“August is like the Sunday of summer.” -- unknown  As we countdown the Summer, be mindful of the cooling and calming approach of our practice, especially with the potential frenzied entrance into the September season where change can be abundant and the shift can be a drastic one.
To balance the heat-waves and energy harnessed by the summer season, aim to cultivate the opposite environment on the inside of the body — cool and calm. During this time of year, a good counter for high energy would be to create a lunar current within the body by focusing on activities and foods that are cooling. This approach will nourish your system and help increase your energy levels. Moon Salutations, Sun salutations (with walk forwards), supported backbends, legs up a wall to close practice, wide legged forward folds and floor twists all send a calming wave through the nervous system and serve the body’s attempts to self-regulate. Hint: a lil' mint essential oil sprinkled on the mat provides a exhiliating cooling effect too. Here's a breathing technique also for calming & cooling...
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! 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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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. 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: 8/4/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/5/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/6/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/7/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/8/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/9/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/10/2025 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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“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.”  We all know all those hot-yoga psychos; they show up wearing a fleece vest, three layers of leggings, thermal socks, long sleeves and when they get to the studio they ask, "is the heat on today?" or, "how hot is the studio?"
The Yoga practice becomes one of extremes, unhealthy and more about the addiction to the temporary endorphins their bodies produce in response to being pushed further than they want to go. Is that healthy? NO. Is it yogic? No. Are there cardiovascular benefits? Absolutely. Do people fool themselves about the actual benefits? All the time. Myth #1: "I'm soooo detoxing right now." Most of what you are sweating is water. The substances in sweat that you are secreting include salt, potassium, ammonia and urea. True toxin elimination comes from the kidneys and liver, and some from the colon. Doing a 75-minute hot yoga session and sweating to death is not releasing toxins -- you're just dehydrating yourself and losing only water weight. If you really want to eliminate toxins from the body,you are better off seeing a physician or purchasing an over-the-counter liver, kidney, or colon cleanse made out of natural ingredients. Myth #2: "OMG... my stretches are soooooo much deeper in the hot room." There is a difference between muscular flexibility and joint flexibility. When you are in a heated environment, your blood flow increases making you feel like you are more flexible then you really are. The sweat produced gives you a false sense many times of "work" you are doing and how "my stretching can be more intense." You can still injure yourself in yoga. Many yoga instructors do not receive enough training in kinesiology or anatomy and physiology to keep practitioners safe, and if you add the heated element into the mix, it does have the potential to be disastrous. When you dehydrate yourself and over-work your tendons, ligaments and connective tissue in a hot room, your potential for injury increases and many students who come in with the intention to dive deep into a practice without proper awareness will be seeing an orthopedist surely. Dehydrated muscles are more susceptible to strains and tears. Reduced blood flow to the muscles can also increase the risk of muscle damage, especially during intense exercise. Myth #3: "The hotter the better... and let's move fast for the real work." If you ever hear a teacher say this, or a community that encourages this... run away. Like, fast! The extremes that really bad yoga teachers produce and the inferno-like approach to yoga leads to unhealthy stress into the lungs and heart. If you're constantly in fight or flight, huffing and puffing and driving into paramount situations... then you're not practicing yoga. You are actively engaging in stressing your central nervous system and getting a false sense of a "workout." If you’re practicing hot yoga five or six times per week and are becoming chronically dehydrated, there are real potential risks; not only is it unhealthy for your body, but your mental state. Don't get me wrong, an invigorating, strong (ohh... how many yoga teachers have that one in their profiles) yoga practice is amazing. If that is escalated and your moving in class led by a teacher who is not versed in proper mechanics, adept at handling the many needs that arise as limitations, range of motion needs are varied and clients are not all cookie cutter, the risk of injury in a fast paced session, where you are exhausted and moving fatigued is a recipe for disaster. 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. Mentorship sessions can include sharing the exact experience lived, the practical wisdom I and other teachers have gained from our journey in their domain. We are highly skilled at directing strategies and processes that can sometimes transfer across different contexts. Yoga is a journey as much as a practice. In fact, it's a journey that should never end. Those of us on that journey should be open to learning new things. We should be open to new experiences. That is what mentorship offers. It's an opportunity for a more experienced yoga teacher to share their experiences with you. I am willing to work with anyone on a 1:1 basis or mini-group. There will be suggestions for your practice/teachings, you get a catered to you manual with loads of vital information and to take notes and record your questions or concerns. I will curate a personalized practice for you, based on your interest, needs, questions and situation. You then take this practice into your own life. What you discovered, felt, experienced, or learned through the lens of our personal practice will then create the context for potential offerings or paths you take whether in your personal or business life. The practices may be adapted, changed, modified, or added to. This relationship is important for professionalized yoga teachers. It’s important because as we dive into the industry we often muddy the waters between ‘teaching’ and ‘personal path.' Furthermore the environment of the yoga industry can be difficult to navigate. No one should try to do it on their own. 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: 7/21/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/22/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/23/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/24/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/25/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/26/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/27/2025 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™ “What you focus on grows, what you think about expands, and what you dwell upon determines your destiny.”  What is drishti? What does that mean? Why does the teacher constantly say that in class?
