Welcome to Flow Yoga Center where classes are a celebration of life awakening the very essence of who we are. The warmth of our eco-friendly center and the excellence of our teachers offer a natural haven for those who seek a nurturing and soulful environment.
IN THIS NEWSLETTER...
studio updates
special events and workshops
teacher spotlight - Jessica Lazar
focus of the month - kriyas
Jivamukti's Yogaswari
spring cleanse
seva community
chakra series
glow
inspiration - 30 days of kindness contest
live green
The story of Kris Carr and her journey with cancer has touched my heart deeply. Her message "cancer is my guru" is one of the bravest statements I have ever heard. She transformed a grim diagnosis into a quest for growth and evolution. Her example of not accepting a gloomy label and instead stepping boldly into unchartered territory - taking charge of how she would be defined led her on a path of tremendous healing in ways she never expected. Through radically transforming her diet, practicing yoga mediation and using healing imagery and prayer, she learned to feel more alive then she has ever felt before and has inspired countless others (including me!).
Many of us have fortunately not faced a scary diagnosis such as cancer but in our own ways - we each have taken on labels and diagnosis that seem debilitating and hopeless. The lesson Kris gives us is that we always have choices in how we react to any given situation. And that if we can find the courage to persevere, to step outside of the box, and do whatever it takes - even if through our very efforts we don’t come to the outcome we desire - there are boundless gifts and lessons we will receive along the way. If you have not seen Crazy Sexy Cancer, I highly recommend it.
One of the keys to Kris' recovery was detox and cleansing. Cleansing is powerful 
both physically and metaphorically and helps to clear out toxins in mind, body and spirit. Some cleanses involve eliminating foods such as sugar, flour and salt, or giving up meat, caffeine or drinking cayenne infused water. Others focus on taking technology breaks to clear the mind or one of my favorites, cleaning out your closet!
At Flow we are here to support your cleansing efforts! For specialized diets we always recommend consulting with your nutritionist/naturopath/doctor before any extreme cleansing occurs because each body is different and what may be healthy and balancing for one person can be extremely depleting and enervating for another. Tazima and Mariska are great Flow resources to check in with if you are interested in a dietary cleanse.
This month I have decided to take steps towards my own spring cleanse. I invite you in joining me in these four ways and begin to release built up toxins, strengthen and revitalize and encourage positive energy flow. Do any and all for a full cycle (a cycle can be 30 or 40 or 108 days; a lunar cycle or cycle that makes sense for you) and emerge refreshed, balanced and ready to greet summer!
1. Drink lots of water. Amazing for healthy skin, water helps flush out toxins and cushions your muscles and joints. Try it hot to warm in the morning with a dash of lemon to aid in elimination and enjoy room temp throughout the day. Try to avoid too much during meals as it can diffuse the digestive fires and have it instead before or after. Don’t wait until you are thirsty - if you do you are already dehydrated!
2. Practice daily dry brushing & abyangha. You can get a dry brush at Flow or 
Wholefoods and and appropriate herbal oil for your dosha. Abyanga soothes the nervous system, cleanses toxins and simulates energy flow. There are lots of online resources on how to do this self massage but the basics include a morning brushing on dry skin gently with long strokes towards the heart, followed with herbal oil and finally a rinse - using hot to cold water.
3. Relax your monkey mind by participating in our one of Flow’s classes in meditation or yoga. Our monthly focus “kriyas” will help you mellow the internal chatter. Or get yourself a customized meditation mantra and practice it for forty days.
4. Take a 30 challenge! You can start anytime. Take 30 classes within 30 days and receive a Flow Tee or Clean Kanteen! (Yes, you can take two in a day, and yes, any Flow class counts!) To participate, email us once you complete your 30.
Please, join us at Flow for a journey of healing and transformation. Sending lots of warm encouragement your way,
Debra
Join our community on Facebook and receive special invites and connect with community.
Rise and Shine! You can now enjoy early morning classes every weekday.
Midnight Yoga expands to first and third Fridays. First Fridays will be our solar practice with Rob and Third Fridays will now be a lunar practice with Jessica.
Flow has been awarded the Mayor's Award of Environmental Excellence! The ceremony is April 29.
