste'

Tuesday "Slo-Mo Yoga" Cancelled, Feb. 16; evening yoga class tentatively ON

Regrettably, we're canceling the Slo-Mo class today.

As of 8 a.m., the roads and sidewalks (that exist) have icy patches, and there is NO parking available around or near the studio. The temperature will not be above freezing until mid-day at the earliest. Please check back later today for the status of the "Flow Yoga" class (5:30 p.m.) — parking is "legal" at Jefferson Security Bank at that hour.

Considering renaming our morning class to "sNO-mo" (trusting you have retained a sense of humor, despite the weather!)

Please keep stretching in the safety of your homes; yoga is so portable, it can be incorporated into all that we do!

We look forward to a warmer, snow-less Tuesday next week. In the meantime, we're reposting the tranquil photo of Sam Rizzetta, at a place he calls "Meditation Point" in the Boundary Waters of Canada. May it inspire your own meditation.

Namaste'

Monday (Feb. 15) evening classes ON!

Both classes will be held this evening: Yoga Basics, 5:45 p.m. and Dynamic Flow, 7 p.m.

The latest snowstorm appears to be tapering off before building momentum (expected later tonight). As usual, please let you own good judgement prevail, based on road conditions in your area.

Best parking spaces for this evening's classes are at Jefferson Security Bank.

Namaste'

Monday (Feb. 15) morning classes ON!

Monday morning yoga classes are on! The furnace may take a few days to repair, but we have plenty of space-heaters to warm the studio. For ease in parking, we suggest you use the lots at Jefferson Security Bank -- it is a federal holiday, and the bank is closed. Look for the walking paths amid the mounds of snow in front of Harmony.

We'll post an update on the evening classes by 5 p.m Monday. It will depend on the timing and severity of the next snowstorm heading our way.

Keep warm and well, and never lose hope for an early spring!

Namaste'

Sunday Feb. 14 Classes ON

Happy Valentine's Day!

With warm hearts, we resume the yoga program.

However, since the furnace repairs may take several days to implement (a pesky part needs to be ordered on Monday), we are using space heaters. Should be tasty warm by Sunday morning meditation time.

We'd really appreciate the loan of a few good space heaters. What we're using now aren't the most efficient or practical for the space. Please contact Judy at 304-876-6918 if you can help us out.

Meanwhile, let's get on with YOGA!

Namaste'

Saturday (Feb 13) Classes Cancelled

Alas, there is no heat in the studio, and we must cancel both Saturday morning classes.

The electrical problem, hopefully, will be corrected Saturday morning. Please check this page Saturday afternoon for an update on the status of Sunday morning meditation and Melanie's Body-Rolling class.

In the meantime, we hope all of you who are disappointed by this news will make the time for a yoga practice in the warmth and safety of your homes.

All cancelled classes will be rescheduled at the end of the current session.

Namaste'

Friday Classes Cancelled, Feb. 12

We're playing it safe and cancelling BOTH Friday morning yoga classes. We expect temperatures to go down to the teens by early morning; and the ice and snow still on many roads will make for hazardous traveling.

The "Sacred Intimacy" Workshop, originally scheduled for Friday night, has been cancelled as well. The workshop, with Michelle DeStefano, has been rescheduled for March 19.

At this point, it's looking good for the Saturday morning classes, but please check back Friday late afternoon for our update.

All cancelled yoga classes will be rescheduled at the end of the current session.

Namaste'

Thursday afternoon & evening classes cancelled Feb 11

Regrettably, most back roads haven't been plowed and main roads remain hazardous.

Both Body-Rolling (4:45 p.m.) and Classical Yoga (6:15 p.m.) have been cancelled.

We'll post a status report about Friday morning classes this evening.

Namaste'

Wednesday night yoga classes cancelled, Feb. 10; Thursday morning classes cancelled for Feb. 11

Wednesday night classes (Back-Care Yoga and No-Excuse Yoga) have been cancelled.

Thursday morning classes (Yoga Roots and Healing Yoga) have been cancelled.