Drishti is a term that loosely translates to an area of focus, a place to look at during asana practice. A focused drishti offers balance in your yoga practice. Having a clear focus point when attempting Vrksasana [tree pose] can mean the difference between a strong steady pose or a wavering or falling moment(s). This focused view will help you find your center and connect with the stability within your own body. But there are layers to our drishti. On a mental level, begin to utilize your drishti and focused intention to re-establish yourself into the moment. When you are in a challenging posture, or if you start to feel a sense of mundaneness in your practice, you may notice that you have the desire to dissociate from the experience. Looking around the room to other practitioners, looking out the window, scanning the floor for stray hairs and dust can all help to take you out of the experience you are having within your body. What you are doing when you start to incorporate drishti into all of your postures—those that are old and familiar as well as those that are new—is training your mind to stay with the present moment. You are training yourself how to endure experiences as they are happening, even when they are slightly (or more than slightly) unpleasant. This builds up your ability to do this in life. The gift of focused, present attention in everyday life is invaluable in problem solving, communication and general living. Now you can take the concept of drishti and expand on it even further. The term can be translated to mean a point of view, intelligent vision, or to have a vision. This tool of drishti is one that can be used to help you create the life that you want to live, both on and off your mat. Now is time to put this powerful tool in action; whether asana, meditation, or life design practice. See how it transforms the monotonous into the divine and purposeful. 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: 6/30/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/1/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/2/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/3/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/4/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/5/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/6/2025 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™ “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™ “The thickest sweats produce the sweetest life. A hard work surely brings unheard happiness. Dig up your gold.”  Sweating is essential for the human body to regulate itself. And during this transition to a warmer season, you'll be sweating more during yoga and throughout the day. But when is the best time to drink water so it complements your yoga?
Your best strategy to prepare for a yoga class on hotter days is to drink plenty of fluids the day before a class and if on the same day, you should intake hydrating fluids 3-4 hours before. Make it water, nutrient-rich clear drinks or juice blends even sports drinks. Add to your day plenty of fruits and vegetables. And most of all, with any class, make sure to drink plenty of water to rehydrate after. If possible, avoid drinking water immediately before or during class. In addition to making our physical bodies feel inflated, consuming large amounts of water before or during a practice also interferes with our energy bodies; one theory says that sipping during yoga practice is akin to pouring water over our inner fire as we try to build it. In Yoga and Ayurveda, it is thought that a sip of water during practice disrupts the body’s energy and concentration. Hydration before will make you perform better, increasing strength and flexibility. A lack of water can damage the cardiovascular system & your body will have difficulties regulating itself. This makes yoga a strain and limits your performance. Hydration ensures that your immune system functions properly so that you do not get sick or feel stomach pains by flushing out toxins. Muscle weakness, muscle cramping, fatigue, irritability, and headaches are just some of the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance. Ultimately, a yoga practice can be used to reduce compulsions and become more comfortable with discomforts. When we lean into resisting the urge to drink water, or go to the bathroom, we become better at dealing with the discomforts of life such as hunger, thirst, or the weather. After yoga, feel free to drink your favorite tea, water, or electrolyte-enhanced water to replenish the body and get ready for your next practice. 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: 4/14/2025 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 4/15/2025 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 4/16/2025 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 4/17/2025 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 4/18/2025 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 4/19/2025 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 4/20/2025 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™ “Practice makes comfort. Expand your experiences regularly so every stretch won’t feel like your first.” ― Gina Greenlee  Like love, the practice of yoga expands from the inside out. And like yoga, we do the same. We live in an ever expanding universe and are meant to expand with it.
We are meant to expand our consciousness, our minds, horizons, hearts and in doing so, we can reach our all encompassing potential. Expansion is the action of courageously moving from our comfort zones and what we perceive as our discomfort zones -- the unknown. This type of growth requires openness – to new ideas and experiences, to setbacks and to letting go. Let us celebrate the action of moving from the inside out. To wake up each day with the mantra "to grow" – emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and in our capacity to love and to feel. As for asanas (poses) let's create expansion with a bridge and wheel, half moon and triangle. Bridges can be symbolic... enabling us to safely cross through potential hazards, wheels can represent the infinite and the possibilities and opportunities to grow. Let's grow together, expand with courage and boldly open our hearts and minds. CLASSES... Yes -- we'll set-up again in Long Island City and Manhattan for scheduled classes. Enrollment emails will go out to active subscribers and spots will be limited, as we'll fill the classes first come first serve. Payment for these sessions need to be submitted in advance so we can have a roster for these events. 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! YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 4/4/2022
*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™ “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” -- Oprah Winfrey  There isn't a single moment that I am separated from my yoga. Maybe I spent an hour practicing asana and meditation, but there is no difference at all when I am not doing asana and meditation practice in the other hours.
I am practicing yoga when I am walking, when I am eating, when I am listening to music, when I am doing laundry. Being in the present moment, accepting the reality of the present moment now as it is, from moment to moment. Many times I wanted to do something but it was not possible at that moment, and so, we had to try again some other time. There were other times that I didn’t plan to do anything special, but things happened accordingly and we ended up doing something unexpectedly. And that is enjoying every moment of it. #Yoga There is nothing wrong exploring “what's next” with the perception of the present moment and what I think that is going to be, and at the same time, allowing the reality to be what it is even though it is not what we thought it could be. That is yoga. On and off the mat. All day. Every day. UPDATED PRICES ... Check below for our discounted prices and secure your next subscription or stack your class cards. Please be advised, all new class packs will have expiration dates. Only unlimited subs will have access to on-demand classes. We have eliminated the 2-class packs. See you on the mat beautiful yogis!!! We will also begin outdoor classes in Long Island City's Hunter's Point Park South in the coming weeks. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 3/14/2022
*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™ |
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