“It is summer, let mind dances like the waves with the music of ocean breeze.” As we adapt to the hot season by repositioning our lifestyles to acknowledge the power of the fiery summer sun, we can mirror this on our Yoga mat as well: highlighting cooling, nourishing practices that keep our energy reserves filled for the summer fun.
Yoga is a healing art, a medicine that helps us balance nature's cycles. However, like any medicine, if not taken responsibly, it can do more harm than good. As we adapt to the hot season by not wearing heavier garments, we can adapt our Yoga practice too, during the fiery days of summer. Make sure that you are well hydrated before you unroll your mat. Wear something light and that is loving to our skin. Our pores are more open when hot and sweaty and we don’t want to invite the chemicals from textile dyes into our bloodstream. It is also important to prepare your practice space – air it out before you begin and make sure it’s as cool as it can be without using air conditioning. Choose a slower pace. If you feel a shortness of breath, slow down or relax in child's pose. Observe your breath. It has the power of cooling the body down when needed. Exhale through the mouth three times whenever you feel the need to during the practice; this has a calming, cooling and grounding effect. Be mindful about choosing a longer restorative sequence at the end of your practice. Twists are good to detox but choose the ones that are not too challenging as these will again build heat in the body. If you like to work your core... choose wisely! As we finish with style and grace, avoid long sirsasana [headstand]. Instead, stay longer with your legs up against a wall to release that summer heaviness. If you practice sitali pranayama, do three breaths to cool down before savasana. A longer savasana - 5/10 minutes at least - allowing the body to cool and soften is always a way to love yourself on the mat. YOGA IN THE PARK... Make sure to check your inbox for registration emails to our wildly popular outdoor sessions in NYC. Unlimited package subscribers pay only $12 per class. Let's flow under the sun and enjoy the summer weather on our mats. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 7/4/2022
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™
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“Documenting little details of your everyday life becomes a celebration of who you are.” - unknown The Summer Solstice marks new beginnings, prosperity, good spirits, and personal awakening. All of these things are thrilling, transformational, and offer us opportunities to connect more with ourselves. Practicing Summer Solstice yoga can help us tap into our energy at this time [and the sun’s], energize ourselves for what’s to come, and ground us as things begin to shift.
Aside from yoga, these are some simple rituals you can do to honour this time of high energy and change. Whenever things shift, either in life or energetically, reflection is always a good idea. Journalling, putting your thoughts and ideas on paper can make it easier to understand what’s going on in the head and adds a concrete visual and tactile benefit to seeing your reflections. What habits and/or limiting beliefs am I ready to let go of? What makes me feel heavy or exhausted? How can I move away from these patterns, people, or habits? What was good about the first half of the year? What do I want to bring along with me for the second half of the year? What am I proud of myself for doing this year? What’s something amazing/exciting that happened? What am I most looking forward to in this new season? Ultimately, using a journal is a tool to help you cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself and tap into vulnerability, which is, after all, one of the reasons we inherently love when we're on the mat. You can also use the journal as a form of gratitude – for yourself, your practice, and anything else that comes up. YOGA IN THE PARK... Make sure to check your inbox for registration emails to our wildly popular outdoor sessions in NYC. Unlimited package subscribers pay only $12 per class. Let's flow under the sun and enjoy the summer weather on our mats. SUMMER SALE For $100 -- UNLIMITED LIVE virtual classes through August 31, 2022. That's right... all access for the entirety of the Summer for this amazing rate. You can take daily classes online LIVE and heat up your practice. This package also gives you discounted rates on outdoor sessions. *Does not include on-demand offerings YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 6/27/2022
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "May the long-time sun shine upon you, all love surrounds you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on." - closing mantra in Kundalini classes The summer solstice has been celebrated by festivals/rituals and it has become customary in yoga classes to perform sun salutation type sequences at this time of the year.
Gestures of honouring and paying reverence to the natural world are part of a yoga practice that encourages us to appreciate and feel more connected to the rhythms of life. In a world of uncertainty, a feeling of connection to the changing seasons can bring great comfort. The Sun is a force essential to all life on earth. In one way or another, every living being is dependent on the Sun for life. Consider your breathing; your breath nourishes you as the Sun nourishes the trees, who are vital to our exchange of life, creating the air you breathe. If you consider food, you’ll find the same is true, as the Sun nourishes the plants that make up most (if not all) of the human diet. The Sun is important in many other ways as well, serving as the basis for time itself (days, years, calendars), as well as dictating the role of the seasons, growing cycles, and climates we find ourselves in. But why 108 sun salutes? This is one of the key astrological moments of the year. This sacred number is vital... we have 108 nadis (energy channels in the body) that merge in the heart chakra, there are 9 traditional planets and 12 zodiac signs. 9 x 12 = 108, the Matrika Malini (Sanskrit alphabet) has 54 letters, each with a masculine and feminine vibration. 54 + 54 = 108, traditional malas (meditation beads) have 108 beads, there are 108 names for god in yoga. So if 108 sun salutes are out of reach, you can also simply practice 9 salutations. There are 12 postures in a sun salute, and 9 x 12 = 108. Lets super charge not only our solstice, but our entire summer season! YOGA IN THE PARK... Make sure to check your inbox for registration emails to our wildly popular outdoor sessions in NYC. Unlimited package subscribers pay only $12 per class. Let's flow under the sun and enjoy the summer weather on our mats. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 6/20/2022
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy." -- Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj Being in a "bind" generally has a connotation of feeling that we have no choice or have no freedom. It can be about feeling uncomfortable about a situation and feeling unable to resolve the dilemma.