New to Flow? Try out any 2 classes for $20 or try out 1 month of unlimited classes for just $50 (online price... $55 in person at the check in desk). Both offers are for newcomers only. Come find your flow!
Last year, Flow's focus was serving DC by making sure we were offering the best teachers in the area to lead your classes. We will continue to fulfill this goal and now are ready to turn to our 2009 focus, Community. With parter One Common Unity, this month we embark on a program to help raise $10,000 for their annual youth film making program for inner city DC area high school students. Stay tuned and learn more about our upcoming movie night, bake sale and sun salute-athon!
Coming in May -- the launch of Flow's Yoga Therapy program!
Flow begins Spring Schedule on May 1st. Be sure to check online for changes.
Join Fuse Pilates Mariska as she offers the ever popular beach body boot camp 5/4 - 5/8.
Senior Jivamukti teacher - Yogaswari Estelle Eichenberg returns to Flow
The practice of ahimsa (non-harming) is the first step of Master Patañjali's eight-limbed path of yoga. How do we define ahimsa and where do we take it from there? The Yoga Sûtra tells us "ahimsâ-prateâyâ tat-sannidhau vaira-tyâga," or "He who is firmly established in non-harming will cease to experience hostility from others." YS II.35.
In this workshop, we will investigate the breadth and depth of our practice of ahimsâ, what we can do to more fully integrate kindness and compassion into our lives, and how ultimately the practice of ahimsâ is not only beneficial to others, but to our spiritual upliftment. Saturday - Backbends; Sundays - Arm Balances 
In addition to over 70 weekly classes, and our monthly First and Third Friday specialties - Acro Yoga and Midnight Yoga, Flow offers a cosmic array of workshops, special events and ways to get involved with the community. We recommend signing up early as most sell out! Learn more about each workshop and reserve your space by visiting us online.
deepen your practice
Expanding the Lotus - Semi Private Series for Level 1.5 begins 4/12
Semi private classes are small group classes (limited to six participants) where you can deepen your practice and receive more personal attention and support from a highly qualified and experienced teacher. This series is perfect for students comfortable in Flow 1 or Flow 1.5 who want to work on advancing their practice and preparing for Level 2 classes in a comfortable semi-private setting. We will work on modifications, variations and move towards more advanced poses using the breath and the bandhas to support asanas.
Flowing Beyond Flow 2 5/3
Join Angela in a workshop geared toward the seasoned yogi. You will explore the energetic principals behind some of the most unique and advanced asana while cultivating a zen - like sense of simplicity and ease. This workshop will be an invigorating combination of fluid sequencing, complex pose deconstruction and breath awareness.
yoga therapeutics
Spread Your Wings - Therapeutics for Back and Shoulders 4/11
In this workshop we will work to strengthen the muscle groups that support proper shoulder alignment to address shoulder injuries and weaknesses and apply methods that create space in the shoulder girdle to increase range of motion. Applying proper shoulder alignment throughout your practice will increase strength and flexibility and decrease shoulder, upper back and neck tightness and pain. After introducing basic shoulder alignment in non-weight bearing poses, we will explore how these techniques can bring ease into weight bearing poses such as ardha mukha svanasana (downward facing dog), urdhva mukha svanasana (upward facing dog), chaturanga (low plank), urdvadanurasana (wheel), and arm balances.
Yoga for Anxiety and Depression 4/25
The ancient yogis explained depression as a disconnection from true self and lack of prana. Their methods have proven effective and yogic techniques and insightful. While yoga is well known for its potential calming effects, some of these soothing benefits can be lost amid the myriad of poses and rapid rhythms of a typical yoga class. Join Angela in learning specific techniques to address, manage and ultimately make friends with your anxiety. Tools from Dr Richard Miller (yoga nidra) and Amy Weintraub (yoga for anxiety and depression) will be shared in an atmosphere of curious exploration. Learn how yoga can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, while also giving greater insight of Self and the world around you.
evolve off the mat
Svadhyaya 101 with Carolyn 5/3
Spring into Self is about forward movement and an eternal celebration of who you are. Play with the energy of springtime to develop actions steps and declare commitments based on what’s in your heart and what is blooming for you right now! This workshop will help you deepen your practice of Svadhyaya, Sanskrit for self reflection and inquiring into your true nature through coaching, journaling, meditation, movement, and experiential exercises (e.g., visual explorer).
