winter2012

photograph "girl and bird" © J. Merideth 2011

“In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer” Albert Camus

System Reset

Often habits are what define the tone and texture of life. They influence our choices on levels both conscious and unconscious and can be the driving force behind success and contentment or repeating cycles of futility and frustration. We bring our habits with us onto our mats every time we practice. Although frustrating at times, ultimately it is our receptivity and willingness to work with our habits while on our mat that allows us to go deeper in our practice and in life. Much to the chagrin of many a practitioner, working harder in yoga doesn't necessarily mean that we will develop the receptivity necessary to overcome our habits. In fact, Patanjali tells us that trying too hard to succeed can be one of the biggest obstacles on our path. Instead, he encourages us to seek homeostasis, or equilibrium, both within and without via the principles of sthira (steadiness) and suka (ease). It is by learning to keep the body-mind complex relaxed during periods of agitation that we develop the receptivity to eventually see and then alter even "our deepest personal conditioning and the suffering it generates." One of the best descriptions of these principles I have come across is in Chip Hartranft's book The Yoga-Sutra of Patanjali:

"Asana is a window that opens onto some of our deepest personal conditioning and the suffering it generates. In order to relax into things as they actually are, one must surrender every last drop of the internalized desire to feel good. That desire is shaped by our most cherished ideas about what constitutes good and bad, as well as by ingrained, organic perceptions of pleasure, pain, and neutrality. ... Relaxing effort means letting go of limiting internal definitions. Simply put,
in asana one must do less to be more." pg 38

Happy New Year!
John Merideth - Winter 2012

Winter Schedule • January - March 2012

monday

6- 7:30pm - Primary Series Level 2 - John:

An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro and foundation level classes. All standing postures and all seated postures are covered covered with a full closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. Students should have an understanding of the Ashtanga Sun Salutations A/B, as well as exposure to the standing and seated sequence. This class is tailored to intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 Ashtanga Basics & Practice Fundamentals. (intermediate)

***7:30 - 9pm - Primary Series Level 1/2 - Sava:

An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro and foundation level classes. All standing postures and most seated postures are covered covered with the inclusion of a full closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. Students should have an understanding of the Ashtanga Sun Salutations A/B, as well as exposure to the standing and seated sequence. This class is tailored to intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 Ashtanga Basics & Practice Fundamentals. (intermediate)

tuesday

***5-6pm - Hustle & Flow - John:

This 60 minute class opens with the Ashtanga Sun Salutations as a warm-up, followed by sets with core balls, light weights, standing postures and abdominal work at the end. The class is a full body workout designed to elevate the heart rate, tone the muscles and create balance and stability. (all levels)

6- 7:30pm - OY Prana Flow - John:

At onlYoga our prana flow classes are built around the concept of moving fluidly and continuously with the breath from one asana to another. Take your muscles and your inner warrior to a whole new level in this class designed with swimmers, runners, bikers and athletes of all types in mind - this is an endurance focused practice. The class will open with a series of sun salutations designed to heat up tight muscles and loosen the joints. The remainder of the class will move through a series of postures that target the major joint/muscle complexes in the legs and hips and sometimes the upper back and shoulders. Classes may contain inversions and arm balances - posture variations are provided for beginning students. (all levels, beginner - experienced)

7:30 - 9pm - OY Basics & Practice Fund. - John:

Suitable for all levels, these foundation classes offer new students a thorough and safe introduction to learning the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. New students will build the strength and confidence necessary to move into more advanced classes in the studio. For more experienced practitioners, the course provides a tool for reviewing and strengthening the fundamental concepts that make the Ashtanga form so dynamic. Postures are held in an effort to build strength, develop muscle memory and generate proper alignment. Invocation, Vinyasa, many standing and some seated/closing postures are introduced. (new students welcome!)

wednesday

12 - 1pm - Vinyasa Flow @ Exhale Spa - John:

The class is held at Exhale Spa in Midtown at 12th and Peachtree in the Lowes Hotel in Midtown.

