Elizabeth Clarkson is teaching on Zoom!


Join Elizabeth Clarkson for her first Zoom Gentle Yoga Stretch class for FREE Monday June 1, 9-10am. Never tried a Zoom class before? This is will be a good way to try it. It is all new to Elizabeth Clarkson, so you will be learning together. This class is scheduled every Monday, 9-10am through the end of July. To join her in the first free class and any future classes, just ask and I can send you the Zoom link.


Elizabeth Spahr is changing her classes to summer hours starting June 2nd. Her new schedule is:

Tuesdays -
Kripalu Moderate Yoga,
7:30-8:30am
Kripalu Gentle Yoga,
9:00-10:00am


Fridays -
Kripalu Moderate Yoga,
7:30-8:30am
Kripalu Gentle Yoga,
9:00-10:00am

Sundays -
Kripalu Gentle Yoga,
8:00-9:00am

Previous class links will still work or I can send you an email with a link that has dates through the end of July that you can add to your calendar. Just ask and I will send it to you. 

Susan Mirisola is continuing to teach on Zoom. Her schedule is:

Wednesdays -
Align & Breathe Gentle Yoga,
4:00-5:15pm

Sundays - 
Align & Breathe All Levels Yoga
8:30-9:30am

Contact Susan for the Zoom link - scmirisola@gmail.com

Jessica Laurin will begin teaching Yoga for Strength and Flexibility on June 18th, 4:00-5:15pm. More info to come. 

During this challenging time, know that Village Yoga is here to help you in any way we can.
Here are two short You Tube videos that can help you to calm your breath and your mind. Taking one or two minutes to pause, center and breathe can greatly benefit your body and mind.
 
Quick Calm Deep Breathing - https://youtu.be/hoPD0cVquPo
Calm Breath Bubble - https://youtu.be/uxayUBd6T7M

Namasté

Village Yoga into June

Moving into Summer with Village Yoga


As you probably have heard, Village Yoga will not be able to open June 1st. In fact, we don't even have an opening date from the State of Maine at this time. No worries though, we have Zoom! Classes have been going very well. Many students are really enjoying not having to rush out the door to make it to the studio in time for class. With the weather improving, some students will be attending their Zoom class from their porch or outside in their yards. I've heard students say how much they enjoy looking out their windows or gazing at a favorite piece of art in their own home during class. Plus, students who are not currently in Maine are able to join us in class, which is a treat for all of us. It's wonderful to be able to see each other and have a chance to connect. 

I am happy to announce that Elizabeth Clarkson and Jessica Laurin will begin offering classes via Zoom in June. Elizabeth Clarkson will offer a Gentle Yoga Stretch class on Mondays 9-10am beginning June 8. Jessica Laurin will offer her Yoga for Strength and Flexibility on Thursdays 4-5pm beginning June 18. Susan Mirisola will continue to offer her Zoom classes on Wednesdays 4-5pm for a gentle class and Sunday 8:30-9:30am for an all levels class. 

Elizabeth Spahr will be changing her Zoom class times for the summer beginning June 1st.  Students have requested earlier start times to be able to get outdoors sooner on class days. 
Her new schedule is: 
Moderate Kripalu Yoga- Tuesdays and Fridays 7:30-8:30am
Gentle Kripalu Yoga - Tuesday and Fridays at 9-10am and Sundays 8-9am
The same links that you have been using will still work for the same day. So for example, the Tuesday Gentle class will use the same link for the 9am class time as it did for the current 9:30am class time. All the other classes are the same as well.  If you like to use an online calendar, I can sent you a new link to be added to your computer or phone. 

Studios are allowed to have one-on-one classes for now. There is plenty of room to be at a safe distance. If anyone would like to get into the studio for a private class, Elizabeth Spahr is offering a one hour class at a reduced rate of $35. You can use your class card if you would like. I know sometimes people have questions about postures or need a bit more attention than an online class can provide. Just contact the studio and we can set something up. 

There are also several classes available on Vimeo. To view these classes, just ask and a link with password will be sent to you. All you need to do is click on the link, enter the password and watch the class. You can view the same class multiple times. Elizabeth Spahr has a Moderate Kripalu yoga class, several Kripalu Gentle yoga classes, a Yoga Nidra-guided relaxation class and a Chair yoga class. Jeannine Burgess has a Vigorous Vinyasa class and Celina McMichael has a Gentle Yoga class available. Regular class rates apply. If anyone has a request for a different class, please contact us and we will try to accommodate. 

