Yoga at OHM Schedule w/ Victor 9/23 - 9/29/2024: Same Poses/Perfection? ; NYC YOGA Mentorship9/19/2024 "Comparison is the thief of joy." —Theodore Roosevelt  The quote above is very relevant in association with our yoga practice. I'd like to add that "Perfectionism" is also the thief of joy. Neither comparing nor the word "perfect" have any place in any meditation or yoga practice.
Too often, students feel self-imposed or outwardly pressured to advance in their poses; social media & studio culture, our upbringing, all influence and can sabotage our healthy yoga lifestyle. These pressures can lead to burnout, injury, and competitiveness—which is not the part of the construct of yoga. Nor is that a feature of any ancient scriptures or texts. That mode of practice creates suffering and can stunt our imagination and excitement for the practice as yoga practitioners. Of course, progressing in the practice of asana is beautiful too - but only healthy when that progress includes peace, mindfulness, awareness and inner knowing. This practice is one of joy. It’s meant to teach us to live up to our full potential. Not to be "perfect" or compare yourself to someone else, or to unhealthy standards not fitting your present. It’s a journey that we choose to embark on. Life is already a wild ride... so arrive on your mat this Fall and allow your breath, your practice, and the deep roots of yoga support you to feel more grounded and connected to the beauty that is you. WHY DO PRACTICE THE SAME SHAPES...? Asana is the practice of physical postures. This is what we typically first get introduced to when starting a yoga practice. Most of us start by taking a single yoga class in which we do a lot of stretching, bending, and strengthening of the body. While our bodies are amazing tools and we should definitely use them as much as we can, moving the body into different postures may not be the ultimate goal of a yoga practice, especially for many who dive deeper into a yoga lifestyle. The postures are just a tool to calm the mind and to move into the inner essence of being. Keeping it real..., yoga is more than just a physical practice. By opening up your body, you can eventually open up your mind, and the most fundamental goal of yoga is to quiet the mind. By constantly challenging yourself with different physical postures, you get the opportunity to explore and control all of your emotions. Asana has widespread benefits: improved health, strength, balance, and flexibility. But the deeper benefit that comes from a regular, daily practice is what keeps many doing this, day after day. By working with your body, you become more aware of your surroundings as well as yourself. You will probably start to pay more attention to details and notice how you react in different situations. Practicing asanas becomes both a preparation for meditation, and a meditation in and of itself. The postures become a tool to expand the consciousness, and the key to fostering this expansion begins with the control of breath: pranayama. It is not uncommon to get attached to the asanas in your practice. The mind often gets competitive and the urge to advance and do more postures has hit many yoga practitioners at one time in their lives. I have been there myself, eager to go into more advanced postures. I have compared myself to others and lost sight of why I do this practice, and almost every time this has happened, I injure myself, the practice just isnt meditative and leaves me feeling discouraged or not accepting. When I am moving too fast, without my body or my mind being ready for it, the body just says stop. It is a reminder of why I shouldn’t push myself, why I should accept that my body is different from others’, and that I have my own limitations. Most importantly, a reminder of why I do this practice. When I compare myself to others, I lose the essence of my yoga practice. So if you ever feel frustrated by not “mastering” a posture and you might have thoughts like, “Why can she do that and I can’t?” or “Why does he get more postures and I don’t?”, try to remember how far you have come and how the practice has transformed your body, mind, and soul. Just give that an extra thought and be grateful to be able to do this practice, regardless of which postures you are doing. 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. 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: 9/23/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/24/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/25/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/26/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/27/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/28/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/29/2024 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. *NEW 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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"There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees–as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again." – Ruth Ahmed  There's something about the Fall season that feels refreshing and renewing, a time to completely reinvent yourself and create healthier habits. Many use the onset of Fall as a way to buckle down, get organized, and increase productivity in a means to prepare for what can be a hectic holiday season.
