“Change does not wait for readiness; it simply unfolds, teaching us the power of adaptation.”  One of the most profound benefits of a seasonal yoga practice lies in the enhanced mind-body awareness it can bring. The calibrating of our senses to the nuances of nature around us can allow us to become more attuned to the needs of our bodies. This awareness leads to a more mindful and intuitive practice that can not only prevent injury but also encourage exploration to the edges of our comfort zones with a sense of grace. The invigorating and expansive postures of summer, the grounding and stabilizing poses of autumn, the introspective and restorative postures of winter, and the revitalising postures of spring. Looking into the realm of spring, a season that breathes life into every corner of our lives. This chapter of the year is marked by new beginnings, vibrant blossoms, and the promise of growth. Through our yoga practice, we can immerse ourselves in the energy of spring, aligning our intentions and sequences with the spirit of renewal that vibrates through the air. Spring’s ever-changing weather reminds us of the beauty of adaptability, a lesson deeply ingrained in the practice of yoga. We can weave the theme of adaptability into our classes, guiding students through sequences that challenge their balance and flexibility. Through dynamic flows that mimic the unpredictable nature of spring, we empower our students to embrace change with grace and to find stability amid the flux. With each breath, each posture, and each intention, we channel the energy of renewal that defines this season. As we guide our students through practices that cleanse the body, open the heart, celebrate growth, and foster adaptability. ADAPTABILITY: the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions. the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... New manuals have been printed... Inquire if you'd like to train with Victor to enhance your teaching skill sets.
PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 4/21/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 4/22/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 4/23/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 4/24/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 4/25/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 4/26/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 4/27/2025 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™
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I’ll Meet You Where You’re At  (This week's newsletter was composed by our dynamic on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole. That common expression couldn’t ring more relevant in this current climate. We live in a world where many people try to force situations. They think that if they just try hard enough, if they just muscle their way through, if they just push a little further, they’ll get what they want. Unfortunately, or not, that just isn’t the case.
The better thing to do is to accept, but oh how hard that is! Acceptance is the key to so much of our struggles but getting there is a journey that takes time, practice, and constant repetition. I had an interaction with a dear friend recently. It was a seemingly “nothing” interaction but it spurred something pretty cool. As I approached him and put my hand up to wave “hello,” he thought I was going in for a high-five. So I did. I met him where he was at. He laughed and said, “I wasn’t sure what we were doing!” and I responded, “Neither was I – so I met you where you were at.” “Damn!” he said. “I like that.” “Me too,” I responded. “We should do more of that,” he said. I nodded in agreement. Meeting someone where they are isn’t about acting inauthentically or changing yourself. It’s about seeing a situation for what it is. It’s about acceptance. It’s about adjusting and adapting without losing what makes you you. We can (and should) do this in yoga. We can use this mindset as a framework for how we approach our bodies and our yoga practices. To your body, you can set an intention: I will meet you where you’re at today, in this moment, in this space. I’ll not only accept but celebrate your condition as it stands here and now. Every day on the mat will be different and it’s on you to meet yourself where you are without judgment or expectations. It’s not your job to force a pose or a pace that doesn’t work for you. It’s not necessary to try to be zen and peaceful when you’re feeling fiery and agitated. Feel that way; let it show up but breathe through it. See how you can meet yourself in that condition without trying to change it. Interestingly enough, it will probably change on its own, but it won’t be because you forced it. It will be because you allowed for it to exist. In the world off the mat, this concept is not about making someone into a version you think they should be. It’s about accepting the version they are. Meet yourself where you’re at. Yoga teaches us to do that again and again and again and again. A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 3/31/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 4/1/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 4/2/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 4/3/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 4/4/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 4/5/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 4/6/2025 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Yoga at OHM Newsletter Victor Cotto Vicyasa™ 3/24-3/30/2025: Lies We Tell Ourselves About Yoga3/21/2025 The Lies We Tell Ourselves About Yoga  (This week's newsletter was composed by our dynamic on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) When you were first introduced to yoga, it’s likely that you came into it with a slew of preconceived notions. Myths ready to be debunked, they eventually were (hopefully). Slowly, perhaps, and others more quickly, but with time, you learned that a lot of what you thought to be true about yoga and being a yogi held little merit.
