Yoga Workshops in Sag Harbor & the Hamptons

Friday, May 25th, 2012, 1:00-2:45pm

Sacred Heart: Understanding the Sacrum

A Workshop with Kari Harendorf at Yoga Shanti

Lower back pain has been around as long as men and women have walked upright. In fact, approximately eighty percent of people experience some form of lower back pain, including pain around the sacroilic, the joint formed by the sacrum and the ilium. Whether your pain was caused from improper sitting, standing, or your yoga practice (god forbid!), in this workshop, Kari Harendorf will teach the importance of stabilizing this joint (the triangular shaped bone tucked between the two hip bones at the base of the spine) on and off the mat, and how to heal and prevent injuries. See how the sacrum (from Latin meaning "sacred") can open your heart!

Details: Friday, May 11th, 2012, 1:00-2:45pm | Share this event on Facebook
Cost: $25 if pre-registered. $30 on the day of.
Location: Yoga Shanti, 32 Bridge Street in Sag Harbor.
Registration: Click here to register in advance for this workshop

Sunday, May 27th, 2012, 4:30-5:30pm

Urban Zen integrative Therapy: A Healing and Restorative Class

A Special Memorial Day UZIT Class taught by Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee

Colleen and Rodney will lead a one hour session of restorative poses, aromatherapy, reiki, breath awareness, and meditation. Whether you are recovering from an illness or simply need to de-stress and be treated with some tender loving care and ancient wisdom, this class is for you. In a world of constant overwork, and over stimulus, it is imperative to find a meditative sanctuary. Come join Colleen and Rodney in this inward healing journey!

Details: Sunday, May 27th, 4:30-5:30pm *Pre-registraton Recommended*
Cost: Drop-in price of $25. Class cards & unlimited memberships accepted.
Location: Yoga Shanti, 32 Bridge Street in Sag Harbor.
Registration: Click here to register in online for this class

June 21-24, 2012 (Bondville, VT)

Wanderlust Festival at Stratton Mountain Ski Resort

Two Yoga Classes with Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee

Friday, June 22, 10:00-11:30am
Hip Opening & Twists
As we center our hip joints the channel that is freed up from the legs to the spine creates a perfect foundation for twists. Then as we glide through an illuminating twist sequence we gather more sensitivity to the opening in the hips. This back and forth dialogue sets up a harmony that sings its way through the central channel. Come and cleanse and open the gateways to energetic freedom. Intermediate and advanced practitioners are welcome.

Friday, June 22, 4:00-5:30pm
Full Integration through Backbends
This sequence of backbends will  drop the chatter of  our brains into the resonant chamber of our hearts while connecting us to our primary roots of mother earth. This will arrange our being so we can receive the world as it is, so mysteriously arising into the wide embrace of  our heart center. As we release our separateness,  we drop our fear and learn to courageously resound in the present moment. This class is open to all levels and will appropriately address you where you are that day. 

Details: Friday, June 22, 2012
Location: Stratton Mountain Ski Resort, Bondville, VT
Registration: Please visit the Wanderlust Festival website for details.

Friday, July 6, 2012, 5:00-8:00pm

Yoga with the Fab Four

A Workshop with David Swenson, Shelley Washington, Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee!

Imagine no longer: Get out your calendars, because David Swenson, Shelley Washington, Colleen Saidman, and Rodney Yee will be teaching yoga together at the same time in the same room on July 6th at Yoga Shanti—wacky, wiggle yoga that will illuminate your mula bhanda and send shivers up your sushumna nadi, along with accessing your funny bone. Three hours together will take us towards a giant step toward humaness, with the rigor of Ashtanga, the alignment of Iyengar, the devotion of Jivamukti, and the movement of Twyla Tharp. Get your reservation in now before the summer crowd takes your parking spot. Namaste ~ Col and Rod

Details: Friday, July 6, 2012, 5:00-8:00pm | Share this event on Facebook
Cost: $85. Advance registration recommended.
Location: Yoga Shanti, 32 Bridge Street in Sag Harbor.
Registration: Click here to register in advance for this workshop

Saturday July 7, 2012, 4:30-7:00pm

Ashtanga’s Greatest Hits

A Workshop with David Swenson And Shelley Washington

Curious about some of the more intricate or advanced asanas, but have felt intimidated by them, or uncertain about how to approach them in your practice? Then this class is for you! David Swenson will take you on a very special guided tour of select asanas from the primary, intermediate, and advanced series of asanas. If you are not familiar with the more challenging postures, there is no need to be scared of them! David has an amazing ability to break down the essence and energetic foundation of any asana to allow practitioners of all levels to feel comfortable and confident when exploring realms of the practice that they find most challenging. There are always plenty of safe and sensible alternatives offered so that students may utilize the most comfortable approach for their particular level. David’s classes are always full of valuable information as well as plenty of laughter and joy.