6:30 - 8pm - Primary Series Level 1-2 - Sava:

An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro/Basics and foundation level classes. All standing postures are covered with the inclusion of some seated postures and a modified closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful but not required. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. This class is tailored to beginning and intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 intro/Basics classes. (new/intermediate)

***6:30pm - Prana Yoga Flow @ Ember - John:

Prana Yoga Flow is a sweaty, challenging vinyasa flow yoga class set to up tempo music. A creative and energetic set of yoga poses will explore the edge of strength, flexibility, concentration and balance. Vinyasa, the coordination of movement with the breath, creates an intense heat in the body, producing sweat and melting mental and physical resistance (you also burn tons of calories!). This class is designed to push muscles toward greater endurance through long, deep sets of postures. Students of all levels should come prepared for an original class designed to challenge on a multitude of levels! All levels are welcome but students new to yoga should be aware that some previous experience with yoga will be helpful. Please note that this class is not held at onlYoga. The class is held at Ember in Woodstock. (intermediate)

***7:45pm - Flight Club @ Ember - John:

You are not that button down...break out of the mold. Hands to the ground and feet to the sky...we will learn to fly. This 75 minute class will focus on a creative sequence of postures designed to tone, tighten and test your balance. Handstand - check. Forearm balance - check. Headstands - check. You will sweat and you will find your edge. Everything you need is already inside!
Yes you can...slowly, slowly. The class is held at Ember in Woodstock. (intermediate)

thursday

***5-6pm - OY Aerial Yoga - John:

These small classes utilize a soft, fabric, yoga inversion swing that is used to relieve compressed joints and bring greater alignment to the spine. Every class will explore a series of postures meant to elicit a sense of weightlessness while forming new relationships with gravity. Classes are small and pre-registration is required. Only 4 - 6 students per class. Please email the studio for additional information. Pre-registration is required. (all levels) These classes will resume in February.

6- 7:30pm - OY Hip Opening - John:

An onlYoga original. These challenging but fun classes focus on building strength and flexibility in the low back and hips. Although a basic knowledge of yoga is helpful, it's not required. In each class a unique sequence of asanas are blended in an effort to reach toward the full expression of more intricate postures such as pigeon or eka pada sirsasana (one leg behind the head). (All levels)

7:30 - 9pm - Primary Series Level 1 - John:

friday

9:30 - 11am - Friday Flow - Tracy:

A light hearted practice designed to restore energy and balance the spirit - a great way to start the weekend! All levels welcome and no previous yoga experience is required.

12 - 1pm - Slow Flow @ Exhale Spa - John:

This class is open to any student with a previous introduction to yoga. Set your own pace and enjoy a great music set as you build strength and flexibility. Class will focus on dynamic postures: get ready to open your heart, engage your practice, and discover new possibilities. The challenge is up to you.Please note that this class is not held at onlYoga. The class is held at Exhale Spa in Midtown at 12th and Peachtree in the Lowes Hotel in Midtown.

5:15 - 6:30pm - Music Yoga Flow @ Exhale - John:

This class is geared for students looking to have a great time in a consistent flow from pose to pose. Set to great music, including rock, reggae, hip hop, blues and world beats, each flow class offers an inspiring message and a deeply relaxing finish. Please note that this class is not held at onlYoga. The class is held at Exhale Spa in Midtown at 12th and Peachtree in the Lowes Hotel in Midtown. (intermediate)

The Winter Schedule goes into effect Monday, January 2nd, 2012.

Evening classes begin at 5, 6 & 7:30pm. On Wednesday - onlYoga classes begin at 6:30pm!

For the most up to date class and eVent information, visit the schedule page.

*** = New Class/time

A good mix of yoga classes is an effective antidote for the Winter doldrums!

Quarterly Specials

8 Classes $95
Regularly $115
Save $20

16 Classes $158
Regularly $198
Save $40

1 Month Unlimited $99
Regularly 149
Save $50

Annual Unlimited $1159
Regularly $1288
Save $129
in studio only

saturday

9 - 10:45am - OY Prana Flow - John:

11 - 12:30am - OY Basics & Practice Fund. - John:

1:30 - 3pm - Ashtanga Primary Series @ Ember - John:

Yoga Chikitsa, yoga therapy, is the foundation of Ashtanga yoga. Each class moves fairly rapidly and covers all standing, seated and closing postures. By practicing the Ashtanga Yoga primary series in the traditional way, using the rhythm of the breath and the continuous flowing movements of vinyasa between poses, we integrate the body, mind and spirit, allowing for a full and complete experience. These classes are intended for students familiar with the primary series through navasana. Students should also have familiarity with the Ashtanga Closing sequence, i.e. shoulder stands, head stands, etc. New students should consider taking 1- 5 Intro classes, followed by 5 - 10 Level 1 classes. In Level 2 classes many postures are called and the breaths are counted - with little or no discussion of how to get into or out of the posture. However, more difficult or advanced postures are described in detail.

sunday

9:30 - 11am - Sunday Flow & Hip Opening - John:

An onlYoga original. These classes focus on building strength and flexibility in the low back and hips. Although a basic knowledge of yoga is helpful it's not required. In each class a unique sequence of asana's are blended in an effort to reach toward the full expression of more intricate postures such as pigeon or eka pada sirsasana (one leg behind the head). These practices are particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals recovering from injury. All levels welcome.