Especially with the holidays right around the corner, it becomes much more difficult to maintain the healthy habits you may have set, whether they are related to health, productivity, or organization. Preparing a more balanced schedule as 'we yoga into fall season’ -- the practice is essential than ever before as we try to harmonize our body with the season’s natural rhythm and the physiological effects of the shorter days and longer nights. Your personal living space is very important this time of year. You want your home environment to be a supportive space so think about having a clearout of unwanted items around the home. I like to think along the lines of clutter in the home means clutter in the mind and vice versa; so, maybe it is time for a clearout. This can also help you to create a safe and clear space for a meditation practice. Sure, it is comforting to huddle under the blanket and grab a cup of tea but surely, we all need some energizing and uplifting postures to help us get out of our sluggishness and fatigue and sustain a productive and healthy lifestyle. 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. 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: 9/16/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 9/17/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 9/18/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 9/19/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 9/20/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 9/21/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 9/22/2024 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. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ "You can only lose something that you have, but you cannot lose something that you are." -- Eckhart Tolle  If Yoga just means physical postures [asana] to you... you are depreciating and diminishing the meaning of yoga. It isn't sun salutations [surya namaskar], vinyasa flow, or chaturanga [four-limbed staff pose].
Advanced yoga does not mean difficult body positions that require strength and super-bendy flexibility. Yet, this is how Yoga is portrayed in modern times. Going with this definition disparages the profound spiritual path Yoga really is. I was introduced to yoga the way most people are today — through physical practice, a vinyasa class that quickly hooked me. When I first started practicing asana, I was immediately drawn to the technical exploration of the postures. I would research each one and figure out which muscles I needed to stretch and strengthen, release and what to stabilize or move to move forward. Then there's a time in your practice when you find yourself thinking, “now what?” It’s that moment when you realize the physical practice is just one teaching -- you start scratching the surface. Initially the asana practice put me in a mindset where we believe, like in many aspects in life "I’ll be happier once I have [more money / that dream job / fancier clothes / a partner / my own house / a car, etc…]" In relation to my journey with Yoga, it was the next yoga pose. I thought it would not only bring me happiness, but validation and success. “Once I’m able to do an arm balance, back bend or invert, more people will respect and admire me, I’ll feel fulfilled and I’ll be a better yoga teacher.” Spoiler alert: that doesn’t happen. As my practice evolved over the years, I began to recognize my mental patterns and observe them more closely. I slowly started to realize that my old belief system had failed; mastering yoga postures didn’t necessarily make me a better, or even more enlightened person. It's not to say that the postures aren't an important part of the yoga experience, they definitely are! But yoga is about what the postures teach you — compassion, patience, cultivating self-awareness. And maybe along the way of achieving Dhanurasana you learn something deeper than how to backbend — how to be in an uncomfortable situation and still be able to breathe and find some ease in your body, mind and spirit. That inner awareness on the mat starts to help us cultivate inner awareness in our daily lives so that we can start reconnecting to that quiet inner voice and make conscious choices on how we interact with the world. Most of us are walking through life with very little self-awareness. So many people have never been aware of their breath, aware of body sensations, aware of thoughts. Most of us are on autopilot, doing what we were taught to do and never questioning anything. The yoga practice is a lifelong voyage of self-discovery — one that occurs off and on the mat. Ultimately, yoga as a tool or technique is a physical practice with a spiritual intention. Everything we do physically has a deeper, spiritual lesson. We can use physical practice to learn about ourselves and to make peace with ourselves; to open up a channel into the divine, into grace; and in that space of grace there is healing and freedom. As a parting ‘gift’, I invite you to challenge your current definition of Yoga. And beyond poses; meditation, journaling, acts of compassion, listening, reading, singing, taking a walk, ... become more connected with yourself, to nature, to the world, to a partner... moment to moment without needing to strike a pose. VUORI CLOTHING GIVEAWAY! Thanks to Vuori for the goodies as we wrap-up our Summer of swag. We'll do in person giveaways at New York Yoga and Sui Yoga for attendees at those studios. 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. 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: 8/12/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 8/13/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 8/14/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 8/15/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 8/16/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 8/17/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 8/18/2024 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. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ Yoga w/ Victor 7/1-7/7/2024: Balancing your Breathing; Summer Sale/Swag; Mentorship Launch6/26/2024 "Without full awareness of breathing, there can be no development of meditative stability and understanding." - Thich Nhat Hanh  Throughout the day, we breathe predominantly through one nostril or the other. This is a natural operation called the “nasal cycle,” wherein our nostrils alternate being more congested. For example, when the left nostril is more congested, we breathe more through the right nostril, i.e., the right nostril is “dominant” during that period.
