Chillin Yogi. LLC

Rethink

2011-08-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

"you just can't live in that negative way...make way for the positive day" - Bob Marley

Patience

2011-07-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater

Standing in a long line, stuck in traffic, running late, the list can go on. These are only a few opportunities to practice Patience.
When you start to feel impatient try to notice how you are breathing and what sensations are going through your body. Ask yourself this question "If I am (late, stuck in traffic, etc) what am I really worried about?" Usually there is an underlying reason for the impatience so let the "impatience" teach you not over take your life.
I have found that breathing and as funny as it may sound a "smile" works wonders when I become impatient.

Daily Mantras for you Daily Practice

Choice is the most profound freedom

Is the problem the situation, or is it my reaction to the situation?

Fear

2011-07-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

from "Living Your Yoga" by Judith Lasater

People have all kinds of fears; fear of death, speaking in front of a group, fear of change, loneliness, poverty,the list can go on. We will probably never be able to live without fear, but that is not a bad thing. Of course there are good fears; like walking down a dark alley alone is a valid fear. Though what about other fears that were mentioned above? How do we handle those fears?

We can make the choice to let the fear take over or we can learn to observe it and learn from it. It is about facing the fear and asking why the fear has come up?

The next time a fear surfaces wait and sit with it. If you like to journal maybe write about it. Asking yourself what would happen if this "fear" comes true.

Mantras for your Daily Practice

I am Safe

I choose the life that I have right now

I am willing to act in the face of fear

I can do this

Control

2011-06-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Living Your Yoga" by Judith Lasater

"Although it may seem that our attempt to control engages us with life, in fact it blocks us from connecting with others-or with ourselves" ~ Living Your Yoga

Think of a time when you tried to take control of a situation. Did you feel you were able to fully engage in life? Did the situation become worse? Did you feel stressed? How did you treat yourself and others in the situation?

Part of trying to be in control is about having an attachment. Believe it or not by letting go of the "attachment" the more control you have. You can not control what others do or say, but you have control over how you respond.. that means not reacting to the situation but taking a minute to think first.

Our society is very attached and control driven and breaking out of this is not easy. The next time a situation comes up and you feel you "must" take control... wait... ask yourself "what would be the worst thing that could happen if I choose to let go?" See what you come up with.

Mantras for your daily practice

The only real control I have is the choice of my own thoughts, my own words, and my own actions.

What can I let go of right now?

Compassion

2011-06-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

From "Living Your Yoga" by Judith Lasater

Compassion:
"The projection of friendliness, compassion, gladness, and equanimity towards objects - be they joyful, sorrowful, meritorious, or demeritorious - bring about the pacification of consciousness
- Yoga Sutra 1:33

What is compassion? Whom do we feel it for?
The word compassion comes from the Latin prefix com-and the Latin word for pati means "to suffer with"

Compassion must start with yourself- to be compassionate towards others and see their pain you must understand that you suffer as well.
This is not always easy to face your suffering. No one likes to go through pain but we must go through it to understand and see where others are coming from as well as where we are coming from.

In the chapter of compassion Judith talks about her children, she asks herself: when does she back off and let them learn life's lessons, when does she step in to help. She also stated that she tries not to to judge their behavior but see it from their point of view. This is something we could all try to add in our daily practice.

Mantras for your Daily Practice:
I have compassion for myself
I have compassion for others

When I act from the heart of compassion I always know what to do.

Plant compassion, get compassion

Compassion comes from clarity and creates clarity

Chillin Yogi and Mission Lazarus

2011-05-31T12:17:00.001-07:00

Chillin Yogi is helping the church of Christ and their mission trip to Choluteca in Honduras. The mission is called "Mission Lazarus".

What will the church do in Honduras?
The church will team up with a local congregation through Mission Lazarus and work on building a home for a church member, delivering food and supplies to a local village and help with vacation Bible School.

What will the money being raised go towards?
to Purchase food baskets, shoes, materials to build a home and maybe a goat or two!