"Binds" during our yoga practice can be the perfect metaphor for finding balance. Binds serve to create mobility when we’re ready to open up certain major areas of the body and can add another layer of strength through exploration. If you are dealing with limited mobility in certain areas, it can be difficult to come into asana (poses) binds. But with practice over time, these binds can create new openings in our shoulders and hips and in our understanding of how to use binds to create more freedom. Just like in life, there are some moments where we feel unprepared, unsafe, scared to commit, uncertain, tired, underprepared, or simply not ready. When one is able to truly listen to the body’s needs, the wrap will come effortlessly; that commitment toward opening up through limb wraps will set you free and keep you safe from the mind’s tricks to tempt you into unsafe circumstances. Cultivating patience in a bind practice is a major facet of the teaching. You could have a hard time breathing, and getting frustrated due to the limitations in space could make you feel a little angry and impatient. In these cases, you are letting desire get in the way of your truth and ability to truly create an opening. In these scenarios, the incapability to bind reflects how the head and the thoughts are taking over. How our desire to achieve a shape is actually detaching us from the whole purpose of the practice; self-loving, safe, and freeing the mind. When binding we are creating a map within ourselves. With our own hands and arms we are learning how to find our way through the wonderful unknown of our physical and inner world. YOGA IN THE PARK... Make sure to check your inbox for registration emails to our wildly popular outdoor sessions in NYC. Unlimited package subscribers pay only $12 per class. Lets flow under the sun and enjoy the summer weather on our mats. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 6/13/2022
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body.” To help us harmonize with this season and harness the spring energy, yoga and Ayurvedic practices are designed to melt the sludge and heaviness of winter. They help cleanse and remove built-up residue in the mind and body to release what is no longer needed and make room for growth and expansion.
While yoga always places a high value on purification of body and mind, spring is especially focused on release. You can enhance this by including poses that stimulate and revitalize the liver and large intestine to release toxins and brighten up. This week we'll focus on warming flows, twists, side leans, and mild inversions. We will build natural heat gradually to help generate sweat and naturally detoxify your body. Just as the darkness of winter changes to the rebirth of spring, so do we. Staying connected to your body and breath during this time will help you harness the inner wisdom and insight that solitude brings. With this clarity, you too can spring into action by bringing your insight to fruition. Honoring this transition in your yoga practice can help to ease you into this revitalizing season. OUTDOOR CLASSES... Long Island City's Hunter's Point Park (Oval Field) will be our location AGAIN for our scenic and blissful yoga sessions outdoors. We'll be flowing on Sunday, June 12th... emails have and will be sent for registration. Contact Victor to secure your spot. The weather has turned... let's lay out in the sun, flow and practice in front of the NYC skyline. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 6/6/2022
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "Ego implies unawareness. Awareness and ego cannot coexist." A major theme in many yoga classes is "letting go of your ego." Many of us are raised and have the DNA to compete and perform, to be the best and win the shiny trophy. Pushing yourself to accomplish new heights is a good thing—it’s how we complete achievements like our first marathon or get a promotion to a new position in the workplace. However, that ego can also be a big downfall, especially when it gets in the way of what we really need, physically and emotionally.
Letting go takes courage. It takes faith. It takes trusting in something that we often only see glimpses of. The thing about the ego is that it is limited, and if we reside only in our ego conscious state of being, then we limit ourselves. The problem arises when the ego gets unhappy – it either becomes dissatisfied with the appearance of the body, the possessions we have, the relationship we are in, or the thoughts that incessantly run through the mind. If we’ve been identifying purely with the ego and our story for our whole lives, then when the ego gets unhappy, we become unhappy too and we create an unhappy life story for ourselves. So remember that often those little nagging things our bodies tell us can help us back off in our poses and ignoring them often result in injury. Is taking a day off worse than not getting to the start of the race because you’ve badly hurt yourself? In most cases, taking the “easier” route won’t hurt you in the long run, especially if you’ve been pushing hard otherwise. Fitness and other achievements aren’t built on a single day, they’re the result of weeks and months of hard work. Hitting that pause button when you really need it can only help you in the long run. Concentrate on what you can do at the very moment to meet your goals. If your mind and body are sending you strong signals that you need a break, back off or modify a pose, an approach in your life... listening to what you need now will often give you the best results. If you practice listening to your body, you’ll know when you can keep pushing or when you need to back off a little bit. CLASSES... Yes -- we'll set-up again in Long Island City and Manhattan for scheduled classes. Enrollment emails will go out to active subscribers first 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: 4/25/2022
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -- Maya Angelou Increased stress, depression and anxiety are the features of a modern lifestyle. We all encounter moments, situations and loads of events that can take us to the edge of our emotional thresholds. Yoga has an effective role in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Thus, it can be used as a complementary remedy. A steady practice can improve the psychological conditions for monitoring and managing stress and negative emotions, increase positive emotions, and help mental balance.