Over time, you may have forgotten about these so-called lies. That is, until you meet someone who’s never practiced yoga before and has no sense of all that it actually entails. It’s not their fault; you were once like them, naive and unaware of what this practice truly is. But now, as a more seasoned yogi, you can look back and reflect on the falsehoods that still surround this beautiful practice. Take these “lies” lightly – they’re only meant to shine a light on how far you’ve come now that you know just how expansive yoga can make your life. Lie: Yoga is about the poses Truth: One limb of yoga (asana) is about the physical postures. There are 7 others (8 limbs in total) that cover so much more. The 8 limbs of yoga are:
2. Lie: All yogis are cool, calm, and collected. Truth: That’s seldom the case. The thing about yogis is that we can challenge the external distractions that prevent us from exuding chaos (most of the time). Yoga teaches us to turn inward, focus on the breath, and channel our energy into a single point. 3. Lie: Yogis don’t drink, smoke, drink coffee, do drugs, or eat meat. Truth: Many yogis do all of the above. One of the yamas is Ahimsa, which translates to “non-harming.” Some people interpret that to mean cessation of drinking, smoking, doing drugs, eating meat, using disposable plastics, and more. Others see Ahimsa as how they approach their fellow yogis; the words they speak; the actions they take on a daily basis. For the record, you can drink, smoke, drink coffee, and do many non traditional “yogic” things and still call yourself a yogi. 4. Lie: You need to wear an expensive yoga outfit to practice yoga (Asana). Truth: You can practice yoga in any clothing (or lack thereof) that makes you feel comfortable. Just check with the studio’s dress code policy before you decide to make a class clothing optional. 5. Lie: Practicing yoga automatically means you must abandon your religion. Truth: Not at all. You can love, practice, and fully integrate yourself in yoga without switching religions or adopting one at all. While yoga originated in India and is associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it is not a religion in and of itself. So worry not; you can be Catholic, Jewish, Christian, Agnostic, Atheist, or anything else and still be a yogi. 6. Lie: You can’t do yoga if you’re not flexible. Truth: Absolutely not. You wouldn’t refrain from taking a shower because you’re dirty, would you? No, in fact, the very reason you’d take a shower would be because you’re dirty. The same is true with yoga. You can practice it to become flexible, strong, or achieve whatever other goals are present for you. Pro tip: the next time someone says, “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible,” ask them “Mentally or physically?” What other misconceptions about yoga come to mind? What were some you once believed and now know not to be true? A PEEK INTO MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Many prospective teachers, graduates of teacher training(s) and a handful of you that have a desire just to dive deeper into the many aspects of a yoga practice and teaching yoga regularly have been impacted greatly by our bespoke mentoring program. Here are some of the key topics I have programmed into varying syllabuses:
What if you're not a teacher and would like to prepare for training or enhance your ever-hungry-desire to absorb all things yoga? Holla' at me. Feel like your 200 hour training ended with you needing more questions answered? Want to expand on those teachings? Do you feel like there are areas of your teaching repertoire that need enhancing? Contact me for more info and enrollment. PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott (@leannerays), Elinor Cohen (@elinorraerigby) and others. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 3/24/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 3/25/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 3/26/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 3/27/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 3/28/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 3/29/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 3/30/2025 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Yoga w/ Victor 5/6-5/12/2024: AMPLIFY WITHOUT BEING AN A**HOLE; Don't be that person in Class5/6/2024 AMPLIFY WITHOUT BEING AN A**HOLE  (This week's newsletter was composed by our dynamic on-demand teacher and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) Here’s the scenario: you’ve signed up for a yoga class and you’re all amped to flow. You’ve set your mat down, your water bottle is nice and ice-cold, and your body is ready to get moving. The class gets off to a fine start, and while the teacher is kind, informative, and knowledgeable, the class just isn’t…enough. So you start adding an extra chaturanga here, a handstand kickup there, and all of a sudden you’re kind of doing your own thing. Yes, you’re getting what you need out of the class but it’s no longer the class that was offered; instead, it’s your interpretation of it. Is that okay?