When will the Church of Christ go to Honduras?
They leave July 16th and return on July 23rd

If you want to donate money to Mission Lazarus please makes check payable to "KOP Church of Christ"
Send check to:

Chillin Yogi
590 West Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia PA 19406

for more information on "Mission Lazarus" go to www.kopchurch.org

Wheel Pose

2011-05-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Wheel Pose:
Stretches the chest and lungs,strengthens the arms..legs..wrists..buttocks...abdomen..and spine.The Wheel increases energy level.
How to?
start out with your back on the floor and knees bent.Your heels should be near your bottom. Palms flat next to your head so the fingers are pointing towards your shoulders and your wrists are facing away from your body.
Pressing your feet and palms to the floor inhale and lift your tailbone .. buttocks...spine off the floor. Hold for 3 to 4 breaths and release the shoulder blades down ..spine.. buttocks to the mat. To finish bring your knees near your chest and give your legs a hug.... this helps to counteract the backbend.

2011-04-08T07:39:00.001-07:00

FREE Yoga Class
Tuesday April 19
7:00-8:15pm
Church of Christ in King of Prussia

Must sign up!
610-405-2566
chillinyogi@gmail.com
This is an introduction to a 6 week Yoga session

2011-03-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

Yin Yoga Seminar
Saturday April 2
1:00-3:00pm
Fee: $20.00 per person
Learn what Yin Yoga is and how it can help to calm and recenter/recharge the mind and body. For all levels.

To sign up :
chillinyogi@gmail.com
610-405-2566
Location: Church of Christ (King of Prussia)

2011-02-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

Keep checking in for new upcoming Seminars:
Yin Yoga, nutrition, 8 fold-path,
power yoga and more.
Let me know what you would want to see for seminars:
chillinyogi@gmail.com

2011-02-25T13:01:00.001-08:00

Tuesday night class was wonderful thank you to all who came!! Now it's time for the 6 week session.

2011-02-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

Free class Tuesday night
Yoga Level 1
7:30-8:30pm
at the Church of Christ in King of Prussia

2011-01-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Save your back from all that Shoveling !!!
1.) Cat - Cow , Child Pose
2.) Downward-Facing Dog Pose
others you may want to try:
Standing - Forward Bend
Chair Pose

2011-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Be who you are, where you are.

The more we are ourselves, the more we enjoy our life. Today if you are in an uncomfortable, even restrictive situation, don't be afraid to speak your truth with love.
~Judith Hanson Lasater "A year of living your yoga"

Yoga Classes !

2010-12-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

Check out the new schedule starting February 1 - March 8
All classes are sign ups
for the session
To sign up please contact
Alycia Gargano
chillinyogi@gmail.com
610-405-2566

2010-12-26T11:56:00.001-08:00

"Don't Ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
- Howard Thurman

2010-12-24T06:27:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2010-12-13T15:51:00.001-08:00

FREE TEEN YOGA CLASS!!
When: January 5th - March 9th
Wednesdays 4:30-6:00pm
Where: Paoli Library 18 Darby Road Paoli
Teen yoga for ages 13-15
Need to sign up by December 28th!!!!
To sign up call 610-296-7996

2010-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Love this Yoga picture!!

2010-11-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

Get Ready for January classes !!

New classes will be coming to the Church of Christ. The days which classes will be added are Tuesday and Thursday. What I would like to know is:
1.) what times work best for you during those days
2.) what would you be interested in: Hatha, Yin, Vigorous flow, partner, family yoga or kids yoga.
3.) Please email me with your thoughts at : chillinyogi@gmail.com
Need to know by December 26th!!

2010-11-25T08:08:00.000-08:00

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." W.T. Purkiser

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

2010-11-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Just read: Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater
It's a wonderful book: short read and shows basic day by day steps to your yoga practice.

2010-09-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Classes Start the week of September 20th!

Why Yin Yoga?
Yin yoga helps to slow and recharge a person physically mentally and spiritually. Poses are held for 3 to 5 minutes all sitting or resting on the mat. It helps to work, strengthen, and lengthen the connective tissue, ligaments and joints. Most people who try Yin Yoga have found profound change in their daily lives. Hope to see you there.