Scientists have discovered that when your right nostril is dominant, the EEG (recording of brain activity) is greater in the left cerebral hemisphere [each hemisphere controls the opposite side of the body], and when the nostril dominance switches, so does the activity of the brain hemisphere. The cooperation between the right and left brain is essential for us to learn better, function more intelligently, and become proficient in anything. Whatever it is you are engaged in—reading, writing, music, art, yoga—each hemisphere has something important to contribute for you to have access to both technique and inspiration. We balance breathing in yoga and find stability through our pranayama (control of the breath). Therefore moving the body & controlling the breath will facilitate brain integration. So check in with yourself during our practice and either slow down or check in whether the pranayama is working with the asana to create a higher level of operation. In order to live a balanced, creative, integrated life, filled with connected relationships, it’s crucial that our two hemispheres of our brain work together. And facilitating that in yoga can lead to greater level of functioning throughout the day. SUMMER SWAG GIVEAWAY TIME... We'll have a random drawing (for on-demand subs and in an in-person class) for a Vuori Clothing tote bag, and other goodies... all subscribed members are eligible for the swag, along with a 20% off code for any in-store or online purchase. 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. 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: 7/1/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 7/2/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 7/3/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 7/4/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 7/5/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 7/6/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 7/7/2024 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. *NEW REGULAR RATES:
PAYMENT: VENMO -- @Vicyasa Paypal -- [email protected] NAMASTE, Victor Cotto www.YogaWithVictor.com Instagram: CottoVic Facebook: Yoga With Victor - Vicyasa™ “Stretching your body and mind is essential to avoid rigidity.”  Yes... it is possible to overstretch and "over do it" when practicing asana. At the end of a practice session are you feeling relaxed and invigorated or overly exhausted?
Some people can take to yoga easily, while others may struggle for an entire lifetime to achieve the same. What's important to remember is when we force our body into positions that it isn’t ready for, chances for injury increase. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t attempt poses that are challenging or complex. This is when body awareness, mindfulness and self love has to be integrated into yoga. Make sure to practice with care and awareness, listening to any signs from your body. Remember, you’re the only one who can really judge whether or not you’re overexerting, so better pay attention to any nudging sensations that may arise. Even the most experienced gurus will tell you that they are still learning and are struggling in one way or another. Yoga is a lifelong learning process. Those who claim they are already enlightened may be fooling themselves and others. A truly enlightened master will never make such claims. Am I just stretching or practicing yoga? Both may have the same aims, it is also possible that they have very different goals. For instance, stretching can help you recover from an injury, become more flexible, improve your athletic performance, or target a particular problem area. In contrast, whereas yoga is often for flexibility and focus, it can also be for strength, posture, and balance among many other mental and spiritual benefits. Whether you are just starting out in your practice or wish to master advanced postures, the best advice would be: practice yoga & stretch to your heart’s content, while keeping in mind that you want to feel good at the end of your practice – not exhausted. And most importantly, knowing that the work you put into yoga or stretching has added to your day and not undermined the quality of your life. SUMMER SWAG GIVEAWAY TIME... We'll have a random drawing (for on-demand subs and in an in-person class) for a Vuori Clothing tote bag, and other goodies... all subscribed members are eligible for the swag, along with a 20% off code for any in-store or online purchase. 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. 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: 6/24/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 6/25/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 6/26/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 6/27/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 6/28/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 6/29/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/30/2024 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. *NEW REGULAR RATES:(when submitting payment, in the 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™ “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” ― Stephen R. Covey  Leading a properly highly skilled power yoga class will make students feel like you hardly have to think at all. The teacher breathes with you, speaks clearly, and gives you a general feeling of ease, guiding you through a varying of challenging poses, seamless sequences all while also supporting you. In time, you begin to understand and feel how each pose is operating in your body, what muscles are being stretched or strengthened. You begin to pay attention to the way your body is moving on a daily basis both in and out of class. And you begin to think more critically about how to approach a pose, and possibly even how to approach life.