There are varying schools of thought about the “take what you need” / “make it your own” approach to yoga. Some teachers openly encourage students to modify (i.e., add or subtract) according to their needs. Others may not explicitly say it but may make it known that advanced variations are welcome within reason. It could take time to build up a level of familiarity with an instructor to where you feel you can advance comfortably and safely. Others still may prefer that students adhere to the class format as it is offered without much deviation. So what’s a yogi to do? There’s no hard and fast answer to this one. It’s a case-by-case basis as to how you can do you without disrespecting the teacher, the rest of the students, and the studio space in general. If you’re looking for ways to amplify your practice without being an a**hole, here are some tips:
PRIVATES: ONE-TO-ONE WORK! If you want to set up any private sessions or events, please contact me through email. You can learn more about privates: CLICK HERE! SINGLE CLASSES We've added single class purchases to our on-demand offerings. How does it work? A $17 payment will give you access to a single pre-recorded class with Victor or anyone on his staff. The private link with unique access code will give you entry to that class, which you can load anytime you want. You'll have 24-hours of unlimited access to that class. No refunds, returns and you must use that class within 24-hours of receiving it before it expires. You can request a teacher on our on-demand options... featuring Demetra Kentrotas (@d_meetch), Leanne McDermott ( @leannerays ), Elinor Cohen ( @elinorraerigby) and others. MENTORSHIP WITH VICYASA™... Yoga with Victor's mentorship program... for teachers looking to sharpen their tools and hone in on varying skills that will make you more proficient at sequencing, teaching anatomy, or widening their skill set to become a successful instructor and craft your own business model. Contact me for more info and enrollment. YOGA AT OHHHMMM LIVE VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 5/6/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 5/7/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 5/8/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 5/9/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 5/10/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 5/11/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 5/12/2024 NO CLASSES *ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. REGULAR RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “Whether we’re eating or working or meditating or listening or talking, the reason that we’re here in this world at all is to study ourselves. In fact, it has been said that studying ourselves provides all the books we need.” ― Pema Chödrön  Svadhyaya translates to “self study,” and it’s the fourth niyama listed in the Eight Limbs of Yoga.
To fully understand the application of this practice of awareness and self examination into your daily life, it’s important to recognize that svadhyaya meant studying the ancient philosophical yoga texts -- reading the texts, reciting them, committing them to memory — embodying those philosophies. So how can you incorporate the practice of svadhyaya while practicing asana [poses]? Listening to your yoga teacher during class is part of the practice, but what happens when a teacher instructs you to move into a pose that feels really uncomfortable or asks you to stay in an asana longer than you can stand? Chances are your internal dialogue kicks into high gear: begging, sometimes demanding, that you provide your body with some relief. If that’s the case for you, then that inner dialogue is what you should be paying attention to if you want to practice svadhyaya. Svadhyaya on the yoga mat means studying the “what”, “how” and “why” to your thoughts and feelings while flowing from pose to pose and then comparing that to your daily life. Consider asking yourself some of these questions:
There's loads of questions and answers you can constantly explore in your practice; notice if it really is an exploration or a judgemental take. Not only can doing this form of self observation improve your asana practice during a yoga class, but gaining this self knowledge can change the way your mind deals with self judgment and expand your capacity for introspection both on and off the mat. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! The term gratitude yoga is not limited to the mat... If we remind ourselves to be grateful for what we do have, we lose the negative impressions that often take up our head uninvited. By selecting a tone of thankfulness,fear, sadness, anxiety, and even anger gets pushed aside and our gratitude makes room for strength, happiness, confidence, and peace. HOLIDAY GIFTS... With the Holidays just around the corner... memberships and giving the gift of yoga is a great present to a family member or loved one. Discounts for gifts, referral offerings are also available. SALE... You can practice UNLIMITED LIVE classes & on-demand access 24/7 - your next 30-day subscription - for $75. That's $10 off our regular 30-day offering. We also have a special 10-class pack offer for $95 ($10 off and less than $10 per class). *75-days expiration YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 11/21/2022
*ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 45/60 MINUTES *WAIVER STATEMENT: I understand that I must be in good physical health to participate in these classes, that my participation may cause an injury and that I should consult with my physician before I take a class. I am taking these classes at my own risk. I waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages that I may have against the school, studio and/or the teachers who are offering these classes. RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™  Amy Apgar, Myself & Sigrid Pichler As of December 31, 2016, Prana Power Yoga closed its doors for good at both the Brooklyn location and its long time New York space in Union Square. Prana was a vital piece to the hot vinyasa yogi community in the Big Apple for many years. With its departure from the scene, many long time practitioners have been left with an empty space in their hearts and scrambling to find a new home to get their asana fix. Spearheaded by accupunturist and yoga instructor Deborah Stotzky, and long time client of Prana Barri Budin, the Prana community of teachers will be hosting classes at Athleta on 5th avenue and 18th street. The chain retailer, which offers amazing sportswear and accessories, has a lower level studio at their 5th avenue location that will be the home for displaced Prana teachers, clients and all yogis looking to hone their practice with some of the best teachers NYC has to offer. There will be a schedule of classes throughout the week at the heated space which offers dressing areas, free props, mats, changing rooms, lockers, bathroom, free filtered water (B.Y.O.Bottle) & music set up. The suggested donation is $15 at the door, cash only. Spread the word, bring a friend or two and lets foster a safe and fun home for exploration and practice. Whether you practiced with us at Prana, or not... if you are looking for a new home for your asana practice or just looking to get start the New Year learning more about Yoga, the team put together for these classes would be a perfect gateway for you to get started or advance your practice. If you want to learn more about the space, you can check out Athleta's web site here. On Facebook, Prana at Athleta has set-up a page to keep a tab on scheduling, teaching times and other news as we transition into Athleta and eventually, into another space when that's available. Click here and place like, subscribe and follow us on Facebook. I'll be teaching classes there weekly and bi-weekly over the next few months. You can keep track of that on my Schedule page here as I update daily where I will be and at what times. As of today, here are my current dates at that space:
Peace & Love, Victor Cotto  We started with some cat poses, attempted some trees and rested in savasana with friendly felines circling our rested bodies. It was a fun time at the Meow Parlour -- a 45 minutes mindful flow while free roaming cats looked on at the invaders that transcended yoga shapes in the cat playground.