Insight or Mindfulness Meditation with Hugh 5/2
These monthly half-day "immersion" workshops are ably led by Dr. Hugh Byrne, and are open to new and experienced practicioners. This workshop will provide systematic instructions on working with all elements of our experience to develop concentration and cultivate insight. During the workshop, we will alternate periods of instruction, sitting and walking meditations and dialogue.
Ayurveda with Michael Plasha 5/9
Which yoga is the right type of yoga for your bio-energy (dosha) body type? Learn how to prevent elevating your dosha by selecting specific yoga and meditation practices to bring your dosha into balance. A detailed overview of Ayurvedic, Vedic and Raja yoga mantras, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana practices will be presented so you determine what is right for you. Nutritional and dietary guidelines will be included. There will be time for specific practices so bring a mat as well as a notebook.
The Hip and Holy - Jivamukti Bhakti Workshop 4/12
In this workshop we will work on releasing the negative emotions residing in our hips that block us from fully accessing our heart. Our hips hold our deepest fears and anxieties, and often this prevents us from connecting to our heart, leading to an unfulfilled yearning to connect with the transcendent. As we explore various asanas that open the hip area, we will concurrently be exploring heart-opening practices from the bhakti yoga traditions that connect us with the holy.
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT - Jessica Lazar 
How do you find your flow? Through music. I love to dance, whether on my mat, in the club, or in my pj's at home with my beloved daughters, Ella and Eden.
Why yoga? It's the sadhana that chose me in this rotation.
What is your favorite Yoga Pose? Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog). From there you can bend back, bend forward, enliven every muscle, or rest. It's the quintessential sthira-sukha asana.
Aside from teaching yoga, what other activities fill your life? I love to take walks in the woods by my house, and to read. Theoretically, I also like to garden and write, but actually, it's more accurate to say I like to have gardened and have written.
What are you most proud of? When I was twenty, I moved to Israel. I didn't know any Hebrew, and many people told me it was too late in life to learn such a difficult language with any degree of fluency. I bought a used State Department coursebook and practiced everyday by myself--with tapes--for about a year. When I went to Israel thereafter, people often thought I was a native. That experience inspires me to approach challenges with an open mind and a can-do attitude.
What is your personal mantra/motto? Love is my religion.
What do you most admire in others? An unquashable desire to commune with the rising force (prana) that is contained in the cosmos, and in each individual; that's what living yoga means to me.
What is your idea of earthly happiness? I think I have it: to feel connected to a mandala of ignited beings whom I love, and who love me. As the planet gets hotter and more dangerous by the day, love is truly all we have, and it is still everything.
FOCUS OF THE MONTH - Kriyas written by Greg Marzullo
Cleansing and purification are central to yogic philosophy and practices, and kriyas, frequently creative and energetic physical sequences, are one way to purify body and mind. Translated from Sanskrit as “action” or “movement,” kriyas are often spontaneous and ecstatic movements; some yogic scholars believe that ancient yogis in deep meditation would erupt into freeform physical expressions and poses that eventually evolved into our modern-day asanas. In class, we’ll be exploring these invigorating and creative practices, which can range from energetic Hanuman-inspired jumps to meditative focus on the chakras and subtle energy channels of the body. It’s a perfect practice for spring cleaning your body, mind, and heart!
CHAKRA SERIES with Tazima 4/26 
Have you ever had “two (or more) minds” about something or even missed out on opportunity due to indecision? Do you ever feel overwhelmed, scattered, or have trouble prioritizing? Are you on the fence about whether to follow your dreams or find / get / keep a “real job”?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions the good news is there’s nothing wrong with you but you might need to check in with your internal staff. During this three-part series, Tazima presents her techniques for self-development through yoga practice, meditation, and workshop exercises.
SPRING CLEANING written by Tazima Davis
Own Your Spring Cleanse
Perhaps it's the combination of the fresh rains, trees budding, flowers emerging, and a general sense of renewal; spring just feels like the right time for cleansing, growth, and change.