Details: Saturday July 7, 2012, 4:30-7:00pm | Share this event on Facebook
Cost: $65 if pre-registered. $75 on the day of.
Location: Yoga Shanti, 32 Bridge Street in Sag Harbor.
Registration: Click here to register in advance for this workshop

Monday, July 9, 2012, 2:00-4:30pm

Ashtanga Second Series Guided Tour

A Workshop with David Swenson And Shelley Washington

Hop on the Bus and Enjoy a Ride Through Second Series Asanas! Many people are intimidated by the second series of Ashtanga yoga. But it is truly one of the most fun sequences! David Swenson will present the second series with great compassion, patience, and humor. Students should have a regular first-series practice in order to attend this class. David will lead participants through as much of the second series practice as seems appropriate for the group. He will offer alternatives and guidance along the way, and explain methods and techniques to make the second-series asanas feel more accessible and user-friendly. This class is a great way to experience the dynamics of second series in a safe and fun environment.

Details: Monday, July 9, 2012, 2:00-4:30pm | Share this event on Facebook
Cost: $65 if pre-registered. $75 on the day of.
Location: Yoga Shanti, 32 Bridge Street in Sag Harbor.
Registration: Click here to register in advance for this workshop

August 17-19, 2012 (Rhinebeck, NY)

Being Yoga Conference at the Omega Institute

Classes Taught by Rodney Yee & and Colleen Saidman

8:30am–10pm, Saturday, August 18
Practicing Asana as a Pranayama Experiment
The more subtle alignment of asana develops from watching how prana gets absorbed by the mind and body. In this class with Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee, we learn how to make refinements in our posture by feeling the ease or lack of ease in our breathing. We experience asana practice using the sound and sensation of the breath as our guide and as a preparation for a seated pranayama practice.

10:30am–12pm, Saturday, August 18
Back Bends to Hip Openers to Pranayama
Discover how to open yourself as a conduit between heaven and earth and feel the natural absorption of prana, which animates your mind and body. In this class, we use an intermediate back bend sequence to prepare for a more advanced hip opening sequence. These two sequences together set us up for seated pranayama and seated meditation.
Intermediate and advanced practitioners are welcome.

2pm–3:30pm, Saturday, August 18
Everyday Yoga for the Beginner
Come begin or revitalize your yoga journey. Guided by Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee, learn an everyday sequence that highlights the essential postures to bring balance, vitality, and ease into your practice and life. With fundamental instructions that can guide your daily exploration of the art of yoga for years, discover why we order the poses of this sequence the way we do and learn how to be creative from this basic blueprint.

Details: August 17-19, 2012
Location: Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
Registration: Please visit the Being Yoga Conference website for more details.

Friday, September 7, 2012, 6:30-9:00pm, (Columbus, OH)

Yoga Without Struggle

Open Class with Rodney and Colleen at Yoga on High in Columbus, Ohio

For the fourth year in a row, Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman are offering a public class in Columbus. Their classes are known to be energizing, inspiring, and centering, as well as both physically and spiritually uplifting. Each year is different than the one before, and we all grow together. This mixed-level class is appropriate for yoga students at most levels, but no new beginners, please. Although this will be a large class, everyone will receive individual adjustments from Rodney and Colleen. You may also elect to have adjustments from the circulating staff of assistants, or you may opt out. Register early, as space is limited.

Details: Friday, September 7, 2012, 6:30-9:00pm
Cost: $65
Location: Yoga on High, Columbus, Ohio
Registration: Please visit the Yoga on High website for registration details.

Saturday, September 8, 2012, 10:00am-12:30pm, (Columbus, OH)

Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Restorative Class

Special UZIT Class with Rodney and Colleen at Yoga on High in Columbus, Ohio

An accessible path to rejuvenation and healing for the tired, stressed and ill is coming to Yoga on High. Urban Zen was inspired by Donna Karan’s vision of a holistic approach to health care and created by Rodney and Colleen based on their long experience practicing and teaching yoga and other healing modalities. In this 2 ½ hour session, Rodney and Colleen will give you an overview of the history and philosophy of Urban Zen and take time to answer all your questions before leading you on your inward, healing journey. Then they will guide you through practices that include restorative poses, aromatherapy, reiki, breath awareness, and meditation. In a world of over-stimulation and over-work, these practices can offer you a meditative sanctuary. This class is appropriate for everyone, whether you are recovering from an illness or injury or are simply in need of tender loving care, this is the class for you. No previous yoga experience is required.

Details: Saturday, September 8, 2012, 10am-12:30pm
Cost: $65
Location: Yoga on High, Columbus, Ohio
Registration: Please visit the Yoga on High website for registration details.

