Back to Basics Workshop: Standing Poses

Back to Basics Workshop: Standing Poses

Saturday, August 9th 2015

4:00pm - 6:00pm

This workshop, the first of a series of “Back to Basics” classes with Asheville, NC native Kimberly Drye, will break down basic standing poses– exploring how each one relates to the alignment in Tadasana, Mountain Pose. Perfect for beginners or for vinyasa practitioners wanting to reinforce their understanding of technique and safety. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and develop your practice.

$25 at the door

$20 pre-registration

The Yoga Circle

1425 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd S, Birmingham, Alabama 35205

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Light on the Other Side of the Tunnel

Some Sunday evening magic found in the Magic City: 

Sunset at Railroad Park, downtown Birmingham 

Hand-to-big-toe in the Magical Magic City Tunnel, downtown Birmingham

Triangle Pose in the Magical Magic City tunnel, downtown Birmingham

Twisted Side Angle in Railroad Park, downtown Birmingham

My Benny jumping in on the yoga action with Crow Pose, Railroad Park in Birmingham, AL

This is Where I Belong

This is Where I Belong

I love my new shirt by @holdfastprintworks. It reminds me that wherever I go in my day, that's where I belong.  This motto reminds me of my goal to be at home in all places by being truly present from one moment to the next.  It's an especially challenging goal after my recent move.  I have realized that when I long to be somewhere else, my energy becomes scattered. 

It took me a long time to convince myself that I belonged at the front of a yoga class, as a teacher. There have been so many doubts and questions about whether I practice enough, whether I am wise enough, etc.  

Now I know the trick to being a good teacher is simply to be present and stay focused on my students-- learn to look beyond my own self doubts.  When I manage this, I feel completely at home.  

Practice at The Yoga Circle Inverness

I love practicing at the Yoga Circle Inverness, where I teach in Birmingham, AL. every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:15pm.

The class is called "HereNowYoga" and is perfect for those looking for a warm (not hot) practice focused on alignment technique and breaking down poses.  It's the kind of practice perfect for beginners or an excellent restorative type of practice to complement an existing Vinyasa/Ashtanga/Power practice. Below are some pics from my personal practice this afternoon in the beautiful space. 

Happiness Day 2: Snot Rocket

#100daysofhappiness Day 2: 

I'm happy to have made a new buddy...Trent from Alabama Triple A, aka Miracle Worker.  Before he started jumping car batteries, this guy used to jump out of airplanes for the Army.  Now he has two knee replacements at the ripe old age of 31 and is incredibly patient with my fussy old Toyota nicknamed "Snot Rocket".  It was nice to meet Trent, and nice to see Snot live on for further adventures in the Deep South.  

#100daysofhappiness

I've decided to join the #100daysofhappiness challenge on instagram. Being away from my home of over a decade is challenging...sometimes.  (I moved to Birmingham, AL from Asheville, NC last month-- see "Looking for Magic"). 

This challenge is an effort to seek out/acknowledge all of which I have to be grateful-- an effort to focus on the beauty that exists in my every day life.  

Day 1:  Morning light on crystals in my yoga room/office. 

I've always loved crystals for all the same reasons I love any other kind of symbolism.  To me, each one represents an intention of something I invite into my life.  So they're perfect for Day 1 as I invite in this new goal to direct my focus towards all that is *postitive* *shining* *joyful* around me in this new city. 

HereNowYoga in Birmingham

New class starting tomorrow (July 8, 2014) in Birmingham, AL at The Yoga Circle Inverness.

HereNowYoga is a class focused on the study of alignment principles within asana (poses), yogic philosophy, pranayama (breathing), and short meditations. The class begins with sun salutations to warm up, then a specially selected series of poses with a specific anatomical focus or a "peak" pose in mind. All levels welcome. The emphasis on instruction is useful for beginners and for seasoned practitioners wanting to create more mindful awareness.

LOOKING FOR MAGIC

It's official-- I'm moving to Birmingham, Alabama. It's been a hard decision and I've oscillated between total heartbreak about leaving Asheville, NC (which will always be home) and some major excitement at all the new opportunities in a new city. In case you didn't know, Birmingham is called the "Magic City" and I plan to find and take advantage of all the magic it has to offer.

I will be teaching a few special events before I leave town:

Better Backbends Workshop
One Center Yoga
April 26th, 1-3pm

My students often hear me jokingly say in my classes that "Backbends are like candy." It's true-- they can create the same childish, giddy feeling. For many, however, a backbending practice is intimidating and scary. If that's you, PLEASE come to my "Better Backbends" workshop at One Center Yoga and learn how to safely approach a backbending practice with helpful alignment techniques and proper sequencing. You too can experience the joyous, energetic rush that comes from expanding through the front of the body!

Yoga on the Mountain with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC)

May 18th, 2014 10am

Difficulty: Moderate (5-6)
Leaders: Kim Drye from Here Now Yoga and co-leader Michelle Pugliese, SAHC’s Land protection Director.
Cost: Free for SAHC members $10 for non-members
What to bring: Sturdy shoes, blanket, yoga mat, comfortable clothes, water, sunscreen and a pack to carry all personal items.

Join SAHC and Kim Drye for Yoga on the Mountain!

We will hike to the top of Blue Ridge Pastures, lay down yoga mats, and practice our sun salutations among many other poses. Once at the top of Blue Ridge Pastures we will see Bearwallow Mountain and Hickory Nut Gap Gorge, hikers and yogis alike will experience true beauty of the surrounding area and learn why conservation is so important in the Fairview Farming Community.

You don't need to have any prior yoga experience—but please bring sturdy shoes, blanket, yoga mat, comfortable clothes, water, sunscreen and a pack to carry all personal items.

Directions will be sent upon RSVP. Please contact Anna@Appalachian.org or 828-253-0095 ext. 205 if you are interested in attending.

HereNow is the facebook event page for the YOGA ON THE MOUNTAIN event.