Please check this site at noon Thursday for status of Thursday afternoon (Body-Rolling) and Thursday night (Classical Yoga) classes. If this site has not been updated (due to power failure), please call:

304-876-6918; 304-279-1569; or 304-283-6188.

All cancelled classes will be made up in late March, at the end of the regular Winter session.

Be warm and well.

Namaste'

(Musician and yogi Sam Rizzetta shares this photo of a special place in the Boundary Waters that he dubbed, "Meditation Point." Imagine the quiet interrupted only by the occasional call of an eagle.... On a related note, has anyone noticed that the train whistle in Shepherdstown has been sounding very much like Ommmmmm?)

Wednesday night yoga classes cancelled, Feb. 10

The latest pelting of snow, regrettably, has given us an excuse to cancel the

"No-Excuse" yoga class (7 p.m.) and the "Back-Care" yoga class (5:45 p.m.)

Classes will resume next week (hopefully), and cancelled classes will be made up following the end of the regular winter session.

Stay warm and well.

Namaste'

Wednesday morning yoga cancelled Feb.10

The Wednesday morning (Feb. 10) yoga class has been cancelled. It's just another snowstorm; and, hopefully, not enough to deter from your personal yoga practice in the warmth and safety of your home.

So, dear yogis -- hope you'll join me at 7:30 a.m., in spirit. We can begin with a few slow, warm-up sun salutations (hope Mother Nature will notice that!) and transition just as slowly into all the forward and backward bends and twists that are familiar friends. Try for a mindful practice, a snail's pace, that flows from the body's wisdom. At 8:15, we'll take an extra long deep relaxation, slowly scanning upward from the feet and then tuning into the peace of the stillness that abounds from deep within.

So, let's do yoga, independently... but together. Is there really anything better you could be doing at that hour of the day while our little patch of geography is at a standstill?

Namaste'

(The photo is of a sunrise yoga class Judy led just a couple of weeks ago in Florida. And, that's where I will be Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Hope you can join me.)

---

All Tuesday yoga classes cancelled (Feb. 9)

Both morning and evening yoga classes have been cancelled today.

If it snows more than an inch later today, the Wednesday morning class will be cancelled as well.

Please check back this evening for updates on Wednesday classes.

And, meanwhile, breathe....that's it -- spring WILL come!

Namaste'

Tuesday (Feb. 9) morning yoga cancelled

The Slo-Mo-Yoga class (10:30 to noon) has been cancelled for Feb. 9. Most roads are still snow- and/or ice-packed, and parking spaces in Shepherdstown are few and far between because of the mounds of snow plowed into them. This poses a problem particular to our day-time classes.

We'll post an update tomorrow afternoon regarding the status of the Tuesday evening (5:30 p.m.) class as well as the Wednesday (7:30 a.m.) morning classes. If the forecast is accurate, it looks like we're in for another big storm Tuesday afternoon.

Be kind to yourselves. Bake cookies, do yoga, and then, eat the cookies :)

Namaste'

Monday (Feb. 8) evening yoga classes on!

Both Monday evening yoga classes will be held as scheduled:

Yoga Basics (5:45-6:45 p.m.)

Dynamic Flow (7-8:15 p.m.)

Please drive with care. Since both classes occur after banking hours, you can use the bank parking lot or the Southern States lot along the railroad tracks if the lot behind Harmony has not yet been cleared.

Namaste'

Monday (Feb. 8) morning yoga cancelled

As of Sunday afternoon, many roads in our area have not been plowed, or they have only one-lane open, making travel hazardous. We're canceling the two Monday morning yoga classes.

Yoga snow-shoveling tip: change sides frequently, and move with your breath!

Namaste'

Sunday, Feb. 7, Meditation & Body-Rolling Cancelled

Most roads have not been plowed in the greater Shepherdstown area. Roads that have been plowed remain hazardous.

It is our hope that you are warm and well in the safety of your home and find time and space for your own Sunday morning meditation and yoga practice.