4 - 5:15pm - Slow Flow @ Exhale - John:

***6:30pm - OY Hip Opening @ Ember - John:

These challenging but fun classes focus on building strength and flexibility in the low back and hips. Although a basic knowledge of yoga is helpful, it's not required. In each class a unique sequence of asanas are blended in an effort to reach toward the full expression of more intricate postures such as pigeon or eka pada sirsasana (one leg behind the head). (All levels)

Upcoming events and activities

Metaphor Of Trancendence - Anahata & Vishunddha

(Sunday January 29th, 2012 1 - 3pm • onlYoga)

The chakras are symbols in an ancient metaphorical language. Their meaning pertains to the ever evolving consciousness as it travels from one frequency to another. The wheel, the spiral, the flow of energy from one state to the next, the symbols of the chakras innervate the subtle body and bring about union with the universe at large. In this workshop we will explore the shape, sound and texture of the fourth and fifth psychospiritual "organs" - Anahata: the heart chakra, green, seat of empathy and love & Vishunddha: the throat chakra, sky blue, communication and creativity. This workshop is the second in a series of four exploring the chakras through metaphor, movement, visualization and guided meditation.

Date: Saturday January 29th 2011 Time: 1 - 3pm
Cost: $35, $40 day of event, Free Unlimited
Instructor: John Merideth
Everyone is welcome - register now
min 8 - max 20

108 Sun Salutations

(Monday February 20th, 2012 6 - 7:30pm • onlYoga)

This very special class is offered four times each year in recognition of the changing seasons...and is a long standing onlYoga tradition. Part endurance, part meditation - completely empowering. Utilizing the magic of Vinyasa we will continually move through many Sun Salutations and end with Kirtan. Stay after for healthy nibbles and conversation. I hope you can attend. All levels welcome! Knowledge of Surya Namaskara A is helpful but not required.

The number 108 is a mala (Sanskrit for garland) and is a tool used in meditation. Used to count the number of mantra repetitions completed per sitting, repetition using a mala is an effective way of keeping your mind focused, and can make meditation more relaxing and soothing. Historically, malas have been used as a part of an integrated spiritual practice that may also contain hatha yoga. A mala contains 108 beads and a larger "meru" bead. The tassled "meru" bead is symbolic of the transcended state, and indicates the beginning and end of a cycle. The significance of "108" is related to the Brahmand (universe), which is said to be made up of 108 elements so 108 represents the universe.

Instructor: John • Cost: $10 (Free unlimited students)

The Yoga-Sutra of Patangali

(Sunday March 25th, 2012 • 1 - 3pm)

Join John Merideth for a discussion of one the primary sources of modern yoga. Copies of Hartranft's book can be purchased at the studio or on Amazon.com. Students should attend having read the book in advance and be prepared for discussion.

In just 196 short aphorisms, this classic work of Indian philosophy spells out succinctly how the mind works, and how it is possible to use the mind to attain liberation. Compiled in the second or third century CE, the Yoga-Sutra is a road map of human consciousness—and a particularly helpful guide to the mind states one encounters in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices. It expresses the truths of the human condition with great eloquence: how we know what we know, why we suffer, and how we can discover the way out of suffering. Chip Hartranft's fresh translation and extensive, lucid commentary bring the text beautifully to life. He also provides useful auxiliary materials, including an afterword on the legacy of the Yoga-Sutra and its relevance for us today.
Date: Sunday March 25th 2011 Time: 1 - 3pm
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of event, Free for Unlimited students
Instructor: John Merideth
Everyone is welcome register now
min 4 - max 15

onlYoga In Piedmont Park

SPRING 2012

Join us on the following Mondays for an ALL LEVELS onlYoga Ashtanga class in Piedmont Park. All classes will be taught by John Merideth. Classes will meet on the steps leading down to the active oval at the 14th street entrance. In the event of inclement weather, classes will move indoors at onlYoga. Please note that we use our Facebook page to alert students to venue changes as well as the onlYoga website. Cost is $10/class - Free for unlimited students.
TBA SPRING 2012

200 Hour Teacher Training @ Ember

SPRING - AUTUMN 2012
Visit the Ember website for full details

This teacher training program is a rare opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the history, philosophy and practical method of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga. John Merideth's program is one of the most comprehensive 200 hour trainings offered in the southeast. For the past 11 years John has been leading teacher trainings. Over that time he has developed and refined a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the skills and knowledge involved in being a highly competent yoga teacher. He has a solid track record of training teachers who are known to be highly skilled and inspiring. We are confident that trainees who complete this program will go on to excel as teachers and find a rich new depth to their personal practice of yoga.