Listening to one’s body, one’s mind, and one’s spirit comes with practice. And in the class setting it begins with listening to verbal prompts. I may have my own way of coming into a pose, but when I’m in a class I practice listening to the teacher for new ways at arriving at a particular pose because I want to know and feel the difference. I want to be open to learning new ways of operating in my body, of moving my body in this world, and of simply being. Listening, in the moment, to step by step instruction improves our ability to pay attention. Often in class, we are asked to let go of our thoughts, but this does not mean we stop thinking. Rather our thinking changes from things we’ve done or want to do, to the thing we are doing. We become present, paying attention to precisely what is happening in the moment. Our ears are open, our mind is exactly where our body is, and as we, through practice, reach that place of yoga– union between mind, body, and spirit– we gain a clearer understanding of our intention... the now moment. SUMMER SWAG GIVEAWAY TIME... We'll have a random drawing (for on-demand subs and in an in-person class) for a Vuori Clothing tote bag, and other goodies... all subscribed members are eligible for the swag, along with a 20% off code for any in-store or online purchase. 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. 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: 6/17/2024 NO CLASSES TUESDAY: 6/18/2024 NO CLASSES WEDNESDAY: 6/19/2024 NO CLASSES THURSDAY: 6/20/2024 NO CLASSES FRIDAY: 6/21/2024 NO CLASSES SATURDAY: 6/22/2024 NO CLASSES SUNDAY: 6/23/2024 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. *NEW REGULAR RATES:(when submitting payment, in the 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™ ALL ABOUT CLASS LEVELS AND LABELS “Do things that feed your soul, not your ego, and you will be happy.” - Anonymous  (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.) Consider the following scenario: A student says, “I’m not advanced but I want to take an advanced level class: can I? should I?” It’s with this question that we step into a discussion about class levels and their labels: they’re there for a reason, and that is to tell students what they can expect. A level 2/3 class is designed to be harder than one for beginners. Students in advanced level classes are expected to have an understanding above the basics. Classes labeled “power” typically indicate strength and may move more quickly than those with a “slow flow” or “all levels'' label. Class labels aren’t random; they exist to indicate the pace, complexity of sequencing, and caliber of students that can be expected. With that in mind, it’s up to you as a student to manage your expectations and be honest with yourself. For example, if you’ve taken yoga for a number of years, know the names of the poses, and feel confident in your physical abilities, chances are you can enter most classes without it being a problem. Whether or not you’ll be able to do all the poses is another story, but most respectable teachers and studios will accept you with open arms. Sometimes the advanced class is the only one that fits your schedule. Or maybe you really like an instructor and want to challenge yourself. In these cases, as long as you can remain physically safe to yourself and others, and you know what to expect, you should be fine. Now on the other hand, if you’ve never taken a yoga class before, don’t know the names of the poses, or have a physical ailment that will prevent you from doing the majority of the class, it’s probably best to refrain from leveling up. This is to prevent injuries and to ensure that you actually get something valuable out of the class. After all, if you’re sitting on your mat, watching everyone else for most of the practice, what are you really getting out of it? Probably just a lot of frustration. In these cases, it would be better to take a more appropriate level class where you can participate more. So how do you know what class level is right for you? That’s an individual decision that only you can make, but one that instructors can help with. If you’re considering trying an advanced level class but have your reservations, speak to the teacher. Ask them what it’s like and if they think