As always, Village Yoga is extremely grateful for the support and connection with all of our wonderful students. It is a true pleasure to share the practice of yoga with all of you. During this challenging time we are all experiencing, yoga is even more important to help us maintain a sense of center and calm. Just taking the time to pause and breathe can be very powerful. If you haven't tried a Zoom class, give it a try. You might like it! Feel free to contact the studio to ask any questions about how Zoom classes work or how to begin using them.

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and fun summer!
Namasté

New Studio guidelines when we reopen

I hope everyone is able to get outside and enjoy the lovely weather we are having!
(I wrote this yesterday on a beautiful day. Now it's snowing......)

An update on Village Yoga - I don't have an opening date set yet, but wanted to let you know about the guidelines for re-opening the studio. As of now, we can open June 1st. I'll wait a bit longer to decide on the actual opening date. When we do open, it is recommended that each student use their own mat, blocks, strap and blanket rather than using something that belongs to the studio. Props are difficult or impossible to sanitize properly. If you don't already own a mat and props, now is a good time to buy them. There are many places online you can get them. I recommend Gaiam (https://www.gaiam.com). They have lots of different items available. Also, Yoga Accessories is good (https://www.yogaaccessories.com). It is also recommended that student mats are not stored at the studio next to other people's mats. If your mat is now at the studio, just let me know and I can meet you there so you can pick it up. I will be measuring and marking the floor in the studio so everyone knows exactly where to put their mat so we can all be safely distant from each other when we do return to the studio. We will need to restrict the number of students in the studio to 6. No drop ins will be allowed without prior permission. More info to come about registering for a studio class.  The instructor will sign in for each student so multiple people are not using the same pen. It is recommended that people do not bring purses into the studio and not hang coats near other coats. We will all need to be careful not to congregate by the door to chat. Obviously if you are not feeling well, do not come to class. I have had WiFi added to the studio so I will continue to offer my classes on Zoom even after I open the studio. Susan Mirisola is also now teaching on Zoom. Elizabeth Clarkson will be adding Zoom classes soon as well. Contact me for info about joining a Zoom class. I also have several more Vimeo gentle classes recorded if you would like to use them. 

Once the opening date is finalized, I will send out another email with the scheduling info. This is certainly a challenging time in so many ways. I am extremely grateful to all our students who have supported the studio. I am happy to be able to see so many of you online. It's nice to hear your voices and see your faces. 

Wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful spring.
Namasté
Elizabeth

Greetings from my house to yours!

First, I'd like to express my gratitude to all our students who have joined us in Zoom classes or purchased our Vimeo videos. Your support has enabled me to meet the studio expenses. So many small businesses are struggling now. I am extra thankful for the support and loyalty of our students. Plus, seeing your faces and having a chance to chat with you has really helped me during this stressful time. The sense of community has been a wonderful support to myself and others. 

According to the State of Maine, the studio can reopen June 1st. I will wait until closer to that date to announce the opening day of the studio. There will need to be changes to our way of business to adhere to the Cover-19 restrictions. I plan to limit the number of students in the studio to 6 per class. That way we can all be 6 feet apart. Students will need to sign up for class so we can keep tract of numbers and not have to disappoint someone who comes to the studio and is not able to attend due to class number. There will be no drop-ins without prior permission. Our usual large summer classes will not be able to happen this year. I will continue to offer Zoom classes even when we reopen. I am having WiFi put into the studio on Monday so I can teach from the studio. Once we reopen, I will set up my iPad and teach the Zoom class at the same time I teach a live class. That way if you are not comfortable going into the studio, you can still take classes. The class schedule may need to be altered to better accommodate students. As we get closer to actual opening day, we will finalize the schedule. We will also be willing to make changes as we navigate this unprecedented time and determine how best to support our student needs. We also plan to offer private and semi-private yoga classes in the studio at a reduced rate so you can be in the studio without other students. It really is a special place and I know everyone misses being there. The Passion flower plant has 3 new flowers coming! I had the 2 big yellow walls and all the trim painted so the studio is fresh and clean. 

For now, we continue to offer classes on Zoom and videos on Vimeo. Regular class rates apply and you can use your class card or purchase a new one.  One of the really fun aspects of the Zoom classes is seeing students who are joining us from other states as well of those of you who are local. If you haven't used Zoom and are unsure about it, contact me and I can help you. Once you have a Zoom account, I can set up a private meeting, invite you and then we can try it out together so you are comfortable before joining a class. 