Why Family Yoga?
Family yoga is about spending time together and strengthening your foundation as a family. You learn breathing and meditation techniques, yoga poses, gain strength and flexibility all while having fun! You and your child will also learn ways to refocus and calm emotions down. I have found using yoga can help many aspects of adults and children lives.

2010-09-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Starting the week of September 20th classes with Start at the Church of Christ in King of Prussia . Classes are:
Thursday Nights Yin yoga: 7:00-8:00pm
Saturday mornings family yoga : 9_00-9:45 ages 7-10 years old

2010-07-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Coming soon!
Adult and Children classes at the Church Of Christ in King of Prussia.

2010-07-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

We Live in an addictive society and we almost all have a tendency toward some type of addictive behavior. We may be addictive with food or drugs (including cigarettes, coffee, and sugar), we may have addictive patterns with money or relationships, or we may be workaholics. Even meditation is an addiction for many people. Any behavior that we compulsively use as an escape for our feelings or a substitute for satisfying our real emotional needs can become an addiction. Our culture has not taught us effective ways to fulfill our needs and lead a balanced life, so we must discover this for ourselves.
~ Awakening by: Shakti Gawain

2010-06-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know the Meditation and Yin yoga seminar on July 17th is $10.00 per person !!
Hope to see you there.

2010-06-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

Take a Breath :)

2010-06-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

"Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. "
Zen Proverb

2010-05-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

2010-05-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Come out to Chillin Yogi

I just added the new prices and times for the classes to better serve you. I hope to see you in class.

2010-05-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Vigorous Flow Seminar

Get ready for the summer!
Learn how to develop a vigorous home practice
and ways to strength your body

at 224 Bridge st in Phoenixville

Saturday June 5th 1:30-3:00pm

Fee: $20.00 per person

To sign up please email Alycia
chillinyogi@gmail.com
or call
610-405-2566

2010-04-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

CHILLIN YOGI GRAND OPENING
at the Phoenix Karate
224 Bridge Street Phoenixville
Friday May 7th
7:30pm

Come and stop in for fun, food, and yoga

2010-04-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Added yoga classes at the Phoenix Karate:

The new classes, which are added to the schedule will start on the week of the 11th. If you would like to sign up or try a class first, please call me or email me at : 610-405-2566 or Baladi23@yahoo.com

2010-03-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

What do we bring to our mats?

Whenever I teach a class I always say "notice if there is anything holding you back from being here (on the mat) ~ not judging just noticing".

It is amazing to notice all the thoughts that come into our minds when we try to be still, and focus. The main point to know is (1) its okay if your thoughts drift off try not to get upset about it or feel like you failed because you did not (2) when your thoughts are elsewhere try to bring yourself back to the mat (your practice) (3) find what works for you

Finding what would bring you back can change from day to day but the main point to find what that one thing is: focusing on your breath, noticing how you feel in each pose- physically, mentally, spiritually. Really anything that will help you to focus on you and your practice.
The next time you do a balancing pose notice your thoughts - this is a good one to do this with. If your are thinking about -food, what you have to do after class, etc your balance will be off .If your focus is on your breath notice how grounded you feel.
Though over all: be content with the fact that you made the choice to come to the mat.

Take a Breath

2010-03-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Two New Yoga Locations !!

Chillin Yogi now has two locations one in King of Prussia and the other in Phoenixville. Take a look to the left of the page for class locations and times.
This is very exciting and I hope all of you come out and see the new locations.

All classes start in April !!!

Take a breath

2010-03-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

New Location for Chillin Yogi !!!

Chillin Yogi classes at the Phoenix Karate
224 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460

Private Lessons:
$50.00 for one hour

classes:
Adults:
Wednesday 9:00-10:00am (yoga level 2)
Wednesday 10:15-11:15am (yoga level 1)

Kids yoga class:(ages 6-11)
Saturdays 4:30-5:30pm

cost:
Adults $60.00 per month
Kids: $40.00 per month

Call Alycia Gargano for more info
610-405-2566
Baladi23@yahoo.com

2010-03-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

To all the yogi's that came to the Yin Yoga seminar- thank you for taking part in the Yin yoga and hope each of you enjoyed the simple pleasure of silence. I hope that by attending the seminar it gave you a small taste of what Yin Yoga is and what it can do in your life.
I hope to see you soon in the Yin yoga class which will be held at the Church of Christ in King of Prussia.