you’ll be able to keep up. Also ask them to be honest. Any instructor worth their salt trustworthy instructor will be open to any modifications you need to make, but will also be transparent about their offerings. Most importantly, whatever level class you opt for, make sure it’s the one that feels good for your body, not the one that feeds your ego. YOGA RETREAT -- VICYASA™ IN TULUM I'm giddy to announce our new retreat... "The Wild Heart" at Villa Pescadores in Tulum, Mexico. Join Vicyasa™ March 31st - April 6th for daily yoga, excursions & much more. We'll have single rooms, shared rooms and loads of incredible options for dietary needs and anything to help your retreat one to remember. For early bird pricing info, CLICK HERE to register for updates and all vital information. Sui Yoga will be handling the bookings. If you have any questions, please let me know. To check out the venue, see their instagram HERE. Would love to see you in Tulum... ON-DEMAND ACCESS ONLY -- HOLIDAY SALE
Now you can subscribe to on-demand only and get access to our ever-changing archive of pre-recorded sessions. For $60 you get 30-days of on-demand accessibility. This package does not include live scheduled sessions. Upon payment, class access begins. 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: 1/8/2024 TUESDAY: 1/9/2024
*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™ YOGA FOR VATA SEASON Adjusting Your Yoga For The Wind And Cold “For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” - Lily Tomlin “In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you.” - Deepak Chopra  Have you noticed a dryness in the air? A bit of chaotic energy? An increased need to rush and hurry? Windy weather and cooler temperatures are indicative that Vata season is upon us. As the Ayurvedic dosha ruled by air and space, Vata peaks in late fall and lasts through the early days of winter. It’s known for bringing about dry, cold, and flighty qualities. A Vata imbalance tends to result in these qualities showing up more prominently, but regardless of their constitution, just about everyone will experience some effects during this time. Common signs of a Vata imbalance include:
Navigating this transition to chillier temps and a more erratic head space may require adjusting both your yoga practice and some of your daily habits. To combat the flighty mentality Vata season often brings, it’s a good idea to incorporate more grounding elements into both your movement and your life. Slower, more mindful movement is a great antidote to chaotic Vata energy. Grounding postures like tadasana (Mountain Pose), vrksasana (Tree Pose), and malasana (Garland Pose) may also help bring you back to a home base. In addition to how you’re moving your body, it’s also a good idea to think about what you’re putting in it. Avoid raw foods like salads and uncooked vegetables, as these could increase wind (gas) and may be hard on your digestion. Instead, opt for well-cooked potatoes, nourishing soups, nuts, ghee (clarified butter), and oil-rich dishes. During this time, prioritize meditation and seek out comfortable, relaxing spaces that help you feel centered. Just like all seasons, this time is temporary. Adjust your practice according to your needs and you’ll be just fine. (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.) ON-DEMAND ACCESS ONLY -- HOLIDAY SALE
Now you can subscribe to on-demand only and get access to our ever-changing archive of pre-recorded sessions. For $60 you get 30-days of on-demand accessibility. This package does not include live scheduled sessions. Upon payment, class access begins. 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: 12/18/2023
*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™ "Slowing down is the precursor to Yoga practice because this simple act allows us to consider our thoughts, feelings and actions more carefully in the light of our desire to live peacefully." -- Donna Farh  Slowing down is easier said than done. Our holiday schedule is filled to the brim with activities; work, school, cooking, cleaning, organizing and preparing to make the season a joyful experience for others… Most days are planned in advance and are busy. So when the pace changes, we have a natural hesitance to shift down a gear.