September 21-23, 2012 (Catskills, NY)

Joy of the Yogini

Annual Women's Retreat with Colleen Saidman Yee at Menla Mountain Retreat

Menla is proud to host its fourth annual all women’s retreat. Participants will spend the weekend unlocking their potential and joy by shedding layers of resistance through pranayama, yoga asanas, meditation, and aromatherapy. In addition to the more structured sessions, we will honor and celebrate our femininity together through meaningful conversations, laughter, dancing, and drumming. To enhance this already potent combination, there will be a sweat lodge, body workers, a gifted astrologer, incredible meals, and more.

This is a rare and unique opportunity to transform your life by cleansing, communing, and practicing together in a very intimate environment, nestled in Menla’s breathtaking landscapes. Go home refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed, empowered by your fullest expression as a woman. We welcome women at all levels of practice! 

Details: September 21-23, 2012
Cost: $340 per person (does not include accomodation)
Location: Menla Mountain Retreat, Phoenica, NY (Catskills)
Registration: Please visit the Tibet House website for registration and accomodation details.

September 28, 2012 – October 26, 2012

Urben Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) Master Program

A New Month-Long Intensive Program at the Omega Institute

No longer a 12-month program that requires major travel considerations all year, 2012 UZIT students can now take the UZIT Master Program in a four-week, in-residence training at Omega Institute of Rhinebeck, NY. Omega Institute is a non-profit institution. Through innovative educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit, Omega provides hope and healing for individuals and society. Surrounded by woods and trails, the UZIT modalities are now shared in an environment that supports deep learning and mindfulness in a serene, natural setting.

Immerse yourself in yoga therapy, Reiki, essential oil therapy, nutrition and contemplative care. Share information and inspiration with our UZIT faculty as they provide wisdom and experience in healing not only the self but others as well. Upon completion of the training, 2012 UZIT students are required to complete the tradition 100 hours of clinical rotation experience in order to be assessed and certified as a UZIT practitioner.

Details: September 28, 2012 – October 26, 2012
Location: The Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York
Registration: Click here for more information or to register for this program

October 26-28, 2012 (Rhinebeck, NY)

The Joy of Yoga

Weekend workshop with Rodney and Colleen at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY

Learn to use asana, pranayama, and meditation to peel off the shrouds of suffering, layer by layer, and to gain a seat in your joyful essence. Through our yoga tools we realize the impermanence of the ideas, images, and identifications that imprison us in illusion. This life is a gift and our yoga practices teach us how to unwrap it and delight in it. Come join us in a weekend of fun and essential yoga designed for all levels.

Details: October 26-28, 2012
Location: Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
Registration: Please click here for registration details

Every Sunday, 4:30pm

Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Open Class at Yoga Shanti

Conceptualized by Colleen Saidman, Donna Karan and Rodney Yee, This Class is Taught by Certified Urban Zen Integrative Therapists, and is Designed to Heal and Restore

This ground-breaking class is open to all! The path to renewing, restoring and healing for the tired, weary, and ill has come to Yoga Shanti. The Urban Zen trained integrative therapists are starting a one hour session of restorative poses, aromatherapy, reiki, breath awareness, and meditation. Whether you are recovering from an illness or you just need to be treated with TLC, and ancient wisdom, this class is for you. In a world of constant overwork, and over stimulus, it is imperative to find a meditative sanctuary. Come join us in this inward healing journey and have at least one hour a week when you are completely cared for! There are no pre-requisites and this weekly class is open to all!

Date & Time: Every Sunday, 4:30-5:30pm
Cost: $25 (or one class session from a class card)
Location: Yoga Shanti, 32 Bridge Street, Sag Harbor, NY
Registration: Please click here to sign up online for this class

October 2012 - May 2013

Yoga Teacher Training with Colleen Saidman, Rodney Yee and Esteemed Guest Faculty

An In-Depth 300-Hour Program for Aspiring Teachers or Students Who Wish to Deepen Their Practice and Delve Into the Heart of Yoga

Guest faculty includes world renowned and esteemed yoga teachers Richard Rosen, Richard Freeman, Heidi Fokine, Susan Lippy Orem, Manorama teaching Sanskrit Studies and Sinead Fitzgibbon teaching anatomy

Sharing yoga knowledge that deepens anyone’s practice, and imparting the craft of teaching yoga, is the work Colleen and Rodney are most inspired to do. Come and join them and their illustrious faculty at the beautiful Yoga Shanti studio in Sag Harbor, New York, for a training that will change your life. The program curriculum includes focus on the practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation; teaching methodologies, sequencing, and effective manual adjustments; anatomy and kinesiology; yoga history and philosophy; basic Sanskrit and chanting; student teaching and evaluation; and plenty of discussion and interaction. The program will take place over the course of 8 months, one weekend a month, from October 2011 through May 2012.

Information: Click here for more information about this Yoga Teacher Training and for our online application