Our current Zoom schedule:
Elizabeth Spahr - email espahr22@gmail.com or studio for links
Moderate Kripalu Yoga - Tuesdays and Fridays 8-9am
Gentle Kripalu Yoga - Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays 9:30-10:30am

Susan Mirisola - email scmirisola@gmail.com for links
Gentle Yoga - Wednesdays 4-5pm 
All Levels Yoga - Sundays 8:30-9:30am

We have several videos available on Vimeo. After you request a video, you click on a link I send you, enter a password and watch the video. No need to download anything. 

Vimeo offerings-
Elizabeth Spahr - several different Gentle Kripalu classes, Moderate Kripalu class, Yoga Nidra - guided meditation, Chair yoga
Jeannine Burgess - Vigorous Vinyasa
Celina McMichael - Gentle Yoga
Elizabeth Clarkson - Extra Gentle Yoga (coming soon)

I hope all of you are taking good care of yourselves and those around you. Remember to pause several times a day, lengthen your spine, relax your shoulders and focus on your breath for a few moments. This simple action will greatly improve how you feel. 

Namasté
Elizabeth

Have you tried our Online classes yet?

Looks like we will all be quarantined inside for another month or so. Now more than ever we need yoga to maintain our flexibility and find a sense of peace within. Village Yoga has several ways you can keep up with your yoga practice.

Elizabeth Spahr offers live Kripalu Yoga classes on Zoom. Gentle classes are offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:30am. Moderate classes are offered Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00am. All classes are 60 minutes and regular class rates apply. Just email and I will send you the links and passwords to the Zoom classes. Zoom has recently upgraded their security and all the classes are password protected. I am also happy to offer a private class if you would like to feel more comfortable with Zoom. It is actually quite easy once you get over the initial learning curve. 

Village Yoga also has a Vimeo account where several classes are available. To view these classes, you click on a link, enter the password and watch the class. You don't need to have an account or download anything to view a Vimeo video. 
If you would like the link for a class, just send an email and I will send you the link. Regular class rates apply. I am hoping to have other classes and teachers offering more classes soon.

Vimeo classes available:

Elizabeth Spahr - Gentle Chair Yoga (NEW)
Elizabeth Spahr - Gentle Kripalu Yoga 
Elizabeth Spahr - Moderate Kripalu Yoga
Elizabeth Spahr - Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation)
Jeannine Burgess - Vigorous Vinyasa
Celina McMichael - Gentle Yoga


I would love to hear from you even if you don't plan to do an online class. I miss seeing everyone! (One benefit of the Zoom classes, we can see each other and chat at the beginning and ending of class.)

Wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful spring. Looking forward to seeing everyone in the studio when we are able to re-open.

Namasté
Elizabeth 

Online Yoga Classes for the week of April 5-12

Lots of changes everyday. First of all, here is a great article that everyone should read. It basically says to try to move away from our fight and flight response to a more calm mindset to improve our immune system. Another reason to do yoga!

https://medium.com/the-mission/why-coronavirus-should-be-the-least-of-your-worries-d6ed6abe75bc

I have decided in the interest of being extra careful about security not to post the links to my Zoom classes on the website. I have scheduled 7 weeks worth of classes that I think will just have one link for each class time for you to bookmark. (You don’t need to take every class, you only log in when you want to take a class) If you haven’t taken a Zoom class yet, they are fun. Send me an email and I can send you the link. We all chat before and after class and see our fellow students which makes it seem more like a real class in the studio. You can turn off your camera during class if you’d rather not be seen. I will be sending the links to the many people who have been coming to class regularly. If you didn’t receive it, please send me an email and I will send it to you.

( I might not have your email address). Zoom has recently done some security updates as well.

Zoom class schedule - Elizabeth Spahr - Kripalu Gentle Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:30am

Elizabeth Spahr - Kripalu Moderate Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 8:00am

If you don’t want to use Zoom, I have several video classes on Vimeo that are quite easy to watch. Just send me an email if you would like me to send you the link. Regular class rates apply. We hope to add more later.

Elizabeth Spahr - Gentle Kripalu, Moderate Kripalu, Yoga Nidra - guided meditation (great for relaxation)

Celina McMichael - Gentle Yoga

Jeannine Burgess - Vigorous Vinyasa

A note on the Village Yoga studio - the plants miss everyone! I watered them yesterday and they don’t look quite so happy without all that exhaling. Looking forward to getting back into the studio with everyone again.

I hope everyone gets outside to enjoy the sun today - keeping good physical distance from other people of course!