Namaste'

Saturday (Feb. 6) Yoga Classes Cancelled

There's more than a wee bit of snow out there!

So, we're canceling Saturday morning yoga classes.

It's likely we'll cancel Sunday morning meditation and the body-rolling class as well. But, in case things look better than anticipated this time Saturday night, check back here for any updates.

We hope you keep warm and well in the peace of your home and find some enjoyment in Nature's masterpiece.

Namaste

Saturday Classes Cancelled

There's more than a wee bit of snow out there!

So, we're canceling Saturday morning yoga classes.

It's likely we'll cancel Sunday morning meditation and the body-rolling class as well. But, in case things look better than anticipated this time Saturday night, check back here for any updates.

We hope you keep warm and well in the peace of your home and find some enjoyment in Nature's masterpiece.

Namaste

Friday yoga classes ON; OM workshop rescheduled

As of 10 p.m. Thursday, the Friday morning yoga classes will be held as scheduled. Please check back here, at 6:30 a.m. Friday in case status has changed.

Our much anticipated "OM Workshop" (originally scheduled for Friday night) has been rescheduled for April 9.

Keep warm and cozy this weekend; looks like we'll have plenty of time to work on our own yoga practice!

Friday OM Workshop Rescheduled

Our much anticipated "OM Workshop" has been rescheduled for April 9. We had to make the call this morning, before the presenters began their journey to Shepherdstown. The February blizzard is due to begin Friday afternoon here.

As of this hour, Friday morning yoga classes will be on time as scheduled. Please check back here, at 6:30 a.m. Friday for updated status.

Wednesday, Feb. 3, Class Status

As of this hour, Wednesday evening yoga classes will be held as scheduled. Please check back at 4:30 p.m. in case of any last-minute changes.

If you are leery of driving on uncertain road conditions, please stay home and make up missed classes at a later date.

Wednesday evening, Feb. 3, Classes ON!

Wednesday evening yoga classes (Back-Care Yoga and No-Excuse Yoga) will be held as scheduled.

If planning on attending a yoga class, please use your own good judgement, based on road conditions in your area. If you miss a class, there is ample opportunity to make it up!

Wednesday morning yoga cancelled

We've cancelled the 7:30 am Morning Yoga class on Wednesday, on account of the fact that, at that early hour, nothing will be moving safely on the roads, except for the plows. As far as Wednesday night classes go, please check back here later in the day.

Keep warm and well in your home practice :)

Tuesday "Flow Yoga" Cancelled

The Tuesday, Feb. 2, "Flow Yoga" class (5:30-6:45) has been cancelled due to imminent snow showers and the distance the teacher must travel. A make-up class will be scheduled at the end of the session.

Monday (Feb. 1) yoga classes will be held as scheduled. Please drive with care, and happy White Rabbit Day (the first of the month).

Sunday morning meditation and body-rolling class (January 31) have been cancelled due to the fact that there's a lot of snow out there, and the roads in and around Shepherdstown are snow- and ice-packed. Enjoy your morning meditation and/or body-rolling in the warmth and comfort of your home. See you next week!

Good news! Saturday and Sunday yoga classes will be held as scheduled. If road conditions where you live are still dangerous, please stay home and make up any missed classes at a later date.

Happy weekend, all!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Morning yoga classes are ON today!

It's well above freezing in Shepherdstown this lovely morning. Some slush on the roads, but quite passable. As usual, make your own prudent decision about driving to class — there will be plenty of time to make-up missed classes.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Yoga classes will be held as scheduled today. Enjoy!

Friday morning (Jan. 8) classes will be held as scheduled.

Please evaluate your own driving conditions and be yogic in deciding whether or not to venture forth. There will be ample time during the winter session for make-ups!

We're off to a great start of the winter session! Wonderful turn-out despite the whirling cold winds and frigid temps. It's plenty warm and cozy inside Harmony :)

Winter classes begin Sunday, January 3. Please visit ssyoga.org for complete listings of classes and workshops.