It was a pleasure leading a group of wonderful yogis through an asana practice and even more fun hanging out with them post-class and enjoying some playful times with the adoptable cats. But prior to that, as if someone cued the inhabitants of the Meow Parlour, our four legged friend sabotaged the mighty tree poses and took a few down with their cuteness and ownership of space. We didn't end with a roaring ohm, but with a playful "MEOW." Thanks to the cool peeps there, Amy Apgar and the wonderful yogis who sold out this event. Future dates at this venue will be announced as they roll in. Don't forget; Sept. 18th, I hook up with Dina Ivas again for our second Yoga 'House Party' -- the theme this time… the 1980s. REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT HERE. We're also heading up to Heathen Hill for a Halloween retreat in October; yoga classes, spooky themed events, seasonal fun, awesome meals and a chill weekend before we hit the Winter months. For more information, click here.
I'm very excited to announce the start-up of a yoga program for students with developmental delays and varying disorders and disabilities, that I will be installing in private pre-schools in Flushing and the Bronx.
I'll be working 3-days a week at the pre-schools, installing and carrying out all the protocols, record keeping and all things related to the program, in conjunction with the schools and their administration. For years, I've worked as a Occupational Therapy practitioner, working with a wide ranging population of students of different ages, habilitating and rehabilitating, including adults and geriatrics. This is a venture I'm excited about because its working with a segment of our population that is near and dear to me. The students will be lead through groups in the classroom during assigned times, and will be provided, as needed, smaller groups and/or individual sessions per their needs. During the yoga groups, students will be given another setting for learning, while enhancing their focus and attention span, sensory processing abilities, motor planning, balance, coordination, muscular development and address behavioral needs. Bringing the practice of yoga to the school will give them another physical outlet to grow and develop, while giving them another social environment for them to hone their life-skills. The yoga program also will help facilitate happier and healthier habits, train the students to manage their emotions, regulate their behavior and achieve academic success and personal development. I can't wait to see the students practicing, combining elements of yoga, and incorporating them into their daily curriculum. Wish me luck... Peace & Love, Victor  Beacon's Monthly newsletter featured the Yoga sessions at I.S 204. I was welcomed back to Intermediate School 204 the last few weeks for more yoga and meditation. Back in April, I introduced yoga and meditation to many students at that school, as part of the City Year after school program. This time around, leadership and development specialist for Beacon, Ms. Kaychell, invited me back. The students moved, breathed and relaxed their way into varying yoga postures. During the sessions, I grounded the students early in the practice, facilitating their active engagement in breathe control and relaxing the body and mind. We then moved into "heat building" poses to wake-up and invigorate the body. The ensuing poses were balancing asanas to dive deeply into their focus and enhance their body awareness. At the close of each practice, a few minutes of silence, in savasana (corpse pose), left the students in internal bliss. The smiles on their faces and the effort put into engaging in these poses were outstanding. The mats provided were cut out of fabric from MFTA (Materials for the Arts). Students from varying schools attended these sessions at I.S 204, including P.S 112 & I.S 126. I would like to extend a special thanks to everyone involved and to those that initiated these great afternoons. I'll definitely see all of you again in the Spring. Can't wait to see the staff and the students, and their beautiful smiles. Peace & love, Victor  Students in Savasana at the end of our final Yoga session in October. |
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