Taking a step back just for a moment, pausing to practice... can help you enjoy every minute of the holiday. Find a quiet space in the house where you can reset. Remind yourself of the things that are blessings for you on and off the yoga mat. Then remind yourself it doesn’t matter if things aren’t done perfectly; embrace falling out of a pose, be ok with where you meet your true self on the mat for that moment and bask in your yoga. There are many studies that show that gratitude itself is extremely effective in combating depression. The holidays have the potential to deliver —the love and joy experienced with cherished family and friends, and the crushing seasonal depression that many fall prey to. Take the time, before you are caught up in your own holiday hustle and bustle, to simply identify what you can be grateful for, to reflect upon it, feel it, and maybe even express it. Then we can remember to take a step back, slow down, enjoy the pace of gathering with friends and family, and be right there, in the moment, together. ON-DEMAND ACCESS ONLY -- SALE Now you can subscribe to on-demand only and get access to our ever-changing archive of pre-recorded sessions. For $60 you get 30-days of on-demand accessibility. This package does not include live scheduled sessions. Upon payment, class access begins. 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: 12/11/2023
*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™ IS YOGA ENOUGH…? “He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.” - Lao Tzu  (This week's newsletter was authored by teacher extraordinaire and full time writer Elinor Cohen. Check out her Instagram HERE and her amazingly empowering advanced & intermediate sessions on our on-demand archives.) Finding yoga often feels like a whole world has opened up. There’s a connection to body, mind, and breath that’s unlike any other form of movement. Spend a little more time on your mat and you’ll likely see just how physical the asana practice can be. That leads many people to question whether yoga is enough exercise or if they need other “workouts.” As with so many questions, it depends.
First things first, yoga isn’t just a “workout” in the physical sense. It’s active, that’s for sure, but the workout you get isn’t just going to be for your body; it’s also going to be for your mind. With that said, if the physical benefits are something you’re after, you’re in good company. Many people seek out yoga for this very purpose. Yoga offers a lot of physical benefits; certain types like Ashtanga and Vinyasa are very bodyweight focused and can help you get stronger. After all, think about it: chaturanga is essentially a low push-up. Hopping forward in a Sun Salutation mimics a reverse burpee. Then there are all the arm balances, which require a ton of upper body strength, and the inversions, which, when done correctly, can set your core on fire. And we didn’t even talk about navasana (boat pose)! There are so many athletic components of the asana practice. What “depends” when answering the aforementioned question is the type of yoga you practice. A vigorous vinyasa flow can be great for getting your heart rate up and giving you your daily dose of cardio. In that case, yes yoga may be “enough.” On the other hand, taking a gentle Hatha class with very little balancing and mostly seated postures may not give you the athleticism you’re after. These two examples are both extreme and most yoga exists in between the two of them. Many classes have parts that are a little challenging as well as parts that are very relaxing. The stretching and lengthening you get from these classes are valuable in their own right. The key is to find the class that aligns with your goals. If you’re looking to get into an arm balance or master a challenging pose, yoga may not be enough. By that, we don’t mean strenuous enough. Rather, you may need to supplement your practice with other strength training to get you there. If building muscle and increasing strength is your goal, taking open level or level 1 classes might not cut it. If the goal is to move and breathe, then you probably don’t “need” more. Remember, what’s enough for one person isn’t the same as what’s enough for another. That even exists within a single class or a style of yoga. One chaturanga may be enough for one student; another may require 5 to get the same feeling. What’s most important is to not judge it and to remember that YOU are enough. Yoga just supports the journey you’re already on. ON-DEMAND ACCESS ONLY -- SALE Now you can subscribe to on-demand only and get access to our ever-changing archive of pre-recorded sessions. For $60 you get 30-days of on-demand accessibility. This package does not include live scheduled sessions. Upon payment, class access begins. 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: 12/4/2023
*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™ |
AuthorVicyasa™, your full-time dopamine dealer ... don't allow my confidence to offend your insecurity. Archives
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