Always remember... you are one yoga class away from resetting and enhancing your mood. And if you can't make it to a class... take a moment in your day to just focus on your breathing, create a space for you to be aware of your inhales and exhales, and maybe strike a pose or two. OUTDOOR YOGA & PILATES Sunday 9/26/2021, we'll have an amazing Pilates/Yoga event in Long Island City. The hour long outdoor class will feature Tanya Mgrdechian and tone you up, lengthen you out and get you primed for a wonderful end to your weekend. To register, head over to www.pilateswithtanya.com and click on the "BOOK ONLINE" section and select the event. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/20/2021
*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. UPDATED RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com The team thanks you all for the support! NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "There is no second, or higher self to search for. You are the highest self, only give up the false ideas you have about yourself." -- Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj Ready to diversify your workout and challenge other muscle groups to enhance your yoga practice? Well, this week we have Erin Giordano back on the schedule and Tanya Mgrdechian.
Erin's heart rate elevating and total body strengthening HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) class can be done without any props and will work you from head-to-toe. Tanya's mat Pilates session focuses on strengthening and lengthening of your major muscle groups to create a strong core for all other disciplines and your day-to-day posture during all activities. OUTDOOR CLASSES Make sure to check your inbox and enroll in advance in our outdoor classes. The weather will be amazing in the coming weeks and we'll have Yoga and Pilates classes scheduled on weekends in Long Island City. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: MONDAY: 9/13/2021
*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. UPDATED RATES:(when submitting payment, in note section state email for delivery of services)
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com The team thanks you all for the support! NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Balance is the state of the present – the here and now. If you balance in the present, you are living in Eternity. Hey Yogis, hope the Summer is treating you with loads of love and giving you an opportunity to frolic and be playful under the sun. Finding balance ... breathing, work and play, effort and ease... get it? Same way we find balance during our poses; alignment, inhale, exhale, strength, disengagement, structure and playfulness.
We'll have loads of classes this week, with Demetra Kentrotas coming back for another fun power flow and Karen Hyland closing the week with her fluid vinyasa on Friday. Also, I'll be in NY Yoga for some in-person hot vinyasa; check their schedule, as I'll have sessions in their inferno space Monday evening (6pm), Wednesday early evening (4:30pm), Thursday (9:30am) and Saturday morning (11am - 75 minute class). We'll give away more free spots to these classes this week. BROOKLYN -- OUTDOOR CLASS Join me at Glass House Yoga at the Greenpoint Terminal Market this Saturday July 11th at 1:00pm. It's outdoors. We have tents to keep you shaded from the sun. We'll have amazing headphones for this immersive, music pumping, fun flow at this great space overlooking the entire NYC skyline. Mats, blocks and cubbies for belongings are included with the class purchase. Lock in your spot for this flow at: https://glasshouseyoga.com Next chance to get with me at this beautiful location will be July 25th at 1pm. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: (Hot in-person, Outdoor Classes/Events this week for active subscribers only - times and days not indicated on schedule) MONDAY: 7/5/2021
*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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com The team thanks you all for the support! NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “Humanity is in her infancy, so start enjoying the journey.” Over the next few weeks, subscribers, stay tuned in for our expanding outdoor schedule, as we'll have evening virtual classes and the option to practice with the likes of Karen Hyland at NYC parks as well. As always, subscribers and supporters of this platform will have first dibs to lock in on this in-person outdoor sessions. Also, I will continue to give FREE in-person HOT classes; varying giveaways during virtual sessions, via email or during in-person events. Last week's event at Glass House Yoga was stunning... with amazing views of Manhattan from the Greenpoint Terminal market in Brooklyn. The immersive beats pumped through the headphones, the tents set up to shelter you from the sun and blazing heat... more to come at that open space venue in the future. YOGA AT OHHHMMM VIRTUAL SCHEDULE: (Hot in-person, Outdoor Classes/Events this week for active subscribers only - times and days not indicated on schedule)
MONDAY: 6/14/2021
*ALL CLASSES EST *SESSIONS 60 MINUTES UNLESS NOTED *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 -- Victor@YogawithVictor.com The team thanks you all for the support! NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ |
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