Take care and be well,

Elizabeth

Practice Yoga at home with Village Yoga


Now with the State of Maine mandate to stay home, yoga is even more important. I don't know about anyone else, but for me it is becoming more challenging to keep from getting discouraged and worried. Thank goodness for my yoga practice! I am also so grateful to all my students for joining me in yoga and supporting the studio. Our yoga community is a wonderful source of connection during this time of isolation. We all need to be physically distant but not socially distant. Continue to connect with friends and family. Make your health a priority by eating well, exercising and taking time each day to focus on your breath and relax. 

I am continuing to offer 5 yoga classes a week (Kripalu Moderate Yoga - Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00am and Kripalu Gentle Yoga - Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 9:30am) through the Zoom app. The schedule and links are on this website Blog page and it will be updated weekly. (see previous blog post for this week’s links) Regular class rates apply. If you need a new class card, you can mail a check to the studio (153 Port Rd, Kennebunk, ME. 04043) or use PayPal. PayPal does deduct 3%, so a check is always appreciated.

I know some of you do not want to use Zoom so I have also put several classes on Vimeo. This is an easy place to view a video of a yoga class. You click on a link and put in a password. You can watch the video multiple times. You can also pause it and start it again. If you would like to view a class, send me an email and I will send you the link and password. I will be charging the regular class rate for the video class. I will continue to add new class videos. If there is something you would like me to focus on, just let me know. Maybe a class focusing on low back pain or chair yoga or ?? A few of my other teachers have added classes to Vimeo as well and will continue to do so. You can also let me know if you have anything special you would like from any of our teachers and I will let them know your requests. 

Here is what we are offering now on Vimeo-
Elizabeth Spahr - Kripalu Moderate class - 1 hour
Elizabeth Spahr - Kripalu Gentle class - 1 hour
Elizabeth Spahr - Yoga Nidra guided meditation - 40 minutes
Celina McMicheal - Gentle Yoga to open the heart and hips - 40 minutes
Jeannine Burgess - Power Yoga - 1 hour
 My videos are not edited so it will really feel like a live class! My dog Scarlett is often quite "helpful" as well. 


There is free 4 minute guided meditation by Elizabeth Spahr outside by a brook. Here is the link: https://vimeo.com/399470125. This will also give you a feel for how Vimeo works.  Thank you for being part of our wonderful Village Yoga community!
Stay well and Namasté
Elizabeth

Kripalu Online Yoga schedule for March 29-April 3

Teaching online is turning out to be fun! In fact, even when the studio re-opens I may keep offering one class a week online. If anyone has had trouble with the Zoom app, just contact me and I can help you. We are all still learning about it. Regular class rates apply. If you need a new class card, you can mail a check to the studio or purchase online.

I had a request to add another gentle class to the schedule. So now I will offer a Kripalu Gentle class on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30am. Here are the links for the coming week.

Sunday’s class - Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Gentle Kripalu Yoga with Elizabeth Spahr Time: Mar 29, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/288631889?pwd=Y1drWWQ2T2x3djhBeUlXelJPa09KUT09 Meeting ID: 288 631 889 Password: 708779

Tuesday’s class - Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kripalu Gentle Yoga with Elizabeth Spahr Time: Mar 31, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/869171756?pwd=ZDhyMXlZc3BZd2ZUSEtSWWdmY0pnZz09 Meeting ID: 869 171 756 Password: 106646

Friday’s class - Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kripalu Gentle Yoga with Elizabeth Spahr Time: Apr 3, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/996176166?pwd=NHZWM2ozQ2R3WDBIVk9OQkh3Y2lRZz09 Meeting ID: 996 176 166 Password: 722937

The Moderate class will be on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00am. Here are the links for the coming week.

Tuesday’s class - Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kripalu Moderate Yoga Class with Elizabeth Spahr Time: Mar 31, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/326607010?pwd=Tk05d2JYenZvMmE5S25nK1h6enA2dz09 Meeting ID: 326 607 010 Password: 449323

Friday’s class - Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Kripalu Moderate Yoga with Elizabeth Spahr Time: Apr 3, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/375470801?pwd=TkthSEVUQmxZWnJDRFlMNk41b1RGUT09 Meeting ID: 375 470 801 Password: 476498

I am so happy to be teaching again and to be able to see all of your smiling faces! Take care of yourselves.

Kripalu Moderate and Gentle Zoom class schedule

Here is the schedule for the Kripalu Zoom classes for March 24th and 27th. You need to have downloaded the Zoom Cloud Meeting app to join in. We hope to have more classes scheduled in the future. If you are unable to attend a live class, I can send you a link to attend the class later. I ask that you send me an email or a text (207-423-0663) after you attend a class so I can mark your class card. Supporting the studio during this time of closure is greatly appreciated. The community of students we have gathered over the years is very special! If anyone needs to pick their mat up from the studio, let me know. I can meet you there maintaining social distance of course!