Getting Started
Before you get started with a rigid cleansing regimen, first check in with yourself. Make sure that it feels like the right time for you... not just because a friend, a book, or a newsletter article said you should. And check out the approach; review the plan and see whether it fits with your lifestyle. You might not want to start a cleanse if you have an important presentation to give or a day long meeting to attend. Once you decide on a way to cleanse, set yourself up for success: gather everything you'll need before you start. Communicate with the people closest to you about your cleansing plan so they can support you; better yet, invite (don't persuade) them to join you if they like.
Your Body
Eating fresh organic seasonal foods will help your body cleanse naturally. Spring 
foods have cleansing properties, especially when consumed raw, fiber, and a myriad of good-for-you components are able to support your system during this change of seasons. Bitter greens such as kale, dandelion, radicchio, frisee, endive, escarole are great for general cleansing. Garlic, ginger, onions and lemons help clear out mucous and boost the immune system. Fresh fruit, especially in the morning or on an empty stomach throughout the day, will help you on your way to cleansing and detoxing naturally.
If you choose a liquid or elimination diet or if you decide to fast for cleansing purposes, pay special attention to how your body feels. If it is your first time using any of these methods, seek support when you need it. Be smart, not rigid. If something isn't working for you, ease back and add fresh seasonal foods. And remember, just because you detox, doesn't mean you can just go back to the old habits and retox. You might find that you're more sensitive and less tolerant of certain foods and beverages after your cleanse.
Your Life
Why stop with physical cleansing? It feels great to create space by getting rid of old stuff that no longer serves you. From old sweaters to dust-collecting trinkets, form old beliefs to toxic "friends" and acquaintances... let them go. You'll be better without them. You might even be able to sell some of them online... the stuff, not the people! For people who no longer fit, have an adult conversation and let them know where you stand. If you encounter resistance it's ok, you can handle it. Finally, prioritize time with people who inspire and uplift you. Invite these people to eat fresh food seasonal food with you, share expansive life-affirming ideas, and enjoy the weather.
Seva - Volunteer with the Flow Community
Seva means community service, and it is a core tenet of yoga and part of our Mission to support and contribute to our community in a positive way. We invite you to participate in our monthly volunteer event! Stay tuned for details on our next clothing swap, movie night (Sat May 2), community bake sale and sun salute-athon to raise money for One Common Unity's film making program for DC city youth.
GLOW - AN ECO-TIQUE
Need some support for your practice? "Glow" is stocked with lots of earth friendly choices including yoga mats, organic yoga clothing, eye pillows, lotions, potions, soy candles, cds incense and more. We carry amazing eco-friendly brands with lush fabrics such as Even Keel, Foat, Blue Canoe, Omala and our newest offering Hard Tail plus lots of hand-made and home-made goodies.
How may your life be changed if you chose to engage in at least one simple, direct, deliberate act of kindness, no matter how small, every day for the next 30-days. Make your Street Sense distributors day and buy all 20 copies. Call your grandparents and let them know you love them. Save your last bite of that luscious dessert for your partner. Give a buck to the kid selling candy for school, even if you’re not sure whether it’s true. Tell us about your 30 day experience and be entered in our drawing for one month of unlimited classes at Flow! A winner will be chosen by our panel of Flow Mangers. Please include your 30 day experience, name, email and phone number. Submit to flowyogacenter@yahoo.com. Entries due by May 10, 2009.
Time and money are tight these days but thankfully, green living doesn’t have to be 
confusing or expensive. Live Green, an organization that Flow has supported from their inception, has done the legwork to find truly green products and services that are high-quality, local, and affordable. They are called Live Green Spots and joining Live Green gets you discounts that allow you to save big bucks while making green choices. As a Live Green member, you can get discounted home energy audits that can save you more than $1,000 on your utility bills, 10% off all of the sweet and savory treats at Sticky Fingers, $50 off a Zipcar membership, a free cookie at Java Green, and even 15% discounts at Flow. And the great news is Live Green membership only costs $13/year. Join now at www.livegreen.net/join to help Live Green grow DC’s green economy while you save money at great green businesses.
Blessings, Gratitude, Love and Peace and Yoga....
Debra and the Flow Sangha
Flow Yoga Center - DC's Eco-Friendly Yoga Center
1450 P Street NW (next door to Whole Foods)
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 462-FLOW
flowyogacenter@gmail.com