We believe that standards are important! Our training program is registered with the Yoga Alliance and, upon completion, you will be able to register as a Yoga Alliance RYT (registered yoga teacher) at the 200hr level. In addition, the information transmitted in this training far exceeds the 200 hour minimum certification requirements.

Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, the syllabus for this seven-month teacher training draws from a wide range of intellectual disciplines. This training offers a non–dogmatic approach that embraces both traditional and contemporary sources of philosophy, anatomy, techniques, methodology and practice. During the course, the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga provide the student with a context from which to explore the form and texture of the ego. Critical thinking skills are emphasized and the student is encouraged to deconstruct the practice from a variety of perspectives both western and non-western (physical and spiritual). By the end of the training the student must be able to demonstrate a strong practical understanding of the Ashtanga primary series both in and out of the classroom. Areas covered include: basic anatomy/physiology, philosophy of consciousness, the anthropology of yoga, yoga as cosmology, pranayama, alignment principles, standing and seated asana sequences, the eight limbs of ashtanga yoga, mysore style manual adjustment techniques, taking flight with the Bandhas, jump-thru and jump-back using your core, finishing sequence, tristana, and much much more.

This teacher training intensive is designed to substantially and quantitatively deepen the trainee's existing yoga practice, cultivate teaching and observational skills and develop or deepen critical thinking skills. Students must have an existing yoga practice and be open to the transformational qualities (physical, mental and emotional). This training requires a high level of commitment. However, the results of that commitment will be something that will remain with you forever. This is a program that will change your life as you come into a deeper and clearer understanding of yoga and yourself.

Peasant-Style Potato and Kale Soup

Peasant-Style Potato and Kale Soup
Aprox. (8 servings)
Ingredients
6 ounces chorizo, cut in half lengthwise and sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
8 cups turkey or chicken stock
8 potatoes, peeled and sliced
6 cloves garlic, peeled, root ends trimmed
1 bunch kale, trimmed, washed and thinly sliced
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook, stirring, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain the chorizo on paper towels and set aside.
2. In a heavy stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Add turkey or chicken stock, potatoes and garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes
3. With a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes and garlic to a bowl; lightly mash with a fork. Return to the soup and bring to a simmer. Stir in kale, a handful at a time. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the kale is tender. Stir in the reserved chorizo and season with salt and pepper. Great with Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread.
Nutrition (based on individual servings) Calories: 251, Total Fat: 12 g, Cholesterol: 23 mg, Sodium: 382 mg, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 11 g

a winter mix 2012

albatross

To preview or download the songs in this playlist, FOLLOW JOHN on PING in iTunes. You will also find a selection of other studio playlists on ping

poem

It’s That Time
BY W. S. DI PIERO
The silence of night hours
is never really silent.
You hear the air,
even when it doesn’t stir.
It’s a memory of the day.
Nothing stirs. Memory lags.
No traffic hushing up
and down tricky hills
among the camphor trees.

No foghorns, no streetcars’
shrilling phantoms before
they emerge from tunnels.
These absences keep us alert.
No rain or street voices,
nobody calling to someone else,
Hannah, you walk the dog
tonight yet or what?

Only certain things to hear:
The sexy shifting of trees,
the refrigerator buzzing
while Cherubino sings
the best of love is enthusiasm’s
intense abandon, a voice
in song that preys on no one
and is unconscious of its joy.

William S. Di Piero (born 1945 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) ia a poet, essayist, art critic, translator from the Italian, and educator, W. S. Di Piero writes often about the South Philadelphia neighborhood of his boyhood and the Italian-American working-class families he grew up with. Albert Mobilio of The New York Times Book Review wrote, "when he recreates the streets of his hometown, he does so with a piercing specificity; this is a place where commonness is elevated by close scrutiny to something otherworldly." …more