Kripalu moderate classes, Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00am

Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Kripalu Moderate Yoga Class Time: Mar 24, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/830737554?pwd=QUY0aEhtYlpZSWtMdElleWpvc1FZZz09 Meeting ID: 830 737 554 Password: 878890

Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Kripalu Moderate Yoga Class Time: Mar 27, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/556134224?pwd=bzZjYkxXNktRWU1TS1NvUHNqMlVJZz09 Meeting ID: 556 134 224 Password: 625021

Kripalu gentle classes, Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30am

Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Kripalu Gentle Yoga Class Time: Mar 24, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/881098610?pwd=T0Y0MWtYajh0RFBvUHVSMHRjMGk2UT09 Meeting ID: 881 098 610 Password: 323947

Elizabeth Spahr is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Kripalu Gentle Yoga Class Time: Mar 27, 2020 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/515621365?pwd=S3RLeWpWTFZTT0dXODRMcnlmcUl4Zz09 Meeting ID: 515 621 365 Password: 259122

Let’s plan to take a few minutes at the start of class to greet each other. Once the class starts, you will need to mute yourself or when any noise it made, I will be muted while I am teaching. You can choose to have the video on (nice way to check your own alignment) or decide to leave it off. Let’s have it on at first just so we can see each other. I’m sure we all have missed each other’s smiling faces.

See you Tuesday!

Village Yoga Closed March 16-? due to coronavirus

VILLAGE YOGA WILL BE CLOSED MARCH 16-? DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS



In light of the Coronavirus and the closing of the Kennebunk Schools and Kennebunk Library, Village Yoga will be closed. (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/schedule).

I will be spending this time washing and cleaning all the props and mats in the studio. Now is a good time to consider purchasing your own mat. It is nice to know you are the only one to use your mat. There are many available online at a variety of prices. Gaiam is a good place to start (https://www.gaiam.com/collections/yoga-mats). I would recommend a 6mm thick mat. 

There is an audio Kripalu Gentle class on our website to follow if you would like. (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/new-blog) Jeannine Burgess will be offering a one hour moderate vinyasa class you can view on IGTV and Facebook something this week.

There are plenty of guided relaxations you can listen to on YouTube to help keep the anxiety at bay during this stressful time. (http://www.ilivethelifeilove.com/10-best-guided-meditations/) 

For a nice visual break, there are museums you can visit online. (https://hellogiggles.com/news/museums-with-virtual-tours/)

Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine is always a healthy thing to do, both for body and mind. Remember to take a moment several times a day to just pause and take a deep inhale and exhale. Relax your shoulders, relax your face, lengthen your spine. Inhale arms overhead, exhale into a side stretch each side. Find any movement that feels good to you.

We look forward to welcoming you back to class once we re-open.

Namasté
Elizabeth

Spring is coming!


Village Yoga is happy to announce we now have an Instagram page. Follow us @villageyogakennebunkme. Check it out!
There is also now a blog page on our website. (https://www.villageyogakennebunk.com/new-blog-2). We are posting interesting articles, recipes and studio info. 

Village Yoga will be offering more series and workshops as the season progresses. Stay tuned!

Just a reminder - if you are coughing and feeling unwell, please don't come to class, stay home and rest. We will be happy to welcome you back to class once you are well. 

Thank you all for being part of Village Yoga! The studio is happy to be entering its 11th year of providing a variety of excellent yoga classes to our wonderful students. 

Namasté

Paleo Almond Flour Muffins with variations

Many students have asked me for this recipe since I often take them to the studio for an after class snack. I have made this recipe with an endless amount of variations and it always comes out well. I usually use a 18 mini muffin pan.

Experiment and enjoy!

——————————————————————————————————————-

2 1/2 cups almond meal/flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

3 large eggs

1/3 cup of one of these - pumpkin puree, applesauce, mashed very ripe banana, grated carrot, grated zucchini or other squash

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vinegar

Optional flavorings - 1 teaspoon vanilla, citrus zest or spice

Optional add ins - 1 cup fresh fruit ( blueberries, apples, etc) and/or 1/2 cup raisins and/or nuts and/or seeds

Blend dry ingredients, whisk wet ingredients, add wet to dry, fold in optional stir ins

350 degrees, 18 minutes, 10-12 muffins, let muffins cool in tin for 30 minutes before removing from tin