Enjoy this beautiful Day !

Namaste
Alycia Gargano

Take a breath

Classes and Private Lessons

2010-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Private Lessons: (in home)
$50.00 for one hour

Classes: Starting in April
Church Of Christ
590 West Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Monday:
10:00-11:00 Yoga (level 1)
11:30-12:30 Yoga (level 2)

Thursday:
4:30-5:30 Kids yoga (ages 6-11)
6:00-7:00 Yin yoga

Cost:
$60.00 per month
For all adult classes

$40.00 per month
for Kids Yoga

Contact Info:
Baladi23@yahoo.com
610-405-2566

2010-02-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

How many times today did you stop to notice ....?

Try not to let the busy day and your emotions rule over you. Sometimes taking the time to rest, eat something healthy, or talk with a good friend is all you need.

Take a breath

FREE Yin Yoga Seminar

2010-02-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

Free !!

Yin Yoga Seminar
at the Gryphon Cafe in Wayne PA
105 West Lancaster Ave
Wayne PA 19087
March 19th 6:30-8:30 pm

*Please email or call Alycia for reservations and information: Space is limited !!
email: Baladi23@yahoo.com or call at 610-405-2566 !!

(held in the upper room of the Gryphon Cafe)

Life is an Exploration

2010-02-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

February Quote :

" Life is an exploration. We need to liberate ourselves to think of it that way. We tend to take everything we do too seriously and feel every action must produce the desired results. When we can instead think of life as an exploration, we're free to try more things. We can explore our options and discover many different aspects of ourselves in the process. This attitude creates more possibilities for us.
If some of the things you try don't work, just let them go. Don't think that if you start something you must finish it. It's okay to explore and learn from that process of discovery.

" I am willing to explore something new"

by: Shakti Gawain, "Awakening"

Take a Breath

making time

2010-02-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

How often do you say to yourself, "I just don't have enough time?" I hear that a lot and it's a shame because taking time out to rest is a choice. In all of my yoga classes I give a small talk on a different topic, like silence, eight fold path, etc. and one day we were talking about the importance of silence. Our society today is all about the TV, radio, cell phones and filling up your time to keep busy. Busy people make money right? That's what the media tells us. How often do you turn on the TV for just background noise? Is it because you like the noise? Is it because you hate the silence? Sitting in silence can be very aggravating or scary to some. But let me let you in on something. If you choose to carve out some time each day to sit in silence, you allow yourself to relax the body and mind. And by doing this, you create a healthy venue to discover more about yourself and what is going on around you.
To be honest there is no excuse to say you don't have enough time, because you do. Its a choice and its a lifestyle change. Try taking at least 5 minutes a day just sitting with nothing on. No radio, TV, nothing and just see what happens.

Take a breath

Just Notice

2010-01-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Too often people expect results right away. In the yoga practice it is about the journey not just results. One of the first points I teach in a yoga class is Prana (breath control). I encourage you to take the time to practice Prana and see what happends with your mind and body.
When I teach breathing in yoga I start with simple steps, just noticing. There are many different techniques in prana. Though before one can learn the three part breath, or alternate nostril breathing you first need to know where and how you breath. Its in the simple steps first. Simple.
First site comfortably, take a couple a deep breaths and place one hand on your stomach and the other on your clavicle. Close your eyes and just breath. Notice which hand is moving, the stomach hand, clavicle hand or both- I would do this a few times just noticing.
After you see where you breathe, notice how slow or fast your breathing is. You can find the speed of your breath by counting your inhales and exhales. I would try this for sometime till you get a good feel of your breath.
Than slow your breath down: as you inhale fill your stomach like a balloon as you exhale bring your belly button all the way back towards your spine. Do this for about 3-5 minutes a day, count again your inhales and exhales- see how slow your breath is.

Take a Breath